The most iconic—and heartbreaking—moment of the episode is the final confrontation between Rory and Dean.

: Rory is paraded downstairs in a tiara and diamonds, only to realize the "alumni" are actually just eligible young men from the right families.

Emily and Richard Gilmore are never more dangerous than when they are in agreement. After discovering Rory is back with Dean, they call a temporary truce to stage a "Yale alumni party".

The Beginning of the End: A Deep Dive into S5E8 "The Party’s Over"