Kathryn White

After the brawl between Jess and Dean, Lane is in a lot of trouble with her conservative mother, and Luke is furious at Jess. But ironically, Lorelai is proud of Rory for causing such passion in two guys. Later, a mysterious coffee shop patron observes Jess at work and accidentally leaves his wallet behind. Upon finding it, Luke is amazed to discover that the man is Jess' estranged father, Jimmy Mariano (recurring guest star ROB ESTES - "Melrose Place," "Providence"), from California. Jimmy's arrival causes Jess to ponder a major decision. Meanwhile, Lorelai's relationship with her mother gets worse. Dean amazes Rory with a life-altering announcement. And Lorelai and Sookie guiltily try to capitalize on the death of a beloved bakery owner whose building they desperately want to convert into their own inn.

A personal secret of Dr. Cox is revealed during hospital visitations by a cocky MD (Jay Mohr), who establishes a rapport with J.D.

Drew, Mimi and Oswald are forced into duty on the sales floor when the department store employees go on strike at the height of the holiday shopping season.

Mark plans to give a recent windfall to a boys' club. But first he must deal with some con artists.