For years, fans of Gilmore Girls have been fiercely debating who Rory Gilmore should end up with. Whether it’s the wholesome and old-fashioned Dean, the free-spirited and introspective Jess, or the charming and privileged Logan, Rory’s romantic journey has sparked ionate debates. But if we take a step back and look at the bigger picture, her ending in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life might be exactly what she needed.

Rory’s final moments in the Gilmore Girls revival are filled with ambiguity and unresolved questions, especially in of her romantic life. While many of us had hoped for Rory and Jess to finally get together, there’s a deeper, more significant reason why that didn’t happen. Her journey in the revival isn’t about a neat, picture-perfect romance but about self-discovery and finding her own path. In this sense, Rory’s ending is actually perfect.

Rory Does Not End Up With Any Romantic Partner In Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life

This Was The Right Choice

Rory’s decision not to commit to either Logan or Paul can be interpreted as part of her larger journey of self-discovery. Neither relationship fits her evolving sense of self, which is no longer defined by being in a romantic partnership. In the revival, Rory has to let go of her idealized notions of love, those she grew up with through her relationship with her mother, Lorelai, and her own romantic history, and realize that a romantic relationship doesn’t define her worth or success.

Rory’s reluctance to step into Logan’s world completely and his inability to change underscore that they are no longer on the same path.

Rory’s relationship with Logan has always been fraught with tension between personal desires and family obligations, making him represent a part of her life she’s outgrown. Their affair in A Year in the Life illustrates how they can’t fully commit to each other anymore, even though they still have feelings for one another. Rory’s reluctance to step into Logan’s world completely and his inability to change underscore that they are no longer on the same path.

Rory’s indifference to Paul highlights her struggle to balance a meaningful relationship with her ambitions. Unlike Logan, Paul doesn’t challenge her, excite her, or push her to grow. He represents a kind of emotional stasis that Rory isn’t interested in, especially as she is consumed by her career and the weight of finding her true calling.

How The Father Of Rory's Baby Is Irrelevant

It's Rory's Journey Of Self-Discovery, After All

Rory drops a massive bomb right at the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life when she tells Lorelai she's pregnant. Based on what we know of Rory's sexual history in the sequel series, the father could either be Logan, Paul, or the Wookie she had a one-night stand with in New York City. Many believe Logan is the father of her unborn child, but the man's identity is ultimately irrelevant because A Year in the Life is far more concerned with Rory’s journey of self-discovery and how she mirrors Lorelai’s story.

Rory has had the privilege of being constantly ed, financially and emotionally, throughout much of her life. From her early years with Lorelai to her time at Yale, things often seemed to be handed to her on a silver platter. She had a clear academic trajectory, a stable home life, and a future that seemed predetermined. Her unexpected pregnancy reflects how Rory is now floundering, without clear direction. She’s no longer the “golden child” with everything mapped out for her. Instead, she’s trying to figure out who she really is, just as Lorelai did in her own story.

While romantic relationships are important, A Year In The Life consistently emphasizes that the most meaningful connection in Rory's life is with Lorelai. The revival makes it clear that the bond between mother and daughter is what sustains them both through their respective struggles. While Rory may still be searching for a partner, it is Lorelai’s unwavering presence in her life that provides the emotional foundation for her growth.

Why There's Still Hope For Team Jess Fans

That Look Said It All

Ah, that look Jess gave Rory in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life is one of the most poignant moments in the entire revival. The look speaks volumes about how much Jess still feels a deep emotional connection to Rory and still loves her. It happens in the final episode, "Fall," when Rory excitedly tells Jess that she finished the first three chapters of her memoir, which he encouraged her to write. After she buzzes back into the house, Luke asks Jess if he's over Rory, and he replies in the affirmative.

But when Luke leaves Jess alone, he walks around the side of the house to see Rory sweetly tending to a burnt-out Kirk, and he gives her a long, wistful look of pure longing that tells us all we need to know about how he feels. He then walks away and this is the last we see of him in the revival

Though many were disappointed that Jess and Rory didn't end up together, the truth is, they shouldn’t have ended up together at the end of A Year in the Life, because Rory wasn’t ready. She’s still figuring herself out, grappling with her identity and her place in the world, and she isn’t emotionally or mentally equipped for the kind of relationship that Jess represents. However, that doesn’t mean their relationship is finished; on the contrary, it leaves the door open for them to potentially find their way back to each other in the future when the timing is right.

The Possibilities Of Another Gilmore Girls Revival, Explained

Amy Sherman-Palladino Hinted That It Was Possible

Lorelai Gilmore actor Lauren Graham discussed the possibility of another Gilmore Girls revival series in an interview with Us Weekly, and it was a little disappointing:

“The problem is where we left the characters, well not the problem.... Now Luke and Lorelai got married, Rory is maybe having a baby. It’s not necessarily going to be the two of us circling the gazebo.”

The actor went on to say a holiday special would be the best way to catch up with these characters. But, make no mistake, Graham is certainly interested in reprising her role as Lorelai Gilmore.

On the other hand, Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino hinted that she hadn't ruled out another revival. Speaking on a with Graham and Emily actor Kelly Bishop, Sherman-Palladino said, "I love Stars Hollow. I love Lauren Graham more than life. I love Alexis, and Kelly Bishop is my ‘Contessa.” So, there's still hope. I, for one, would love to spend more time in Stars Hollow, and even though Rory's A Year in the Life ending suited where she was at in life, I want to see her get a happily ever after. Obviously with Jess.