Sweden has Friends reruns every evening, and has been broadcasting Friends more or less constantly since I have lived in Sweden. It’s one of those shows that is always in the background when I do my evening chores.
Parts of it have aged badly as the world has evolved, but most of it remains once-in-a lifetime comedy. In a way it is familiar. As we grow older and the world is falling apart around our ears, Friends seems to give familiar comfort. That famous apartment will stay the same, as will their lives and friendships, no matter what awful news is on our headlines today. Interestingly, they always negotiated their salaries together, unlike other shows such as Big Bang Theory. One for all, all for one.
I was so sad to hear of Matthew Perry’s passing. It was so clear in the show that he was fighting demons but still able to make us laugh. Many creative people are fighting demons, as I mentioned in previous articles about grunge. Addiction is such an awful illness. Nowadays it is recognised as an illness, which is a step ahead from decades ago. But I imagine the risk of relapse is as high as it ever was.
I was in college and in my first apartment and had a roommate when Friends started. I absolutely loved it. Chandler Bing was my favorite character. I cried when I learned that Matthew Perry had died. When I watched the show when it was new, I had no idea that Matthew was struggling. As I rewatch them now, I can see his struggles. I will miss him. I will always be grateful for his ability to make me laugh, but as I write this, tears are filling my eyes.
You can see at the end of one season where he was very bloated, and at the beginning of the next season he was almost gaunt. The difference was really noticeable because he was wearing the same clothes in both episodes. See what I mean https://thisbugslife.com/?p=272745&preview=true
Friends was such an incredibly funny sitcom. I started watching it when I was a teenager in France and then I was lucky enough to spend a semester at a university in England and I could watch brand new episodes in English, no less, and way in advance compared to France. Matthew Perry’s death is really tragic and so unexpected…
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings. May his soul rest in peace. Matthew Perry’s passing is indeed a great loss. His portrayal of Chandler Bing was iconic, and his ability to make us laugh while battling his own personal struggles was truly remarkable.
lucyclaireillustrations is the source of the image
Thank you!! Now credited.