Friends

Friends: The Complete Tenth Season
$28.98
As a whole series Friends is 5-star entertainment all the way, although if I had one bone to pick it'd be the whole Ross/Rachel thing which is more or less a frustrating element in the show from the 6th season on. Granted, a 'real' Ross/Rachel marriage in the 6th season would have severly limited the story line possibilities of these swinging singles in NY so perhaps I can understand the writers decision to have it this way, though it continued to grate on me even the second time I saw these. Rachel basically broke up Ross's marriage to Emily in the 5th season (probably my favorite season) and by the end of that season they were married (albeit drunk in Las Vegas). Rachel (who's drunken idea it was to get married in the first place - this after she breaks up his marriage to Emily) wants an unwilling Ross to annul the marriage. And thus the frustration begins. It doesn't end there however. The audaciousness continues when the writers decide to develop the whole Joey/Rachel romance. The seasons (season 10 included) continue to be funny and entertaining in spite of this development, but I must say that while it creates intrigue (through scandal) for the audience, it somewhat mars that audiences love for Rachel and even Joey as they fall into this state of affairs. Joey, who chastised Chandler for getting involved with one of his girlfriends of like 3 weeks or something! In terms of generating interest for the show, it works, though watching these a second time I am still struck by what an unappealing light the storyline puts both Rachel and then Joey in, as the story continues. How can the audience forget the first time Rachel and Ross kissed in the coffee house (way back in season 2) or Ross's unfailing love for her thoughout his life basically. And then to have Joey and Rachel live together with a complacent Ross standing by? Ross whose child Rachel has had? And Joey, one of Ross's best friends? It's disgusting! Well, of course that's TV land, and it worked for soap operas, so might as well work for Friends. This is a great show, but I can't help but lament lost love, traitorous lovers and best friends as I enjoy the laughs! Poor Ross, I would think. But then again, Ross would let it go when he should have held on, and would hold on when he should have let go. The stupidity of Ross? Or the downright cunning of those &$@#$%@ writers.

Friends: The Complete Ninth Season
$29.98
Compared to Season 1, Season 9 is a totally different yet equally as funny production. The opening year of the series exuded the feel of winter in New York City. The cinematography, especially in the One with Two Parts with sets from Rif's Cafe and focus on Ursula, added a sentimental hue that evoked nostaliga in the shows older fans. By season nine, the show had evolved into a play, scenery and sets completely secondary to the words and movements of the actors. It works because we have watched the cast grow and age, just like us. Season 9 includes the utterly unbelievable "The One with the Shark" and the totally believable episode with Phoebe's birthday. It encompasses an event most of us have lived through. I didn't know how much I liked Season 9 until I left it in a hotel room in NYC. I'm buying my replacement copy now.

Friends: The Complete Fourth Season
$29.98
What can I say that hasn't already been said? Every episode from Season Four is stellar, from the jellyfish sting to Ross saying "Rachel" at the altar. It also contains what is probably my favorite episode, "The One With The Embryos", with the game of who knows whom better ("Miss Chanandelor Bong", classic).

Ranking the seasons from favorite to least favorite:
1. Season Four
2. Season Six
3. Season Three
4. Season Five
5. Season Ten
6. Season Two
7. Season Eight
8. Season Nine
9. Season One
10. Season Seven

The seasons range from good to great.

Friends: The Complete Third Season
$29.98
Now I own all 10 seasons in DVD!
Great seller, good price.
Recommend!