Brian Tarantina

The team investigates a bus full of dead commuters who appear to be fossilized, and uncover a man who has visions of pattern-related disturbances before they happen; Dr. Bishop requests a piano in the lab to help him process data.

Bobby 'Bacala' Baccilieri Sr. comes out of retirement to deal with a young hothead named Mustang Sally--much to the chagrin of his son and Uncle Junior.

Lorelai and Sookie have the first fight of their long friendship when, upon hearing that the Independence Inn may be sold, Lorelai panics and decides that their shared dream of opening an inn together is doomed to fail.

While Rory struggles to keep the budding rivalry between Dean and Jess under control, Lorelai invites most of the citizens of Stars Hollow to an elaborate feast, complete with Elizabethan costumes and horse-drawn sleigh rides. During the event, Richard stuns Emily by revealing that he has retired.

Lorelai accepts Max's wedding proposal; Richard's disapproval of Dean leads to a fight between Rory and her grandfather.

Lorelai is angry when Rory tells Emily about their home's termite damage and Emily offers a repair loan.