Since I do not like the forensic dramas, including Law & Order clones, there is not much for me to watch. There are a few shows, including Grounded For Life (suddenly cancelled last January) and Less Than Perfect (a disproportionate share of hits arise from a search of pics of the leads that send seekers to an image I posted last year), that I enjoyed. West Wing was decent. As I have made known, however, Gilmore Girls was a disappointment.
One fears that the show "jumped the shark" this season. Rory has suddenly become wild (with a glorified Tristan clone, for those in the know), Lorelai and Luke became a (boring) couple, and a bit too much downer plot lines dominated the season. The fifth season hit a point where changes had to be made, and I accept the need to do something with Rory. She needed a bit of wildness and so forth as well as a break of sorts from her mom. And once together, Lorelai/Luke unions often are a bit anticlimactic.
Nonetheless, it was not handled very well. Or, perhaps, distinct changes in the Gilmore Girls universe were not handled in a way that provided a satisfying season, even for those who might not have liked them. The season repeatedly had a "going through the motions" feel, both as to plots and to performances. The few times when fireworks occurred, including a special moment of vitriol when Lorelai found out what her mother was plotting was particularly striking for their overall absence. The shows also were not generally that enjoyable or funny, putting aside a few moments. A comfort with the characters carried it along somewhat, but at times, it was just not worth watching.
The season finale somewhat was a case in point. The last few episodes, helped by the lack of major downer plot lines, were acceptable (I missed last week). The tainted praise is intentional. Yesterday's episode generally met that standard. The Rory arrest (as with her sleeping with her married ex-boyfriend, apparently not likely to result in much negative response from others; I felt that was a wimp move on the writers' part) led to some serious plot complications, including her taking time off from Yale.
This appalled her mother, even though people do take time off. [Her plan to "triple team" Rory with the grandparents was hard to watch ... her watching Rory move in with the grandparents was a true emotional moment.] I do not think the episode "earned" the emotional high it was going for. As a viewer, I did not think Lorelai would be as distraught. Likewise, would Rory think of dropping out and changing her professional dreams just because one person thinks she does not have what it takes to be a journalist? A break might do her good, but her lack of self-esteem was depressing.
Lorelai also has been targeted by a big chain to sell the inn and was tempted. This too seemed flighty. She would not be working with Sookie (with a second child on the way and husband firmed rooted in Stars Hollow). Her independence in running an inn (Independence and her own, Dragonfly) was quite important to her, while being some sort of consultant does not seem comparable. And, what of Luke? Dean told Luke that Lorelai would be like Rory, and not want to be tied to a local guy like him. But, Lorelai (until now) showed no desire to move away, etc. Lorelai might not want to marry (never getting over her first love), but the whole plotline did not quite ring true.
Anyway, after leaving Rory, the episode ends with Lorelai telling Luke what happens. Luke goes into some stupid plan to force Rory to go to Yale, or something, while Lorelai looks on. And, the season ends with her asking Luke to marry him (he had plans to buy a local house just for such a purpose, but felt Lorelai was going to sell the inn and move away). Cliffhanger!
And, hopefully, a starting point for a better season. West Wing is moving to Sunday at 8 (ill advised on the face of it), and I need some mid-week television. As to Everyone Loves Raymond, I did not -- I found him whiney and his family annoying. I do not find either amusing, but many did. You have syndication, so do not feel too bad.