Ep 11. Paris is Burning

Rory's school life takes up the focus of this episode, with it being a particularly hectic time as midterms are coming up. She and Paris are in competition for the position of editor at the school newspaper, which means they have to organize a function for the community. Paris throws herself into the preparations, wanting to be personally involved in every detail. Her competitive nature shines through as she tries to undermine Rory's role in the preparations at every opportunity, even going so far as putting down Rory's ideas during a planning meeting. Rory scrutinizes Paris' every move as she tries to keep the event moving forward, but her attempts at control only make Paris more determined. Meanwhile, Lorelai is being courted by a professional chef who is vacationing in town, but she is still not over her relationship with Max though she likes the chef.

We see Rory and Paris' rivalry boil over on the day of the event as the two fight over control of the microphone while trying to emcee the opening ceremony. Things go from bad to worse when Paris disappears mid-event to find a misplaced document, leaving Rory on stage with nothing to say. It becomes apparent that Paris didn't misplace it at all, and Rory finds out that she tricked her into thinking she had lost it to keep her away from the event. Rory is devastated, but as Paris sees the after-effects of her behavior on Rory, she realizes how she overstepped her bounds. As the function comes to an end, and with all the chaos behind them, they both realize the importance of supporting each other.

Lorelai is also dealing with her romantic prospects in this episode. When Lorelai and Sookie visit a thrift store, they meet Rune, the chef who is vacationing from New York City. He is fascinated with Lorelai and doesn't hold back on his intentions for her. At first, she is hesitant, but when they bump into each other at a restaurant and decide to have a meal together, Lorelai starts to enjoy Rune's company. This leads to a night of passion. Lorelai is surprised when he turns up at the inn the next day with tickets for a weekend getaway. But when Max surprises her at the inn with a book of essays that she mentioned liking earlier, Lorelai realizes she still has feelings for him. She decides not to go away with Rune, leaving Rune disappointed and Lorelai's feelings for Max unresolved.

The episode ends with Rory making a heartfelt apology to Paris, and the two finally agree to work together on the newspaper. Max, who has been very stressed at work, comes to the inn to visit Lorelai, and after much talking, the two decide to try and make it work. The episode ultimately wraps up with everyone finding their footing, rebuilding their relationships, and focusing on what is important to them.