Rory Gilmore (Alexis Bledel) is no stranger to intricate love triangles, but on Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, she finds herself tackling complicated new territory. Two worthy contenders from Rory’s past are eligible contenders for the youngest Gilmore’s affections on Netflix’s Gilmore Girls revival, and although one may have done so more subtly, he is just as deserving of her attention!
No matter which pairing you ship, loyal fans of the show were hoping to see Rory finally find happiness with one of her exes in the highly anticipated four new episodes. As it turned out, nearly a decade after a marriage proposal from ex-beau Logan Huntzberger (Matt Czuchry), Rory still finds herself drawn to her college love. Meanwhile, her former high school flame Jess Mariano (Milo Ventimiglia) reemerges in Stars Hollow, and he really could have had another chance at winning Rory over once and for all if she weren’t so distracted by the nature of her relationship with Logan.
Truth be told, it’s easy to wonder if Rory settled for less instead of opting for Luke’s nephew. Here are four reasons Jess might be the best choice.
Odette Who?
In the four-part revival, Rory’s affections primarily belonged to Logan, but was he worthy of them? Some fans weren’t sure what exactly he did to earn her love, trust and devotion. After all, the man was engaged to another woman — French heiress Odette — while simultaneously dating Rory, giving viewers reason to believe that he would leave his fiancée to finally settle down with the aspiring journalist.
Judgments aside, Logan and Rory both cheated on those they were committed to in order to be with each other because it felt right, but such a relationship is probably unsustainable. Nonetheless, Rory didn’t need to fly back to London to be with Logan — who, as it turned out, didn’t have intentions of leaving Odette to be with her — when Jess was seemingly still pining for her all along.
Bad Boys Do It Better
OK, maybe in this case Logan and Jess are both on the wilder end of the spectrum, given that Rory’s only other significant ex is the goodhearted and totally well-intended Dean Forester (Jared Padalecki). But Jess has never denied his rebellious behavior, or tried to hide behind the fact that he’s a bad boy at heart. He has always embraced his dark side, so to speak, and Rory knew from the start of their relationship what she was getting herself into.
On the other hand, Logan never straightforwardly admits to his infidelities and wrongdoings. He fails to own up to his mistakes, and instead, selfishly tries to find the best of both worlds so he can be happy, no matter who gets hurt along the way. Logan leads Rory on, gets the viewers’ hopes up and, after a much-appreciated Life and Death Brigade rendezvous up the East Coast, he lets us all down.
Loyalties That Run Deep
It’s especially frustrating for Rory to always run back to Logan when another eligible bachelor is waiting for her right outside her window. And we mean that literally. Jess was right there staring through the window — talk about good, ol’-fashioned romance!
Plus, during the time they dated, Jess never gave Rory a reason to doubt his loyalties, aside from the uncomfortable fact that they fell for one another while Rory was dating Dean — who, by the way, we are quite happy has found someone worthy of him.
Where Rory Leads, Who Will Follow?
Not to take the theme song over-literally, but if Rory called out someone’s name, who would be there on the next train? Let’s look at the facts: It was Jess who encouraged Rory to keep her head up when times were tough, and urged her to try her hand at writing a novel. Jess was there in person supporting Rory through all of her trials and tribulations, and it would have done her some good to lean on him.
Instead, Rory chose to spend what we can only imagine was an obscene amount of money in international phone calls to London so she could vent to Logan, who was usually with Odette and couldn’t be there for his ex in the ways that she needed and deserved.
Series creator Amy Sherman-Palladino kept the door open with those jaw-dropping last four words (who’s the dad?!), but we hope that we won’t have to wait another 10 years to find out who Rory chooses! Check out fans’ tweets below.
Finished #GilmoreGirls and I’m pissed. Jess deserved better.
— Gab (@GabsickleGleek) November 25, 2016
I don’t know even know how I feel after that ending.BTW I sat through musical numbers that should’ve been screen time for Jess #GilmoreGirls
— Beth Davidson Goff (@BVDavids) November 26, 2016
in loving memory of jess mariano, he ain’t dead the writers just forgot to give him an actual storyline #GilmoreGirls
— taylor (@sawyerxcomet) November 26, 2016
Rory(32) = Lorelai(16)
Logan = Christopher
Jess = Luke
The circle is closed. #GilmoreGirlsRevival #GilmoreGirls #lastfourwords— Eddy (@eddy_gonal) November 26, 2016
Dean was safe. Logan was fun. Jess inspires. #GilmoreGirlsRevival #gilmoregirls
— Me (@iType2U) November 26, 2016
I am definitely still in love with Jess Mariano #GilmoreGirlsRevival #GilmoreGirls @MiloVentimiglia pic.twitter.com/yQWsBDdsQu
— NΛDIΛ.H.DΛNGΛ (@NadiaHDanga) November 26, 2016
May you all find someone who looks at you the same way Jess creepily looks at Rory through the porch window #GilmoreGirls pic.twitter.com/ZjuVNCFtWo
— Rachel Paige (@rachmeetsworld) November 27, 2016
All of us wondering why the musical is wasting screentime that could be spent on Jess #GilmoreGirls #gilmoregirlsayearinthelife #TeamJess pic.twitter.com/cwCDXZsFT7
— Kayla_G (@Kayla_G12) November 27, 2016
NO ONE CAN LOVE RORY THE WAY JESS DOES AND YOU CAN’T FIGHT ME ON THAT. #GilmoreGirls #GilmoreGirlsRevival pic.twitter.com/SgsH9Z3Ec4
— the girl on fire (@stayawaymuggles) November 27, 2016
Tell Us: Does Jess deserve to end up with Rory?
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is currently streaming on Netflix.