Episode 2
The Lorelais' First Day at Chilton
Rory's first day at Chilton doesn't go smoothly: First, Lorelai's attire offends Emily and the headmaster; then Rory meets some obnoxious classmates.
All Episodes
Episode 1
Pilot
October 5, 2000
When Rory is accepted to attend a prestigious prep school, Lorelai must swallow her pride and ask her wealthy parents for help paying the tuition.
Episode 2
The Lorelais' First Day at Chilton
October 12, 2000
Rory's first day at Chilton doesn't go smoothly: First, Lorelai's attire offends Emily and the headmaster; then Rory meets some obnoxious classmates.
Episode 3
Kill Me Now
October 19, 2000
When Rory and Richard bond during a day of golf at the club, Lorelai feels jealous of Rory's deepening connection with her grandparents.
Episode 4
The Deer Hunters
October 26, 2000
After Rory receives a bad grade on her English paper, Lorelai helps her cram for a big Shakespeare exam – but catastrophe strikes on test day.
Episode 5
Cinnamon's Wake
November 2, 2000
Lorelai admits she has feelings for someone. Meanwhile, Rory has a budding relationship of her own that is moving forward.
Episode 6
Rory's Birthday Parties
November 9, 2000
Rory clashes with Emily when Emily plans a formal birthday party for her. Meanwhile, Lorelai organizes a casual get-together to celebrate.
Episode 7
Kiss and Tell
November 16, 2000
Rory shares a romantic moment with Dean, but doesn't tell Lorelai. When Lorelai hears about it from Mrs. Kim, she invites Dean over for movie night.
Episode 8
Love and War and Snow
December 14, 2000
Snow strands Rory at her grandparents' home, while Lorelai spends the day with her beau. Meanwhile, Lane misses Rory and comes to visit.
Episode 9
Rory's Dance
December 20, 2000
Rory attends her first dance with Dean but they get home late, causing Emily and Lorelai to fight over Lorelai's mothering skills.
Episode 10
Forgiveness and Stuff
December 21, 2000
Misfortune strikes at the Gilmores' Christmas party. Dean assures Lorelai that nothing improper happened the night he and Rory fell asleep together.
Episode 11
Paris is Burning
January 11, 2001
After Paris causes a scandal by exposing the relationship between a parent and a teacher, she is confronted.
Episode 12
Double Date
January 18, 2001
Lorelai goes on a hellish double date with Sookie, Jackson and Jackson's odd cousin. Meanwhile, Rory double dates with Dean, Lane and Dean's friend.
Episode 13
Concert Interruptus
February 15, 2001
Trouble ensues when Rory takes her friends to a Bangles concert in New York. Lorelai learns something about Luke's romantic past.
Episode 14
That Damn Donna Reed
February 22, 2001
Rory and Dean argue about women's roles after watching "The Donna Reed Show." Emily makes Lorelai face her feelings.
Episode 15
Christopher Returns
March 1, 2001
Rory's father returns, causing tension in Emily and Richard's house – and forcing Lorelai to make a big decision about her family's future.
Episode 16
Star-Crossed Lovers and Other Strangers
March 8, 2001
Rory and Dean celebrate their three-month anniversary, but things don't go as planned. Luke's ex-girlfriend Rachel arrives in town.
Episode 17
The Breakup, Part 2
March 15, 2001
After recent events, Rory keeps busy, refusing to give in to self-pity. Meanwhile, Stars Hollow's residents rally around her, much to her dismay.
Episode 18
The Third Lorelai
March 22, 2001
When Lorelai's grandmother offers a trust fund for Rory's education, Emily fears losing contact with a financially independent Lorelai and Rory.
Episode 19
Emily in Wonderland
April 26, 2001
Emily is horrified when she sees the place where Lorelai and Rory first lived, so she sets out to create a perfect bedroom for Rory in her house.
Episode 20
P.S. I Lo...
May 3, 2001
Still upset over recent events, Rory becomes angry with Lorelai, who didn't tell her that she is dating again.
Episode 21
Love, Daisies and Troubadours
May 10, 2001
Rory finally tells Dean the truth about how she feels about him. Sensing something between Lorelai and Luke, Rachel makes a decision.