During Sunday’s episode of Scott Patterson’s podcast, I’m All In, the Gilmore Girls actor discussed a season three episode that made him feel uncomfortable. Patterson began his podcast during the pandemic to discuss the show as he watched it fully for the first time. He speaks about each episode with the podcast’s producers and special guests. Patterson played Luke Danes throughout the series run and returned for the 2016 follow-up Netflix limited series Gilmore Girls: A Year in The Life.
During Sunday’s podcast, Patterson talks about Keg! Max, which aired in April 2003, noting a scene where Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) talk about Luke’s butt as he is bent over fixing a stove. Luke eventually demands that the two stop talking about his butt, calling their conversation “in bad taste.” Now the actor has shared that he felt degraded by that scene and like “some kind of meat stick.”
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He called that scene, and its many takes, the most disturbing time he had ever spent on the Gilmore Girls set. While some may argue that times were different in 2003, and television and film had a less strict moral guide, the actor feels differently:
“I realize it wasn’t OK and it didn’t make me feel comfortable at all. It made me feel embarrassed, actually. It’s infuriating to be treated that way because you’re being treated like an object. It’s disturbing and disgusting and I had to endure it through that scene and many takes,” Patterson said.
Patterson explained that he understood why viewers might find the scene funny, understanding that the show, and its characters, were beloved by viewers.
“Just because it was 2003 didn’t mean it was okay. It’s never okay. And I didn’t feel comfortable doing it and it pissed me off. I never said anything, so I was angry at myself for never saying anything but, you know, I had this job and I didn’t want to make waves and all that,” he said.
Gilmore Girls Success and Cast
The WB
Gilmore Girls aired for seven seasons beginning in 2000. The series followed single mom Lorelai (Graham) as she raised her book-smart and ambitious daughter Rory (Alexis Bledel). Throughout its run, the series garnered critical acclaim for its writing and acting. While the show never won any awards, it has established itself as an American cult classic. Gilmore Girls was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino, who also executive produced and directed episodes of the series until season six. The show returned in 2016 for Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, a four-episode limited series on Netflix.
Patterson played the role of diner owner Luke Danes, a friend, then romantic partner of Lorelai. During his podcast, Patterson has been open about his experience on the hit series. He is also known for his portrayal of Special Agent Peter Strahm in the Saw films.
Gilmore Girls starred Graham, Bledel, Patterson, McCarthy, Keiko Agena, Yanic Truesdale, Kelly Bishop, Edward Herrmann and Liza Weil. It remains in syndication.
