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
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
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
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
Season 7: lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). Onscreen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. the Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner!), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. --Paul Tonks
Season 7: Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. the Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. --Paul Tonks
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
Series 8 of Friends keeps throwing in distractions, but nothing can really get in the way of our interest in Rachel's baby and Joey's newfound infatuation. In "The One Where Chandler Takes a Bath" the notorious stress-head finds a new way of relaxing; but really the focus is on Ross and Rachel arguing over baby names and guessing its sex. The subplot revolves again around Chandler in "The One with the Secret Closet", where he finally thinks to investigate what's next to the bathroom, but again the focus is elsewhere: this time on Joey attending to Rachel's stomach pains and trying to get her out of his head for good. Valentine's Day makes "The One with the Birthing Video" a team effort for Chandler with Monica, but the point of the episode is Joey telling Ross how he feels regardless of the consequences, or how the world's happiest dog makes him feel. All of which means the focus is squarely on "The One Where Joey Tells Rachel", since no one else believes him! --Paul Tonks
The eighth season of Friends picks up just moments after Monica and Chandler said "I do". The only thing to have changed (once again) is Mathew Perry's weight, otherwise all is very much business as usual: Phoebe makes Rachel's secret pregnancy more complicated; Ross manages to look totally uncool in front of someone he fancies; Joey will do anything for an acting gig; and Chandler blames his two left feet on a new pair of shoes. All of which was so much fluff to set up the year's primary concern: Rachel's baby. Everyone starts speculating on the identity of the father during "The One With the Red Sweater", which is an incriminating clue from a one-night stand. Meanwhile, David Schwimmer gives one of his best performances from behind the camera, directing himself and Chandler attempting to take fresh wedding photos--at someone else's ceremony! We're not kept in suspense long though. "The One Where Rachel Tells..." teases with the possibility of resurrecting the long-time on/off Ross and Rachel relationship. Naturally that goes pear-shaped thanks to "The One with the Videotape", in which they vainly attempt to determine who came on to whom. Highlights of this volume include the before and after jealousies of Monica and Chandler's honeymoon, Joey's surprise gallantry toward Rachel and the gas leak lie. --Paul Tonks
A collection of episodes from Friends featuring some male-centric episodes!
The first episode on this volume of Friends Series 8 is classic silliness. "The One With the Cooking Class" has Monica joining a class after getting a bad review of her restaurant. Meantime Chandler foolishly allows Phoebe to give him advice on job interview technique. Time starts to tick faster for everyone in "The One Where Rachel is Late". Joey's WWI movie finally arrives, but is overshadowed by the wait for Rachel's overdue arrival. Naturally it's all build-up to the cliffhanger fans wait for every year. The two-part "The One Where Rachel Has a Baby" gave the millions of fans exactly what they wanted. While Janice manages to complicate the gang's general feelings, Monica and Chandler wrestle with their own concern with becoming parents. Joey makes up his mind over how to deal with his feelings for Rachel, but wouldn't you know it, it seems there might be dormant sparks between her and Ross after all. Surely their break should be over by now! --Paul Tonks
A collection of female favouring episodes from Friends
Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating that this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. The Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star-turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. Paul Tonks
In the second volume of Friends Series 8, the next stage of Rachel's pregnancy is coping with everyone else's reactions and expectations. Immediately in "The One with Rachel's Date" we learn that Ross can't distinguish between father and friend. While their relationship grows ever more complicated, Phoebe just can't sit still as she moves from an infatuation with a sous-chef to her twin sister's fiancé (guest star Sean Penn). "The One with the Halloween Party" is when they meet, making for typically daft fun with the gang in costume: Monica is Catwoman, Phoebe is Supergirl, Chandler is The Velveteen Rabbit, Ross is Spudnik and Joey is Chandler! Penn's cameo continues into "The One with the Stain": while Rachel prays for an old lady to kick the bucket so she can get her apartment, Monica is concerned about the Maid she arranged. But that's nothing compared to her concerns over "The One with the Stripper" that she inadvertently arranges for Chandler! Highlights of this volume include meeting Rachel's explosive father, seeing her hand out cheques instead of candy at Halloween and learning why Chandler should be called Muriel instead of Toby. --Paul Tonks
Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating that this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than eve r. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. The Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star-turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. Paul Tonks
In a welcome change of pace, the relationship complications in this volume of Friends Series 8 fall upon Phoebe as "The One with the Tea Leaves" hooks her up with a stellar cameo from Alec Baldwin. He reappears for the elder Gellers' 35th wedding anniversary party in "The One in Massapequa", where it turns out some white lies have been bandied about to cover Rachel's pregnancy. Then, in what seems like a complete stand-alone episode, "The One with Joey's Interview" has Matt LeBlanc on top form preparing to be interviewed by Soap Opera Digest. Naturally he goofs things up big time. His next disaster awaits him when hosting a new quiz show, but this is all secondary in "The One with the Baby Shower" to Rachel realising how scatty her maternal instincts are while her own mother gets underfoot. This episode features an impressively emotional performance from Aniston as she comes to terms with coming into term. --Paul Tonks
Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating that this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than eve r. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. The Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star-turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. Paul Tonks
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