The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

The University of Vermont's Independent Voice Since 1883

The Vermont Cynic

2000’s TV comedy returns

In the case of many movies and TV shows, the sequels and reboots that follow rarely live up to the quality of their predecessors.

Netflix’s four-part miniseries “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” revisits the trials and tribulations of television’s favorite mother-daughter duo, and proves to be just as sparkling and endearing as the original program.

Fans of this small-screen staple will not be disappointed by “A Year in the Life” which loyally sticks to the show’s appetizing blend of slapstick humour and poignant emotion.

Each hour-and-a-half episode is set in a different season, beginning with winter and ending in autumn. Over the course of the year, Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and Lorelai’s mother Emily (Kelly Bishop) face fresh challenges that test their relationships with each other and aspects of their individual identities.  

Rory, now in her early 30s, navigates the rough waters of a long distance love affair and the harsh uncertainties of a journalism career. Lorelai addresses the future of both her business, her relationships with her daughter and her boyfriend, Luke. Emily must cope with the loss of her husband Richard and her new life as a widow.

Lorelai and Rory are supported by a cast of characters that have not lost their wacky flair, providing the show with its sassy energy.  

There is French concierge Michel Gerard (Yanic Truesdale), whose sour disposition never fails to clash with Lorelai. Paris Geller (Liza Weil), Rory’s old friend from her days at Chilton Preparatory, is extremely funny as the ridiculously high-strung, authoritarian head of a New York fertility clinic called Dynasty Makers.  

Kirk Gleason (Sean Gunn) arguably one of the most eccentric residents of Stars Hollow, returns with a pet pig and his short-lived taxi service, ironically titled  “Ooober”.

Past events are revisited while fresh adventures and conflicts emerge. Lorelai and Emily attend therapy together. Paris and Rory pay an alumni visit to Chilton Preparatory, their old high school, and Rory becomes editor-in-chief of the “Stars Hollow Gazette”.

Although sticking with it’s wholesome comedic tradition, “A Year in the Life” presents a refreshed and modernized Stars Hollow, far removed from the early 2000s.  

Apple products and smartphones are now used, and references ranging from Uber to Lena Dunham to Skrillex are dropped in casual conversation. Times have changed, and so have the Gilmore girls.

The series concludes on a comforting high note, with each Gilmore girl seemingly having settled into a fresh chapter in their respective lives. Yet the last episode ends with a shock, suggesting much more to come.

Fans of both feel-good comedy and the original “Gilmore Girls” series will not be disappointed with  “A Year in the Life.”

More to Discover
Activate Search
2000’s TV comedy returns