Ted Rooney

During a wild bachelorette party hosted by Sookie, Lorelai makes an impulsive telephone call to Rory's father, Christopher (recurring guest star DAVID SUTCLIFFE), and sadly realizes that Max is not the man for her. SALLY STRUTHERS ("All in the Family") guest stars.

While Rory struggles to keep the budding rivalry between Dean and Jess under control, Lorelai invites most of the citizens of Stars Hollow to an elaborate feast, complete with Elizabethan costumes and horse-drawn sleigh rides. During the event, Richard stuns Emily by revealing that he has retired.

Hal and the boys slash the prices of their Christmas trees to outsell a nearby church; when business booms, the guys are threatened by two priests from the competing lot.

Lorelai oversleeps and accompanies her daughter to prep school wearing cut-off jeans and cowboy boots; Rory antagonizes Chilton's top student.

Rory and her grandfather enjoy a glorious day of golf, making Lorelai feel left out; the inn hosts a double wedding with two sets of identical twins.

Lorelai forgets to tell Rory that she has a date with Rory's teacher Max. Rory has a new crush.