Episodes 9-16 [1995]

One of the most beloved sitcoms in the world, FRIENDS follows the lives and loves of six young New Yorkers: Monica (Courteney Cox), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), Ross (David Schwimmer), and Chandler (Matthew Perry). This set contains episodes 9 through 16 of the sixth season and features Reese Witherspoon’s appearances as Rachel’s sister. Episodes include “The One Where Ross Got High,” “The One with the Routine,” “The One with the Apothecary Table,” “The One with the Joke,” “The One with Rachel’s Sister,” “The One Where Chandler Can’t Cry,” “The One That Could Have Been – Part 1,” and “The One That Could Have Been – Part 2.”
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, onscreen 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