‘Gilmore Girls’: Each of Rory’s Boyfriends Had at Least 1 Redeeming Quality
Gilmore Girls fans have spent the better part of a decade debating the merits of Rory Gilmore’s main love interests. The debate isn’t slowing down now, either, even as hope for a second installment of the Netflix revival, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, wanes. While fans mostly agree that Luke Danes was the right guy for Lorelai Gilmore, they aren’t sure about Rory’s beaus. That might be because her three main love interests each had at least one redeeming quality. So, what are their best qualities?
Gilmore Girls fans agree that Dean Forrester mostly wanted to see Rory happy during their time together
Dean Forrester was Rory’s first love. While Gilmore Girls fans liked him during season 1 of the series, his appeal faded rather quickly. By season 2, Dean was a bit whiny and clingy. By season 5, fans detested him after he cheated on his wife, Lindsay Lister, to get back together with Rory. Still, he did have some redeeming qualities.
During the couple’s early relationship, Dean was willing to go out of his way to make Rory happy. He built her a car as a present and indulged in Rory’s interests, even when they weren’t in his wheelhouse. Dean willingly attended a Chilton Dance, sat around while Rory shopped for books, and even wore a tuxedo for a debutante ball. His goal was to make Rory happy, and he managed to do just that for a long time. Sure, they ultimately were never meant to be, but their high school relationship was mostly healthy.
Fans on Team Jess argue that Jess Mariano intellectually challenged Rory Gilmore
After Dean, Rory got into a relationship with Jess Mariano, Luke Danes’ troubled nephew. Jess didn’t have many redeeming qualities as a teen, especially while he was dating Rory. He was moody, difficult, and prone to shutting down when faced with any uncertainty. Still, Jess grew into a good guy, and fans of the troubled youth argue that he was Rory’s intellectual equal.
Rory was a voracious reader who enjoyed learning new things. Jess was similarly interested in books; he was also incredibly smart. The only real difference between Rory and Jess, intellectually, was their penchant for following the rules. Rory was an ardent rule follower, while Jess went out of his way to buck authority. Still, he certainly seemed like her intellectual equal, even though he wasn’t as educated.
Gilmore Girls fans argue that Logan Huntzberger pushed Rory Gilmore out of her comfort zone
Some fans strongly believe Logan Huntzberger was Rory’s true love. Their relationship was, admittedly, Rory’s most serious. Logan was also the one romantic partner who pushed Rory to explore life outside of her comfort zone, which fans largely agree she desperately needed. Logan was fun, wild, and staunchly opposed to letting life pass him by. Rory was cautious, often to a paralyzing level. Logan’s influence helped her shake things up.
Sure, the results weren’t always great, especially during their early romance. Still, Rory and Logan grew into each other. By the end of their romance, they seemed to have a largely positive influence on each other. Logan fans insist he was the one partner who truly understood Rory and her world. We should also note that most fans are pretty certain that Logan is the father of Rory’s baby.
