Amazon.co.uk Review
Friends has never failed in the follow-up to a cliff-hanger ending; the interminable gap in-between seasons leaving fans worrying how writers will resolve problems, and how Warner Brothers will afford cast salary increases. Season Five built up lots of continuing threads and left everyone in Las Vegas, with Monica and Chandler stunned to see Rachel and Ross come running out of a wedding chapel. Since that year had also seen a welcome return to the show's roots of pure silly fun, Season Six had a lot to live up to. So, thankfully, "The One After Vegas" starts as it means to go on, with a credit sequence that adds "Arquette" after everyone's name. A cool gag for an episode all about marriage that ends with a dedication "For Courteney and David, who did get married". With Ross secretly avoiding an annulment on his marriage to Rachel, there's a tautly linking thread through these first four episodes. In contrast to this new secrecy, Chandler openly admits he wants to move in with Monica. The knock-on effects of both storylines sees a foolishly scheming Ross ("The One Where Ross Hugs Rachel") battle Phoebe against admitting he's still in love, convincing an exasperated divorce lawyer that "third time's the charm", and adopting a British accent for lectures at NYU ("The One Where Joey Loses His Insurance"). Since Rachel has to move out to make room for Chandler all sorts of hilarity ensues from Joey finding a new roomie by advertising for someone "non-ugly"! --
Paul Tonks
Amazon.co.uk Review
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
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