I really enjoyed the reunion – more than I thought I would. A massive nostalgia trip for me.
I’m of the generation, like many here, who were at that same time of life – young, carefree in your 20s, when your friends are your family. I started watching when I first left home for uni. I broke up with my first serious boyfriend just when Ross and Rachel broke up, and found those scenes so hard to watch, at the time. Then, I went off on my overseas adventure, and did that full-on 20s fun-times living. I got with my next serious boyfriend (who was the spit of Joey, in looks, build and mannerisms – everyone used to joke about it), and we watched Friends on repeat (when we were home, and not out clubbing!). Then, we broke up, and I got with now-DH at Christmas time 2003. We spent 2004 falling in love, going out, hanging with friends, going on holidays and had so much fun, that for the first time ever, I missed many of the final series’ episodes when they were aired on screen. It was like the show took me from going out into the world, to meeting my one. The reunion was basically a mark of how long we’ve been together. I realise how schmaltzy this all sounds!
It’s a TV show like no other. It really managed to connect with not only a generation of people, but also people coming after – it’s that likeable and relatable (rent-controlled apartments in the Village, aside). The casting of the characters was perfection on every front, right down to the numerous guests. Not sure how anyone can say it was completely heterosexual – sure the friends were, but an entire storyline was based around Carole and Susan, marrying, co-parenting with Ross, and raising a son. They recurred through pretty much the full 10 seasons. A hell of a lot more than could be said for many other TV series, then or now. I’m not saying the show was truly diverse – it wasn’t. But so what? No show is, or ever will be.
Clearly the six friends don’t routinely hang out (only once before in 17 years), but CC and JA seem to, at least going by Insta, and it seems that includes LK sometimes, too. The others appear to get together in smaller sub-sets, too.
Matthew Perry – my goodness. He was so hard to watch. His revelation about his anxiety over the jokes landing – what an insight. It sure explains a lot.
LK has the most beautiful heart-shaped face. I am left pondering if that is how she has managed to escape the obvious ravages of botox and still look so amazing. Oval-shaped faces are prized for their symmetry in youth, but they’re far more likely than heart-shaped to go jowly with age.
MLB seemed just so likeable, and content within himself.
Poor DS had to play the worst character, but he did it so well. He took Ross, left his inhibitions and ego at the door, and made the character hilarious. You really did laugh at him, rather than with him, and DS seemed totally OK with that. Played up to it, even.
Chandler was far and away the best man. A really, really good man. He reminds me so much of DH – funny, kind and decent.
So much more to say, but that’s enough for now.