This Year’s Super Bowl Ads Are Taking a Gillette-Style Gender 180

While the Super Bowl is ostensibly about football, most of us tune in for the overall spectacle of the event and not just to see who wins the game. But beyond the epic singing of the National Anthem, the Super Bowl Halftime Show, and, well, the actual football, there are the commercials: multi-million dollar spectacles in and of themselves that people wait all year to see.

Ads aired during the Super Bowl have historically targeted an audience of (it would seem) chest-thumping brosephs, featuring scantily clad or otherwise thinly caricatured women hawking everything from burgers to sports cars. But this year’s ads are breaking new ground. With women accounting for 47 percent of last Super Bowl’s roughly 103.4 million viewers, advertisers are stepping up their commercial game, marking what AdAge calls a “Year of the Woman” in Super Bowl advertising. 

Although there’s a ways to go before we see true gender parity in the cultural extravaganza that is the Super Bowl, this year’s crop of commercials not only feature more women in leading roles, but also offer decidedly different messaging about gender than we’ve seen in the past. According to AdAge, more women were hired to work on these ads behind the camera, too.

Women have starring or feature roles in seven of the 25 full Super Bowl commercials that have been released as of press time. Yes, that means that male-dominated ads still more than double those with leading ladies, but it suggests a marked improvement. Last year’s game included only 13 women-led ads, compared to around 50 that focused on men. In 2017, that ratio was 23 to 61.

Leading the charge this year is an ad starring GOAT Serena Williams for the women-driven dating app Bumble (she is the app’s global ambassador). The ad was produced by a team of predominantly women.

“As you know in the advertising world the number of female creatives is far less than the number of males, especially when it comes to Super Bowl ads,” Laura Hutfless, partner at FlyteVu Agency, the creators of the Bumble ad, told AdAge. “So if we were going to create a Super Bowl ad targeting women, we needed to have women writing the script — women understand women, so it made natural sense to us, that this ad needed to be created predominantly by women.”

And while we’re used to seeing male-dominated advertising during the football game, Proctor & Gamble’s Olay brand is making its Super Bowl debut during this year’s game. The commercial, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, is called “Killer Skin” — a nod to the actress’ former days as a scream queen in the I Know What You Did Last Summer franchise.

The ad doesn’t just speak directly to women; it also plays into the traditional comedy-driven ads we’ve seen in years past. “All you ever want to do in your life as an actor is have these moments that people remember,” Gellar said of her decision to do the commercial. “When I read this, I thought, ‘Oh, my god, this is going to be the kind of commercial that people remember and talk about the next day.’”

(Photo via Olay)

It's finally tailgate season! We're ready for don our team colors and crack open our favorite soda, and we've got three easy buffalo chicken appetizers that will win over any football fan. (Trust us, we got the seal of approval from three Seahawks fans, one Broncos fans, and a whole lotta 49ers fans in-house.) Let's get cooking!

The secret to a quick and easy Super Bowl spread? A rotisserie chicken and a bottle of Frank’s RedHot Wing Sauce.

Brit + Co

Easy Buffalo Chicken Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.

Super simple, right? Now let's make some Super Bowl appetizers!

We’re taking it back old school (aka 2012) with this one. You’ll be turning out a dozen petite pizza pies in no time, and your friends will thank you.

Brit + Co

Buffalo Chicken Pizza Ingredients:

– 14 ounce package store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature

– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce

– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Brit + Co

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a muffin pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.

2. Using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough out into a thin layer. Using either a round cookie cutter or a round glass, cut out circles of dough. Press the dough into the muffin cups.

3. Put a handful of grated cheddar in each muffin tin. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded buffalo chicken and more cheddar cheese.

4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a muffin pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix. Using a rolling pin, roll the pizza dough out into a thin layer.

Brit + Co

Using either a round cookie cutter or a round glass, cut out circles of dough. Press the dough into the muffin cups.

Brit + Co

Now it’s time to assemble these pizzas! Put a handful of grated cheddar in each muffin tin. Top with 1-2 tablespoons of shredded buffalo chicken and more cheddar cheese.

Brit + Co

Bake for 20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Brit + Co

Best. Snack. Ever.

Who doesn’t love taquitos? No one. The answer is no one.

Brit + Co

Buffalo Chicken Taquito Ingredients:

– 8 flour tortillas, soft taco size

– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce

– 1 cup monterey jack cheese, grated

– olive oil

Brit + Co

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 4oo degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.

2. Put 1-2 tablespoons of shredded chicken on each tortilla. Top with a handful of monterey jack cheese. Roll 'em up!

3. Place taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet. Brush each taquito with olive oil.

4. Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cut in half. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 4oo degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix. Put 1-2 tablespoons of shredded chicken on each tortilla. Top with a handful of monterey jack cheese. Roll 'em up!

Brit + Co

Place taquitos seam side down on a baking sheet. Brush each taquito with olive oil.

Brit + Co

Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Brit + Co

Cut your taquitos in half, and serve them up with some ranch dressing and hot sauce.

Go mini for the big game with sliders! Oh, and pretzel buns? So. Freaking. Good.

Brit + Co

Buffalo Chicken Slider Ingredients:

– Mini pretzel buns

– 1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

– 1/2 cup Frank's RedHot Wing Sauce

– 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled

– ranch dressing

– lettuce

– tomatoes

Brit + Co

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix.

2. Cut the pretzel buns in half. Place the bottom half of each bun on a baking sheet. Top with shredded chicken and blue cheese.

3. Bake for 5-6 minutes, until cheese melts.

4. Spread ranch dressing on the top half of each bun. Finish off each slider with lettuce, tomato, and the top bun. Enjoy!

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken and the wing sauce. Mix. Cut the pretzel buns in half. Place the bottom half of each bun on a baking sheet. Top with shredded chicken and blue cheese.

Brit + Co

Bake for 5-6 minutes, until cheese melts. Spread ranch dressing on the top half of each bun. Finish off each slider with lettuce, tomato, and the top bun.

Brit + Co

NOM.

Brit + Co

Let’s plate up these appetizers!

Brit + Co

Serve them alongside some carrots, celery, and ranch dressing. Oh, and a few pints of beer. Don’t forget the beer.

Brit + Co

Now THAT’S a party platter. Go team!

Follow us on Pinterest for more buffalo chicken recipe inspo and check out our online cooking classes for other ideas!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Brit + Co

It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

Follow us on Facebook to stay updated on more celebrity news.

Football season is upon us — and that means it's time for some epic tailgate food! Even if you don't have a team to cheer for, there's one thing all humans can agree on: tailgate recipes are an absolute touchdown in the grub world. Whether you're a fan of the NFL, college ball, or just drinking and eating in parking lots, these tailgate food recipes score big. This tailgate food roundup is loaded with finger foods, sandwiches, and plenty of buffalo chicken. Scroll on for tailgating recipes that will have you rooting for game day.

Brit + Co

Elote

You can't go wrong with this Mexican street food recipe: corn on the cob covered in cotija cheese, garlic, mayo, cilantro, and a big ol' squeeze of lime. (via Brit + Co.)

Salt & Lavender

Jalapeño Poppers

Who can resist jalapeños stuffed with bacon, cheddar, *and* cream cheese on game day? (via Salt & Lavender)

Half Baked Harvest

Everything Ranch Cheese Pretzel Snack Mix

Upgrade your Chex mix big time with this easy snack recipe made with pretzels, Cheez-Its (or Goldfish... or both), everything bagel mix, and ranch seasoning. (via Half Baked Harvest)

The Hopeless Housewife

Chicken + Waffle Skewers

Chicken and waffles can be enjoyed in a stadium parking lot by skewering the two on a stick. Make each bite spicy by using this Korean fried chicken recipe! (via The Hopeless Housewife)

Amanda's Cookout

Turkey + Pepper Jack Roll-Ups

Prep these guys before the game. Use crescent roll dough to wrap turkey and spicy pepper jack cheese into a no-fuss bite. (via Amanda's Cookin')

Serenity in the Storm

Potato Tacos

Here's a recipe for more of a morning tailgate. When the game is early, whip up some breakfast potatoes on the grill, then taco them up in a tortilla and fresh avocado. (via Serenity in the Storm)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Grilled Cornbread with Jalapeño Honey Butter

This cornbread makes for an excellent side dish to tailgate chili or dip! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Cooking for Keeps

Sweet Potato Chips + Blue Cheese Dip

What could get better than this? Sweet potatoes, smokey, crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese combine together to master tailgate perfection! (via Cooking for Keeps)

Betty Crocker

Mini Buffalo Chicken Pies

If there's one food that's a staple of football season, it's buffalo chicken. Stuff it inside sweet pancake batter and bake in a muffin-sized tin for a perfectly balanced bite. (via Betty Crocker)

Culinary Hill

Mini Twice-Baked Potatoes

Potato skins turn bite-sized with this yummy tailgate food recipe that uses baby potatoes, sour cream, cheddar, bacon, and scallions. (via Culinary Hill)

She Knows

Mini Chili Cheese Dogs

The tailgate smorgasbord is robust, so you don't want to get full on just one dish. Cut this chili dog recipe into bite-size pieces so you can eat your dog and keep going with the rest of the fare, too. (via She Knows)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Cheese Cajun Chicken + Sausage Dip

Your tailgate pals won't be able to get enough of this cheesy, spicy, Cajun-inspired dip. Pair with some beer, and you're golden. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Southern Cheese Fries

These fries are *so* good, you'll want to sneak them into the stadium with you. Crinkle-cut fries (the best type of fries) are topped with the south's finest lineup — pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and a homemade pimento cheese sauce. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Running to the Kitchen

Buffalo Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Bites

Told ya buffalo chicken was a tailgate staple! It's even found its way into these healthy broccoli and cheddar white rice puffs. Be sure to serve them with the delicious avocado dipping sauce! (via Running to the Kitchen)

Well Plated

Buffalo Chicken Pizza

This one is an instant crowd-pleaser. Just make a pie or two of the spicy and cheesy combo, and be prepped to feed the whole tailgate team! (via Well Plated)

A Spicy Perspective

Pimento Cheese Deviled Eggs

Classic deviled eggs get a little something *extra* when pimento cheese is added to the filling. (via A Spicy Perspective)

Erica's Sweet Tooth

Cookie Dough Dip

Even the sweet stuff can get in on the tailgate food fun, especially when you transform this cookie dough dip into a sprinkle-coated football shape. Spread it on apple slices or pretzels to satisfy your sweet tooth before the game! (via Erica's Sweet Tooth)

Pizzazzerie

Football-Themed Pastry Sliders

Give your standard burgers a finger food spin by putting them between football-shaped puff pastry buns. Use cookie cutters to form your burger, cheese, and other toppings to match. (via Pizzazzerie)

A Classic Twist

Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites

Since you're tailgating in a parking lot, you won't have room for bowls of dip. Solve the problem by spooning hot buffalo dip into pastry cups, with a dollop of sour cream and chives on top. (via A Classic Twist)

Yummily Yours

Potato Chip Cups

Make these potato chip cups by using a muffin tin to shape strips of thinly sliced fresh potato. After they've baked and cooled, fill them with guac, salsa, or whatever your heart desires! (via Yummily Yours)

Averie Cooks

Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

These topped nachos are hearty enough to feed a tailgate crowd – bring on the cheese! (via Averie Cooks)

Host the Toast

Pull-Apart Pretzel + Beer Cheese Dip

What's better than homemade soft pretzels? Pretzels that you can make in a skillet while simultaneously making the beer cheese dip to go with them. (via Host the Toast)

Barley & Sage

Brown Butter Turtle Brownies

Brown butter and homemade caramel make these blondies extra rich and delicious. (via Barley & Sage)

Half Baked Harvest

Mac n' Cheese-Stuffed Zucchini

It's cheesy and it's veggie loaded. Mac n' cheese is sandwiched between two slices of zucchini, then breaded and baked to tailgate food perfection. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Just a Taste

Focaccia Pizza

These pizza triangles, made on herby and thick focaccia bread, can be easily made in the oven or grill depending on where you tailgate. (via Just a Taste)

Most Hungry

Crispy Chickpeas

A little sweet, a little spicy, these crispy chickpeas can be eaten by the handful. (via Most Hungry)

Creole Contessa

Bacon Hot Dog Snack for Tailgating

As football season wears on, you'll grow tired of your standard hot dog. Call an audible and switch things up with this bacon and onion-topped dog. (via Creole Contessa)

Half Baked Harvest

Chipotle Cheddar + Corn Fritter Burgers

Here's your burger game plan: make a chipotle-spiced patty, smother it in fresh cheddar cheese, and top it with sweet corn fritters and guacamole for game time success. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Lifes Ambrosia

Garlic Parmesan Ranch Pretzels

You'll need all the energy you can get cheering on your team this season. Carb-load with these flavor-bursting pretzel bites! (via Life's Ambrosia)

Jenny Steffens

Football Whoopie Pies

Save room for dessert! You won't want to miss out on these football-shaped chocolate-filled whoopie pies. (via Jenny Steffens)

The Apple Crate

Mozzarella Cheese Balls

Mozzarella sticks morph into one-bite dippers that'll have you going back for seconds and thirds and fourths and… you get the gist. (via The Apple Crate)

The Galley Gourmet

Popcorn Shrimp Tailgate Recipe

We won't blame you if you miss the first quarter to finish off a basket of these lightly fried and super crispy shrimp. (via The Galley Gourmet)

Damn Delicious

Ham + Cheese Sliders

Who said all sliders had to have a burger patty between the bun? Use this soft poppy seed bun to sandwich melted cheese, tomato and ham instead. (via Damn Delicious)

Delicious by Dre

Spicy Macadamia Pretzels

Use store-bought pretzels, macadamia oil, and a homemade spice blend to make this crunchy, nutty, and spicy snack. (via Delicious by Dre)

Life's Ambrosia

Tailgate Fries

Made in a foil pouch, you can heat up these pockets filled with French fries, pulled pork, and coleslaw on your tailgate's grill. (via Life's Ambrosia)

Life Currents

Pizza Puffs Tailgate Appetizers

Make these pizza puffs with any toppings you desire — peppers, onions, mushrooms, or pepperoni. Any ingredient goes great in these mini-muffin sized bites! (via Life Currents)

The Right Recipe

Bacon-Wrapped Potato Bites

You won't want to pass the plate once you've dug into these bacon-wrapped spuds. (via The Right Recipe)

Life Currents

Mexican Potato Skins

Unlike standard potato skins, these guys aren't packed with bacon and cheese. Instead, they're loaded with Mexican flavors, like black beans, green chiles and enchilada sauce. (via Life Currents)

The Brewer & The Baker

Beer Caramelized Onion Dip

This onion dip puts all other dips to shame. It's made with sweet caramelized onions, hoppy beer, cream cheese, sour cream and smokey bacon for full flavor impact. (via The Brewer & The Baker)

The Kitchen Whisperer

Candied Sriracha Bacon-Wrapped Onion Rings

This one is a three-for-one when it comes to bar food favorites. Crispy onion rings, smokey bacon and a spicy Sriracha glaze combine for one mouthwatering bite. (via The Kitchen Whisperer)

The Baker Mama

Touchdown Brownies

These brownies are everything you could want in a tailgate dessert — gooey chocolate bars loaded with sweet caramel, chocolate chips, salty pretzels and toasted pecans. (via The Baker Mama)

Culinary Hill

Mexican Tortilla Roll-Ups

A quick and easy recipe that serves a crowd, these roll-ups mix green chiles, black olives, and cheddar with sour cream and cream cheese along with plenty of spices. (via Culinary Hill)

Brown Sugar

Walking Taco Burger Sliders

Tacos meet burgers in these easily transportable sliders. You can chow down on the salsa and tortilla topped patties while you make friends with the tailgate next door. (via Brown Sugar)

Whatever You Do

Spicy Grilled Wings

No worries on how to get crispy and juicy wings in a parking lot. This recipe calls for making the smothered and spicy wings right on the grill. (via Or Whatever You Do)

What's your favorite tailgate food recipe? Follow us on Pinterest for more food content, join our newsletter, or check out our new online B+C cooking classes!

This post has been updated.

Header image via Pizzazzerie

Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

www.youtube.com

rory & paris (2)

So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

www.youtube.com

rory & paris (92)

Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

www.youtube.com

rory & paris (146)

Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

www.youtube.com

rory & paris (175)

That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.