There was no dearth of interesting characters in ‘Gilmore Girls.’ Sure, the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory made up the heart of the show, but other Stars Hollow residents added much-needed colors and adventures to the cozy town. While the Gilmore duo were best friends, they each had their own confidants too. Lorelai relied on Sookie, and Rory’s childhood BFF was Lane Kim.
The show might’ve lost its way, as the popular belief remains about Rory’s entitlement and lost potential, but we think Lane deserved a better fate. After all, she had an amazing journey from a strict Korean upbringing to being her own woman.
Lane Kim’s “Secret Life” On ‘Gilmore Girls’
Lane Kim’s story probably resonated with most Asian kids who grow up in a strict household, with helicopter parents controlling their every move. Mrs. Kim wanted her daughter to do everything by the book – study hard, believe in God, be virtuous, and basically be the quintessential good girl with Korean values. But, Lane was torn between wanting to live her life and keeping her mother happy.
As a teenager in America, Lane enjoyed rock and roll music, wanted to dye her hair even if for a little while, go to concerts and sneak around, have a boyfriend of her choosing, and so much more. She managed all this with Rory by her side. Be it hiding CDs in her floorboards or changing her clothes once she reached school, Lane certainly mastered a double life alongside the art of playing drums.
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So, while Lorelai and Rory had an understanding and deep friendship, Lane’s relationship with her mother was in sharp contrast. It was one of fear and respect, and the urge to go to any lengths to avoid conflicts. But Lane was determined yet courteous. When her “secret life” wasn’t a secret anymore, Mrs. Kim kicked her out and Lane took refuge in Rory’s dorm.
In return, Lane always showed up for Rory and understood her life even if their worlds were far apart. Lane was the support that kept the young Gilmore going until she got too caught up in her own path to care about her. Rory always had many people attending to her every need and emotion but Lane was mostly on her own as the show went on. She shouldn’t have been relegated to Rory’s sidekick, but an independent woman who pursued everything she ever dreamt of.
Lane’s Disappointing Love Life And Doomed Career
Lane and Rory were a unit, but of course, boys awaited. When Rory started dating Dean, Lane too found Dave Rygalski – a sweet, kind boy who shared her interests and was ready to take the help of the Bible to convince Mrs. Kim to let them be together. It seemed they belonged together. But, he left.
Next up, Lane’s boyfriend drama featured Zack Van Gerbig. He was bratty and in the best of circumstances, should’ve been a passing high-school fling. But, ‘Gilmore Girls‘ mashed them together for too long, which included marriage and kids. Yeah, virginity was a big deal for Lane and her first sexual experience after marriage was horrible. She had been anxious and excited, but once the deed was done, she just felt disappointed. But wait… there’s another storm brewing – she gets pregnant with twins as a result of that one night.
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Lane’s rebellious behavior came to a full head when despite Mrs. Kim supporting her musical aspirations, she couldn’t make peace with her mother. In fact, Lane’s dreams took a backseat once she gave herself to Zack’s whims. This is the same girl who went to band practice come hell or high water. Quite unbelievable!
Lane Kim Deserved Better Than A Tragic Arc
Lane Kim could’ve been a role model for so many young girls caught between traditions and trends, especially when they grow up in a country that’s not their own, or with parents who are too scared or set in their ways to let them be their authentic selves.
After Lane fought so hard to break free and chase her passion, all was snatched away by a half-hearted marriage and unwanted motherhood. She didn’t deserve to be tied down with a domestic life so soon.
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Netflix’s ‘Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life‘ revealed Lane is doing well. She doesn’t have anything extravagant; but her life with Zack, their kids, and some band gigs make up her days. She is content in her own way, but she lost so much potential.
On one hand, Rory had everything – from money to an entire support system. If not her mother, she could crash at her grandparents’s house. She dropped out of Yale, slept with her married ex, and made so many questionable choices. On the other hand, Lane made the best of her circumstances and maybe the writers should’ve gifted her a bit of a good fortune.
Lane, for her ethnicity and representation, was a rarity on television those days. She could’ve been a great image of empowerment, but her treatment in the end leaves too much to be desired.
