TV & Film
20 years since its first episode aired, the comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls continues to be a favorite among many. Its female-led cast and witty script that’s sprinkled with pop culture references always reel in new fans. While critics described the show as “aimless” because of the main characters’ conversations, I’d argue that it’s precisely the dialogues between them that make the show charming up to this day.
I loved Rory Gilmore as much as the next girl would, especially when she was still the promising yet relatable schoolgirl that we all adored. But personally, it’s Paris Geller who stole the show. After all, she evolved from being the series’ antagonist to Rory’s close friend in Yale. With a dedication to her goals, a knack for sarcasm, and loyalty to her friends, Paris exemplifies the phrase “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.”
To make it clear: Paris is not exactly the most ideal #girlboss. She could definitely be brash, overly-competitive, and just plain mean to everyone and anyone who would stand in her way. In her first appearance, Paris is shown to be “borrowing” Rory’s grades for her application to Chilton Preparatory School. The rest of the first season doesn’t exactly portray Paris as inspiring either, especially with her competitive attitude towards classmates.
While Paris is not exactly Miss Congeniality, you have to admit the girl has an extreme work ethic. In fact, she even ends up double majoring in political science and biochemistry to prepare for higher studies in medicine and law, while being a university newsletter writer to boot. Paris also comes ready for every meeting, even bringing multiple copies of thoroughly-written research and overly-detailed notes. (It’s not easy, even for her, but she gets up after every breakdown anyway.)
She’s also one of the funniest characters in the show because of her talent for snappy comebacks against sexist remarks. During a discussion about literary classics, she snickers, “Typical guy response. Worship Kerouac and Bukowski. God forbid you’d pick up anything by Jane Austen!” Later on, when she finally becomes an editor of the same newsletter, Paris infamously exclaims, “No man is an island but this woman is!”
She’s feisty, alright, but it’s these traits that make her such a good companion when she needs to be. As Paris evolves from being Rory’s rival to one of her closest friends, she learns to open up herself to the right people. Better yet, Paris stands her ground against Rory’s unfaithful boyfriend in a later season, criticizing him for offering “nothing to women or the world in general.”
Though Paris isn’t immediately likable, she’s one of my favorite characters from the show. She learns to be vulnerable, retains her headstrong nature, and rarely compromises her commitment to either her goals or her friendships. She does these all the while throwing in a sharp retort here and there! Fictional characters don’t have to be perfect, but they do have to grow as people. Paris does exactly that while never losing sight of what makes her her. Perhaps Rory could learn a thing or two?
