More than Friends. Review on Friends

I'm writing not to give all praises or all criticisms on NBC's Top Rated Sitcom, Friends. Rather, I am writing to give my overall objective perception on what I believe are the strong and weak points of the show. The show features the lives of six New York City individuals, most of them single and each with their own personality trait.

Let me begin with what I like about this show:

Funny- quite frankly, the show is really really funny. This is something that sets them apart from other sitcom, this one actually does what its meant to do, which is make us laugh.

Writing- the script is often well thought out. The dialogue exchanges are also wonderful. The Friends writers have a brilliant way to use allusions about sex, relationships, friendships, work and other everyday things we all face. Yet they do it in such a way that makes us laugh about it, rather than stress over them.

Characters- as I mentioned, the strength of this show lie with their characters. Each one of them carries their own trait: Joey as a jock, Phoebe as an adorable slow witted woman in her late 20's. While each character is strong in an on itself, they get their strength from their interaction with one another. When you see how these characters interact, and how these personalities are blended, you'll certainly be amazed.

Guests- Brad Pitt, Ed Norton, Tom Selleck, Matt Damon all made guest appearances on the show. Its not to the caliber as the Simpsons, but nothings that perfect.

Storylines- For the most part, the storylines are smart. There are times when it gets a bit boring, but they often think of great ideas to keep the show fresh.

The BAD side of friends:

Friends dont sleep with each other- after a while, it gets predictable that each character will hook up with one another. After they run out of combinations, they'll probably have the guys get into relationships together. This, I believe is a flaw, that if you're to have a show about Friends, let it be about Friends. Ross and Rachelle, Monica and Chandler, and for one episode, Joey and Rachelle, and in another episode, Joey and Phoebe.

All too much internal interaction- Sienfeld garnered their strength by focusing on the casts' interactions with the funny outside world. In contrast, there is not enough of that if friends. There is too much emphasis on the characters themselves, that often its forgotten that they are part of a larger community. There were episodes that featured the cast just sitting at the living room, but for the most part. If its done right, it can be brilliant. But done to many times makes the show predictable.

After weighing in the good and the bad, I would recommend this to a friend. Its a good way to pass Thursday night for a half-hour. But I would'nt be upset if I miss it for something better.