In Omnia Paratus: Life Is Short. Write Well.

Luke & Lorelai: Why Their First Kiss Works So Well

Writing the Slow-Burn Payoff

Technically their 2nd kiss in this image, but it was seconds after the 1st . . . © Warner Bros. Television 2004

Arguably one of the best moments in Gilmore Girls history is one of the final moments of the Season 4 finale, “Recipes and Raincoats” (S4E22) when Luke and Lorelai finally — finally! — kiss.

It’s a scene worth watching and rewatching (both for the AWWWW! moment and for the writing education).

The scene itself is written brilliantly, but that alone wouldn’t give us the level of audience payoff and satisfaction we actually get. So if the payoff isn’t entirely in how the scene was written, where is it?

In Short, How’d Amy Sherman-Palladino Do That?

First off, here’s the scene, if you want/need a refresher. (Or, you know, if you want to just watch it again. I did.)

Hooking up Isn’t Unheard of in Stars Hollow