Teal Redmann

Still struggling to catch up at Chilton, Rory receives the first `D' of her life on an English assignment and is so humiliated that she plunges into obsessive studying.

Emily throws Rory an elegant birthday party and invites Chilton students, but Rory is embarrassed that the kids she doesn't get along with have been forced to come to the party by their own wealthy parents.

Rory asks Dean to accompany her to a formal dance at Chilton, but the lovely evening is spoiled when they fall asleep together after the dance.

Rory kisses Tristin at a party after fighting with Dean, and Lorelai impulsively shows up at Max's house for a night of lovemaking.

Dean tells Rory that he loves her; Lorelai suffers through dinner with her parents and a blind date; Luke's old flame returns to Stars Hollow.

Rory is shocked to discover that Emily has redecorated her dorm room without permission; Richard announces that he is taking on a new business partner (Chris Eigeman).