In the past seven years, I've written about "Gilmore Girls" a lot.

Almost always adoringly. Occasionally somewhat critically. Always with deep affection for its characters.

As we prepare for the 153rd and final episode of "Gilmore Girls" (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Ch. 30), I'm a little bit sad. But mostly nostalgic.

I save my real anger for shows that are canceled early in their runs — shows that were yanked away from us while they're still filled with creative potential.

"Gilmore Girls" isn't exactly going out on top, but it's still a good show. And now doesn't seem like the time to quibble about plotlines, business deals behind the scenes, actors-turned-divas and so on and so on.

I'm grateful for seven years of one of TV's best shows. Ever.

I'll miss Lorelai, Rory, Luke, Richard, Emily, Sookie Lane, Paris, Logan and all folks in Stars Hollow. And I can't help but reminisce a bit about how much I've loved "Gilmore Girls" ...

• It's an altogether winning hour of television. — Sept. 28, 2000

• (It is) a wonderful hour that's fresh and funny.... Creator/executive producer Amy Sherman-Palladino has done a great job of taking a traditional TV format and making it hip. — Oct. 4, 2000

• "Gilmore Girls" is quickly becoming my favorite new show of the season. — Nov. 16, 2000

• These are well-rounded, believable characters who defy TV conventions and offer surprises at every turn.... Particularly charming is the growing relationship between grandparents and granddaughter ...

In a television environment in which fictional teens, if they're at all troubled about their relationships with the opposite sex, it's about with whom to have sex, "Gilmore Girls" built an entire episode around Rory and Dean's first kiss. — Feb. 22, 2001

• I love the characters, the dialogue, the relationships. I love the setting, the situations, the entire atmosphere. I was hooked when I saw the pilot episode almost a year ago, and the show's hold on my heart has only gotten stronger since then. — May 9, 2001

• There isn't a better show on TV than "The Gilmore Girls." — Oct. 9, 2001

• I hate it when people ask me what my favorite TV show is.... If you forced me to choose just one show, however, I'd be tempted to go with "Gilmore Girls." — Nov. 11, 2002

• There's a certain irony in the fact that the WB — the network that targets teens and twentysomethings — has the two most believable, most well-rounded characters in their 60s on television. And Richard and Emily Gilmore, as portrayed by 61-year-old Edward Herrmann and 60-year-old Kelly Bishop, have been an integral part of "The Gilmore Girls" since the show began 100 episodes ago. — Feb. 7, 2005

• At the risk of repeating myself, "Gilmore Girls" is one of the best things on TV. Still. — Nov. 15, 2005

• And "Gilmore Girls" still made my Top 10 shows of 2006 list, coming in at No. 5.

Yes, I know there are those who complain that this season isn't as good as past seasons, but the fact that the show has such devoted fans (who have complained before, by the way) is a clear sign that these are some of the best characters in TV history. — Dec. 29, 2006

---

E-mail: pierce@desnews.com