Gilmore Girls: Why Jess Is Undeniably Rory's Best Love Interest

Updated on Dec 8, 2016 at 7:40 PM

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.

His hair is mesmerizing.

Even when it gets a little out of control in certain seasons.

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 so tortured.

You'd be sassy too if your mom was obsessed with Renaissance fairs.

He's also a man of hidden talents.

(Does petty theft count as a talent?)

For the sake of romance, let's say yes.

He makes his own money.

Sure, he didn't graduate from high school, but he was employee of the month at Walmart!

He reads all the things.

So you know he's deep.

He understands why you love Pride and Prejudice.

Though really, he prefers Hemingway.

He even makes notes in the margins.

You know he sneaks some love notes for Rory in there, along with intellectual observations about syntax.

Let's take a minute to applaud his high-school skater style.

Like this tight shirt.

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.

He knows which band T-shirts suit him best.

See?

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.

He's a master of playing hot and cold.

Or cold and wet, as the case may be.

But it's just because he feels so much!

Deep down, he's really sensitive, ya know?

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.

Somehow Rory still chooses Logan over Jess.

Should we blame the Birkin bag?