More fun, more flames, more flameouts: more Gilmore. This 6-disc set contains all 22 third-year episodes (plus bonus features) of The Gilmore Girls, the hit series known for its witty, rapid-fire dialogue and poignant, suds-free storylines. For mother and daughter Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, it's a year of change. Much of it is expected, like Rory's graduation from Chilton and the anxiety of waiting for college acceptance letters. But much of it is not. Rory starts the year with two boyfriends (that may be two too many). Lorelai rekindles the flame with Max (maybe). Lane meets Mr. Right (at last). Sookie gets a surprise (a good one). And so does the Independence Inn (not such a good one).

CRITIQUE

This season comes as my favorite one. Why? It was the season that got me into the series in the first place through re-runs over the summer that year. And it is the season that in my modest opinion presents the best-gathered episodes. Not that Gilmore Girls presents weak ones, but with a handful of favorites of mine that I can watch over and over it’s within reason the third season is the finest one. 

While some of the dry soap opera parts do not interest me, I always find the writing quite amusing. Smart-smart writing is what I always say about Gilmore Girls. That holds to be true with the third season. One thing that really is comical and almost satirical about Gilmore Girls is its sense of being completely serious in a dramatic scene between the central characters, and then something silly is presented in the background with the supporting characters that surrounds the silly small-town of Stars Hollow. These moments really makes me chuckle. It’s an old comedic trick in the book, but when used in the right context can deliver a thousand laughs. This is one build up that makes the series funnier over majority of the sitcoms of today.

Another key element that I love about Gilmore Girls is its essence of not being watered-down. Something I noticed with Dawson’s Creek seasons is a lot of filler story lines to move the series along. The same goes for WB’s 7th Heaven and Smallville. On the other end, Everwood and Gilmore Girls have strong story lines from beginning to end. While Gilmore Girls shifts from one direction to another (Rory and Dean break up, Rory and Jess hook up, and they break apart by the end of the series), it still has a strong lead that creates the build-up within the story lines, and keeps the humor as strong as possible.

There is never a strong story line that leans on the weak ones. There is enough of a balance that even the less liked story lines are strong enough to stand on their own. In other words, the entire series blends with its dramatic soap opera aspect, the silly over-the-top ness, the pop culture references, or just the satirical approach with the entire package. It’s hard to define Gilmore Girls, and while this may be a guilty pleasure with me and hard to get other fellas into this show, there is a lot on the table to offer various taste buds. Some people just watch the show for the mother/daughter aspect of it. I simply watch it for the subtext within the writing, the real depth of it, which is pure satire at best.

A story line that involves Jess (stand-alone story line with Jess) occurs at the end of the season, where his father shows up and Jess soon after, follows his father to California; a very unique and different setting for the Gilmore Girls series. Anyhow, ere was talk right after the season finale that year that a proposed spin-off series would involve that story line. It was scratched, which is somewhat understandable. he WB does hold success shows on their belts, but they also hold failed ones as well. And one thing WB did not want was another failed show evolving from a very successful one.

There was a really good article a couple of months ago in the Entertainment Weekly publication that explains in great detail the shakedown of that entire mess. I, for one, was disappointed it never went through. It certainly is not Gilmore Girls by a long shot but it seemed compelling enough. The entire sequences that took place within that story line involving Jess truly opened the door for a spin off series worth attempting.

I remember a spin off series that evolved from Dawson’s Creek that ringed around a side character that was newly introduced. Unlike that failure, this one had potential. Milo Ventimiglia was well liked among fans. He had the chops to carry his own leading show. Unfortunately, it just never happened. So instead, WB invested money in shows like Tarzan and the epic Mountain, which got cancelled pretty soon after their premieres.

One more thing to note, the best Gilmore Girls episode this season is the episode “Dear Emily and Richard.” In it, Sherry goes into labor, and that sets Lorelai reminiscing about Rory’s birth. I love this episode on many levels. For one, this was the first episode that introduced me to the show in the first place. I was all but curious after viewing it, because it was smart and well written. Continuity flows between the flashbacks. And this is basically the episode that explains the whole entire series in a nutshell.

I guess another reason why I liked it so much was that it reminded me lot of “Godfather Part 2” where the flashbacks intertwine (but do not connect) with the current time frame of the episode. The actress they picked looks so much like a 16-year-old version of Lauren Graham. Not since “Dolores Claiborne” have I seen an older and younger version of the same character done perfectly that you would think they are the same exact person. That’s a real challenge in film, and this episode of Gilmore Girls does it so eloquently and very well.

THE VIDEO

Warner Bros. presents Gilmore Girls in full screen format, the way it was filmed. As close to perfection as it could be. And my pet peeve with TV shows on DVD sets has finally been answered gracefully as there’s no more “last time on…” clips in front of each episode.

THE AUDIO

Warner Bros. presents Gilmore Girls in Dolby English. What to be expected from a TV show on DVD. Clear, crisp, and un-stereo system worthy. 

THE EXTRAS

I am sad to say I'm actually a bit disappointed with the bonus features this time around, but here they are.

The Unaired scenes are available for selected episodes. I think they should be re-edited into the shows.

All Grown Up is a documentary with the cast about their childhood experiences, it’s as decent extras as you get.  Overview of the cast and their youth growing up.  Only thing that sparked my interest was Alexis.  Maybe because I have this minor, tiny, little, semi, micro crush on her. 

Who Wants to Fall in Love is a montage of the best "love moments" from Season 3. It’s similar to the “yelling” montage on the second season set. Mostly filler, but nice.

Our Favorite '80s features the cast and crew showing off their favorite '80s dance moves – a silly and unneeded feature.

A commentary track with Lauren and Alexis is badly needed, wanted, desired, and hopefully delivered the fourth season DVD.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While the bonus stuff is somewhat weak, don’t be discouraged. This is the best of best when it comes to Gilmore Girls. This is the season to get out of the entire series. Even newcomers can easily get into the series by viewing this season first and then go back to the beginning. You won’t be disappointed.