Coffee at Luke's: An Unauthorized Gilmore Girls Gabfest (Smart Pop Series) (28 page)
Read Coffee at Luke's: An Unauthorized Gilmore Girls Gabfest (Smart Pop Series) Online
Authors: Jennifer Crusie,Leah Wilson
Tags: #Humor & Entertainment, #Television, #History & Criticism
BOOK: Coffee at Luke's: An Unauthorized Gilmore Girls Gabfest (Smart Pop Series)
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Heaven
—WB television series about a minister’s family in California that began in 1996. Though its series finale was in 2006, it was renewed for yet another season when the WB merged with UPN to create the CW.
th
Heaven
—WB television series about a minister’s family in California that began in 1996. Though its series finale was in 2006, it was renewed for yet another season when the WB merged with UPN to create the CW.
The actor became Alexis Bledel’s real boyfriend off the show
—Reference to Milo Ventimiglia, who played Luke Danes’s troubled nephew Jess on
Gilmore Girls
and went on to star in the NBC show
Heroes
. He and Bledel dated for more than three years before breaking up.
—Reference to Milo Ventimiglia, who played Luke Danes’s troubled nephew Jess on
Gilmore Girls
and went on to star in the NBC show
Heroes
. He and Bledel dated for more than three years before breaking up.
Jenny:
Probably because he got tired of having complete strangers yell, “We liked Cute Dean better!” whenever they were together
.
Agnes Moorehead
—Oscar-nominated character actress best known for her role as Endora in
Bewitched
, and for bringing eyelash-to-eyebrow blue eye shadow to primetime.
—Oscar-nominated character actress best known for her role as Endora in
Bewitched
, and for bringing eyelash-to-eyebrow blue eye shadow to primetime.
Jenny:
The spiritual role model for Emily Gilmore.
Alias
—ABC series that ran from 2001 to 2006. Created by J. J. Abrams and starring Jennifer Garner, it focused on Garner as Sydney Bristow, a kick-ass spy who changed her hair color a lot.
—ABC series that ran from 2001 to 2006. Created by J. J. Abrams and starring Jennifer Garner, it focused on Garner as Sydney Bristow, a kick-ass spy who changed her hair color a lot.
All in the Family
—1971-1979 CBS sitcom about bigoted Archie Bunker and his good-hearted wife, Edith. The show pushed the television envelope by talking about controversial topics such as homosexuality and racism.
—1971-1979 CBS sitcom about bigoted Archie Bunker and his good-hearted wife, Edith. The show pushed the television envelope by talking about controversial topics such as homosexuality and racism.
Ally McBeal
—FOX television series that ran from 1997 to 2002 and starred Calista Flockhart as a young, single lawyer trying to find love and happiness.
—FOX television series that ran from 1997 to 2002 and starred Calista Flockhart as a young, single lawyer trying to find love and happiness.
Jenny:
And a cookie. FOX’s contribution to anorexia, the anti-
Gilmore Girls
, since Lorelai and Rory never stop eating
Alvy Moore
—Actor best known for playing the friendly but forgetful county agent Hank Kimball on the 1960s sitcom
Green Acres
.
—Actor best known for playing the friendly but forgetful county agent Hank Kimball on the 1960s sitcom
Green Acres
.
The Andy Griffith Show
—Television series that ran on CBS from 1960 to 1968 and was based on the life of the widowed Sheriff Andy Taylor, his small son Opie, and the other quirky characters that populated the town of Mayberry.
—Television series that ran on CBS from 1960 to 1968 and was based on the life of the widowed Sheriff Andy Taylor, his small son Opie, and the other quirky characters that populated the town of Mayberry.
Andy Hardy
—Character played by Mickey Rooney in fifteen MGM films from 1937 to 1947. The film franchise grew with Andy, taking him from a carefree boy to a WWII vet.
—Character played by Mickey Rooney in fifteen MGM films from 1937 to 1947. The film franchise grew with Andy, taking him from a carefree boy to a WWII vet.
Andrea Dworkin
—Radical feminist who in the 1970s and ’80s gained fame for her outspokenness against pornography on the grounds that it led to rape and other violence. She also authored ten books on feminist theory.
—Radical feminist who in the 1970s and ’80s gained fame for her outspokenness against pornography on the grounds that it led to rape and other violence. She also authored ten books on feminist theory.
Anthony Comstock
—Politician and postal inspector in the Victorian era who was dedicated to preserving morality. He fought against pornography and birth control.
—Politician and postal inspector in the Victorian era who was dedicated to preserving morality. He fought against pornography and birth control.
The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippians
—Letter to the church of Philippi spreading the gospel, written by Paul while he was imprisoned.
—Letter to the church of Philippi spreading the gospel, written by Paul while he was imprisoned.
Asaad Kelada
—Television director that Kirk confused with legendary Japanese film director Akira Kurasawa when citing his own influences in the making of
A Short Film by Kirk
.
—Television director that Kirk confused with legendary Japanese film director Akira Kurasawa when citing his own influences in the making of
A Short Film by Kirk
.
Audrey Hepburn
—Iconic film actress who spent her later years working as an ambassador for UNICEF, and who is still considered a fashion and beauty icon. Starred in such pictures as
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
,
Sabrina
, and
My Fair Lady
.
—Iconic film actress who spent her later years working as an ambassador for UNICEF, and who is still considered a fashion and beauty icon. Starred in such pictures as
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
,
Sabrina
, and
My Fair Lady
.
Aunt Bee
—Andy Taylor’s aunt and housekeeper in
The Andy Griffith Show
, who helped Andy raise his son Opie.
—Andy Taylor’s aunt and housekeeper in
The Andy Griffith Show
, who helped Andy raise his son Opie.
Barbara Bush
—Wife of former President George H. W. Bush and First Lady from 1989 to 1993. She was devoted to literacy and other worthy causes.
—Wife of former President George H. W. Bush and First Lady from 1989 to 1993. She was devoted to literacy and other worthy causes.
Jenny:
Maybe, but she’s still on my list for calling Hillary a “rhymes with witch.” Just say it, Barbara.
Barney Fife
—Deputy sheriff of Mayberry in
The Andy Griffith Show
. Though he was eager to enforce the law he was also a perpetual bungler; his name is synonymous with someone enthusiastic but incompetent.
—Deputy sheriff of Mayberry in
The Andy Griffith Show
. Though he was eager to enforce the law he was also a perpetual bungler; his name is synonymous with someone enthusiastic but incompetent.
Jenny:
Although falling out of use now in favor of the more popular “Kirk.”
Bella Abzug
—Outspoken New York City congresswoman and women’s rights activist from the 1970s.
—Outspoken New York City congresswoman and women’s rights activist from the 1970s.
Benito Mussolini
—Reviled fascist dictator of Italy from 1922-1943.
Jenny:
But he did make the trains run on time. Bring him back and put him in charge of O’Hare, that’s what I say.
—Reviled fascist dictator of Italy from 1922-1943.
Jenny:
But he did make the trains run on time. Bring him back and put him in charge of O’Hare, that’s what I say.
Bernard Goetz
—“Subway Vigilante” who shot four men during an attempted robbery on a NYC #2 train and then was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense.
—“Subway Vigilante” who shot four men during an attempted robbery on a NYC #2 train and then was acquitted on the grounds of self-defense.
Beverly Hills, 90210
—FOX primetime soap that ran from 1990 to 2000 that followed the lives of privileged teens and became one of Fox’s top shows, making its teen idols household names.
—FOX primetime soap that ran from 1990 to 2000 that followed the lives of privileged teens and became one of Fox’s top shows, making its teen idols household names.
Beverly Hills, Capeside Mass, the O.C.
—Locations for the popular teen-focused television series
Beverly Hills, 90120
,
Dawson’s Creek
, and
The O.C.
—Locations for the popular teen-focused television series
Beverly Hills, 90120
,
Dawson’s Creek
, and
The O.C.
Big and Little Edie . . . at old Grey Gardens
—Reference to the cult-favorite 1975 documentary about the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Edith Bouvier Beale (Big Edie), and her daughter (Little Edie), who lived in a crumbling mansion called Grey Gardens in East Hampton, New York.
—Reference to the cult-favorite 1975 documentary about the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Edith Bouvier Beale (Big Edie), and her daughter (Little Edie), who lived in a crumbling mansion called Grey Gardens in East Hampton, New York.
Jenny:
And my absolute favorite allusion in this whole anthology.
Book of Proverbs
—Book from the Old Testament that teaches wisdom and virtue through the use of parables.
—Book from the Old Testament that teaches wisdom and virtue through the use of parables.
Jenny:
Sort of the way Lorelai and Rory teach wisdom through the use of allusions to Elvis and the Barefoot Contessa.
Boomer
—Reference to a “baby boomer,” someone who was born between WWII and the start of the Vietnam War.
—Reference to a “baby boomer,” someone who was born between WWII and the start of the Vietnam War.
Boston Brahmins
—Wealthy social class of New Englanders who can trace their lineage back to the founders of the city of Boston, Massachusetts. In Hindi Brahmin means “Purest Person.”
—Wealthy social class of New Englanders who can trace their lineage back to the founders of the city of Boston, Massachusetts. In Hindi Brahmin means “Purest Person.”
Bringing Up Baby
—1938 screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. The film flopped at the time but is now considered to be one of the best in the genre.
—1938 screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. The film flopped at the time but is now considered to be one of the best in the genre.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
—Cult TV show that ran from 1997 to 2003, on the WB and then UPN, about the struggles of Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, to save the world from the forces of evil.
—Cult TV show that ran from 1997 to 2003, on the WB and then UPN, about the struggles of Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, to save the world from the forces of evil.
Jenny:
It wasn’t so much a cult as a group of extremely sophisticated viewers who appreciated the deep structure of the narratives and the well-wrought metaphorical implications there-in. And I have two Spike action figures to prove it.
Busby-Berkeley-sized singing and dancing spectacular
—Reference to the huge song and dance numbers Berkeley choreographed in the 1930s using scores of showgirls filmed from above in complex kaleidoscope-like geometric patterns.
—Reference to the huge song and dance numbers Berkeley choreographed in the 1930s using scores of showgirls filmed from above in complex kaleidoscope-like geometric patterns.
Cary Grant
—Quintessential suave film star of the twentieth century who starred in movies such as
The Philadelphia Story
and
Bringing Up Baby
. His name has become synonymous with good looks, good manners, and good humor.
—Quintessential suave film star of the twentieth century who starred in movies such as
The Philadelphia Story
and
Bringing Up Baby
. His name has become synonymous with good looks, good manners, and good humor.
Jenny:
I don’t care if he is dead, every time I see
His Girl Friday
, I still want to have his baby.
Charles Emerson Winchester III (
M*A*S*H
)
—Supporting character in
M*A*S*H
. Winchester was from a wealthy and aristocratic Boston family and on his way to becoming a respected surgeon when he was drafted into the Korean War.
M*A*S*H
)
—Supporting character in
M*A*S*H
. Winchester was from a wealthy and aristocratic Boston family and on his way to becoming a respected surgeon when he was drafted into the Korean War.
Jenny:
Which leads to the question, how wealthy were they if they couldn’t get him out of the draft?
Charlie Chan
—Chinese-American detective who first appeared in books before moving on to radio, film, a comic strip, and even board games. The films have been criticized because the character was portrayed by white actors rather than Asians.
—Chinese-American detective who first appeared in books before moving on to radio, film, a comic strip, and even board games. The films have been criticized because the character was portrayed by white actors rather than Asians.
Jenny:
If you go back and read the books, they’re not exactly master-pieces of enlightenment, either, Number One Son.
Claudette Colbert
—French-American actress who won an Academy Award for
It Happened One Night
. She was one of the most popular actresses of her time, starring in sixty-seven films.
—French-American actress who won an Academy Award for
It Happened One Night
. She was one of the most popular actresses of her time, starring in sixty-seven films.
Jenny:
That scene where she stops the truck by pulling up her skirt: brilliant. And I don’t care if they take away my NOW card for saying it.
Cliff Robertson
—Actor who won the 1968 Best Actor Oscar for
—Actor who won the 1968 Best Actor Oscar for
Charly
. He also starred in more than seventy other films.
Club hopping together like Lindsay Lohan and her mom
—Reference to ex-Disney starlet Lohan’s party-girl lifestyle and her mother’s tendency to follow along to keep an eye on her.
—Reference to ex-Disney starlet Lohan’s party-girl lifestyle and her mother’s tendency to follow along to keep an eye on her.
Jenny:
Which, tragically, she has stopped doing. Come back, Dina, and bring underwear for Britney.
Condi Rice
—Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State under President
—Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of State under President
George W. Bush, after whom Kirk modeled a hand-carved mailbox.Jenny:
Genius. Sheer genius.
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father
—1970s television series based on the movie of the same name, which revolved around a single father trying to raise his son while also finding love.
—1970s television series based on the movie of the same name, which revolved around a single father trying to raise his son while also finding love.
Don Quixote
—Hero of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s Spanish novel
Don Quixote de la Mancha
. Quixote is an idealistic but insane man who falsely believes that he is a knight and journeys out on a quest to do good.
—Hero of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s Spanish novel
Don Quixote de la Mancha
. Quixote is an idealistic but insane man who falsely believes that he is a knight and journeys out on a quest to do good.
Dorothy Parker
—American writer and poet who used her sharp wit to criticize twentieth-century society. She was also admired by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who named her production company “Dorothy Parker Drank Here.”
—American writer and poet who used her sharp wit to criticize twentieth-century society. She was also admired by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who named her production company “Dorothy Parker Drank Here.”
Jenny:
She is also admired by Jenny Crusie, who often cites her as a major influence.
Douglas Sirk
—German-born film director who helmed the hit movies
Magnificent Obsession
and
Imitation of Life
. His American film career spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s.
—German-born film director who helmed the hit movies
Magnificent Obsession
and
Imitation of Life
. His American film career spanned from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Eastern Establishment
—Socially and financially dominant network of elite universities, institutions, and families of the northeastern United States.
—Socially and financially dominant network of elite universities, institutions, and families of the northeastern United States.
Jenny:
Sort of like the French in a Monty Python movie.
East Village
—Neighborhood in Manhattan often linked to arts and culture.
—Neighborhood in Manhattan often linked to arts and culture.
Jenny:
Until the housing values went insane, and arts and culture had to move to Hoboken to afford the rents.
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