‘Gilmore Girls’: The 5 Sweetest Moments Between Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore
February is the month of love, which means it’s the perfect time to look back on a beloved Gilmore Girls couple: Luke Danes and Lorelai Gilmore. These two had serious chemistry from the very first episode, and fans loved watching their wild journey from friends to husband and wife. Here are the sweetest moments between Luke and Lorelai from Gilmore Girls’ seven-season run.
Lorelai and Luke paint the diner
Gilmore Girls started planting the seeds for the romance between Luke (Scott Patterson) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham) in the very first episodes. Many people were already predicting in season 1 that the two would eventually end up together — even Lorelai’s mother, Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop). And it’s all because of scenes like this.
In season 1 episode 14, “That Damn Donna Reed,” Lorelai offered to help Luke paint his diner. Lorelai visited the diner after hours to show Luke some paint samples, but the two ended up hiding behind the counter when Taylor Doose (Michael Winters) and the townspeople showed up to spy.
Crouched down on the floor, Luke opened up to Lorelai about his father. Then, they shared a long gaze that had many fans screaming, “Kiss already!” Unfortunately, there was no smooch, but the moment confirmed the chemistry between Luke and Lorelai.
Lorelai turns to Luke for comfort after a bad day
No matter where their friendship stood, Luke and Lorelai were always there for each other, especially in times of distress. A perfect example of this came in season 4 episode 14, “The Incredible Shrinking Lorelais,” when Lorelai turned to Luke for comfort.
Getting ready to open the Dragonfly Inn, Lorelai was under quite a bit of pressure to get things done. On top of it all, she had been experiencing some financial troubles. And after a stressful dinner with her parents and grandmother, Lorelai broke down in Luke’s arms. He offered comfort without question as she showed him her vulnerable side. Later, he even checked in with her to make sure she was doing OK.
Lorelai and Luke’s first date
Perhaps one of the most iconic moments between Luke and Lorelai arrived in Gilmore Girls Season 5 Episode 3, “Written in the Stars.” After sharing their long-awaited first kiss in the season 4 finale, the couple finally had their first date.
Luke brought Lorelai to a family-owned restaurant that he had visited for years, which was adorable on its own. Then, he recalled how he first met Lorelai, revealing that he kept a horoscope she gave him all those years ago. This episode also marked the first time he uttered a famous Gilmore Girls line: “I am all in.”
Luke builds an ice skating rink in Lorelai’s backyard
Luke was always known for his grumpy attitude, but he never wanted Lorelai to lose her positivity. That’s why, when she started to lose her love for snow in season 5 episode 11, “Women of Questionable Morals,” he built his girlfriend an ice skating rink. Luke wasn’t always the type to deliver grand gestures, which made his surprise for Lorelai extra special.
Luke plans a party for Rory to make Lorelai happy
Finally, after their lengthy breakup period, Luke and Lorelai reconciled with an adorable moment in the Gilmore Girls series finale. In season 7 episode 22, “Bon Voyage,” Luke planned a going away party for Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel). Even when it looked like the party wouldn’t happen because of a rainstorm, Luke stayed up all night sewing together a huge tent.
When Lorelai found out that the party was all Luke’s idea, she went to thank him and asked why he did it. His answer? “I just like to see you happy.” That’s all Luke ever really wanted — to make Lorelai happy.
Gilmore Girls is now streaming on Netflix.
