"Actor: Matt LeBlanc"

• Friends - Series 6 - Episodes 1-8 | DVD | (06/11/2000) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 6: Between seasons, Cox and David Arquette were married, leading to "T.O.W. After Vegas" adding "Arquette" after everyone's title credits. Unfortunately, on-screen it's divorce time again despite "T.O.W. Ross Hugs Rachel", since he secretly tries avoiding an annulment of their accidental marriage. Far more out in the open is Chandler and Monica's relationship. Moving in together creates lots of fun as the others move back and forth into each other's apartments. It also leads to Joey finally showing a tender side toward temporary roommate Janine (Elle Macpherson). By now his chat-up catchphrase: "How you doin'?" had caught on, but he needed to fall for someone. He kept the fun alive all year pretending to have a Porsche, starting work on the show Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E. and by falling for Chandler's card game Cups in the excellent "T.O.W. On the Last Night" (one of many directed by Schwimmer). More fun came from Ross trying to teach everyone the mental discipline Unagi, popping ridiculous moves with Monica for their childhood dance routine and having a fluorescently dazzling smile in "T.O.W. Ross' Teeth" (also featuring a near-silent cameo from Ralph Lauren). Far more talkative was Reese Witherspoon as Rachel's sister--another temptation for Ross. What they briefly had wasn't as complicated as later in "T.O.W. Ross Meets Elizabeth's Dad", who turns out to be an Emmy-winning Bruce Willis (thanks to becoming friends with Perry during The Whole Nine Yards). The fans' need for love interest and continuity had established the seasons' format now. Another two-part finale offers jeopardy--then resolution--from Tom Selleck's Richard in "T.O.W. The Proposal" between Chandler and Monica. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 6 - Complete | DVD | (05/07/2010) from £17.53   |  Saving you £-4.54 (-34.90%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Episodes Comprise: 1. The One After Vegas 2. The One Where Ross Hugs Rachel 3. The One With Ross' Denial 4. The One Where Joey Loses His Insurance 5. The One With Joey's Porsche 6. The One On The Last Night 7. The One Where Phoebe Runs 8. The One With Ross's Teeth 9. The One Where Ross Got High 10. The One With the Routine 11. The One With the Apothecary Table 12. The One With the Joke 13. The One With Rachel's Sister 14. The One Where Chandler Can't Cry 15. The One That Could Have Been: Part 1 16. The One That Could Have Been: Part 2 17. The One With the Unagi 18. The One Where Ross Dates a Student 19. The One With Joey's Fridge 20. The One With the Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E. 21. The One Where Ross Meets Elizabeth's Dad 22. The One Where Paul's The Man 23. The One With the Ring 24. The One With the Proposal

• Friends - Series 5 - Episodes 1-8 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £20.98   |  Saving you £-13.99 (-200.10%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 5: Divorce number two is immediately on the cards as the year opens with "T.O. After Ross Says Rachel". As of this point, Ross' character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "T.O.W. Ross Moves In" with Chandler and Joey. Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("T.O.W. Ross' Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel, the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is made piggy-in-the-middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "T.O.W. Everybody Finds Out", the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "T.O.W. The Cop". This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "T.O. W. The Ride Along". She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale "T.O.W. In Vegas" though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel... --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 9 - Vol. 1 - Eps 1-4 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Nine years is a long time for any group of Friends to stick so closely together, but somehow the gang are still as daftly charming as ever. After the birth of Emma, Rachel comes to terms with being a mother surprisingly well. It's how everyone else deals with it that makes things interesting. Joey's accidental proposal creates weird friction between him and Ross, who breaks his finger throwing the show's first ever punch. Monica becomes desperately broody and attempts all manner of convoluted ways of persuading Chandler (unfortunately he inadvertently bankrupts them in a move to Tulsa). Phoebe, on the other hand, occupies herself in the dating game, holding on to Mike (Paul Rudd) in the longest guest star relationship anyone's ever had. Other surprise guests this year include Freddie Prinze Jr as an overly sensitive nanny (in the 200th episode), Christina Applegate as another of Rachel's sisters and Jeff Goldblum playing himself on the set of another movie on which Joey is trying to get a break. As always the sparks occasionally fly between Rachel and Ross, while the others manage to strain their own relationships to the max. The real reason for watching now is the one-off kooky scenarios in which they--or rather Joey--get into. His endless dating finally sees him stuck for remembering if he's already slept with a girl; he botches an attempt at eyebrow waxing; and he manages to make Chandler think that Monica wants a breast enhancement. A 10th series and potential movie spin-off were announced well before the year was over, meaning six very rich actors will be supplying the fun for some time yet to come. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 2 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £15.96   |  Saving you £-5.98 (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 2: Unfortunately, Rachel's brave intention to announce her feelings is scuppered in the season opener "The One With Ross' New Girlfriend". It doesn't matter how great her hair looks (a real-life accident when a friend cut it with a razor), or how many sneaky tricks she tries to separate them. Ultimately it takes a peculiar doppelganger to lure the new girl away in "TOW Russ" (Schwimmer credited as "Snaro"). The Friends couldn't be happier to have the angst and tension relieved, and "TOW Ross and Rachel... You Know" is unsurprisingly an all-time fan favourite. This was straightforward compared to the other side of Ross' love life in "TOW the Lesbian Wedding" though. Initiating another "will they, won't they?" subplot was the introduction of Richard (Tom Selleck) as a new flame for Monica. Highlights for the other characters all centred on the Emmy-winning two-part "The One After the Super Bowl" with a stunning cameo list including Brooke Shields, Chris Isaak, Dan Castellaneta (Homer from The Simpsons), Jean-Claude Van Damme and Julia Roberts (whom Perry subsequently dated for a short while). Another great highlight was Chandler and Joey's ineptitude in "TOW the Baby on the Bus", which also featured Chrissie Hynde giving Phoebe's "Smelly Cat" its best ever rendition on guitar. To leave viewers hanging, the year ended with Rachel in understandable uncertainty over "TOW Barry And Mindy's Wedding" (her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend). --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 5 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £20.98   |  Saving you £-13.99 (-200.10%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 5: Divorce number two is immediately on the cards as the year opens with "T.O. After Ross Says Rachel". As of this point, Ross' character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "T.O.W. Ross Moves In" with Chandler and Joey. Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("T.O.W. Ross' Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel, the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is made piggy-in-the-middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "T.O.W. Everybody Finds Out", the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "T.O.W. The Cop". This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "T.O. W. The Ride Along". She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale "T.O.W. In Vegas" though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel... --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 4 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 4: The New Year begins by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it's over for Ross and Rachel. There are a few episodes of pure silliness--such as "T.O.W. Chandler in a Box" after he kisses Joey's girlfriend--then two distinct story arcs take over. Usually when an actress falls pregnant, a show will hide them behind objects or in bigger clothes. For Kudrow it was decided to celebrate the fact on-screen by having her carry a child for her brother Frank (Giovanni Ribsi) and his wife. Being Phoebe, it naturally gets weird when "T.O.W. The Embryos" reveals she'll be having triplets. The hilarity resulted in an Emmy for her hard work. Subplot number two came with the arrival of British babe Emily (Helen Baxendale), who rapidly steals Ross's heart. The same episode ("T.O.W. Joey's Dirty Day") also features an amazing cameo from Charlton Heston giving Joey acting tips. But this couldn't have prepared fans for the stars and shocks of the gang's trip to London in the two-part finale "T.O.W Ross' Wedding". Somehow squeezed into the budget were: Richard Branson, Tom Conti, Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Saunders and June Whitfield. At the climax of what should have been the perfect wedding, the year ends by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it'll never be over for Ross and Rachel. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 3 - Episodes 1-8 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £16.87   |  Saving you £-9.88 (-141.30%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 3: Having really hit its comedic stride, the third season did the smart thing and showed a more serious side to the Friends' frivolous nature. There was fun introducing the chick and the duck, poking ""Ugly Naked Guy" with a stick and "T.O.W. The Princess Leia Fantasy" (for which George Lucas sent a "thank you" note). Then after establishing a few cracks in their otherwise fairy-tale union, "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel Take a Break" offered admirable contrast. From here on in, the awkward catchphrase "we were on a break" became a hard-hitting reminder that love hurts. The other s' relationships were naturally no less complicated. "T.O.W. Monica and Richard are Just Friends" teased a now moustache-free Tom Selleck into thinking he might be "the one". Then Pete (Jon Favreau) tried his hand before insanely wanting to become "The Ultimate Fighting Champion". This episode pulled off an incredible double guest surprise from Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, proving just how popular the show had become. To that list were added cameos from Ben Stiller as "The Screamer", Sherilyn Fenn as one of Joey's exs and Isabella Rossellini, who taught Ross to never fantasise on laminated plastic. The cast were fitting in film roles where possible. Cox appeared in Scream, then brought David Arquette back with her for a cameo, which kept their off-screen chemistry alive. The final surprise was Teri Garr as Phoebe, Sr in "T.O. At the Beach", where it was hinted that something might be salvaged between Ross and Rachel after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends: Series 10 (Vol. 3) | DVD | (07/06/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  The third volume of episodes from the tenth series of the smash hit sitcom. Episode titles: The One Where Chandler Gets Caught The One Where The Stripper Cries The One With Phoebe's Wedding The One Where Joey Speaks French.

• Friends - Series 8 - Complete | DVD | (05/07/2010) from £17.53   |  Saving you £-4.54 (-34.90%)   |  RRP £12.99

  Episodes Comprise 1. The One After I Do 2. The One With The Red Sweater 3. The One Where Rachel Tells... 4. A Picture's Worth A Thousand Words 5. The One With Rachel's Date 6. The One With The Halloween Party 7. The One With The Stain 8. The One With The Stripper 9. The One With The Rumour 10. The One With Monica's Boots 11. The One With Ross's Step Forward 12. The One Where Joey Dates Rachel 13. The One Where Chandler Takes A Bath 14. The One With The Secret Closet 15. The One With The Birthing Video 16. The One When Joey Tells Rachel 17. The One With The Tea Leaves 18. The One In Massapequa 19. The One With Joey's Interview 20. The One With The Baby Shower 21. The One With The Cooking Class 22. The One Where Rachel Is Late 23. The One Where Rachel Has A Baby (Part 1) 24. The One Where Rachel Has A Baby (Part 2)

• Friends - Series 10 - Vol. 2 - Episodes 5-8 | DVD | (16/02/2004) from £4.99   |  Saving you £2.00 (40.08%)   |  RRP £6.99

  The second volume of episodes from the tenth series of the smash hit sitcom. The One Where Rachel's Sister Babysits: Rachel convinces her spoiled sister Amy to baby-sit Emma over Ross' protests Phoebe unknowingly thwarts Mike's surprise for her and Joey scares Monica and Chandler with a recommendation letter on their behalf to a child adoption agency. The One With Ross' Grant: Ross is interviewed by a Nobel Prize-winning scientist for a paleontology grant - but the doctor is Charlie's ex-boyfriend who offers Ross the grant only if he breaks up with her. Joey is offended when Chandler lies about viewing his bizarre audition tape reel. The One With The Home Study: Monica and Chandler meet with an adoption worker who will decide if they are suitable parents - and who confesses she was once romanced by a cad named Joey in the same building. Meanwhile Phoebe and Mike opt for a small wedding and donate the extra money to children's charity - only to demand it all back. Ross uses Emma to confront Rachel's irrational fear of swing sets. The One With The Late Thanksgiving: Monica prepares a Thanksgiving feast for the gang and is furious when no one shows up! when Joey gets stuck in the door Monica and Chandler have the perfect remedy. Phoebe convinces Rachel to enroll Emma in a baby beauty contest while Ross and Joey squeeze in a hockey game. All four sheepishly arrive late for dinner - and face Monica's wrath.

• Friends - Series 2 - Episodes 17-24 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £12.96   |  Saving you £-2.98 (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 2: Unfortunately, Rachel's brave intention to announce her feelings is scuppered in the season opener "T.O.W. Ross' New Girlfriend". It doesn't matter how great her hair looks (a real-life accident when a friend cut it with a razor), or how many sneaky tricks she tries to separate them. Ultimately it takes a peculiar doppelganger to lure the new girl away in "T.O.W. Russ" (Schwimmer credited as "Snaro"). The Friends couldn't be happier to have the angst and tension relieved, and "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel ... You Know" is unsurprisingly an all-time fan favourite. This was straightforward compared to the other side of Ross' love life in "T.O.W. the Lesbian Wedding" though. Initiating another will-they/won't-they subplot was the introduction of Richard (Tom Selleck) as a new flame for Monica. Highlights for the other characters all centred on the Emmy-winning two-part "T.O. W. After the Super Bowl" with a stunning cameo list including Brooke Shields, Chris Isaak, Dan Castellaneta (Homer from The Simpsons), Jean-Claude Van Damme and Julia Roberts (whom Perry subsequently dated a short while). Another great highlight was Chandler and Joey's ineptitude in "T.O.W the Baby on the Bus", which also featured Chrissie Hynde giving Phoebe's "Smelly Cat" its best ever rendition on guitar. To leave viewers hanging, the year ended with Rachel in understandable uncertainty over "T.O.W. Barry and Mindy's Wedding" (her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend). --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 6 - Episodes 17-24 | DVD | (06/11/2000) from £8.67   |  Saving you £-1.68 (-24.00%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 6: Between seasons, Cox and David Arquette were married, leading to "T.O.W. After Vegas" adding "Arquette" after everyone's title credits. Unfortunately, on-screen it's divorce time again despite "T.O.W. Ross Hugs Rachel", since he secretly tries avoiding an annulment of their accidental marriage. Far more out in the open is Chandler and Monica's relationship. Moving in together creates lots of fun as the others move back and forth into each other's apartments. It also leads to Joey finally showing a tender side toward temporary roommate Janine (Elle Macpherson). By now his chat-up catchphrase: "How you doin'?" had caught on, but he needed to fall for someone. He kept the fun alive all year pretending to have a Porsche, starting work on the show Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E. and by falling for Chandler's card game Cups in the excellent "T.O.W. On the Last Night" (one of many directed by Schwimmer). More fun came from Ross trying to teach everyone the mental discipline Unagi, popping ridiculous moves with Monica for their childhood dance routine and having a fluorescently dazzling smile in "T.O.W. Ross' Teeth" (also featuring a near-silent cameo from Ralph Lauren). Far more talkative was Reese Witherspoon as Rachel's sister--another temptation for Ross. What they briefly had wasn't as complicated as later in "T.O.W. Ross Meets Elizabeth's Dad", who turns out to be an Emmy-winning Bruce Willis (thanks to becoming friends with Perry during The Whole Nine Yards). The fans' need for love interest and continuity had established the seasons' format now. Another two-part finale offers jeopardy--then resolution--from Tom Selleck's Richard in "T.O.W. The Proposal" between Chandler and Monica. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 4 - Episodes 17-23 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £18.70   |  Saving you £-11.71 (-167.50%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 4: The New Year begins by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it's over for Ross and Rachel. There are a few episodes of pure silliness--such as "T.O.W. Chandler in a Box" after he kisses Joey's girlfriend--then two distinct story arcs take over. Usually when an actress falls pregnant, a show will hide them behind objects or in bigger clothes. For Kudrow it was decided to celebrate the fact on-screen by having her carry a child for her brother Frank (Giovanni Ribsi) and his wife. Being Phoebe, it naturally gets weird when "T.O.W. The Embryos" reveals she'll be having triplets. The hilarity resulted in an Emmy for her hard work. Subplot number two came with the arrival of British babe Emily (Helen Baxendale), who rapidly steals Ross's heart. The same episode ("T.O.W. Joey's Dirty Day") also features an amazing cameo from Charlton Heston giving Joey acting tips. But this couldn't have prepared fans for the stars and shocks of the gang's trip to London in the two-part finale "T.O.W Ross' Wedding". Somehow squeezed into the budget were: Richard Branson, Tom Conti, Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Saunders and June Whitfield. At the climax of what should have been the perfect wedding, the year ends by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it'll never be over for Ross and Rachel. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 3 - Episodes 17-25 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 3: Having really hit its comedic stride, the third season did the smart thing and showed a more serious side to the Friends' frivolous nature. There was fun introducing the chick and the duck, poking ""Ugly Naked Guy" with a stick and "T.O.W. The Princess Leia Fantasy" (for which George Lucas sent a "thank you" note). Then after establishing a few cracks in their otherwise fairy-tale union, "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel Take a Break" offered admirable contrast. From here on in, the awkward catchphrase "we were on a break" became a hard-hitting reminder that love hurts. The other s' relationships were naturally no less complicated. "T.O.W. Monica and Richard are Just Friends" teased a now moustache-free Tom Selleck into thinking he might be "the one". Then Pete (Jon Favreau) tried his hand before insanely wanting to become "The Ultimate Fighting Champion". This episode pulled off an incredible double guest surprise from Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, proving just how popular the show had become. To that list were added cameos from Ben Stiller as "The Screamer", Sherilyn Fenn as one of Joey's exs and Isabella Rossellini, who taught Ross to never fantasise on laminated plastic. The cast were fitting in film roles where possible. Cox appeared in Scream, then brought David Arquette back with her for a cameo, which kept their off-screen chemistry alive. The final surprise was Teri Garr as Phoebe, Sr in "T.O. At the Beach", where it was hinted that something might be salvaged between Ross and Rachel after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 3 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £6.43   |  Saving you £0.56 (8.00%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 3: Having really hit its comedic stride, the third season did the smart thing and showed a more serious side to the Friends' frivolous nature. There was fun introducing the chick and the duck, poking ""Ugly Naked Guy" with a stick and "T.O.W. The Princess Leia Fantasy" (for which George Lucas sent a "thank you" note). Then after establishing a few cracks in their otherwise fairy-tale union, "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel Take a Break" offered admirable contrast. From here on in, the awkward catchphrase "we were on a break" became a hard-hitting reminder that love hurts. The other s' relationships were naturally no less complicated. "T.O.W. Monica and Richard are Just Friends" teased a now moustache-free Tom Selleck into thinking he might be "the one". Then Pete (Jon Favreau) tried his hand before insanely wanting to become "The Ultimate Fighting Champion". This episode pulled off an incredible double guest surprise from Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, proving just how popular the show had become. To that list were added cameos from Ben Stiller as "The Screamer", Sherilyn Fenn as one of Joey's exs and Isabella Rossellini, who taught Ross to never fantasise on laminated plastic. The cast were fitting in film roles where possible. Cox appeared in Scream, then brought David Arquette back with her for a cameo, which kept their off-screen chemistry alive. The final surprise was Teri Garr as Phoebe, Sr in "T.O. At the Beach", where it was hinted that something might be salvaged between Ross and Rachel after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 6 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (09/06/2016) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 6: between seasons Cox and David Arquette were married, leading to "T.O.W After Vegas" adding "Arquette" after everyone's title credits. Unfortunately, onscreen it's divorce time again despite "T.O.W. Ross Hugs Rachel", since he secretly tries avoiding an annulment of their accidental marriage. Far more out in the open is Chandler and Monica's relationship. Moving in together creates lots of fun as the others move back and forth into each other's apartments. It also leads to Joey finally showing a tender side toward temporary roommate Janine (Elle Macpherson). By now his chat-up catchphrase: "How you doin'?" had caught on, but he needed to fall for someone. He kept the fun alive all year pretending to have a Porsche, starting work on the show Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E. and by falling for Chandler's card game Cups in the excellent "T.O.W on the Last Night" (one of many directed by Schwimmer). More fun came from Ross trying to teach everyone the mental discipline Unagi, popping ridiculous moves with Monica for their childhood dance routine and having a fluorescently dazzling smile in "T.O.W. Ross' Teeth" (also featuring a near-silent cameo from Ralph Lauren). Far more talkative was Reese Witherspoon as Rachel's sister--another temptation for Ross. What they briefly had wasn't as complicated as later in "T.O.W. Ross Meets Elizabeth's Dad", who turns out to be an Emmy-winning Bruce Willis (thanks to becoming friends with Perry during The Whole Nine Yards). The fans' need for love interest and continuity had established the seasons' format now. Another two-part finale offers jeopardy--then resolution--from Tom Selleck's Richard in "T.O.W. the Proposal" between Chandler and Monica. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 5 - Episodes 17-23 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 5: Divorce number two is immediately on the cards as the year opens with "T.O. After Ross Says Rachel". As of this point, Ross' character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "T.O.W. Ross Moves In" with Chandler and Joey. Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("T.O.W. Ross' Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel, the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is made piggy-in-the-middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "T.O.W. Everybody Finds Out", the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "T.O.W. The Cop". This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "T.O. W. The Ride Along". She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale "T.O.W. In Vegas" though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel... --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 8 - Episodes 9-12 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £4.99   |  Saving you £2.00 (40.08%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Just in case anyone was starting to think Series 8 of Friends was about nothing but Rachel, "The One with the Rumour" reveals the "We Hate Rachel" club that's been around some time: Ross started it in High School with a certain Mr Jennifer Aniston (an uncredited Brad Pitt). In a welcome change of focus, "The One with Monica's Boots" has Monica and Chandler arguing over finances while Phoebe and Ross argue over the attentions of Sting's wife Trudie Styler (cameoing as herself). Next in "The One with Ross' Step Forward" his girlfriend from Monica and Chandler's wedding turns out to want more from him than he'd planned. And getting back to Rachel, her hormones find her bouncing all over looking for a partner. "The One Where Joey Dates Rachel" is her surprise resolution. This is another exceptional turn behind the camera for Schwimmer, who relegates his on-screen time to teaching a respectable class, finally. Other highlights of this volume include Joey swearing he can eat a whole turkey, another screw-up boss at Chandler's office and everyone's addiction to the Ms Pacman arcade game. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 9 - Vol. 2 - Eps 5-8 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £5.59   |  Saving you £1.40 (20.00%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Nine years is a long time for any group of Friends to stick so closely together, but somehow the gang are still as daftly charming as ever. After the birth of Emma, Rachel comes to terms with being a mother surprisingly well. It's how everyone else deals with it that makes things interesting. Joey's accidental proposal creates weird friction between him and Ross, who breaks his finger throwing the show's first ever punch. Monica becomes desperately broody and attempts all manner of convoluted ways of persuading Chandler (unfortunately he inadvertently bankrupts them in a move to Tulsa). Phoebe, on the other hand, occupies herself in the dating game, holding on to Mike (Paul Rudd) in the longest guest star relationship anyone's ever had. Other surprise guests this year include Freddie Prinze Jr as an overly sensitive nanny (in the 200th episode), Christina Applegate as another of Rachel's sisters and Jeff Goldblum playing himself on the set of another movie on which Joey is trying to get a break. As always the sparks occasionally fly between Rachel and Ross, while the others manage to strain their own relationships to the max. The real reason for watching now is the one-off kooky scenarios in which they--or rather Joey--get into. His endless dating finally sees him stuck for remembering if he's already slept with a girl; he botches an attempt at eyebrow waxing; and he manages to make Chandler think that Monica wants a breast enhancement. A 10th series and potential movie spin-off were announced well before the year was over, meaning six very rich actors will be supplying the fun for some time yet to come. --Paul Tonks