Keiko Agena Talks Gilmore Girls With The Shipping Room Podcast (And It’s a LOT of Fun!)

The affectionate term, “shipping” is short for “relationship” and by definition means, “the desire of fans for fictional characters to be in a relationship.”

I have a lot to say when it comes to shipping some of my favorite TV couples. In fact, I co-host the Shipping Room Podcast along with Tamar Barbash, where we lead a weekly discussion on many different types of relationships on television, from the romantic to the friendly, and even to the familial relationships.

If you are a fan of Gilmore Girls, you’ll want to be sure to download our latest episode, a salute to romances on the beloved hit show. Tamar and I paired up with Gilmore Girls star Keiko Agena and her Drunk Monk Podcast partner Will Choi to talk about Gilmore, Monk, and more!

What did Keiko Agena, who played Lane Kim on Gilmore Girls for seven seasons have to say about why we’re all still in love with Stars Hollow, more than 15 years since its premiere? “Stars Hollow is a very special and sweet place…you have this quaint small town vibe except that everyone is very witty and speaks at a mile a minute.”

During the episode, we imagine what Paris and Doyle are doing now, contemplate whether Emily will date again, ponder Lane and Zack with more kids, talk about our love for Adam Brody’s character Dave Rygalski, and share theories about what happened to Mr. Kim.

We also touch on the taboo topic of Lorelai’s relationship with Rory’s dad, Christopher, and whether or not in a different universe Gilmore Girls could have been a love story about them, rather than about the beloved romance between Lorelai and diner owner Luke Danes. (I know, I know, Luke and Lorelai forever!)

Because ‘shipping is obviously the focus of the Shipping Room Podcast, the episode, of course, includes a discussion on everyone’s favorite Gilmore Girls topic, who Rory’s perfect man was.

Where does Agena fall on the Big Three debate? “I’ve always been Team Jess. I’ve always felt like he was the right heart for [Rory] but the wrong timing.”

Although we don’t know anything about the stories to come in the revival, it’s exciting to know that creator Amy Sherman-Palladino is back at the helm of the story, with her unique way of surprising and satisfying viewers. “That’s part of my anticipation,” Agena explained.

“That there are four more scripts. Because constantly I was surprised like that; when you think something is going in one direction, and Amy – who is brilliant — will give you what you didn’t even know you wanted, wrapped in a package you weren’t expecting, and the timing is different than you thought it was going to be.”

While most details surrounding the revival are still completely secretive, many fans are hoping that the topic of Rory’s love life will be addressed. Is there a way to satisfy fans that fall into their respective Team Dean, Team Jess, and Team Logan camps? We’ll just have to wait and see! “I don’t know how Amy [Sherman-Palladino] would be able to satisfy everyone with that question. There are too many camps,” Agena said.

Will chimed in with the perfect solution to Rory’s romance debate, based on her love of reading. “Team Books.” We really love that answer. (But seriously, Team Jess.)

If you’re interested in the previously mentioned Drunk Monk Podcast, hosted by Choi and Agena, it’s a great listen for fans of the former long-running USA series. The podcast goes over each episode of Monk weekly, with one (or both) of the hosts getting a little tipsy in the process.

Drunk Monk Podcast also features a cast of fun characters of Choi and Agena’s own designs and a revolving door of fictional roommates for Choi that listeners meet as they discuss the week’s episode. It’s a funny, fresh, and excellent way to spend 45 minutes of your week! I, personally, love it and I think even those who’ve never watched Monk will still appreciate the comedy behind the podcast!

To listen to the Shipping Room Podcast or the Drunk Monk Podcast, you can head over to iTunes and download.