Gilmore Girlsseason 1 includes a devastating scene that makes Emily’s storyline inA Year in the Lifeeven harder to watch. When viewers rewatch shows, their perception of events often changes because they know the ending.Gilmore Girlsis no exception to this rule, with theoriginal show setting upA Year in the Lifemomentsall the way back in season 1.
A prime example (and one of thebest comfort episodes ofGilmore Girls) is season 1, episode 10, “Forgiveness and Stuff.” In addition to displaying bittersweet truths about the complicated nature of family,the emotional scenes in “Forgiveness and Stuff” hint at later events. One difficult-to-watch scene between Emily and Richard hits even harder as it predicts a painful part of Emily’s storyline inA Year in the Life.
Emily Makes Richard Promise She Can Go First After A Heart Problem
Richard Gilmore Dies Of A Heart Attack Before A Year In The Life
One of the mostheartwrenching moments inGilmore Girlsoccurs in season 1, episode 10, “Forgiveness and Stuff.” Richard comes out of surgery and tries to walk Emily through information on their stocks, insurance, and will in case he dies. However, she starts rambling about pillows and sheets, refusing to engage with his statements. When he presses the conversation, she gives this emotional statement:
“No. Richard Gilmore, there may be many things happening in this hospital tonight, but your dying is not one of them. No, I did not sign on to your dying, and it is not going to happen. Not tonight. Not for a very long time. In fact, I demand to go first. Do I make myself clear?”
Richard agrees that she can go first, but that doesn’t ultimately end up happening.Richard dies before Emily shortly beforeA Year in the Life, and she has to figure out how to handle life without her husband. The salt in the wound is the fact that he dies of a heart attack. While Richard technically only has angina in Gilmore Girls season 1, the death related to the heart must have been painful déjà vu for Emily.
A Year in the Lifeonly killed Richard Gilmore because Edward Hermann tragically passed away on July 27, 2025.
Lorelai Supports Emily In “Forgiveness And Stuff” But Not The Revival
The Lack Of Support Likely Made Emily’s Grieving More Difficult
Lorelai’s reaction in previous scenarios compared to her behavior after the funeral also makes Emily’sA Year in the Lifestoryline more painful. Richard had major issues with his heart in “Forgiveness and Stuff” and “I’d Rather Be in Philadelphia,” requiring surgery. During both these situations, Lorelai supports her mother as best as she can.
Emily not only has to contend with the fact that Richard died first of a heart problem, but the grieving process drove a wedge between her and her support system.
In “Forgiveness and Stuff,” she stays at the hospital “in case anyone needs anything,” which is her indirect way of saying she wants to take care of Emily. In “I’d Rather Be in Philadelphia,” Lorelai stays with Emily at the hospital, albeit reluctantly, to support her mother. They get into a fight because they’re coping in vastly different ways, but Lorelai ends up getting Emily tissues and milk duds, and she sits with her mother despite their conflict.
Gilmore Girls' 12 Best Emily & Lorelai Moments
Although the mother and daughter have a contentious relationship, Emily and Lorelai Gilmore have some fantastic moments of bonding in Gilmore Girls.
Unfortunately, after the funeral, Lorelai doesn’t show Emily the same compassion and support that she offered in the past. Her story about Richard inA Year in the Lifecan be chalked up to people grieving differently, Lorelai having a complicated relationship with her father, and her being drunk. She doesn’t mean to hurt her mother. Still, the lack of support from Lorelai makes Emily’s situation even more tragic. Emily not only has to contend with the fact that Richard died first of a heart problem, but the grieving process drove a wedge between her and her support system.
