FILM | HUMOR | MEDIUM

When “Friends” Overcame “Harry Potter” and Why Medium Makes Me Sad

From Hogwarts to Central Perk: A tale of digital despair

The other day, I posted an article about my childhood favorite film series, Harry Potter. The timing only seemed right. The seasons are beginning to turn, the smell of the Hogwarts Express is in the air, and talks of the upcoming Harry Potter TV adaptation are beginning to reach a new fever pitch. The world was ready for my article; I just knew it.

But as it published, the first day of Autumn hanging thick in the air, it was received with a resounding silence. Not a clap, comment or even a Diana Meresc highlight. With David Perlmutter removed from the platform, there was no chance my piece would look like a Christmas tree in time for the holidays.

But as hours ticked by, a lone beacon of hope emerged in my dark, digital, clap-free oblivion. It came in the form of a comment with a few too many emojis.

“Hi Ben! 🧙‍♂️⚡

I absolutely loved your article about the magical world of Harry Potter and how it became the gold standard of film series adaptations. 🏰✨

As a fellow Potterhead, your words resonated with me deeply. I remember the excitement of growing up alongside Harry, Hermione, and Ron, eagerly awaiting each new book and movie release. 📚🎥

You captured the essence of the films beautifully, especially how they evolved in tone and darkness as the series progressed. And you’re absolutely right about John Williams’ iconic score — it’s practically a character in itself! 🎶🪄

I appreciate your insight into how adapting such a vast literary universe to film is no easy task, and I agree that the Harry Potter films did an incredible job of it. 📽️✨

Your article brought back so many fond memories, and I wanted to express my gratitude for sharing your thoughts on this beloved series. Keep up the fantastic work, Ben! ⭐📝”

As I read the comment, I could hardly help grinning from ear to ear! I almost immediately began drafting a profuse thank you to their emoji-laced words. I fired them out so excitedly that I accidentally repeated the word truly! I was ashamed, but alas. My thank you wasn’t enough for them. As I saw them reply once more, I simply thought to myself, “They must just want to talk about the wonderful, wizarding world of Harry Potter with me some more! What a treat!”

As I prepared to open her comment and engage in a spellbinding back and forth, I brewed up my butter beer and put on my wizard hat. But as I opened the comment and took my first sips of the warm, wizard beverage, I was aghast.

“You’re very welcome, Ben! 😄 I’m thrilled to hear that my comment brought some joy to your day. “Friends” is indeed a timeless and beloved series that has a special place in the hearts of many. Keep up the great work with your writing, and I look forward to reading more from you. Here’s to more “Friends” rewatches and wonderful writing adventures! 📺👫📝🌟”

I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Friends”!? I’d never even watched “Friends”!

“But what abo — What happened t — I thought we were talking ab — ” I violently stammered to myself as I stared at the keyboard in disbelief. “I’m being outdone by listicle writing-AIs, please don’t take away this sweet Harry Potter comment from me!” I beckoned, tears welling in my eyes until I was a doughy-eyed emoji myself.

I was devastated. I was taken aback. I threw my wizard hat at the wall in sheer frustration. I swore aloud to never yell “Expecto Patronum!” at a cloak-clad enemy again.

I spent the remainder of the night crying and watching clips of “Friends” on YouTube, fruitlessly searching for its greatness. But there were no wizards, no trolls, not even a centaur or two — just Jennifer Aniston. And though Jennifer Aniston is great in her own right, she could never fill the shoes of Hagrid or Dumbledore.

After my tear-filled night of wizarding world renouncements, my eyes were bruised and red. But I awoke to a new comment. It was another comment on my Harry Potter article — but this one from a new person. My heart stopped. Had my article resonated with someone after all? Could Harry, Ron and Hermione still continue to live on in my heart? I opened the comment, sitting with chattering teeth on the edge of my seat, my cold and wasted butter beer from the night before sitting sad and alone on the table.

I know only one better coming together of cast — Friends. Aside from that — hands down the best cast.

I fell to the floor in defeat. “Whhyyyy!?” I yelled out to the cruel, cruel world around me. But it only laughed back.

As I laid on the ground in catatonic agony, I watched as my butter beer drew flies.

Maybe this world isn’t as magical as I’d hoped. Maybe I’m living on a planet of “Friends” and not goblins and sorcerers. Maybe I can’t trust that nice Medium commenters are real.

But one must never allow hope to die. For as sure as unicorns exist, I’m sure that quality will always prevail here on Medium.