Gilmore Girls fans brand alternative finale ‘so much better’ as they share how it ‘should have ended’

Gilmore Girls fans have voiced their support for an alternative ending to the show after the twist in 2016’s A Year in the Life finale episode left some of them disappointed.

Gilmore Girls has been captivating audiences ever since its original debut in 2000 and even more so following its revival with A Year in the Life in 2016. It’s a show that remains a go-to comfort series for its legion of fans, readily available on Netflix UK and widely praised for its enchanting characters and enthralling storylines.

Viewers across the globe continue to follow the adventures of young single mother Lorelai Gilmore, played by Lauren Graham, and her intelligent daughter Rory, portrayed by Alexis Bledel, against the charming backdrop of Stars Hollow. Yet, not everyone was thrilled with how the series wrapped up after its reprise for the special miniseries A Year in the Life, which revived all the beloved characters in four fresh episodes.

The final episode of the original run, Bon Voyage, is held in high regard by fans, indicated by its standing as the third-highest-rated episode on IMDB. In the series finale of Season 7, Rory looks set for a bright future in journalism as she prepares to hit the campaign trail, leading to an emotional town-wide send-off.

However, despite the widespread devotion to the show, there’s a segment of viewers who are voicing their discontent with the ending, so much so that one fan suggested an alternative finale that is now being hailed as “so much better”.

The uplifting episode teems with potential, hinting at a possible rekindling between Lorelai and her on-off love interest Luke Danes (Scott Patterson). Fans were thrilled to see the show return in 2016 to check in with the Gilmore family, the Stars Hollow residents and Rory’s romantic interests several years later – but some were not happy with the surprise ending.

Gilmore Girls enthusiasts were treated to Luke and Lorelai’s long-awaited happy ending, while Rory’s journey took a twist as she struggled to secure work in journalism. Reduced to becoming Logan Huntzberger’s (portrayed by Matt Czuchry) mistress and returning to financial reliance on Stars Hollow, Rory faces a stark reality far from the lofty aspirations she once held, reports the Express.

Yet, not all hope is dashed for Rory; she’s seemingly poised to pen an epic tale of her life with her mum after rebel ex Jess Mariano (played by Milo Ventimiglia) gives her a nudge in the right direction.

In a full-circle moment, Rory’s revelation about her pregnancy to Lorelai suggests she’s stepping into single motherhood back in Stars Hollow, mirroring her own upbringing.

The series finale hinted at more than just nostalgia, with lingering shots of high school sweetheart Jess staying within reach, possibly hinting at a future where he becomes Rory’s very own Luke.

Despite a finale that blends optimism and gritty realism, there was discontent amongst fans who felt Rory didn’t meet the high expectations set for her character.

Over on Reddit, @MiddayScroller stirred up the fanbase with a fan theory on how the ending could have been redeemed by many as a “much better” conclusion.

In the fan-penned missive titled ‘If I could fix AYITL and a second revival’, one enthusiast shared their vision, writing: “AYITL happened 5 years after the finale. Rory would have been 27. Lorelai would have been 43. Paris and Doyle are still together and very happy. She is a surgeon and Doyle is a stay-at-home dad; he writes freelance articles occasionally.”

“Lane and Zach have a local radio station that is gaining popularity. Brian married the Korean exchange student. Sookie still works at the inn. We see more of Jess and his publishing house.

“At the end of the reunion, Lorelai and Luke get married. Rory is pregnant and working on her book. The next show picks up five years later. (Rory is 32).

“Rory has a small house in Stars Hollow. Emily bought the house as a gift for Rory because she insisted that she have a place to raise her child. She gets frequent visits in return. Lorelai and Luke decided not to have a child (through surrogacy, Lorelai was too old to conceive) because they want to focus on helping Rory with her daughter. They are very involved.

“Rory finishes her novel and it becomes very popular. Jess’s publishing house publishes her book. Jess is involved in editing the novel and they become close but never crossing into romance even though there is chemistry. Jess bonds with Rory’s daughter, as he has been around since her birth.

“He helps Rory with her writing, book publicity, and around the house. Rory’s daughter, Lorelai (nickname Leigh) is 4 years old. Logan is married to Odette. Rory has not told Logan about his daughter. This causes tension with Luke, as he was not told about April.”

The update reveals dramatic twists, continuing: “This news causes trouble for Logan and Odette. They try to work it out, but over time Logan becomes more involved with the daughter and Rory. He decides to divorce Odette, but before he can tell Rory, Jess makes his move, sensing that he may lose his chance. Rory sleeps with Jess and they start dating.”

Adding more fuel to the fire, Rory and Logan grow closer still as he gets to know his daughter, yet Rory rejects his marriage proposal, recognising his lack of maturity.

“Logan proposes, Rory declines. She ends up taking Leigh back home early. They return to Jess, whose feelings are hurt. Rory and Jess fight about the trip and Logan. They decide to break up,” the story continues.

In a final twist, despite an earlier refusal, Rory and Logan eventually decide to get engaged and send their daughter to a prestigious private school, but Rory’s dissatisfaction looms large.

The post reveals Rory’s yearning for her Stars Hollow life and proximity to her mum, as Logan’s work commitments leave her feeling isolated. Without a job or novel in the works after leaving the SH Gazette, Rory finds herself slipping back into the socialite scene.

Despite making new acquaintances, she views them as superficial, according to the post. It goes on to detail that although Logan remains a devoted dad to their daughter, Rory eventually breaks off their engagement.

The narrative wraps up with Jess and Rory teaming up to pen a book. Following an intimate night of writing and deep conversation, they rekindle their romance.

Jess pops the question post-book completion, and Rory accepts. A brief engagement leads to nuptials in the town square, and the series concludes with Rory expecting Jess’s son, the post outlines.

Fans have been vocal in the comments section, lauding this fan-crafted finale. One fan exclaimed: “This is so much better! If only they’d gone with your version.”

Another fan expressed their wishful thinking: “I wish this happened more than I can say in a reddit comment. Incredible. Incredible,” while another echoed the sentiment: “So much better!” (sic)