Watching Friends Backwards: What Would You Miss?
It has been a long-standing debate whether watching Friends in reverse order would be an enlightening or devastating experience. While the idea may seem intriguing, Friends is a show intricately woven with complex character arcs and pivotal moments that would be missed if viewed in reverse. In this article, we explore what one could potentially miss by watching Friends series backwards and delve into the unique character developments that may not be as impactful in reverse.
Why Watching Friends Backwards Might Not Be Worth It
There is a famous internet meme that goes: “If you watch Jaws backwards, it becomes a movie about a benevolent shark grafting missing body parts on amputees.” Similar to this, watching Friends backwards could dramatically alter the narrative and its emotional impact. Ross and Rachel, for instance, would go from a stable and fulfilling relationship back to a tumultuous and unresolved one. Rachel would revert from a strong, career-oriented woman to a less mature and shallow individual, while Chandler would lose his excitement about parenthood and become cynical, struggling to form deep connections.
The rest of the Friends cast might not undergo as significant changes. Phoebe would remain the same quirky, flaky character; Ross would still be quirky and unpredictable; and Joey would continue to be the playboy without ever growing into the character many of us wish him to be.
Monica's Physical Transformation
One aspect that struck me after finishing Friends and noticing significant differences in Monica's physical appearance was her evolution throughout the series. By the end of the series, Monica looked quite physically different from her early days. This change can be partially attributed to two factors: the pregnancy of actress Courteney Cox, which might have influenced the portrayal of her character's pregnancy issues, and possible plastic surgery. Although there is no concrete evidence regarding the timing of any potential plastic surgery, the stark difference in her appearance from the start of season 10 to the end of season 9 is undeniable.
Personal Reflections and Enjoyment
For those new to the show, or for those who have seen only a few episodes, hopping on the Friends bandwagon can be exhilarating. I myself fell in love with the show after watching a couple of episodes on Netflix, and decided to binge-watch the complete series. The familiarity of the storylines and the reliance on knowing the plot progression can enhance one's enjoyment, making the jokes and punchlines more relatable. However, the primary drawback is the potential lack of context for some anecdotes and references, which might hamper the overall experience.
Conclusion
While watching Friends backwards can be an interesting experiment, the potential for missing out on the show's narrative, character growth, and emotional arcs makes it a less ideal viewing method. The show's strength lies in its interconnected storyline and character development. For those considering this unconventional approach, it might be best to enjoy Friends in its original order to fully appreciate the journey of the characters and the timeless humor that made it a cultural phenomenon.