Ep 13. I'd Rather Be In Philadelphia

The show Gilmore Girls is a popular American comedy-drama TV series that premiered in 2000 and ran for seven seasons until 2007. Created and produced by Amy Sherman-Palladino, it revolves around the lives of Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and her daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel) in the small fictional town of Stars Hollow, Connecticut. In season 7 episode 13, titled "I'd Rather Be In Philadelphia," the Gilmore girls deal with some emotional issues while Luke (Scott Patterson) struggles to manage the diner without Lorelai.

The episode starts with Lorelai and Rory visiting Richard (Edward Herrmann) in the hospital after he suffers a heart attack. They are relieved to hear that he is doing okay, but Lorelai is understandably upset and emotional. She feels guilty for not being there for him when he needed her, and is struggling with the realization that her father is no longer invincible. Meanwhile, Luke is in charge of the diner and is struggling to manage without Lorelai's help. He is short-tempered with the customers and feels overwhelmed by the workload.

As Lorelai and Rory spend time at the hospital, they reminisce about their relationship with Richard and how much he means to them. The scene is touching and heartfelt, showcasing the close bond between the three Gilmore family members. Emily (Kelly Bishop) is also at the hospital, and her interactions with Lorelai are tense and strained. She feels that Lorelai has not done enough to help Richard, while Lorelai feels that Emily is being too harsh.

Back at the diner, Luke is dealing with a difficult customer who is unhappy with his meal. He snaps at her and tells her to leave, which only makes things worse. The scene is played for laughs, but also shows how much Luke relies on Lorelai's calming influence to keep him in check. Meanwhile, Rory is struggling with her career choices and unsure of what she wants to do with her life. She confides in her mother, who offers some sage advice and reassurance.

As the episode progresses, Lorelai and Emily continue to clash over Richard's care. Emily is frustrated with the hospital's bureaucracy and feels like Lorelai is not doing enough to advocate for Richard's needs. Lorelai, on the other hand, feels like Emily is too overbearing and doesn't trust the doctors to do their jobs. Their arguments are tense and emotional, highlighting the underlying conflict in their relationship.

Despite all the tension, the family comes together to support Richard and each other in their time of need. The episode ends with Lorelai and Rory returning home, both emotionally drained but comforted by the knowledge that they have each other. Luke, too, is relieved when Lorelai returns to work at the diner, and they share a touching moment of reconciliation.

Overall, "I'd Rather Be In Philadelphia" is a poignant episode that deals with some heavy emotional themes. It showcases the strength of the Gilmore family bond and how they rally around each other in times of crisis. While the episode has its share of humor and quirkiness, it is ultimately a heartfelt and touching portrayal of the Gilmore girls' complicated relationships with their family and themselves.