Episode 15 - TOW The Stoned Guy
29 March 2012
Synopsis: Chandler is offered a promotion so he quits his job because it is not what he really wants to do with his life. Ross dates a woman from work who wants him to talk dirty and Monica has a chance to become the chef at a new restaurant.
The Good: There is a huge amount to enjoy in this episode, it is written with great intelligence and depth. Ross’ dilemma is a typical sitcom story and he goes to Joey for advice which leads to one of the classic set-piece jokes which Friends produced. Meanwhile you feel genuinely sorry for Monica as her chance to impress is ruined by the restaurant owner being stoned when he arrives. Jon Lovitz is great here, overplaying being high to great comic effect. And finally there is the Chandler plot which works well on two levels. The first is the timeless tale of someone trying to find a dream job or ambition to live for. The other is specific to our times. Chandler is just like millions of other middle class westerners who reach their 20s and go work in an office, lose interest in the monotony and wish they had a job that really interested them.
The Bad: This should be an absolute classic. It is so well written and thought out, the characters are on the mark and it is funny. But it isn’t that funny. All three plots kind of peter out to nothing. Although there are several classic scenes, none of them leave you holding your sides, which a true classic comedy episode should do. That is a harsh criticism though.
Best Line:
(J) “You like this woman right?”
(Ro) “Yeah.”
(J) “You wanna see her again, right?”
(Ro) “Sure.”
(J) “Well if you can’t talk dirty to me, how’re you gonna talk dirty to her? Now tell me you wanna caress my butt!”
Best Friend: Chandler
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