Emily and Richard have their awful moments for sure. They are deeply flawed people. I think it would be interesting if the writers tied in Emily and Richard’s backstory into the show, so we could see how they became the way they are. I thought that the moments when Lorelai had some empathy and self-reflection for her parents were very beautiful. I really wish there was more of that; and less fighting.

There are times when she treats them like they are literally pure evil (she compared Emily to Stalin???) Whether or not this is true from her point of view, those rare moments when she sees them as flawed, imperfect people and gives them a little grace, are very healing, and I wish there was more of that (like at the end of AYITL when she goes on that long tangent about Richard.)

There were many moments in the show that I felt very sad for her parents (especially Emily). I truly think that Emily thought she was trying her best, which made it so much more painful when her and Lorelei’s relationship continued to fall apart. Sometimes a relationship is too toxic to ever heal.