Gilmore Girls: Why Lane's Storyline Missed Potential

Did Gilmore Girls truly explore all the potential storylines for its beloved characters? While the series focused on the Gilmore family's relationships, the storyline involving Lane Kim and Henry Cho presented a unique opportunity for character development that was ultimately missed.

Lane Kim, Rory's lifelong best friend, often had storylines that left viewers wanting more. While discussions often revolve around Lane's ending, her earlier, brief relationship with Henry Cho offered an avenue to explore her identity and her complex relationship with her mother, Mrs. Kim.

In Season 1, Lane met Henry at a Chilton party. He seemingly embodied everything Mrs. Kim wanted for her daughter: Korean, religious, and aspiring to be a doctor. Despite this, Lane concealed the relationship, fearing her mother's approval would somehow taint it. This led to a clandestine "relationship" consisting of phone calls where Lane used Rory's name to avoid detection.

The Potential of Henry Cho in Lane's Character Development

Lane's decision to sabotage her relationship with Henry because he aligned with her mother's ideals a missed opportunity. Allowing them to date openly, with Mrs. Kim's blessing, could have led to a fascinating exploration of Lane's identity and her connection with her mother. How could this have changed Lane's trajectory?

Unlike Lane's other boyfriends, who shared her passion for music, Henry connected with a part of Lane's life heavily influenced by Mrs. Kim. This represents the well-behaved, church-going persona she presented to her mother. Henry's ability to navigate both Lane's interests and Mrs. Kim's expectations could have shown Lane that she could embrace her own life without completely rejecting her mother's values.

Henry represented a balance that Lane craved. He could attend parties and socialize without deceiving his parents, yet still met Mrs. Kim's stringent criteria. This could have been a crucial step in Lane's self-discovery, potentially leading to a more satisfying and less jarring ending for her character in Gilmore Girls.

Instead, her relationships with Dave and Zach often revolved around the same obstacle: gaining Mrs. Kim's approval. Henry offered a chance for a unique storyline, similar to how Lorelai dated men her parents adored and those they disapproved of, and how Rory navigated relationships with boys from different worlds.

How Henry Could Have Changed Lane's Perspective on Mrs. Kim

As Lane became a mother in Gilmore Girls, the series briefly touched upon her newfound respect for her mother. A relationship with Henry could have explored this theme earlier. Instead of assuming her mother's approval would make Henry undesirable, Lane could have learned to understand the motivations behind Mrs. Kim's strict plans for her future.

While Mrs. Kim's controlling nature was evident, it stemmed from love. Exploring a scenario where their desires aligned, even temporarily, could have revealed a deeper understanding between mother and daughter. Could this have provided more insight into their complex dynamic?

Even if Lane and Henry weren't destined to be together, bringing him back later in the show could have provided valuable growth for Lane. While Dave is often considered Lane's best boyfriend, Henry offered a unique dynamic that deserved further exploration. The show could have reintroduced Henry or a similar character, much like Logan and Tristan in Rory's life, to challenge Lane's perspective.

Initially, Lane's relationship with Henry the conflict between her and Mrs. Kim. Later, after Lane rebelled and then yearned for her mother's approval, a renewed relationship with Henry could have allowed Lane to explore her mother's way of life without sacrificing her own identity. This growth would have enabled her to make more informed decisions about her future, free from both rebellion and conformity.

While they may not have ended up together, revisiting Lane's relationship with Henry would have enriched Gilmore Girls by developing Lane's character, her relationship with her mother, and her understanding of the expectations placed upon her. This storyline presented a missed opportunity to add depth and complexity to a beloved character.