Gilmore Girlshas its fair share of heartbreaking moments, butone of the show’s most poignant scenes only came to be thanks to a controversial storyline in seasons 4 and 5.The teen comedy-drama series, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, revolves around the mother-daughter duo of Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. While the two women are at the center of several of the show’s most devastating moments, one particularlysadGilmore Girlsepisodeis heartwrenching thanks to another character.

Although unconfirmed, another season ofGilmore Girlshas been rumored sinceA Year in the Lifepremiered in 2016, and the cast and crew (even creator Amy Sherman-Palladino) have been open about their willingness to return to the show.

Melinda from Virgin River, and Rory and Lorelei from Gilmore Girls

From Luke and Lorelai’s breakup in season 5 to the highly emotionalGilmore Girlsseries finale,the teen drama sure knows how to leave a lasting impact on viewers.It’s hard not to get deeply invested in the characters, whether out of love or hatred. So, when something tragic happens to the residents of Stars Hollow, the audience feels devastated for them. However, because many curate a profound interest in characters like Lorelai, Rory, Luke, Emily, Lane, etc., they also have strong opinions about how their stories progress.

Emily & Richard’s Gilmore Girls Separation Was Divisive

Lorelai’s Parents Split In Season 4

As some will recall,Emily and Richard break up at the end ofGilmoreGirlsseason 4. They are constantly fighting, and when they can’t find a solution to their problems, the married couple separates.Emily and Richard’s breakup was quite shockingand one of the show’s biggest twists. As a result, viewers are divided on whether it was a good decision to split Emily and Richard up or if it was a horrible mistake on the writers' part.

If You’re Waiting For Gilmore Girls Season 9 To Finally Happen, Watch This Acclaimed Netflix Show That Just Got Renewed For Season 7

Many are still hoping and waiting for the possibility of Gilmore Girls season 9, and in the meantime, they can watch a similar show on Netflix.

Some fans believe the separation doesn’t make any senseforEmily and Richard’s relationship inGilmore Girls. The show not thoroughly addressing the couple’s problems before thrusting them back together is also an issue some have with the entire storyline. Meanwhile, others think Richard’s actions throughout season 4 justify Emily leaving him. Whatever the case, Emily and Richard eventually reunite, but not before one ofGilmore Girls’s most upsetting scenes.

Gilmore Girls Poster

Emily Crying After Her Date Was Devastating - And Essential

Emily Goes On A Date With Simon In Season 5

Despite being acontroversial storyline inGilmore Girls, Emily and Richard’s separation results in one of the show’s most emotional scenes — Emily’s breakdown after her first date since the split. In season 5, episode 9, Emily goes on a date with Simon. Afterward, Simon drops her off at home, and once she walks inside and closes the door,Emily starts crying.

Emily is all alone in the house she used to share with Richard and simply crumbles as the reality of the breakup settles in.

The scene is wholly devastating andinvokes feelings of compassion for a complex character who isn’t exactly likable all the time,proving she is human. Emily is all alone in the house she used to share with Richard and simply crumbles as the reality of the breakup settles in. If there is one moment that can justify Emily and Richard’s breakup, it’s her breakdown inGilmore Girlsseason 5, episode 9.