Alexis Bledel Finds Life After Gilmore Girls

At least even with Gilmore Girls ending, we don't have to wait too long to see Alexis Bledel again. She's playing Kate Peterson in her latest film I'm Reed Fish (which is in theaters now). She recently sat down with TV Guide magazine to talk about life after Gilmore Girls.

TVGuide.com: How do you feel about Logan (Matt Czuchry) and Rory's breakup and how the series ended in general?
Alexis Bledel: I guess it's not what people might have expected as far as their relationship goes, but it's something that happens to a lot of people when they graduate from school and go off to start their lives elsewhere. I think it's a make-or-break [time] for a lot of relationships. I felt pretty strongly that I wanted my character to finish up somewhere that we would have liked to see her finish when the whole story started, because she was so driven and academic and I wanted to return to that in some ways. She did get pretty caught up in [the] relationship — in her relationships with guys in general, not that that's a bad thing — but it seemed to end on a strong note. She made a choice that was very true to herself.

TVGuide.com: Did you feel the job she got was sudden?
Bledel: Well, they needed something. She needed to get some kind of job, and I like that she didn't get hired for something right away. I hope it's not too auspicious a job for her to get right off the bat, but I guess she did have somebody she knew who hooked her up. Hopefully that makes a little bit of sense. But yeah, they needed for her to go off into the world in some way or another. I like that it was for Barack Obama's campaign.

TVGuide.com: Do you think 13 more episodes could have resolved the story lines any better?
Bledel: It was an organic ending for Rory to graduate from college, because it all started with trying to get her into prep school and figuring out how to pay for it because she had so much potential. For it to end this way felt good to me, because I think we would have been trying to come up with things if we had done more [episodes].

TVGuide.com: And you would have entered this whole other post-college territory.
Bledel: Yeah, and the relationship between Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Luke (Scott Patterson) had been played out and needed [to be resolved] in some direction. Where it left off — kind of hopeful — I like that, too, because she has entertained all the possibilities with Rory's dad.

TVGuide.com: Yeah, it just lets fans fantasize.
Bledel: Right.

TVGuide.com: What will you miss most about playing Rory? The fast talking?
Bledel: [Laughs] No. I was certainly lucky to play a teenage character that was so academic and intelligent and unique from a lot of other characters on television, as far as teenagers go, but I'll be happy to play adults. If I don't get to play characters as unique as she is, then I'd miss that.

TVGuide.com: Is it important to you to break away from being known as Rory?
Bledel: I don't know how much it's possible to completely get away from it. I'm looking forward to playing different characters and seeing how far I can stretch, but I don't know that it's a good idea to do something just because it's different. I'm more concerned that the projects I'm involved with are strong material.

TVGuide.com: I watched I'm Reed Fish and it's really simple with this big message behind it. Why did you want to be in the film?
Bledel: It felt a little different from a lot of things I read, because it's a movie within a movie and I like the trick that happens in the middle that I don't really want to give away. The small town felt, in a way, like Stars Hollow; it's a very strong setting for a story to take place in. It's all-inclusive — it's a tiny little town and has all these unique characters.

TVGuide.com: And everybody knows everybody.
Bledel: And everybody knows everybody. That's why I liked it.

TVGuide.com: The movie-within-a-movie aspect surprised me, but it took on this whole new meaning, so it was a good twist.
Bledel: Oh, good. Yeah, that's what drew me to it.

TVGuide.com: Are you working on anything else?
Bledel: I'm hoping that a few independent projects come together, but nothing definite yet. I'm still reading stuff and seeing what else is going to come together.

Photo from TV Guide.

Newsstand Friday: People

That picture of Lindsay Lohan just breaks your heart, doesn't it? Here's what's inside the mag this week:

Cover
After a car crash and a DUI charge, hard-partying actress Lindsay Lohan checks into rehab amid growing concern among friends and family

Elizabeth Edwards opens up about fighting cancer – and her future goals

The murder of three members of the Haines family stuns a Pennsylvania town

Rosie O'Donnell quits The View after a feud with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

Sarah Jessica Parker talks about her new fashion line and life as a mom

The Oprah Winfrey Show's Lisa Ling says "I do"

Funny man Charles Nelson Reilly passes away

Tamara Delany champions the lot of big black dogs

Soap star Genie Francis recalls her battle with drugs

Big Love star Bill Paxton muses about playing a polygamist – and being a dad

With two U.S. soldiers still missing in Iraq, loved ones mourn Pvt. Joseph Anzack Jr.

Elisabeth and Andrew Shue draw from their family's life to make an indie film

HEROES AMONG US Child abuse survivor Stacy Maciuk helps others

American Idol's Jordin Sparks talks about learning to love her body

thirtysomething's Polly Draper, Mel Harris, Melanie Mayron and Patricia Wettig – now fiftysomething – reunite for girl talk

After losing three dress sizes, country singer Miranda Lambert gives tips on staying fit

Country duo Big & Rich riff on the music that shaped their lives

Danna Korn is the go-to guru for parents of children with celiac disease

Katherine Heigl hit the gym for Knocked Up

Metal bats stir controversy in youth baseball

Alexis Bledel talks about leaving TV's Gilmore Girls – and summer break

Four New Hampshire municipal workers get fired for watercooler gossip

Gilmore Girls Movie in the Works?

Yup, looks like it just may be a very distinct possiblity, and the folks at TV Guide have the scoop:

Question: If you get Amy Sherman-Palladino to spill the final four words she had in mind for Gilmore Girls, you might actually be earning your salary.—

Mike Ausiello: Bite me.

Question: So, what gives? There is no way you could still be at Fox's upfront party. Did you track down AS-P, and, if so, what were the final four words she had in mind for Gilmore Girls?— Katrina

Ausiello: OK, here's the deal: Yes, I tracked her down, but, no, she did not cough up those elusive four words. But wait — there's more. And it's good. No, amazing. No, un-frakkin'-believable. Amazing, even. Wait, did I say that already? Well, it's true. Because just as I was about to brand her a big ol' promise-breaker right there in front of all those industry types, Amy explained why she couldn't divulge her long-ago-planned Gilmore ending.

(Gilmore fanatics: This is the time in Sprockets when you either lean on a heavy object or just sit down.) In the next year or two, she hopes to make — wait for it — a two-hour Gilmore Girls TV-movie that ties up all those loose threads! I nearly fell over when she said it — especially given what she told me back in December. (BTW, lest you think Amy was pulling my leg, her partner in life and in showbiz, Dan Palladino, confirmed that a GG reunion pic is something they're interested in pursuing.)

And I wasn't the only one floored by this development. "She said what?" gasped Scott Patterson after I relayed the information to him over the phone. "I didn't think she would be interested in doing something like that. But if she says she is, I would seriously consider it."

Alexis Bledel was equally stunned. "A Gilmore Girls reunion?" she said with a laugh. "That's certainly not something I had thought of doing. That's really funny, I have no idea how I would feel in a few years. I don't know, I'm sure the script Amy would write would be great, but I guess I'd have to read it and see how I felt at the time."

Last but not least, Lauren Graham e-mailed me late last night to say, "Could be a fun idea if everyone wanted to do it. I would do it just to get the four final words out of Amy. They torture me."

Photo from TV Guide.

Lauren Graham Speaks Out on End of Gilmore Girls

As we told you last week, the CW show Gilmore Girls is coming to an end. Lauren Graham, who plays the show's Lorelai, sat down with TV Guide to give a behind-the-scenes take on the surprising decision, and what's in store in the future.

I hear you're going to have a lot more free time on your hands.
Lauren Graham: (Laughs) Yes, it would seem that way.

Are you relieved that it's over?
Graham: I feel that way, which is not without feeling mixed and thankful for the experience. But, yeah, I feel relieved.

All indications were that the show was coming back for 13 episodes. What happened?
Graham: Well, you know, there was a lot that went back and forth by the time the [13 episode thing] came out. I had sort of said to them a couple of months ago that I didn't see it coming back, and they had asked to just give them some time to figure something out that would make it work. Both Alexis and I felt tired, and also creatively like the show was in a place where we were either at the end or very close to it. We really couldn't imagine another season. I think they were trying to tempt us with 13, which was tempting, but ultimately it just wasn't going to work for them. We needed the situation to be so ideal, and I think it just wasn't meant to be. I do want to say that the studio and the network were very generous and very respectful in this whole process. We just didn't want to work the schedule we'd been working. But if we're working a lesser schedule, what is the show? The way we'd like to have done it would not have necessarily been good for the show. Right now you have me working six to seven days an episode, and Alexis doing about the same. To do anything less than that just wasn't going to be the same show. They tried to make it appealing for us, and we tried to be imaginative, but then at the end of the day it just felt like we were trying to do something impossible.

Did you and Alexis band together during negotiations?
Graham: Not in a formal way, but we certainly discussed what our hopes were. We were very open with each other. Most of our conversations were, "Can we imagine coming back."

Is it true that Alexis was the harder sell?
Graham: I don't think that's true. I did formally say at one point, "I'm not coming back." Then they thought, "Well, can we do it with just Alexis?" I don't want to speak for her, but we both went back and forth. Ultimately, neither of us wanted to do it without the other one.

Was that a real possibility?
Graham: If she was in a place where she wanted, like, her own show or her own spin-off... They were trying to think of everything. There was a time when we thought maybe I would produce and not be on the show in the same capacity. I've been at this for a long time; I feel ready to move on. But they were trying to find a way to make it work. There were a lot of scenarios. I had very open conversations with Dawn Ostroff. We tried, but they ultimately said, "You know what? This is just too complicated." And I felt so glad, because I don't think it would've been the same show for another 13. We were trying to find a way we could have a slightly easier schedule, and there was really no way to do that and still have it be Gilmore Girls.

Were you happy with the show creatively this season?
Graham: I was happy with the process. I really enjoyed [working with] the writers. I felt every year, even under Amy's leadership, that the show evolved. For the last episode, we tried to match the final shot with the first scene from the pilot, so we went back and watched the pilot — which I haven't seen for so long. And the show now is really different from that pilot, which was more dramatic at the time than your typical WB show. And I think it evolved and got more comedic over the years; every year was an evolution. This year was strange sometimes because I had a lot less to say, and that was really weird. For some people I'm sure that was great, but I would find myself in long scenes where I was not rattling on, and it was just really weird to me. And so I did sort of question, "Are we keeping this character consistent?" And they were responsive to me.

When we spoke last year you mentioned that you'd like to someday be given a producer credit, but you said there was no way Warner Bros. would allow it. Well, this year they gave you a producer credit. What changed?
Graham: I really felt strongly that I was doing the job of a producer. And in order to imagine moving forward — which I was imaging at the time — I really hoped they would recognize the different job I was doing. And eventually they very nicely did. When the creator of the show is gone, the actors end up being the people who have been there the longest. And I got more involved with where the story was headed, and felt that I was having more of an active role. I just thought it was warranted.

I heard that you requested some changes to the finale script…Graham: How do you hear these things Mike!? Where will all your moles go now that the show is over! (Laughs)

Good question! So, what changes did you ask for?
Graham: My feeling was [the episode] just felt too light to me — even as a season finale. I thought this should be an opportunity to say good-bye, or at least have some sort of acknowledgement of all these characters. I [also] wanted it to be more dramatic. And David Rosenthal was extremely responsive — moreso than he needed to be. So he went back and took another look at it, with more of an eye to, "How can we acknowledge all of these characters? Give everyone a moment." I felt it was important to go a little deeper.

Do you think Luke and Lorelai fans will be satisfied with how things end?
Graham: Yeah. You know, the other thing I felt strongly about is that this is a show that is ultimately about these girls. It started with this mother-daughter relationship, and we haven't been a show where big events happen. So I always worried that there would be some pressure to... (Laughs) My extreme example was always, "Double wedding!" I just didn't want there to be a big event. But there's definitely a direction [with Luke/Lorelai] that I think will be satisfying.

Were you surprised at how reluctant fans were to let Luke and Lorelai go when she went off and married Christopher this season?
Graham: Well, it was a tough story to follow. We got married really impulsively. I always wanted [the Luke/Lorelai/Christopher triangle] to be as complex as it could be so that there wasn't an obvious choice. It's like when you go see some romantic comedy movie and you're like, "Well, obviously she shouldn't be with that guy." They make it too easy. I just sort of wanted them to write Christopher in a way that made it a real love triangle. But everything happened so fast. The Luke and Lorelai story is where the show started. That should be the thing they're rooting for, because that's what the show set up. That makes complete sense.

Conspiracy theorists maintain that you pushed for a Lorelai/Christopher romance because of your prickly relationship with Scott Patterson.
Graham: You're the conspiracy theorist! (Laughs) I finally figured it out!

No, I'm not! You wouldn't believe how many questions I get about this. Is it much ado about nothing?
Graham: Yes, it was overblown. I mean, I am closer, personally, to David [Sutcliffe]. And we've gone to dinner together. I always thought that maybe people thought I was trying to give him some sort of advantage because we're friends. But that's not it. Like I said, when a show is continuing for so long, I didn't want there to be an obvious choice, because then the show is over; there's nowhere to go. So I always argued for other [romantic complications] because I thought it made the story better. But I always felt that it would cheat the fans to not have the [Luke and Lorelai] relationship be important in the whole of the show.

How would you characterize your working relationship with Scott over the years?
Graham: Totally great. It's a working relationship, like most of them are. But he was so great in that part. I really loved my scenes with him and the chemistry we had. Our banter was among the most fun stuff to do.

Is it bittersweet ending without Amy?
Graham: Yeah. What I hoped — and this is not to take away from David Rosenthal, who I had a really nice year with — was that she would write the finale. But that's not the way she works. She's either there 100 percent [or not at all]. She couldn't just come in and pick up another story that she didn't lay the groundwork for and finish it. I wish she had been more involved this year, because I was playing a piece of her that is so specifically her. I missed her writing.

Have you spoken to her since the announcement was made?
Graham: We e-mailed and we're supposed to have a drink this week.

Are you going to try and get her to divulge the final four words she had planned to end the series with?
Graham: Oh, right — I forgot about that. I think she would've given it up to me had we known this was the end. That was the other weird thing about ending the show like this. When we finished [shooting], there was a 50/50 chance we'd be returning. So when we left the wrap party, we were like, "Bye! See ya next season!" Had we known [this was it], I think she would've given it up and we would've worked it in.

Favorite memories?
Graham: Oh, gosh. There was a real kind of high — that's the only way I can describe it — when we'd get these big athletic speeches and then nail it after 35 takes. (Laughs) And that is a feeling that I really haven't had with another part. To do that language all systems have to be go; you have to really have a lot of concentration. And that feeling was really exhilarating. I'll miss that experience as an actor. And there was a specific sense of humor and music to the way [Amy] would write these speeches that I'll really miss. And these are people that I loved, whether I see them every day or not. Alexis and I fell over laughing many, many times — partially out of exhaustion. (Laughs) We really bonded in a very unique way. And I'll miss the feeling of [being around] a crew, all of whom I know and feel really at home with and really supported by. That was not an easy show to do and that crew was really great.

Favorite episode?
Graham: Oh my God. I literally can't even remember the last one.

Maybe a scene that stood out?
Graham: There really were so many. The dinner tables, while a drag to shoot because it takes forever getting all the angles, were really, really fun.

So, when's the Gilmore Girls reunion?
Graham: (Laughs) We're totally doing the Gilmore Girls movie. I'm never, ever going to do anything else. There's Gilmore Girls: The Musical. The line of clothing called Lorelai. And the perfume called Stars Hollow... No, you know, I'm promoting Evan Almighty, which comes out in June. And I have been reading a lot. And sleeping. (Laughs) But I'm auditioning for things, and I'm going to try and do another movie soon.

Would you do another TV series?
Graham: I would do another TV series, but not right away. I love TV. I think I'd do a half-hour single camera comedy. But I'm going to really just enjoy this time and make sure I'm ready to do something new. If I had the best thing in front of me right now I don't know that I'd be able to be excited about it, 'cause I think [you have to make room] to let the other thing pass. So, yeah, I'd love to take a year and see what else I can do.

Anything you'd like to say to the fans?
Graham: Just that I've been truly thankful for their support and for their fanaticism (Laughs) and their investment in these characters through all the ups and downs of a seven-year process. I can't tell you what a kick I get out of [hearing from the fans], especially the younger people over the years who have grown up with the show and have [developed] a bond with a family member from a different generation while watching it together. I hope when I'm 55 and I've been out of a job for a long time and those girls are running the studios that they remember Lorelai Gilmore.

Photo from TV Guide.

Gilmore Girls Canceled

OK, this totally sucks. I love this show. What am I going to do without my Luke, Lorelai, Rory, Logan and Lane fix? In recent months, there have been a lot of talk that Lauren Graham (Lorelai) wouldn't return to the show without Alexis Bledel (Rory) and there were hang-ups on salary and additional responsibilties, so I guess it's not a huge surprise, but you always hope they'll work it out.

CW and Warner Bros. TV have decided to wrap production on the dramedy, now in its seventh season, and will air its final episode on May 15.

Per Variety, "Money was a key factor in the decision, with the parties involved not able to reach a deal on salaries for the main cast members. Other issues, such as number of episodes and production dates, may have also played a role. In addition, CW execs may have been influenced by early internal reaction to their fall pilots. That the net is willing to move on without a key, albeit modestly rated, player indicates that the CW may like the state of its drama development."

"It was such a hard decision," said CW prexy Dawn Ostroff. "Everyone came to the point where we decided it was just time to move on. But I think everybody is walking away with good feelings. We all tried to make it work."

The CW and WBTV released a joint statement yesterday about the demise of the show. "This series helped define a network and created a fantastic, storybook world featuring some of television's most memorable, lovable characters," the statement said. "(We) promise to give this series the sendoff it deserves."

Photo from Variety.