Okay, the title may be a bit of a stumper at first, but it boils down to the fact that despite all the glorious knitting that was going on in last night's episode, 'Gilmore Girls' has jumped the shark. Actually, it did this a while ago (imho), but others disagree.

But I digress. This is not what I came here to talk about. (Obviously I still watch the show in the dear hope that the writers find their sweet spot again. They haven't.) Last night's episode featured knitting. A LOT of knitting! And that's what I'm gonna blather on about...

In this episode, Knit, People, Knit, the town is hosting a knit-a-thon to save the Old Muddy River Bridge. (whatever) Despite the plot lines and sinkholes going on in the show, I was eager to see my beloved hobby shown in popular TV culture. (I was cringing a bit, too, as this typically doesn't go well or becomes a punch line.)

And I whole heartedly admit that one becomes a critic when the subjects they know are held up in the TV's eerie glow. Especially me. That being said, I did like all the knitting and knitters and yarn shown. It was like candy for the eyes, and I frequently paused the show for a better look.

And really, this must've been impressive: teaching a large cast to knit and supplying their wardrobes with tons of "hand knit" items. And it WAS impressive. Everyone in the town square was garbed in knit hats, scarves, mittens and fingerless gloves, sweaters, wraps, and all sorts of items. (Perhaps a little over the top, since none of these items or any signs of knitting has ever shown its lovely face on previous episodes.)

I'm sad to say that I couldn't find a screencap of my favorite knit item, which was a neck wrap/scarf worn by a unknown man (one line). But I did like Kirk's scarf and hat and Miss Patty's wrap. Taylor Doose looked even more like a buffoon in his over-the-top, unflattering blue... crap (for lack of a better term). There were some missing characters, Lane and Mrs. Kim, which seemed odd. But really a fantastic turn out for any town. (There was an awesome banner and props!)

Some things caught my eye, though. Like the fact that everyone was using straight needles. Okay, okay. I realize that straight needles are the most recognizable knitting icon to the general public. But really - no circs, no dpns? Huh. Also, everyone was knitting the American or Thrown method. And although it looked like most of the actors learned from their lessons and were believable knitters, a few (Sookie) failed miserably.

As a knitter myself, I was desperately trying to figure out what yarns were being used. In a battle of logic and reality versus sitcom actuality, TV won out and there were no labels on any of the yarn. But there was a nice scene where Lorelai was using a swift (although to untangle a ball of yarn - which she'll have to hand wind later, hmmm...) and wearing a darling "Knit or Go Home" t-shirt.

As for the storyline, meh... I still watch the show for any last dregs of witty conversation or humor and a hope that they can recover. But those sharks are ruthless and mean, just not quick enough to put everyone out of their misery.

All screencaps copied from the GilmoreGirls.org site.

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