This episode arguably is one of the most impactful of the series as it starts up several arcs that will follow the show till its very end. Also we get Simon going on a extended speculation of Christopher’s relationship with his parents. And forgive Simon who admittedly seems to misplace events in the episode
We open with Rory and Lorelai watching as Richard and Emily Gilmore yell at each other to Lorelai’s joy and Rory’s sadness which we talk about with some humor how Richard’s remarks are aimed at Emily and here love of elite events. We go sideways for a bit commenting on the single LP of Metallica that is emblazoned on Jess Mariano’s shirt in the next scene. Then we comment on--let’s say the rather intense interest that Emily’s friends seem to have for Rory which sets up the main plot of the episode: Rory coming out to society at a Cotillion, which Lorelai and then her dad Chris are both horrified about.
We then move onto speculation on whether Rory, Lane and Dean hang regularly doing stuff like watching music related media as they are watching the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame awards. This is followed up with Abby asking Simon if he at 16 would have been as bothered as Dean is about being expected to wear a rather cumbersome Tail Suit. (Not just a tuxedo). Simon says indeed he would have and we speculate that this may in fact be the start of “Is Dean actually good for Rory arc?” Dean not being entirely on board with having to wear such a getup is not out of the question for one of his age Simon argues based on his own experiences in high school. We then move to debating if Christopher has changed and discussing Rammstein.
Our review now moves to the Big Event, the cotillion. We discuss the character of Libby and if she is seen later even though with a different name but same actress, and her rather questionable suggestion about Rory and any possible stepfathers. We then agree on how horrified we are at the musical choices and general event structure of the cotillion. Our focus now move to looking at the arrival of the major arc for many seasons, which is Richard's Job and Emily and Richard’s marriage issues. We nearly conclude where we discuss the arrival offscreen of Shari. But actually not, and then really conclude talking about how Jess is annoying Luke in a extreme way by stealing his clothes acting like him at Luke’s Diner.
