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| AP Photo Archive |
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| The stars of Gilmore Girls, Alexis Bledel as Rory Gilmore, left, and Lauren Graham as Lorelai Gilmore, act out a scene |
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Many television sitcoms are centered on family relationships, such as mother and daughter. Gilmore Girls is one such show that many BYU-Idaho students view.
Gilmore Girls is WB’s second most popular show with just under 5 million viewers a week, according to www.cnn.com. Why such high ratings? As a mother-daughter relationship show, many can see parallels to their own relationships with their mothers.
Some critics have argued that Lorelai, who plays the mother, and Rory, who plays her daughter, have a relationship that is more like sisters than a parent-child relationship, seeming to suggest your mother can’t be a friend as well.
“You can be friends with your mom and still have respect. She can be a mother and a friend at the same time,” said Bristol Reeve, a freshman from Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Other students don’t think this kind of relationship is possible.
“It’s not realistic. Mothers don’t try to be your best friend, but your guardian,” said Kamey Rigby, a senior from Montpelier, Idaho.
Others don’t completely agree, but think it is a worthy goal.
“You can see how you can be. You can be best friends with your mom,” said LaRena Blackburn, a sophomore from Orem, Utah.
Some students can identify with other aspects of Lorelei and Rory’s relationship, such as their witty banter and fun shenanigans like the all night dance-a-thon.
“My mom had me when she was young, so I understand their relationship. My mom is crazy. She climbs walls and starts food fights,” said Julia Campbell, a senior from Vancouver, Wash.
Yet there are aspects of the show that many students feel are unrealistic. The facet of the show students feel is unrealistic is found in Rory’s estrangement from her mother when she leaves for college. Some students at BYU-I have a much different experience in leaving home.
Many feel their relationship has improved, and they are now closer to their moms than before.
“I think I’ve gotten closer to my mom since I left for school. I talk to her about my grades — I have to tell somebody,” said Sarah Lee a junior from Federal Way, Wash.
Whether students feel Gilmore Girls is truly realistic of mother-daughter-relationships or not, most still love the show and will continue to watch it.
