Gilmore Girls: Why Jess Is Undeniably Rory's Best Love Interest
:extract_cover():upscale()/2016/02/24/866/n/1922283/9a762544_edit_img_cover_file_40066086_1454618340.jpg)
Team Dean. Team Jess. Team Logan. To any Gilmore Girls fan, these words can (and will) define you. The topic of which guy was best for Rory has been debated for years, and once Netflix announced that all three love interests would return for the reboot, the battle of the boyfriends suddenly became really intense. We won't spoil A Year in the Life for you, but let's just say there's always been one guy who seems to be the most favored — whether he's the guy you loved to love or loved to hate, let's examine the wonder that is Jess Mariano.
Let's start with the obvious: Jess is the closest thing to a "bad boy" Stars Hollow has ever seen.
He terrorizes pretty much everyone.
Remember that town meeting where they discuss banishing Jess from Stars Hollow? Good times.
But he's also adorable AF.
You never knew snark could be so sexy.
Stolen glances like these made you melt.
OK, maybe they still do. Is that creepy? Don't answer that.
He's also a man of hidden talents.
He makes his own money.
Sure, he didn't graduate from high school, but he was employee of the month at Walmart!
He even makes notes in the margins.
You know he sneaks some love notes for Rory in there, along with intellectual observations about syntax.
He nails that whole t-shirt over the long-sleeved shirt trend.
And he has the best jacket collection.
You wanted to date Jess just so you could steal that jacket.
Even though he doesn't really understand the concept of resort wear.
Can't wait to see what new leather jackets Jess is rocking in 2016.
We'll even forgive this Marty McFly camo ensemble.
The vest really pairs well with that smolder.
OK, so his flirt tactics are a little confusing.
Ultimately, he totally wins Rory (and you) over.
You know, after the car accident and that other girl and Rory's DC trip and that 24-hour dance marathon.
Cue the GIF montage of Jess and Rory "The Early Years"
Because the reboot will have the later years, right? RIGHT?
That chemistry is undeniable.
And so sweet.
There's a reason these two dated in real life, people.
#Winterrelationshipgoals
He loves Rory even though he hates everyone else.
Anyone that says they've never loved a Jess is lying.
Even though his timing is kind of terrible.
He's like a Nicholas Sparks character (in a good way?)
Who else could ask Rory to pack up and leave college and make it seem like a considerable option?
He's not intimidated by Rory's other love interests.
It's like he knows what we were all feeling.
ESPECIALLY not Dean.
This is impressive considering the sizable height difference.
The best part? He only gets better with age.
Remember when he returns all mature and with somehow even better hair? Swoon.
And he's the only guy that knows the real Rory.
Bonus points for calling her out when she becomes a total snob.