There are manyharsh realities about Emily Gilmore, and some aspects of her character have aged poorly.
However, the character cannot be dismissed as entirely the villain.
Shes deeply nuanced, as is her relationship with Lorelai.
Luckily, not every moment between the mother-daughter duo is filled with bitterness and resentment.
She pushes on Lorelai when eating at Lukes inGilmore Girlsseason 3.
This moment between Lorelai and Emily is one of the few times inGilmore Girlsthat Emily sides with her daughter.
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The assertiveness and maternal instinct in this scene is an example of Emily showing her love for Lorelai.
Though she falters often, Emily doesnt have a completely cold heart when it comes to her daughter.
More light comes out of this interaction.
Happy because she feels heard for the first time in a long time.
InGilmore Girlsseason four, Emily struggles with feeling unneeded and uncared-for in her relationship with Richard.
The younger two Gilmores take her to the food court and get her lunch to help her calm down.
This Emily and Lorelai moment proves Lorelai can empathize with her mother despite their hardships.
It also shows that Emily isnt as oblivious to Lorelais positive attributes as she often seems.
From the first time she appears onscreen, Trix critiques everything about Emily.
Although Emily doesnt seem fully sold on the suggestion, her facial expression indicates shes open to the idea.
This underrated Lorelai and Emily moment is meaningful looking back on it now.
Lorelai seems to want to help Emily handle the situation, and her example feels heartfelt instead of meanspirited.
They go on a spa trip together, which starts out badly.
Emily manipulates Lorelai into spending time with her, and Lorelai spends most of the spa treatments upset.
However, they finally start to enjoy themselves when they decide to ditch the spa to find food elsewhere.
Emily and Lorelai end up at a 60-40 bar, where Emily starts to let her guard down.
They get into a fight and leave for the spa.
This is one of the first times inGilmore Girlswhere Lorelai clearly expresses her feelings to Emily without fighting.
In turn, Emily explains her perspective on the relationship.
The contrast is stark, but the interaction helps them see eye to eye.
Ultimately, this moment culminates in Lorelai and Emily stealing the bathrobes as a way to bond.
However, atwo-minute scene between Emily and Lorelai in A Year in the Lifemakes the revival worth it.
In Fall, Lorelai calls Emily on the phone to tell her the best memory she shared with Richard.
Lorelai doesnt say anything negative about her father.
She knows that their being a couple is all Emily ever wanted.
However, she finally gets vulnerable when the pair are drunk.
This is one of the most beautiful moments of vulnerability and acceptance from Emily inGilmore Girls.
Its a glimpse into the relationship they could have if Emily just let down her guard long enough.
Instead of leaving her alone, Emily stays to take care of Lorelai, who has a back spasm.
She prepares her food, they watch TV together, and they truly bond.
This is one of Emilys more maternal moments inGilmore Girls.
Its part of what makes Rorys Dance so brilliant.
