An hour and 44 minutes after watching Friends: The Reunion and I'm an emotional sobbing wreck.
The cast (Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer) and every member (including creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane), that played a part on the hit sitcom show F.R.I.E.N.D.S., all reunite on the very same set they shot their opening scene, 17 years after their last episode, taking the viewers through a poignant trip down memory lane.
From never released before behind the scenes to set secrets that stunned the audience and viewers globally, the 'extended' interview conducted by James Corden was simply a two-hour overly-hyped episode of the cast reminiscing their days on set, sharing their struggles and re-enacting significant scenes while seated around a circular table in their stage 24 Warner Bros. Studios set.
As a Friends fanatic who could probably recite every possible dialogue of the show, after being informed the cast will be returning as themselves, I felt that this episode was perfectly directed to wrap up all loose ends from the when the show began to its very last episode.
The interview included questions about the show- with the most iconic one being 'Were Ross and Rachel on a Break?' Spoiler- Yes! They were. And we have all six of them backing this up.
The episode also disclosed the casts' confessions on how they felt isolated from the world but connected to each other, the stress and anxiety they went through to maintain the comedic elements of a highly successful comedy sitcom, revealing how the show was scripted from the creators' real-life experiences. They even highlighted the 'off-screen relationship that almost happened' between Jennifer Anniston and David Schwimmer!!
The only disappointing factor was, did we really need some of the guest's appearances to share their views from just watching the show?
While it was fun to watch top models walk the ramp while sporting iconic pieces from the show, such as Rachel's bridesmaid dress from Barry and Mindy's wedding (modelled by Cara Delevingne) and Ross's leather pants (modelled by Cindy Crawford), it made absolutely no sense to see Justin Bieber, Kit-Harrington Geller etc..to have them on the reunion episode.
I would have actually preferred if Paul Rudd (who played Mike- Phoebe's husband) and Cole Sprouse (Ben- Ross's son) had joined the cast on the worn-out orange sofa instead.
That aside, it was a beautiful moment to see Christina Pickles (Judy Geller) and Elliot Gould (Jack Geller) express their deep admiration divulging viewers of the parent-like relationship they had with the close-knit group, along with having Maggie Wheeler (Janice) and James Michael Tyler (Gunther) have their moments as well.
As much as I would have expected the cast to have reunited for a 'bonus' post-Friends episode that displayed the life after they move out of their flat 19 and 20 New York apartment, Lisa Kudrow's statement over the show ending on a good and wholesome note is what convinced me that maybe, just celebrating a show that impacted people all over the world was the 'closure' we needed to finally to put an end to the some of the burning questions while also indulging in nostalgia from a 90's time capsule.
With each star being paid approximately $2.5million for this special episode, watching the show did evoke some form of joy to see my all-time favourite characters in their element grace our screens once again.
However, it didn't strike the interest element, given the hype created. It felt like an enforced sentimental episode to appease fans that made it easy to capitalise from their following without the need to actually work on a sequel.
And with my need to watch another episode of Friends and probably learn every possible detail from this episode, I gladly contributed to this.
I must add, it was touching to see their vulnerable confessions that gave viewers an insight into the not so glamorous aspects of their life and the emotional moments as the camaraderie walked around their' home', swapping memories from the time while also getting a quiz on recollecting scenes from the show (also a favourite episode might I add).
Although this could have just been like any other ordinary interview without the pomp and flair, with Justin Bieber dressed as 'Spudnik' or Larry Hankin (Mr. Heckles) coming in to demand a cat and waffle, it would have not justified the 51.1 million viewership success and the most-watched T.V. show mantle they continue to hold even today.
Edited by Hannah Youds