Hammers & Veils
Season 2, Episode 2
Original airing: October
9, 2001
My Rating: 79
The Good:
This episode had some really wonderful story moments with
the continuation of the wedding story and how it is effecting everyone on the
show.
The arc for Emily and Lorelai was really well done. The
three scenes were framed wonderful in the wedding scenario, but really allowed
some expression concerning their entire relationship. I went from incredibly
frustrated with them both to incredible proud of them both by the end. The
setup of their giant fight feel perfect and realistic, well, except for Max’s
presence. I could have done without his awkward hang-dog stance in the
background. Otherwise, it was quite emotional seeing Emily and Lorelai really
let it out about something that matters. They often seem to fight in vague
terms without really getting in to the meat of their dysfunction. This was much
more to the core and much stronger because of it. And the reconciliation at the
end was particularly powerful, in my opinion, because Lorelai led it. I’ve
often complained that she’s the overly immature one in these situations, so
that was very nice to see.
Rory’s plot about extracurriculars was, on the other hand,
incredibly unbelievable. There’s no way she’s had her heart set on Harvard for
her entire life and thought grades were all she needed to get in. But the
construction plot that came out of it was very cute and entertaining to watch.
My favorite subplot was definitely the small continuation of
Sookie and Jackson. Last episode had Jackson starting to freak out thinking
Sookie was dropping marriage hints. His adorable offer to move in together in
this episode was perfectly offset by the seriousness of it going directly over
Sookie’s head. Her little giggles were fantastic.
Finally, I really liked seeing Luke start to bury the
hatchet. It’s obvious it’s difficult for him to see Lorelai preparing to marry
Max, but it’s really nice to also see him making an effort to support her. Of
course, he loves her, but it also demonstrates how her happiness and friendship
are the most important things to her. Yet another example of how Luke is such a
great person.
The Bad:
Along with continuing the storylines for Sookie and Jackson,
this episode picked right back up with the story of Lane being sent to Korea
for an undetermined amount of time. Unfortunately, this is handled just as
poorly as it was last week. In the prior episode we had basically no reaction
from Rory, which makes it difficult to take seriously. The show seems to be
hinting that we may not see Lane again. There’s no return date for her and that
is something that should be putting Rory in a bit more of a tizzy. Instead, she
can’t even stop cuddling Dean to go say a proper goodbye? This story doesn’t
feel remotely real because nobody on the show really seems to care about it.
I was also not a fan of Rory and Dean’s little fight. It
felt superficial and pointless and amplifies all the ways Dean has not changed.
He gives lots of lip service to Rory’s dreams, but doesn’t really seem to
support them.
Favorite Moment:
Last week’s episode hit hard with the poorly presented fight
between Dean and Richard. But I really thought they nailed the apology here. It
was worth it for Edward Herrmann to have the opportunity to present Richard in
such a vulnerable light. Emily’s words seem to have really sunk in and he also
has realized that he’ll do anything, including swallow his pride, to maintain a
good relationship with his granddaughter. His line, “We’re fine, right?” was
just as heartbreaking as anything I’ve seen delivered on the show by Kelly
Bishop. This pair is pretty amazing.
The Bottom Line:
This was a very good episode. It felt just right to pick up
all the story threads form the season opener and did an excellent job resolving
some miniature arcs. It didn’t quite hit on all cylinders with the mishandling
of the Lane subplot and the pointless Rory and Dean drama, but overall, it was
a winner.
As for the Dean and Rory scene at the school. I just don't like it. Why would Dean drive all the way to Hartford instead of just meeting Rory at the bus stop, like we've seen before. It's clearly because they want Tristan to be there to witness them kissing. Which I actually felt a little sad for him. It just felt like a contrived way to get them back together. And yea I don't like Rory and Dean together so I just don't care.
ReplyDeleteHammers and Veils
I like Luke's little rant. His ways of trying to cause doubt in Lorelai's mind. I also love that he knows what she eats by the title of her food. I think I'm with Richard on Dean. He tells Rory to blow off the charity just to hang with him. Where is since of direction? He does kind of have a point, Rory doesn't need to do all of that in one night, but he should still be supportive. Also doesn't Rory work sometimes at the inn? She could put that on her Havard application. Haha, Max is just there for eye candy. lol. I love the scene with Lorelai and Emily, so good! And poor Max trying to be nice. Oh Rory, Dean is not a smart boy, and he's still wearing that necklace. I like the idea that Miss Patti taught those girls this little dance just for the Wedding Shower. Ok the one scene I thought Dean was sweet is when he and Rory are on the bench and she's watching Lane leave and he gives her a kiss on the head. I did like that. Oh poor Luke.
Red Light on the Wedding NIght
So Liza Weil was in the opening credits in the last episode and no she's gone. That wasn't just me was it? Luke's greeting to Max was hilarious! I love it! Haha, Michel invited Emily! That's great! Aw, I loved Emily's story about marrying Richard. Luke made a hoopa, how sweet. I love that shot of them standing under it from behind. Rory is so supportive of Lorelai, she doesn't push or ask questions she just packs.