Dave and Lane were a beloved couple on the well-known TV show Gilmore Girls for several reasons, and although their screen time was severely limited, they still managed to stand out to viewers.

First and foremost, their relationship felt genuine and rooted in a deep understanding and appreciation for each other's passions and quirks, and their time together helped in the development of Lane’s character and story (despite the fact that all the development was ruined in later seasons…).

Dave was a supportive person who shared Lane's love for music and matched her passion for their band Hep Alien, which they started together. He continuously respected her strict mother and never blamed Lane for the rules she had to follow, something that usually ends up being a central conflict but was instead something they were able to work around. He was patient, caring, and always willing to go the extra mile to make Lane happy. Meanwhile, Lane was an equally great girlfriend who appreciated Dave's sense of humour, intelligence, and musical talents.

Their relationship also provided a refreshing contrast to some of the other romantic storylines on the show. While other couples had dramatic ups and downs (specifically with Rory’s love interests Dean and Jess), Dave and Lane's love felt grounded and steady, something that the show really needed. Lane and Dave’s grounded storyline even helped in the development of the show’s protagonist and Lane’s best friend: Rory Gilmore. In seeing how Lane and Dave acted with each other, Rory was able to recognise the toxicity of some of her own relationships and arguably work towards improving them.

Furthermore, their storyline was relatable to many viewers, especially those who had to navigate cultural or religious differences in their relationships. Dave and Lane's struggles with her mother's disapproval of their relationship added depth and complexity to their story and made their relationship even more meaningful.

In short, Dave and Lane were a bright spot in the show's romantic landscape, and in my opinion, will always be the best couple from the show. Forget “team Jess”, “team Dean”, etc. I’m on team Dave!