Episodes
1. Ballrooms and Biscotti
6.5
September 23, 2003
43 min
After returning from a summer of backpacking through Europe, Rory and Lorelai frantically prepare for Rory's move to college.
Guest Stars:
Sally Struthers, Michael Winters, Ted Rooney, Jackson Douglas, Austin Marques
2. The Lorelais' First Day at Yale
7.8
September 30, 2003
42 min
Lorelai helps Rory move into her dorm, where she meets an odd new roommate, and learns that she will also be sharing her room with a familiar face.
Guest Stars:
Alan Oppenheimer, Olivia Hack, Jake Bern, Aris Alvarado, Robert Cicchini
3. The Hobbit, the Sofa, and Digger Stiles
7.6
October 7, 2003
44 min
Emily redecorates Rory's dorm room without her permission. Lorelai and Sookie cater a kids' birthday party with a "Lord of the Rings" theme.
Guest Stars:
Natalie Garza, Ethan Cohn, Victoria Justice, Olivia Hack, Katie Walder
4. Chicken or Beef?
7.4
October 14, 2003
44 min
While visiting Stars Hollow for the weekend, Rory encounters Dean, who awkwardly invites her to an event the next day.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Brian Skala, Arielle Kebbel, Chauncey Leopardi, Todd Lowe
5. The Fundamental Things Apply
7.4
October 21, 2003
44 min
Lorelai struggles to hide details of her life from Emily. Rory discovers that college dating isn't easy. Lorelai invites Luke over for movie night.
Guest Stars:
Sally Struthers, Ethan Cohn, Olivia Hack, Alan Simpson, Katie Walder
6. An Affair to Remember
7.5
October 28, 2003
44 min
Emily hires Lorelai and Sookie to cater an elaborate launch party for Richard's new company, but insists they prove that they are worthy of her trust.
Guest Stars:
Ethan Cohn, Olivia Hack, Katie Walder, Mary Faulkner, Rini Bell
7. The Festival of Living Art
7.5
November 4, 2003
44 min
Rory and Lorelai participate in a Stars Hollow event in which the townspeople dress up and present tableaux imitating famous paintings.
Guest Stars:
Sally Struthers, Nick Offerman, Grant-Lee Phillips, Todd Lowe, Rini Bell
8. Die, Jerk
7.4
November 11, 2003
43 min
Rory tries to spice up her articles for the student newspaper. Luke admits to Lorelai that he is revisiting a past relationship.
Guest Stars:
Olivia Hack, Katie Walder, Danny Strong, Rusty Schwimmer, Emily Kuroda
9. Ted Koppel's Big Night Out
7.4
November 18, 2003
44 min
Emily realizes that Richard has been secretly meeting someone for lunch for years. Lorelai accepts an invitation to dinner.
Guest Stars:
Michael York, Greg Cipes, Liz Torres, Rose Abdoo, Jim Jansen
10. The Nanny and the Professor
7.3
January 20, 2004
43 min
Lorelai and Sookie renovate their inn. Lorelai enjoys a romantic evening. Rory is irritated by Paris's new relationship.
Guest Stars:
Ethan Cohn, Michael York, Monique Coleman, Danny Strong, Robert Noble
11. In the Clamor and the Clangor
7.7
January 27, 2004
43 min
Lorelai is upset that Luke has gotten an apartment in another town. Rory learns that a guy she likes has been spreading false information about her.
Guest Stars:
Todd Lowe, Liz Torres, Rami Malek, Sebastian Bach, John Cabrera
12. A Family Matter
6.7
February 3, 2004
43 min
Luke is wary when his sister comes to town. Lorelai hesitates to tell her parents about her new beau. Paris's affair gets serious.
Guest Stars:
Milo Ventimiglia, Olivia Hack, Brandon Barash, Pat Crawford Brown, Joe J. Garcia
13. Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels
7.7
February 10, 2004
43 min
Rory crosses paths with Jess in Stars Hollow. Luke's sister visits Stars Hollow and introduces her new boyfriend to her brother.
Guest Stars:
Milo Ventimiglia, Sally Struthers, Grant-Lee Phillips, Lawrence Pressman, Kathleen Wilhoite
14. The Incredible Sinking Lorelais
7.7
February 17, 2004
43 min
Overwhelmed by her classwork, Rory confides in Dean, who's working on the construction crew at the Dragonfly Inn.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Ethan Cohn, Olivia Hack, Katie Walder, Marion Ross
15. Scene in a Mall
6.9
February 24, 2004
41 min
Rory gets a glimpse of Dean's new life. When Lorelai and Rory spend a day at the mall, they run into Emily on a wild shopping spree.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Tessa Ludwick, Arielle Kebbel, Todd Lowe, John Cabrera
16. The Reigning Lorelai
7.9
March 2, 2004
43 min
Richard is devastated by a sudden loss. Emily receives a shock when she finds an old letter that was written to Richard.
Guest Stars:
Ethan Cohn, Tiffany Fraser, Josh Holt, Danny Strong, Gay Storm
17. Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist
7.4
April 13, 2004
43 min
Rory and Paris head south for their first spring break in Florida, where they run into a couple of their old pals from Chilton.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Elizabeth Bond, Ethan Cohn, Katie Walder, Colin Egglesfield
18. Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom!
7.2
April 20, 2004
43 min
Jason and Richard are sued. Rory is upset by a decision Dean has made. Dean is told to stop spending time with Rory.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Ethan Cohn, Catherine McGoohan, Arielle Kebbel, Pat Crawford Brown
19. Afterboom
7.8
April 27, 2004
43 min
Lorelai confronts her father when she learns that he has cut business ties. Luke gives Lorelai an update on his love life.
Guest Stars:
Michael York, Todd Lowe, Patrick Thomas O'Brien, Danny Strong, Brittany Finamore
20. Luke Can See Her Face
7.9
May 4, 2004
43 min
A self-help tape helps a depressed Luke realize who his soul mate is. Lorelai is stressed as the Dragonfly Inn's opening day approaches.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Milo Ventimiglia, Maïté Schwartz, Ethan Cohn, Michael York
21. Last Week Fights, This Week Tights
7.1
May 11, 2004
43 min
Jess walks his mother down the aisle at her Renaissance-themed wedding. Luke asks his new love interest on a date. Dean confides in Rory.
Guest Stars:
Jared Padalecki, Milo Ventimiglia, Dayna Devon, Ethan Cohn, Teddy Dunn
