Summary

The website content reflects on the impact of the television show "Friends," the complexity of its character Chandler Bing, the anticipation and mixed feelings surrounding the Friends Reunion, the personal struggles of actor Matthew Perry, and the decision not to reboot the series, while also paying tribute to Perry following his recent passing.

Abstract

The article delves into the cultural significance of the 90's sitcom "Friends," emphasizing its role in defining Friday nights for its viewers and the aspirational portrayal of close-knit friendships. It discusses the character development of Chandler Bing, highlighting his use of humor to mask vulnerabilities stemming from childhood trauma. The piece also addresses the excitement and nostalgia that the Friends Reunion special evoked, while acknowledging the changes in the audience's connection to the show over time. It touches on the off-screen battles of Matthew Perry with addiction and his efforts towards recovery, expressing a hope for his well-being that mirrors the narrative arc of his character. The author concludes by agreeing with the actors' opposition to a Friends reboot, asserting that the show's era is over, and pays homage to Perry after his passing, thanking him for the memories and influence "Friends" had on conceptualizing friends as family.

Opinions

The author expresses a personal connection to "Friends," considering it a staple of their weekly routine and admiring the characters' bonds.
Chandler Bing's character is appreciated more as the series progresses, with the author warming to his humor and understanding his defense mechanisms.
The Friends Reunion was met with delight but also a sense of change, recognizing that the show's significance has shifted with time.
There is a clear respect and concern for Matthew Perry, both for his portrayal of Chandler and his personal struggles, with the author wishing for his recovery and stability.
The author is against a Friends reboot, believing that the original series captured a specific time and that attempting to recreate it would be disappointing.
The author mourns the loss of Matthew Perry, acknowledging his contribution to the cultural impact of "Friends" and the idea of friends becoming chosen family.

We All Could Do With A Friend

I loved Friends, the cool and trendy 90’s show with six New York pals trying to make it in the Big Apple. Friday evenings became Friends evening, a weekly staple we couldn’t get enough of.

The pals, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Phoebe and Joey, shared their ups and downs as they tried to figure out who they were in their twenties. We saw their micro wins and losses in each episode, which also had a healthy dose of humour and camaraderie.

We read about their characters off-screen and followed news about the new storylines. They were envied for their tight, close-knit bonds; we all wanted pals like that. Thankfully, I do. I love my friends whom I’ve practically grown up with over the years.

It was suddenly cool to have friends who became your family. Thus, we all went through our highs and lows, setbacks, wins, joys and sadness as we navigated the new world we found ourselves in.

Chandler Bing

Chandler was never my favourite, but I warmed to his character as the series progressed. I liked his funny antics, especially when he tried to navigate his career and impress his friends with his business quips. When Chandler wore the suit, he tried to be the grown-up. He was the highest paid out of the friends, plus he learnt about money from a young age.

However, behind the suit was a vulnerable and naive young man who was traumatised by his parent’s divorce at the age of nine. Thus, we saw him use sarcasm and humour as a defence mechanism. We understood why he was opposed to celebrating Thanksgiving because it was on Thanksgiving that his parents announced their divorce.

We loved the Bromance between Chandler, Joey and Ross, who were best Pals and the antics they all got up to. The girls vs the boys teams became a firm favourite. Only after series seven did he start to warm to commitment, and his confidence grew emotionally as he tried to woo Monica.

Friend’s Reunion

When the Friends Reunion was announced in 2019/ 2020, I was delighted to see the six friends back on the screen, albeit only for a few hours, where they reminisced about the good old days.

We all like doing that sometimes because it feels safe and comfortable. We’re good at remembering the good things and, sometimes, ‘sugar-coat’ or forget some of the ‘not so good’ things. Nobody wants to remember the bad/or not-so-good moments. We’re human, after all.

The Friends Reunion was nice to see, but things were different. I didn’t have the same enthusiasm as I once had. We’d all grown and gone our separate ways, leading our own lives. What mattered then no longer mattered much now. However, it was great to see them all again for one last time.

Matthew Perry

At the height if success with the Friends series, little did we know he was battling his demons off the screen. The press was always hot on his tails with his off-screen life. Sadly, the demons got the better of him for the best part, but he did commit to getting his act together after going into rehab multiple times.

I never followed their lives after the series ended because I’ve never felt the need. However, as Friend’s fans, I always hoped he would be well again. Somehow, I secretly hoped that the script would end in a happy ever after in his real world too.

Parting Comments

I’m glad they never did a Friends Reboot. The actors themselves were opposed to the idea too. I would have been disappointed because both the era and their time as Friends ended.

Sadly, the earthly time ended for Matthew Perry this weekend. I will remember him for helping friends become family.

Goodbye, Matthew — You will be missed.

Thank you for your attention.

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