Gilmore Girls - Season 4

First aired: 9/23/2003 22 episodes

Season four is a year of transitions for the Gilmores. Lorelai quits her job to realize her ambition of opening an inn of her own with her best friend, Sookie (Melissa McCarthy, Samantha Who?). Rory, meanwhile, is adjusting to her new life at Yale.

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Episodes

1. Ballrooms and Biscotti

Aired: 9/23/2003

After returning from a summer of backpacking through Europe, Rory and Lorelai frantically prepare for Rory's move to college.

2. The Lorelais' First Day at Yale

Aired: 9/30/2003

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.

3. The Hobbit, the Sofa, and Digger Stiles

Aired: 10/7/2003

Emily redecorates Rory's dorm room without her permission. Lorelai and Sookie cater a kids' birthday party with a "Lord of the Rings" theme.

4. Chicken or Beef?

Aired: 10/14/2003

While visiting Stars Hollow for the weekend, Rory encounters Dean, who awkwardly invites her to an event the next day.

5. The Fundamental Things Apply

Aired: 10/21/2003

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.

6. An Affair to Remember

Aired: 10/28/2003

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.

7. The Festival of Living Art

Aired: 11/4/2003

Rory and Lorelai participate in a Stars Hollow event in which the townspeople dress up and present tableaux imitating famous paintings.

8. Die, Jerk

Aired: 11/11/2003

Rory tries to spice up her articles for the student newspaper. Luke admits to Lorelai that he is revisiting a past relationship.

9. Ted Koppel's Big Night Out

Aired: 11/18/2003

Emily realizes that Richard has been secretly meeting someone for lunch for years. Lorelai accepts an invitation to dinner.

10. The Nanny and the Professor

Aired: 1/20/2004

Lorelai and Sookie renovate their inn. Lorelai enjoys a romantic evening. Rory is irritated by Paris's new relationship.

11. In the Clamor and the Clangor

Aired: 1/27/2004

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.

12. A Family Matter

Aired: 2/3/2004

Luke is wary when his sister comes to town. Lorelai hesitates to tell her parents about her new beau. Paris's affair gets serious.

13. Nag Hammadi Is Where They Found the Gnostic Gospels

Aired: 2/10/2004

Rory crosses paths with Jess in Stars Hollow. Luke's sister visits Stars Hollow and introduces her new boyfriend to her brother.

14. The Incredible Sinking Lorelais

Aired: 2/17/2004

Overwhelmed by her classwork, Rory confides in Dean, who's working on the construction crew at the Dragonfly Inn.

15. Scene in a Mall

Aired: 2/24/2004

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.

16. The Reigning Lorelai

Aired: 3/2/2004

Richard is devastated by a sudden loss. Emily receives a shock when she finds an old letter that was written to Richard.

17. Girls in Bikinis, Boys Doin' the Twist

Aired: 4/13/2004

Rory and Paris head south for their first spring break in Florida, where they run into a couple of their old pals from Chilton.

18. Tick, Tick, Tick, Boom!

Aired: 4/20/2004

Jason and Richard are sued. Rory is upset by a decision Dean has made. Dean is told to stop spending time with Rory.

19. Afterboom

Aired: 4/27/2004

Lorelai confronts her father when she learns that he has cut business ties. Luke gives Lorelai an update on his love life.

20. Luke Can See Her Face

Aired: 5/4/2004

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.

21. Last Week Fights, This Week Tights

Aired: 5/11/2004

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.

22. Raincoats and Recipes

Aired: 5/18/2004

Lorelai invites friends and family to do a test run of the Dragonfly Inn opening. Two suitors pursue Lorelai.