When the show's charming pilot, Luke Danes was simply the owner of a diner. He and Lorelai sometimes fought about her coffee consumption, but she knew that even if he hated it, he would always pour her another cup of her favorite beverage.
As fans got to know Luke more, it turned out that he had a soft and sweet side and he wasn't simply the grump behind the counter who wanted everyone to stop using cell phones. But even though Luke showed growth in a few of his story arcs, there were some moments in the series when his actions were confusing.
Best: When He Discovers He Has A Daughter And Becomes A Devoted Dad
In the sixth season episode "The Prodigal Daughter Returns," Luke discovers he has a daughter named April.
April Nardini isn't the most popular character and yet this is definitely a positive story arc for Luke. Before this moment, he had mostly looked out for himself and some of the townspeople, and he might have assumed that having kids wasn't in the cards for him. Becoming a dad changes him and makes him a lot more comionate, especially since April is so different from him. He can't be so grumpy around a pre-teen, after all.
Worst: When His Marriage To Nicole Fizzles Out
It's confusing when Luke starts seeing Nicole, especially since she's a tough lawyer and doesn't seem to be his type. It's even more confusing when they get married and then get divorced.
This isn't a great story arc for Luke, as it just proves to him that opening up his heart might not be the best idea. He's already so hesitant to have a social life and this doesn't help matters, especially since Nicole starts having an affair. Luke doesn't learn any good lessons here and it just seems like another situation that makes him miserable.
Best: When He Goes On A Self-Help Journey And Starts Dating Lorelai
Lorelai and Luke face an uphill battle and their love story is definitely not simple. But when they get married in the Netflix revival A Year In The Life, it's beautiful and the journey feels worth it.
Speaking of journeys, Luke has an amazing story arc when he goes on a self-help quest of his own. He starts listening to some tapes and realizes that he should do the inner work so he can be vulnerable enough to date Lorelai. When they finally go on their first date in the fifth season, it's so satisfying to watch, and Luke is trying so hard to be a partner worthy of the woman he loves.
Worst: When He Has A "Dark Day" Each Year About His Father's Death
Lorelai finds out that Luke has what everyone in town refers to as a "dark day" because on the day that his father died, he goes off for some alone time.
While it makes sense that Luke would still be grieving his dad all these years later as that isn't something that just goes away, it's strange that the series randomly brings up this day and that his grief isn't mentioned at other times. It could have been dealt with in another way.
Best: When He Becomes Something Of A Father Figure To Rory
Lorelai and Rory share so many things, including a love of Luke's Diner and the coffee and treats on offer there.
Over the years, Luke becomes an almost father figure to Rory, even before he and Lorelai start dating (and definitely before they get married in the last episode of the Netflix revival). He does so many sweet things for Rory, from giving her birthday treats to getting upset when Dean dumps Rory in the first season. It's great to watch Luke evolve from a grump to someone with a huge heart.
Worst: When He's Super Jealous Of Christopher
Lorelai loves both Christopher and Luke, and many would say that Rory's father is the worst possible partner for her as he's not as loyal or reliable as the diner owner.
Luke gets really jealous of Christopher in the season 5 episode "Wedding Bell Blues" and in the coming episodes, he completely freaks out, acting like he can't stay with Lorelai. This is an odd story for him, as he has always known that Christopher is an important part of Rory and Lorelai's life. He should act like a grown-up and be more accepting.
Best: When He Won't Franchise His Diner
Lorelai's parents are nothing if not persistent, and they never think that Luke is doing enough with his business.
When Luke learns that Richard left him some money so he could turn the diner into a big franchise and change his whole life, he doesn't love that idea. Luke decides against franchising the diner and this is such a great story arc for him, as he's asserting himself and keeping the dream of his small-town business alive. Luke knows what he wants and that's wonderful.
Worst: When He Keeps Getting Cold Feet And Won't Marry Lorelai
There are a few moments on Gilmore Girls when Luke bails on Lorelai and it doesn't seem like their wedding day will ever come to fruition. This is heartbreaking for fans who just want this couple to end up together.
Luke gets cold feet a few times and Lorelai is left picking up the pieces of argument after argument. It's unclear why Luke keeps acting like the timing is so off and it's too repetitive for the couple to keep going back and forth about the future of their relationship.
Best: When He Tries To Help His Nephew (And Sister) Out
In some episodes, Jess is a sweetheart and yet that's not the side that Luke sees. When Luke's sister Liz wants him to take care of Jess for a while, Luke tries to help his family out, and he really does put all of his energy into this plan.
Luke proves that he's more caring than anyone realized, and this is a positive thing for him. He shows a lot of growth, especially when Jess keeps rebelling and won't show him any respect. Luke learns a lot about himself during this time, such as the fact that he can take care of someone else and that he doesn't have to live alone (or spend most of his time alone). It starts opening up Luke's world, which is important.
Worst: When He Acts Strangely About Having A Baby
The Gilmore Girls revival has some emotional quotes and much of the pathos revolves around Luke and Lorelai's relationship.
The couple starts looking into fertility options as they might have a baby, and Luke acts really strangely about the whole thing. He freaks out when they go to the clinic owned by Paris, and he doesn't seem to want to tell Lorelai his real feelings about the subject. This doesn't do anything positive for Luke's character. Fans love him and know that underneath his exterior he's a sweetheart, but he needs to stand up for himself and what he really wants.