The characters on Gilmore Girls always knew where they stood with Emily Gilmore. She wore her displeasure on her face at all times, and when she was happy about something, she was totally enthusiastic. Through several Friday Night Dinners, fans watched Emily try to connect with her daughter and granddaughter, and she was always a favorite character on the show.
From the time when Emily and Richard renewed their vows to some smaller moments between Emily and Lorelai, there were moments when fans loved Emily and wanted to see her do well. But in other instances in the series, Emily deserved the criticism that she got from Lorelai.
Rooted For: During Her Separation From Richard
Emily and Richard made many mistakes, yet fans never stopped wanting their marriage to be a success. It was hard to watch them break up for a time, as they both were fairly silly and immature about it.
When Emily was separated from Richard, fans threw their behind her, wanting them to get back together. No matter what she was doing, from trying to buy a plane to complaining about him, it was always clear that they belonged together.
Confused Fans: Threw Rory A Formal Birthday Party
When Rory screamed at Emily in the season 1 episode "Rory's Birthday Parties," she was totally right to call her grandmother out for not asking her if she wanted a fancy party.
This party confused fans, too, as Emily should have anticipated that Rory's feelings would be hurt. She had just started going to Chilton so it would have been impossible for her to feel close enough to her classmates to want them at her grandparents' house. Going ahead and planning something without checking in with Rory was a bad and unfair idea.
Rooted For: Wanted To Find Rory The Best Birthday Present Ever
Lorelai not only threw Rory a much better birthday party than Emily did but she always knew the perfect present to buy her daughter.
Fans were happy to see Emily ask Lorelai for help shopping for Rory's gift. She wanted to find Rory something that she would appreciate and love instead of just a random present. This was Emily reaching out and it was so sweet.
Confused Fans: Wanted Rory To Be A Debutante
In the season 2 episode "Presenting Lorelai Gilmore," Emily said that she wanted Rory to be a debutante. This came out of nowhere as Rory and Lorelai had never expected Rory to do that.
This was one of Emily's most confusing moments. She wanted to make sure that she and Richard still had a fancy social life, so she had selfish motivations. She should have realized that this would just make Rory feel awkward and uncomfortable.
Rooted For: Tried To Be A Bigger Part Of Lorelai's Life
Whenever Emily made a good effort to be in Lorelai's life, fans were right there with her, cheering her on. It was always heartbreaking to watch her realize that she missed out.
From showing up at Lorelai's more casual party for Rory's 16th birthday to wanting to see Lorelai every Friday evening, Emily definitely held out many olive branches on the series. She and her daughter might have continued to fight and have tension, but she did try harder than she had during the years when they were estranged.
Confused Fans: Showed Up For Rory's First Day At Chilton
When Rory started Chilton, Emily appeared in the heaster's office, sharing that they were close friends and she wanted to be there for this big moment in Rory's life.
This was confusing, though, because wouldn't Emily realize that Rory would find this embarrassing and that she didn't want too many family there? She was already nervous about starting school late in the term, and this didn't help matters. Emily had her moments of selfishness and this was one of them.
Rooted For: Felt Insecure Around Trix
Richard's mother Trix didn't like that Emily and Richard were together, and Emily was pretty terrified of her.
Whenever Emily was around her mother-in-law and seemed afraid, it was endearing and made fans love her. She was often the intimidating one, so it was nice to see her more humble and nervous. This made her much more relatable than some of her other storylines.
Confused Fans: Insisted That Christopher Should Be Lorelai's Partner
There are several episodes about Luke and Lorelai's relationship but while fans always loved seeing these characters together, Emily wasn't always certain it was a great match.
Whether Lorelai was with Max or Luke, Emily never said anything nice and she definitely didn't go out of her way to be warm, welcoming, and ive. If Emily really wanted to have a better bond with her daughter, why didn't she want her to be happy and find a great partner? She always insisted that the only person Lorelai could be with was Christopher and she never seemed to realize that he was flawed.
Rooted For: Had Fun With Lorelai At A Spa
In the season 2 episode "There's The Rub," Emily surprised Gilmore Girls fans, Lorelai, and maybe even herself when she had fun at a spa with her daughter. She acted in a much more casual and light-hearted manner than usual.
This was a time when fans rooted for Emily. She proved that she could have a good time and that she didn't have to complain all the time or find fault with Lorelai's life.
Confused Fans: Thought Lorelai Wrote Her A Mean Letter
It's possible to view Emily as the main character on GG and she plays a huge role in the Netflix revival A Year In The Life. She asks Lorelai to go to therapy with her, which Lorelai is pleased about at first... before she realizes that this is just a format for more arguing.
Emily keeps bringing up a letter that someone wrote her. She says it was intense and harsh and she thinks that Lorelai wrote it. The letter writer remains a mystery, but it was definitely strange that Emily would think that Lorelai would do something so terrible.