'Gilmore Girls' Plot Holes Guide: Inconsistencies & Clumsy Writing

Have you begun your yearly autumn rewatch of Gilmore Girls yet? The beloved 2000s series is a fall staple, with its nostalgic and cozy vibes which made all of us everywhere want to find a Stars Hallow of our own. That being said, while the show is perfect in its own way, the writing sometimes was … not.

That’s right, today we’re going through all of the plot holes and inconsistencies of Gilmore Girls. So, grab a cup of Luke’s coffee, put on your comfy sweaters and get ready to read some flubbed writing that may or may not have gone right over your head.

First, remember when Kirk was introduced as a character named Mick? That’s right, Sean Gunn, who we all love as Kirk Gleason, first appeared as Mick in Season 1, Episode 2. Mick was a DSL installer hired by Emily Gilmore (Kelly Bishop) to set up internet for Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham). He even popped up again in the next episode delivering swans to the Independence Inn, though he didn’t have a name there.

By Episode 5, Sean was reintroduced as Kirk, the quirky Stars Hollow local working at Doose’s Market. Kirk quickly became a fan favorite, known for his many odd jobs and his massive family.

So, were Mick and Kirk meant to be the same person, or was it just Sean playing different roles? Sean himself is unsure, telling A.S. Berman in the 2010 Gilmore Girls Companion book, “Your guess is as good as mine. I think they’re the same character.”

Sean almost skipped the Mick audition because of low pay, but casting director Mara Casey convinced him to take a look at the script. “I was like, ‘Let me see the scene. If I think it’s funny, I’ll do it,’” he said. And he did, thinking he was done with the show.

However, creator Amy Sherman-Palladino couldn’t stop thinking about Sean for the new role of the swan delivery guy. Jami Rudofsky suggested following Amy’s dad’s tradition from Gimme a Break and having Sean play a new character each week.

And that’s how Kirk came to be, turning into the beloved character we all know and adore!

That’s definitely not the only plot hole in the show, either (as I’m sure Gilmore Girls fans know). Scroll through our gallery below to uncover all of the fun Gilmore Girls tidbits and plot holes and inconsistencies.

Love J-14? Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for fun, exclusive videos with your favorite stars.

Lorelai the First

Lorelai’s grandmother and Emily’s mother-in-law, named Lorelai “Trix” Gilmore, is first referenced in episode 3 of the series, “Kill Me Now,” in which Emily and Richard both make it appear she is no longer living (“Lorelai the First WAS my mother.”)

However, she shows up in the second season and makes several other appearances up until season 4 — when her character dies from a heart attack.

Lane and Dave’s ‘Secret’ Romance

When Lane and Dave first started dating in season 3, they decided to keep it a secret from Zack and Brian — even going so far as concocting a bunch of elaborate lies and schemes to hide their relationship.

But then, out of nowhere, Zack and Brian found out, and the whole thing was just brushed off without a word.

The Major Mayor Issues

In season 5, Jackson Belleville (played by Jackson Douglas) becomes the town mayor for what seemed like just two rough weeks before Taylor (Michael Winters) took over again. Considering how much fuss was made about Jackson’s brief tenure and the election, it’s strange that his time as mayor ended so abruptly with no explanation.

Another mayor-related issue is that in Season 1, Harry Porter (David Huddleston) was the town mayor, but as the season went on, Taylor started running town meetings and was referred to as the mayor instead. It’s unclear whether there was an election we didn’t see or if Harry retired, but it seems like Taylor has a knack for quietly taking the mayor’s position when no one’s paying attention.

Sniffy’s Tavern

On Luke and Lorelai’s first date, Luke takes her to Sniffy’s Tavern, a place owned by Maisie and Buddy, whom Luke describes as family since he’s known them his whole life. However, after this date, Maisie and Buddy never appear again or even get mentioned. Given that Luke supposedly visits them a few times a week, it’s odd that Sniffy’s Tavern doesn’t become a regular spot for him and Lorelai.

Actors Who Played the Same Characters

In Gilmore Girls, several actors played dual roles:

– Sherilyn Fenn appeared as both Anna Nardini, Luke’s girlfriend, and Sasha, Jimmy’s girlfriend.

– Alex Borstein took on two characters: Drella, the harpist at the Independence Inn, and Miss Celine, the music teacher.

– Marion Ross played both Trix, Lorelai’s mother and Cousin Marilyn. This was one of the more noticeable dual roles, likely done to highlight the family resemblance between the characters.

– Samantha Shelton portrayed both the tipsy debutante girl and one of the bridesmaids at Honor’s wedding.

No Way‘Gilmore Girls’ Plot Holes, Galore! All of the Inconsistencies from the Beloved 2000s TV Show

Lorelai the First

Lane and Dave’s ‘Secret’ Romance

The Major Mayor Issues

Sniffy’s Tavern

Rory Is 16… and 16 Again

Actors Who Played the Same Characters