Disclaimer: The views below solely reflect the opinions of the author based on personal interpretations of Gilmore Girls characters.
Michel Gerard, that snarky and fabulously dressed concierge on Gilmore Girls, was a character full of unrealized potential. Fans of the show have argued long over whether he got the treatment he deserved. Many, like me, believe the answer is a resounding no!
While Michel’s biting humor and impeccable work ethic made him a standout in Stars Hollow, his arc often felt limited, reduced to a punchline or a backdrop in Lorelai’s chaotic life. Only in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life do we learn to see Michel in a new light, with horizons beyond those of the Dragonfly Inn.
Refreshing as these glimpses into his private life were, they came too little and too late. In the original seven-year course of the series, Michel was rarely treated to the depth or dignity accorded other secondary characters.
Yes, he can be a diva, but as Lorelai herself admitted,
“We are addicted to you!”
This was tragically never translated into narrative justice for Michel.
Michel Gerard was comically overlooked on Gilmore Girls
One of the most multidimensional characters in Gilmore Girls, Michel (Yanic Truesdale) graduated from the École Hôtelière de Genève. He adds some European sophistication and biting sarcasm to the laid-back town of Stars Hollow.
Yet, his high standards and perfectionism were often played off as quirks to mock rather than aspects of a deeply committed professional, or even someone with anachronistic tendencies. His odd charm paralleled that of Paris Geller, another fan favorite, who received far more character development.
Michel rarely received support or empathy in situations such as when he had feared Tobin might take his place or was insecure about having a cakey bond with Lorelai. They bully him so much, and it makes many of us sad. Michel deserved the sort of storyline where his fears, ambitions, etc. were better treated.
Michel was treated quite horribly in the original Gilmore Girls series
While Michel's sarcasm often provokes plenty of laughter in the show, it also obscures his contribution. As a concierge of both the Independence Inn and later at the Dragonfly Inn, Michel proved himself to be an important part of these businesses, yet he was often not appreciated by others.
For instance, his commitment was ignored when Lorelai overlooked his justifiable complaints or was unconcerned about his efforts to achieve good things. How dare he have a tough time sharing his pink post-it notes but Rory can think of having a tree at the Yale campus all to herself? Make it make sense.
In Gilmore Girls Season 7, Michel grieves the death of his dog, Chin Chin, and instead of trying to console him, it is played off as an awkward comedy beat. His dog's wake would have leftovers, Sookie called him names for requiring this much and even sharing his bereavement despite his tough demeanor, was heartbreaking to watch.
Compared to the mushy, touching moments the series lavishes upon other characters in their struggles, it is evident that Michel was not nearly given the same narrative largesse. Had Lorelai been remotely near experiencing a loss, Sookie would have sent cookies. Not too sweet after all, huh, Sookie?
Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life gave Michel a real story at long last
The Gilmore Girls revival was a bittersweet redemption for Michel. Seeing him with his husband, committed to each other, and now considering having a child only changed things. It gave dimension to a character who had been reduced to the role of comedic relief for so long.
However, it did remind us how much of his life was left unexplored within the original series. Why was Michel's life something not to be shown until 2016? Even if he were experimenting like Shawn Mendes, he could've had something, right? Plus, why was he so cutely jealous of Tobin, hmm? Much to unpack there!
Gilmore Girls fans have been speculating about Michel's history for years. Why did he leave Paris for Stars Hollow? What pushed him to continue living in such an intimate community, given his big-city tastes? These questions remain unresolved, leading to an uncomfortable gap in his maturation.
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Gilmore Girls is now on Netflix for those who'd like to retrace Michel's adventure.
Next: These 5 actors had double roles on GG, how many did you notice?
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