I’ve been a fan of the show Gilmore Girls since it started back in 2000. I loved how smart and funny it was, and even though we didn’t have much in common I identified with Rory, the daughter. I have watched every episode of the show multiple times, and I quote from it as easily as I quote from Friends or The Office. I cannot WAIT for the revival episodes to hit Netflix in less than a month (I have literally cleared my schedule for the day they’re released) and have been totally caught up in all the hype surrounding it. I shared the trailer for the revival on my Facebook page the other day an apparently some people were shocked to discover that I am firmly on Team Logan. In my opinion he was, BY FAR, Rory’s best boyfriend.
Let me get something out of the way first: I was very, very happy that Rory ended up single at the end of the show. Getting engaged right out of college would not have been the right move for her.
I spent way too much time finding a picture where the boyfriends were in chronological order.
Now, that being said, I think we first all need to agree that Rory’s worst boyfriend of the three is Dean. Yeah, sure, he was a fine first boyfriend in the beginning. He put up with the craziness of Rory and Lorelai’s relationship, and yes, he built Rory a car. But he was so WHINY, basically Caillou all grown up (but he finally grew hair). He broke up with Rory in embarrassing public ways, TWICE (I know Rory was crappy to him but she didn’t deserve that). He was too basic for Rory and was intimidated by her dreams. And that whole affair thing…what a jerk (Rory sucks for that too, but this isn’t about her). He totally deserved all of his belongings being thrown out the window.
So, Jess. I don’t understand you Team Jess people. I get that he was cute. I get that he liked to read, and was smart enough for Rory. But he didn’t value education, was only interested in learning on his own terms, and refused to finish high school. He was a jerk to evvvvvvvverrrrrrryone, including Lorelai, which is just stupid because Lorelai is the best. He didn’t respect Rory’s grandparents, which was also stupid because they were very important to Rory. He pressured her to have sex even though she wasn’t ready, and then! He moved away without even saying goodbye. I know you’re going to tell me that he grew up because he joined a publishing house and published a novel. But nah. I will give him credit for making her come to her senses and getting her to go back to Yale, but that’s it. Everything always had to be on Jess’ terms and he sucked and I hated him, the end.
This brings me to Logan Huntzberger (more like HUNKSberger, amirite?), Rory’s college boyfriend. Was he spoiled and entitled? Yep, but so was Rory. Could he be a jerk when he felt threatened, and really, unbelievably stupid when he drank too much? Yep. But he respected Rory and her smarts from the start. Even though he hated the newspaper industry, he encouraged Rory to follow her dreams to be a reporter and did everything he could to help her. He stood up for her when his parents were jerks. That whole bridesmaid thing was gross but (and I’m sorry to be all Ross here) THEY WERE ON A BREAK. When Rory’s life spiraled out of control, he supported her decision to leave Yale (which was a bad decision on her part but bygones) and get herself back together — he knew she would go back eventually. He and Rory brought out the best in each other. He made her go out of her comfort zone and try new things, and she inspired him to be hardworking and successful. He wasn’t afraid to call her out on her BS, like when she wrote an article making fun of the spoiled and entitled people at a party Logan threw and he was like, “Yo, you also go to Yale, you don’t have to work eight jobs like Marty to pay for it, your grandparents are naming a building after you, and you live in my apartment rent-free soooooo maybe look in the mirror.” Even though he proposed waaaaaay too early, he didn’t expect her to just move across the country and be arm candy — he researched job openings at major newspapers in the area. He never competed with Rory and truly wanted her to succeed. AND! He completely respected Lorelai and her importance to Rory, and he worked hard to gain her trust and make her like him. On that point ALONE he beats stupid sullen Jess.
Have I overthought this? Absolutely. Did I write a draft of this complete with footnotes and links to episodes that supported my opinions but also made me look totally crazy? Possibly. Am I ready for you to come at me with (misguided) arguments against Logan? Definitely.
Also, I have issues with Luke. But that’s a different post.
Lucy says:
Preach. Team Logam always.
Eileen says:
Team Logan all the way!
Patti says:
100% team Logan. And that whole April business made me hate Luke a little, but Chris was a total flake and tool and so I still end up Team Luke.
RD says:
I have absolutely no clue what you’re talking about. They talked entirely too fast for me and my brain doesn’t move that quickly when trying to watch mindless entertainment, so ::click::, next show.
RD says:
(Oh my word, that’s supposed to be a kissy-face at the end! : – x Instead, it made it into an angry face! Wha…?!)
Trinh says:
One more point for Logan — he was so nice to Luke (while Luke was kind of a jerk to him)! Remember when they had that weekend getaway and he gave Luke a present to give to Lorelei?!
Lee Cockrum says:
I am TOTALLY team Logan too! You are much more articulate than me at expressing it! I am bummed that we will be at my in-laws on vacation (don’t get me wrong, I totally love them!) But I’m afraid of not getting to watch it, and having to go on a FB fast so I don’t see any spoilers!
Annie @ Annie's Cooking Lab says:
Yes! I’m 100% team Logan too. I’m happy she was single at the end of the show (getting engaged that young wasn’t right for her), but I’ve always thought that she and Logan were ultimately good match for each other. They both pushed and supported each other and were equals in their relationship.
Cannot WAIT for the next episodes!
I am curious about your issues with Luke. Ignoring the April stuff (I hated that storyline so I try to forget it ever happened), I mostly thought he was a good guy. Not perfect, but it seemed like he and Lorelei were a good fit.
Shannon says:
I’m with you. I loved Logan and Rory together.
Sarah says:
Team Logan! I feel like you wrote exactly how I feel about all three of them! Logan is just adorable and seemed like he really got Rory…and now I’m going to leave for work and pretend to act like an adult not totally invested in TV relationships. Haha!
Casey says:
I am the single lone weirdo of the Internet who is TEAM DEAN. I think it’s because I actually married my high school sweet heart, so I have a soft spot. But still, he completely loved her, was respectful to Lorelei, and was so freaking sweet. Their break ups were very “high school” but you can’t blame them for that – they were kids. I would rank them: Dean, Logan, Jess. #TeamDean #HighSchoolSweetHeartsFTW
Also, please do a post about Luke!
Sarah says:
I also married my high school boyfriend and have a soft spot for Dean
Casey says:
YESSSS!! You get me. LOL. My husband and I have been together since I was 16. We’ve been married 11 years now. TEAM DEAN!
aqua6 says:
I am team Dean too! I just watched the series this summer for the first time. I think Logan was a bit of a bully in the start of the relationship and off again / on again. Maybe it ultimately depends on the look of each boyfriend. I thought Jess was the least attractive of the three.
Robo says:
YAY ~ there’s another one out there! I always rooted for Dean…just a sweet, old fashioned, hard-working guy who was in love with Rory and only wanted to be with her. And the crap he put up with~the treatment by her grandparents, Tristan, all the quirky of Lor and Ror, Jess…the list goes on. Yet, he was always there if Rory needed him; just like Luke to Lorelei. That’s why I was always confused as to why Luke hated Dean so much. I despised the cheating fiasco, but they were still kids really, and kids make HUGE mistakes.
Although I was disappointed with the revival, and the minimal amount of screen time Dean got, I was content in seeing him all grown up…and seemingly happy with his life. As much as I rooted for Rory & Dean, I realized they just didn’t make sense in the end.
harriet says:
YES! I have had this conversation with loads of people over the years and I was always team Logan. Dean was always too clueless to me, and too nice, I didn’t know many teenage boys like that! Also… We need that post on Luke because I got to agree, the April thing made me want to shake him… Why did they bring her in?
Nellie says:
OMG, 100% Team Logan and everything you wrote, to a friggin’ “T” I absolutely, wholeheartedly agree with!
I am so looking forward to the revival episodes that my head’s gonna explode from the anticipation.
Would love to hear your thoughts on Luke – you MUST write about it!
Stephanie says:
Heather! I did not think I could love you any more than I already do–but then this! I have also cleared my calendar and declined invitations from friends to watch together because it NEEDS to be done alone without people talking around me so I don’t punch them. Your arguments are really pretty perfect. PLEASE do the Luke post. PLEASE.
Kristin says:
Team Logan!!!! He was an asshole at first but really turned things around. Plus, that is a damn good looking man!
Stacey says:
Love this! I love too you want to do a post on Luke… Please do! I do not have Netflix, but am dying to watch the mini-series. I also am curious with Richard passing (in real life) what they are going to do about him?
I was definitely team Logan as he seemed to make her feel safe and allowed Rory to really be herself. Although I was disappointed she broke his heart, now that I’m older I realize it was for the best. However, did they stay together?! It appeared they did not which I think was the hardest for me!
Cyl says:
Nope. Post-season-four Jess for the win, always.
Sowmya says:
Me too! I loved this appearance in the later part of the series, wish they had explored that storyline a little more.. Maybe they will in the revival
cyrille says:
Team Logan! I would love to hear your opinion on Luke! Bring it on. I plan to spend November 25th in front of my TV!
Susan says:
I want to see your draft with the footnotes! I love those types of articles.
Also, pleeease post an article about your issues with Luke. Can you include info about all of Lorelei’s boyfriends, too? What about Christopher? So many topics to cover!
Susan says:
I’m more of a ‘team no one’ kind of person, but you’ve made a really good case for Logan! I loved when he called Rory out for being exactly what she was–a rich girl going to Yale–after a lifetime of believing she was no different than anyone in Star’s Hollow. Yes, Lorelai raised her that way and they didn’t live in luxury, but there’s just no denying the connections to (and roundabout usage) of money in her life. Harsh reality check, but the show excessively praised Rory to the point where you could see how she would lose sight of her family’s origins and abilities.
I also felt the show, er, made Dean’s character more simple over time to make Jess more appealing for his intelligence. Dean was smarter in the first season than any season that followed, even if he wasn’t perfect at all. He appreciated Rory being smart, he took her to bookstores, he got/made (some) references…and all of a sudden he just didn’t. Jess was such a jerk otherwise they had to do something to make him ‘the better choice’ (gag). Disrespectful little brat.
Anywho. Can’t wait for more Gilmore Girl’s again. Funnily enough, my dad likes the show because ‘they talk at a NORMAL speed, like they do in the old movies’. I can’t imagine what my mom and I sounded like when we got talking if he thinks that’s normal now.
Casey says:
Thanks for noticing Dean wasn’t all bad. He was the BEST boyfriend – at least in season 1
REK981 says:
Team #RORY and Team #Gilmore
They were her past. They all shaped her in some way but they are not her forever. I have decided that Jess and Lorelai didn’t mesh because they are the same. She forged her own path always…
Tracey says:
Team Logan 100%
Excellent post and please do one on Luke!!
Laura says:
Team Logan for sure but glad she ended up on her own.
RIDICULOUSLY excited for November. My cousins are in town that weekend and I’ve already told them they need to make other plans on the 25th
Alli says:
Always have been Team Logan. Can’t wait to see the new episodes! I have 2 requests: 1. Write that Luke post! 2. Share your draft with footnotes and links. All of us Gilmore Girls fans will love it!
Jessica says:
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes x 100. Preach it sister! Also…yes to lots of thoughts about Luke. Can we have another post about Lorelei and her love life?
Elizabeth says:
Umm guys— I was just on the IMDB page and there’s a character who is in 2 of the episodes who name is just “Tristan’s Girlfriend” now Chad Michael Murray is not in the listing but – WHO ELSE WOULD BE TRISTAN??
Back to the topic at hand – definitely #TeamLogan for love & #TeamJess as friends and #TeamGetDeanOutofHere…
Megan says:
I wonder if they couldn’t get CMM back, but they wanted some reference to him so they have Rory somehow encounter his girlfriend? I really hope there’s no Tristan longing in these episodes. I’m sure there will be more than enough drama over Rory’s prior actual boyfriends, and I never found Tristan that interesting.
Erica says:
Longtime reader, first comment to say, YESSSS! Team Logan all the way! There really should be no debate about this at all.
LT says:
I hope you listen to the podcast Gilmore Guys! I really, really appreciate the thoughtful post. I can geek out about all things TV as well….but… #teamjess
Lucy says:
The Gilmore Guys hate Logan. I doubt she would enjoy those parts of their podcast.
Rachel says:
Team 4th Boyfriend. I really don’t like any of them. I hope she ends up with a 4th guy, even though I know she won’t, because they only have 4 episodes to work with.
Stephanie B. says:
Dean is so milquetoast. I’ve been re-watching the series on Netflix, and he’s getting super possessive and needy. I like Jess, but yeah, the mean boy trope gets old.
And Logan, well, the actor that plays him has been great on the Good Wife, so that alone qualifies. Plus, that smile…
Jannette says:
I can only imagine what you could accomplish…
Just teasing.
I have never seen one episode, so I can’t comment, but I do love your passion.
Sarah says:
Team No One, for sure!! None were right. Upon second watching I realized Logan wasn’t AS terrible as I thought he was when the show was airing but he’s still self-serving and basically lawyers her out of being mad at him all the time when she had a right to be mad.
Also, probably controversial but I was team Christopher until they ruined him in the end so that we’d have to go for Luke. Ugh! ASP sabotaged that show her final season.
Heather says:
OMG ME TOO! Christopher always loved Lorelei and she treated him like crap! But, it wasn’t ASP’s fault, she wasn’t involved with the show the last season because of a contract dispute.
Moira says:
THIS. YES. I’ve always been Team Christopher. They totally screwed him up with the whole ending so that Lorelei would end up with Luke, which is super annoying.
Lenora says:
I guess if I had to choose, I would say Logan but I definitely like that Rory ended up single in the end. I am definitely Team Luke though I liked Jason until he went jerky on Lorelai. I can’t wait until the new episodes. I love my family and they are coming to visit that weekend for Thanksgiving/my birthday so that is exciting but on the other hand I was really looking forward to no distractions so I could watch my Gilmore Girls in peace. RD, I would suggest you try it again, it’s an amazing show and you get used to the pace when you watch for a couple of episodes. Stacey, did you see the latest preview; it looks like they are having a funeral for Richard in that and they show Emily trying to adjust to life without him.
Martha says:
Team Logan all the way. Not perfect – he was a real person, a kid, really when we first met him, sometimes a jerk, but he really matured over time – they both did – and I loved the way he was so supportive of Rory and her family. A favorite moment was when he came and sat with the family at the hospital when Richard had his heart attack.
I do find it hard to believe that he wouldn’t have a wife and a kid or two by now, being a man who was so anxious to be married.
Sara says:
Amen on Logan! I think at one time or another I had a soft spot for each one, but I loved Logan. Also – please share your thoughts on Luke. Loved him too although April was a bit much.
meg says:
Sing it, Sister…agree 100%
Sowmya says:
Ugh.. am watching the show for the 4th time now and I realize Lorelai has way more issues than any of the guys she was with.. Leaving Max in the lurch, hiding stuff about Christopher from Luke and hiding stuff about Luke from Christopher.. I think all of them deserve someone better than her (Please don’t hate me :P).. But I can’t stop watching the show, so addictive!
Also I have been obsessively looking on Etsy and Cafepress for t shirts with lines from the show and they are crazy expensive.. Can you please do a tutorial about DIY printing on t shirts(Or if you already have, I can search your site)? Thanks!
Lenora says:
I love how many comments this post has brought!! I love Gilmore Girls!
Daniela says:
Heather, the name is Lorelai, sorry to nitpick, I love the Gilmore Girls too.
Heather says:
Ah, I always make that mistake because I have a friend who spells it with the e at the end!
Leah says:
An e at the end is correct; it’s always bothered me that the show spells it with an a. The same way Nora Roberts uses somewhat common surnames and just makes up her own alternate spellings for them.
Laura says:
YES!!! Team LOGAN all the way! I’ve always thought he was the better boyfriend and I liked how they brought out good things in each other. Yes he had his flaws but I totally agree with everything you said! Plus he’s the cutest
I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on Luke and the rest of Lorelai’s men!
Lindsey McL says:
Love everything about this! Plus, never really saw the Luke appeal besides being a great handyman
MELISSA K says:
Ummmm….I have to agree with you on Lorelai- I actually think she is just as narcissistic and controlling as Emily: her method is a little less aggressive and glossed in charm *queue hate mail*. Just for the record, I am a huge GG fan, awith much affection for Lor ?
KateB says:
Was so looking forward to schooling you on why you should be TeamJess but your arguments are so good that I think you may have converted me. WTH??? I thought that was impossible. I think Logan’s rich boy stuff at the beginning so turned me off that I never really got over it. He did love her, though. And she helped him become a better person and he supported her so I guess he may be the best boyfriend…but I’m still glad she didn’t marry him.
Laura says:
I’m Team Jess but you make a really strong case for Team Logan. Alexis and Milo have the best chemistry. Period. I wonder if it was awkward for them to reunite for the revival since they are exes IRL. I’m so excited to watch the Revival, I almost don’t care who Rory ends up with. Lorelai and Luke though…I won’t accept anything but.
Sarah says:
(1) Agree that Logan was the best. (2) Agree with above poster who notes that Dean was different in season one, far more engaging and interesting. I liked Dean. (3) Also agree that you should DEFINITELY post the version with notes and episode links. 100% in favor. And (4) YES to the post about Luke! Really, YES to any other GG thoughts you may have.
Rian says:
Love this! I want to read the Luke post! Make sure to join the Facebook page for team Logan: Gilmore Girls:team logan
kathi g says:
100% spot on! In the words of the great Chanandler Bong, could you be more right??? I don’t think so! Rock on, Gilmore Sis-tah!
p.s. must see post about Luke!
p.p.s. please tell me you also appreciated Bunheads and you can join my cult!
Heather says:
I LOVED BUNHEADS!!! Was so sad when it was canceled!
MELISSA K says:
ME TOO!!!Why, oh WHY was it cancelled????
kathi g says:
Right??? And not even on Netflix. So unfair!
Rachel says:
Definitely agree on Logan being end game for Rory, but I will say I disagree with how harsh you are on Jess! I think Jess was necessary to roughen up Rory’s perfect feathers at the time, and I think it was because of what she had with Jess that even made her open to the idea of Logan when the time came! So yes, team Logan all the way, but Jess totally deserves some credit as far as I’m concerned
Laura says:
Yes!
Lisa says:
Please write a post about Luke! I love Gilmore Girls and this is so much fun!
Matt Czuchry is adorable and Logan has some very fine qualities, especially supporting Rory’s dreams. However, I just can’t get past the “Ace” nickname. To me, it’s patronizing. And super annoying. So I am team Jess once Jess grows up and stops being such a petulant, brooding, arrogant, prickly jerk.
Lucy says:
“Ace” is not patronishing at all. It’s a short version of “Ace reporter” ( which means the best reporter around) and that shows once again how much Logan appreciated Rory’s talent and intellect.
Lisa says:
Indeed! And that is one of the best things about Logan – he really appreciates Rory’s talent and intellect and is not threatened by it. When I hear him call her “Ace,” it does sound to me like he’s saying in an “awwww, she thinks she’s a hotshot reporter, how cute,” kind of way. But that’s me having seeing this show too many times and thinking about it too much! Probably was not intended to be read that way at all by ASP.
Lucy says:
For you facebook issue I suggest you that group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1753298074916539/
Ella says:
Team Jess over here. Now I feel like I need to rewatch to have arguments for that. Haha.
Whats funny for me is, that I’m Rorys age – kinda. When she graduated Yale, I graduated University with a master in journalism – so while watching the show during it aired for the first time I could relate to her all the time. But after rewatching it several times I kinda ‘switched teams’ – there are some episode where her behavior just really annoys me. Never noticed that back than. I guess thats what growing up is. Haha. I’m so excited if I will be able to relate to her again – now that she is older and well, we are still the ‘same’ age And also: If i will be half as cool as Lorelai once I’m a mom I will be proud of myself
And that trailer made me so happy. It felt ‘right’ – I can’t wait for the new episodes. Hope they release them all around the world at the same time.
xo from germany
fat_amiee says:
Well said! As for 9 years having passed, yes she is a different person and so are all of them but of all the boyfriends only Logan didn’t get closure. They were still very much in love when they broke up. I think the proposal and ultimatum was lazy writing and not indicative of what would have happened if they had another season so I could see how it is possible rekindling something after so much time.
A couple more things to add: Stars Hollow and its inhabitants are part of Rory’s identity. To love and understand her you have to love and understand the town. Jess couldn’t wait to leave while Logan actually loved it. He was just so happy to meet everyone who helped shape “THE” Rory Gilmore. Even Paris, the girl who once said only Logan’s Porsche dealer would miss him if he died, admitted that he grew up and that Rory changed him. And we all know Paris’ seal of approval is hard won. Finally it always stuck with me that he asked for Rory’s consent TWICE before having sex with her.
KYLA says:
NO! Okay, the bar is not high for Rory’s boyfriends, let’s be real. But ugh Logan, so smarmy and entitled – that “Ace” nickname. Can we just hope she has found someone different and way better now? #TeamMartybecausehewasatleastnice
Courtney says:
Ohmygoodness yes! #teammarty!
Jill says:
YES!! Smarmy and entitled is the perfect description for Logan. Yuck. LOVE Team Marty!!
Amy says:
Possibly my favourite post of yours, ever. Also, Team Jess for sure. Has learned the value of hardwork and education and fighting for your dreams. Is smoking hot and not rich and spoiled. Plus, I love a good bad boy turned good story, so, theres that. haha
Jacqueline says:
Havent been on here in a while (still follow you on fb) and when I saw this i said “YES!!!” ive always been on team logan and secretly hoped that somewhere between 2008 and now they have rekindled their relationship. I totally agree that he respected her smarts, her relationship with lorelai, helped her grow and come out of her comfort zone many times. etc! He by far was her ‘best’ boyfriend. Hopefully she ends up with him (not that she NEEDS to end up with anyone but this is tv after all).
Megan says:
You make me feel so much better about the fact that I can not wait for this to air. It’s my 42nd birthday and this is the best.gift.ever.
Rachel says:
TEAM LOGAN FOREVER!!! I agree with all of your points, I absolutely love him for Rory. If she’s with Jess at the end of the reboot I will definitely be disappointed. Logan was also GREAT to her grandparents! I just CAN’T wait until it comes out. A month is so long, I feel like we’ve been waiting FOREVER! Thanks for this fantastic post, I needed it this morning!
fat_amiee says:
To add to your “we were on a break”, it’s amazing how quickly people forget that Rory broke up a marriage. I would argue that is way worse. Intent really counts here. Logan did not intend to cheat. He honestly believed they were broken up. Rory KNEW Dean was still married and intended to keep him herself.
Logan is always judged by his worst behavior without ever given any credit for his best behavior. He asks for consent TWICE before initiating sex. Jess forced himself on her and yet Logan is the terrible one.
Heather says:
SUCH GOOD POINTS!!
Jill says:
Just saw this:
http://www.eonline.com/news/807168/do-we-care-too-much-about-rory-s-gilmore-girls-love-life-with-dean-jess-and-logan
Tayla says:
Oh my god yesss. Logan is definitely the best. I’ve always had a thing for him. My sisters team jess and I don’t get it!