Though rumor suggested that the CW, Warner Bros., and the Gilmore Girls would come to terms on a shortened eighth season of the hit show, sources are now saying talks have stopped completely. Insiders say that actresses Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel – the Gilmore Girls themselves – have not signed off on the offers proposed to each of them. Though the monetary amounts proposed were “very good,” neither actress has accepted a final amount. So far, it’s anyone’s guess whether the show will actually return or not…creating lots of speculation around the season (series?) finale scheduled for May 15, 2007.

Will it be the last time fans see the Gilmore Girls? Unfortunately, the show can’t answer that – right now, no one can. The talks and negotiations have stopped for now, the script is already written, and the deadline for resolution isn’t set until after the finale airs. What does this mean for Gilmore fans? Most story lines should be neatly capped off and the road ahead paved for a smooth series finale, leaving fans little to look forward to – because in truth, there may be nothing for them to look forward to. While the public won’t know if they’re viewing the last Gilmore Girls episode, neither will the show’s actors, producers, writers, and other staff. No one will know until negotiations are settled, once for all, after the show has already been viewed by a million watchers or more.

For seven seasons, the series has focused on the unusual mother-daughter relationship existing between the principal characters, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. Another mother-daughter relationship, that of Lorelai and her mother Kelly, has also been central to the show. For the series finale, the small town that houses the Gilmore Girls will throw Rory a graduation party. Early reviews say the episode will feature many familiar faces, but other faces that fans might expect will not be in attendance. A lingering problem with Lorelai’s love life will reach some conclusion, and Rory will probably state her future plans and career goals. What direction will the show take? No one knows, and right now, Gilmore Girls isn’t really going anywhere but back into the negotiating room.