Summary
The highest-rated episode ofGilmore Girlscalled “Raincoats and Recipes” in the season 4 finale was proof thatLuke Danes and Lorelai Gilmorewere meant to be together. In previous seasons, the two had a suspenseful build-up, navigating a thin line between friendship and flirtation, but never fully giving into their budding romance. Luke’s support during major events, such as Richard Gilmore’s health troubles and Rory Gilmore’s school project issues, helped prepare their relationship for the next phase and established him as a reliable and trustworthy figure. Because they weren’t initially romantically involved, viewers rooted for them even more.
Lorelai’s relationships with other characters like Max Medinaand Peyton Sanders may have seemed as if she didn’t have feelings for Luke, butLorelai was known for disguising her true intentions with biting sarcasm and humor. Deep down, she was enamored with Luke’s honest candor. Unlike other love interests, Luke challenged Lorelai in helpful ways and also gave her practical advice that brought her down to earth, especially when it came to her tension-filled relationship with her parents. Season 4’s finale took all of their palpable chemistry and cemented their anticipated romance.
Gilmore Girls' Highest-Rated Episode Is The One Where Luke & Lorelai Finally Kiss
The heightened emotions of “Raincoats and Recipes” deeply affectedall theGilmore Girlscharacters, especially Lorelai.The episode received an IMDb rating of 9.3 out of 10, making it the highest-rated episode of the season. The hurried pace of the episode emphasized the scene where Luke and Lorelai finally kiss on the porch, finally taking a moment to breathe and asking each other to “just stand still.” Much like the entirety of Luke and Lorelai’s dynamic, their communication was shrouded in mystery and intrigue, never seeming to get it quite right with each other.
The episode’s rating also had a lot to do with viewers' eagerness for Luke and Lorelai’s future, since they officially confessed their feelings and the episode left the audience on a cliffhanger. Now that they were honest with themselves and decided to stop their habits of elusive communication and cryptic signals, the show needed to explore which next steps they might take as a new couple.The hugely positive reactions to the episode only reiterated the fact that Luke and Lorelai were always meant to be together, despite the numerous twists and turns in their relationship.
Until the episode was aired, viewers only had suspicions that Luke and Lorelai might end up together, but the episode became the resounding confirmation that they were looking for. Even though Lorelai was oblivious to the effect that Luke had on her,viewers who were watching the show were aware of the couple’s potential to be a part of an epic love story. Strategically, the episode’s revival ofJason Stiles’ charactercontributed to the show’s rating and ironically became the reason Luke and Lorelai shared their kiss in the first place.
Since he had been an integral part of Rory and Lorelai’s lives for so long, Luke could finally start to fully explore the qualities that made him such a great match for Lorelai.
Even though Luke and Lorelai were equally startled by their confessions, their kiss felt natural and organic in their process of falling in love. While they didn’t even have time to fully acknowledge what had just happened,there was a sense of relief that they could finally let go of their preconceived notionsabout each other and just let their instincts kick in. Since he had been an integral part of Rory and Lorelai’s lives for so long, Luke could finally start to fully explore the qualities that made him such a great match for Lorelai.
Why Luke & Lorelai Work So Well Together In Gilmore Girls
Lorelai’s creativity and free-spirited nature made her an endearing character, but she always needed Luke’s practicality to balance her out. She also needed his help as she was balancing all her priorities between her job at the Independence Inn and life as a single parent. Luke willingly stepped in as a loving figure for Rory,easing the complicated relationship she had with her biological father. His presence at the diner evoked a sense of safety and comfort for both Lorelai and Rory. He anchored down the chaotic moments ofGilmore Girls, offering companionship toLorelai’s fiercely independent character.
Although Luke married Nicole inGilmore Girlsseason 3, Lorelai remained his friend and continued to look out for him. She cared for Luke’s well-being as a friend before she cared about him as a love interest, solidifying the authenticity of their connection. Her playfulness also rounded out his rougher edges, particularly when it came to their misunderstandings in the following seasons. In return, Luke went to great lengths to be there for her when she needed him the most. The culmination of their long-winded romance in “Raincoats and Recipes” demonstrated that Luke and Lorelai were always destined to be together.
