Yeah I know I've let this to rot, but I'm gonna try and power through now.
1x01 - The Pilot
INTRO: Here we are. The first episode of Friends. Long before it changed the TV Schedules and long before it introduced 'comfort TV' to the masses. And whilst this pilot isn't the most revolutionary or groundbreaking, it does set the standard for what is to come.
PLOT A -
Rachel: Rachel basically headlines Episode One. She crash lands into the series in scene one and begins ultimately her first steps to independence. It's fun to watch as her rich lifestyle begins to fade away. That first image in which she's wet, anxious and in a very poofy wedding dress is pretty much iconic with the show itself - I love it. So good, so well written and so awkward to sit through, yet Rachel's baby steps into the real world begin here.
PLOT B - Ross: Ross is adjusting to life without Carol and being divorced. This subplot is slightly full to be honest, and not very exciting to engage with on first go. We know Ross's first wife is a recurring joke, but here it just never takes life in the start. However we do establish his first steps with Rachel which is cute to watch.
PLOT C - Monica: Monica on the other hand has quite a fun yet very 90s subplot. She has a date with 'Paul The Wine Guy' which she believes is going well, only for her to discover that she's getting played by him, which is very sad to watch as she discovers this. There is no real resolution however which I was slightly let down by.
OTHER NOTES: I just love how 90s everything is in the first episode. Everything from the outfits, the lighting, sets, and of course the hair. So 90s and so very very funky. I love it.
OVERALL: It's a fun if not flawed opening to the series. I liked it and feel like it pushes you enough to want to know more about these people and invest more in their lives.
RATING - 75% - B+
LINE OF THE EP -
Chandler: Look, Gippetto, I'm a real live boy.
Joey: I will not take this abuse.
[Walks to the door and opens it to leave]
Chandler: You're right, I'm sorry.
[Burst into song and dances out of the door]
Chandler: Once I was a wooden boy, a little wooden boy!