F.R.I.E.N.D.S

Last night I watched the final episode of Friends for the millionth time. And it still gets to me.

In 2004, I remember watching the 1-hour special series finale. I was sitting in a TV chair about 20 inches from the TV in my parents’ basement. I was soaking in every line, every emotion, convinced that the characters’ tears were real tears of the actors. I mean, it really was the end of an era! A ten-year era.

I grew up with Friends. In the early years, it was definitely above my level of comprehension, but I loved them. I watched reruns all week, then longed for that new episode. I loved Chandler’s jokes, Phoebe’s quirks, Joey’s stupidity, Monica’s craziness, and of course, the love saga of Ross and Rachel.

It made me want to work in fashion, be an actor, a masseuse, a chef, a paleontologist, and whatever the heck Chandler did (transponster!) And it made me want to be friends with them—sit around in Central Perk and drink coffee on a super comfy, orange velvet couch.

With the rest of America, I yearned for Ross and Rachel to be together—cheered when they finally kissed in the coffee shop, chided Ross for making that list comparing Rachel and Julie. I teared up a little when the prom video finally sealed it for Rachel. And then, the break up. The painful episode where Ross cheats when THEY WERE ON A BREAK. And the reunion at the beach house that ends quickly with an 18-page letter (front and back) Ross didn’t read. And then Emma. Once I found out Ross was the father, there was so much hope that they would be together. But they wouldn’t. Not until the finale.

I’m not an overly emotional person. But every. single. time. I watch that episode, I make it through finding out Monica and Chandler are getting twins, I make it through the scene where Chandler lets Joey keep Chick Jr. and Duck Jr., I’m fine even during the very last scene, when they all turn in their keys, but every, single time when Rachel says, “I got off the plane,” I lose it. Tears. SHE GOT OFF THE PLANE!

And why Friends? Why did a show about nothing run for 10 seasons? Because it’s what we all want. Their lives are exactly what I wish I had. Six friends, being friends, living their lives. Together.