Richard’s mother, Lorelai the First, a.k.a. Gran, is coming to town for the first time in Rory’s lifetime. Emily is freaking out. Gran has never approved of her and has no problem showing it. Emily goes crazy trying to get out every tacky present her mother-in-law ever gave her.

Rory and the Chilton gang have to create their own government for a school project. Things are weird between Rory and Tristin since their kiss. They talk things out and Tristin says he’s going to swear off girls. Rory tells him Paris really likes him and he should think about asking her out.

At a study group the next morning, Tristin asks Paris out for that night. Paris shows up at the Gilmore house in a panic with her entire wardrobe in her arms. Rory takes her upstairs to Lorelai’s closet and helps her find something to wear. While Paris is changing, Rory finds some notecards in her jacket. Paris made them up just in case the conversation lags during the date.

Lorelai is having dinner at her parents’ house again that night. Gran does not like the fact that Lorelai borrowed money for Chilton. She has set up a trust fund for Rory and she wants to arrange for Rory to receive it immediately so that she and Lorelai don’t have to owe money to Richard and Emily anymore. She arranges to have tea with Lorelai and Emily the next morning to discuss the details. Emily tries to convince Lorelai that accepting the money would change things between her and Rory. She tells Richard she’s afraid Lorelai will never come back if she doesn’t owe them money.

The next morning, Rory meets the Chilton gang again. Paris had a great time on her date with Tristin, but he makes it clear he just wants to be friends. When he mentions that Rory suggested they go out, Paris freaks and tells Rory she hates her. Rory tells Tristin he shouldn’t have told her and should have given Paris another chance. He mentions he really likes someone else and it’s obvious he’s talking about Rory.

When Lorelai gets to the tea room, Gran is in the bathroom. Emily gets smug when Lorelai says she didn’t tell Rory about the money. By the time Gran comes back to the table, Lorelai and Emily are fighting. Gran decides everyone is too immature for such a large amount of money.

Emily: I need the hatrack.

Lorelai: The fish flies at night.

Emily: What?

Lorelai: I don’t know, who is this?

Gran: Gilmores don’t get headaches. We have perfect heads.

Paris: I only have one lipstick at home, okay, and it’s barely even a color.

Gran: I’ve ordered a car. Women shouldn’t drive.

• Original Air Date: March 22, 2001

Categories: Season 1
Tags: Gran, Paris, Tristin

Posted on December 17, 2009