Ethan Cohn

Rory goes on her first date since ending her relationship with Jess and finds that college dating is not going to be easy.

When Emily plans an elaborate launch party for Richard's new company, she hires Lorelai and Sookie to cater the affair, but insists they prove that they are worthy of her trust.

Luke hires Lane to help out at the diner, Rory isn't happy Paris is dating her new teacher, and Lorelai and Jason decide to keep their relationship from her parents.

Rory is shocked to discover that Emily has redecorated her dorm room without permission; Richard announces that he is taking on a new business partner (Chris Eigeman).

Lorelai and Sookie are thrilled when author Norman Mailer and a young reporter, Josh Davies, show up repeatedly in the dining room of the Dragonfly Inn.

The sudden loss of his mother undoes Richard; Emily finds an old letter to her husband from her mother-in-law; Lorelai takes over the funeral arrangements.