Teach Me Tonight: discussion post
2x19, Teach Me Tonight
Written by Amy Sherman-Palladino
Directed by Steven Robman
--> Well, we've come to the infamous car crash episode. I remember when I was just getting into fandom in 2003, before the age of Gilmore DVDs (was there ever such a time?), hearing about this episode everywhere, for the Rory/Jess and for the Luke/Lorelai fight. Epic. Alright, nostalgia over. :)
--> Let's start with the light stuff: picking a movie! This episode offers some lovely brief glimpses of each of the townies; it's obvious how much ASP loves that aspect of the show, and they offer some welcome comic relief, especially Taylor's pomposity and Kirk's film. CLASSIC. And it's nice to see Rory getting to debrief her crisis with Lane.
--> And, of course, we get the next big Return of Christopher. Stepping up, being a father. And lucky boy, getting to see Kirk's film and hear of Jackson's singing to his persimmons!
--> So, Dean's going to freak out. Let's all brace ourselves. (Ha, I actually forget exactly how he reacts. It's been a while. Maybe that's a good thing.)
--> Jess and school. I've always found the Luke/Rory scene incredibly sweet, and it's a shame it had to end so badly. Jess obviously does care for Rory, and their conversation about both their futures and prospects is probably the most honest and open we've seen him. This is also the most daring we've seen Rory, in her own quiet way. How do you feel about their relationship in general, and this episode in particular? And finally, Luke and Jess. Their moment on the bridge, and Luke ultimately deciding to send Jess away.
--> Lorelai's freak-out, and Luke's. His parental instincts really show in this episode; it's rare to see Luke as worked up as he gets here, or as hostile towards Lorelai. I still can't watch their fight without flinching. It is also rather telling that she points out Luke's obligation to her and Rory; even before they were together, she saw him in that light without even thinking about it.
--> Finally, Lorelai and Rory. Out of all the damage, we get a truly lovely mother-daughter scene.