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Love comedy. Love drama. Love comedy and drama together. Numerous great examples in all three of those groups in both film and television. When a show is addictive you know that is a good, even great, sign. One where you start watching and find yourself watching 6 episodes in one sitting, the odd toilet break aside (needed for someone with bouts of stomach sensitivity like me). When a show makes you unsure as to whether to continue but still do it for fairness sake, that isn't so good a sign. There are numerous examples of both too.
'Gilmore Girls' was a surprise hit for me. For some reason, it didn't appeal to me at first on paper and didn't seem like my kind of thing. Saw it though because a lot of my friends consider it one of their favourite shows and my godparents also were shocked by how much they liked it. They were also the ones that introduced me to 'Gilmore Girls', started watching it and very quickly got me hooked, judging that by bedtime seven episodes had been watched. Continued to binge watch, and it became amazingly the most addictive show seen recently since my recent re-watching of 'The Borgias'.
Not perfect mind. Some of the dialogue delivery is too rapid fire and rushed, some may need subtitles but didn't find that necessary personally (do know people that do). Some of the filming early on is a little flat. Didn't love every character, Dean for example was borderline controlling and Paris' condescending way of speaking took some getting used to (did find myself growing to relate to her, being someone who puts pressure on themselves too and forgets to relax due to over-anxiousness).
However, the filming does improve and really like the close knit feel of Stars Hollow, Emily and Richard's opulent big house and The Inn, which isn't run as too cold an environment. Sookie and especially Michel, one of my favourite characters, liven it up significantly. The music is only used when necessary and isn't placed obtrusively or randomly. The theme song is one of television's catchiest and its lyrics are inspiring and brilliantly sums up what 'Gilmore Girls' is all about.
The writing is one of 'Gilmore Girls' greatest strengths. The comedic moments have sharpness and wit and hilarious at times. Sarcastic humour, usually courtesy of Lorelei often directed at Emily, is usually not my thing and it tends to be mean-spirited in general, the writing here just about avoids stepping that line. There is also a lot of drama that is always relatable and handled with truth and poignancy. The numerous references to film, music, books/authors, pop culture etc. bring a smile to my face all the time, maybe familiarity with what is being referenced is in order which won't be a problem for most people but they have seldom gone over my head. The stories for each episode are slight but never feel dull and are carried by the identifiable situations the characters find themselves in and the relationships/chemistry the characters, who are somewhat stereotypes but not unrealistic or difficult-to-get-behind ones, have with each other.
Not just the best friend-like mother/daughter relationship between Lorelei and Rory, despite numerous spats and different ways of handling situations it is clear how much they love each other. But also the friction, but with attempts to make things better, between Lorelei and Emily, which will resonate with anybody in difficult parental relationships, and the friendship/tension between Lorelei and Luke. Love the performances, especially Lauren Graham who carries the show with ease throughout. Alexis Bledel, appealing as Rory, has lovely chemistry with her, while Yanic Truesdale is a comic joy as Michel and it was great to see Melissa McCarthy in a subtler sort of comedy role compared to her comic roles now. Kelly Bishop is suitably firm, Scott Patterson is both strong-willed and sympathetic and there is even the bonus of a distinguished-looking Edward Hermann.
In conclusion, great, addictive show. 9/10
9/10
