Friends: The One With Critical Analysis

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“I’ll be there for you, when the rain starts to pour;

I’ll be there for you, like I’ve been there before…”


Without a doubt, when most of the people read those lines above, there will be a delightful melody emerged in their minds. This is the theme song of the once popular (or probably still is) TV show -- Friends. The storyline set on the urban life of 6 friends (3 males and 3 females) living in New York, with bountiful of entertaining anecdotes that audiences can relate to. It was such a hit that it not only had won multiple awards, but there were around 52.5 million viewers watching the series finale, which was the fifth highest in the TV history. However, is Friends really friendly?


In the episode of “The one with the stoned man”, Candler gets promoted, but then realizes that by taking this job, which he is not satisfied with, means he is accepting it as his career. Hence, he decides to quit. BUT! Later on in this episode, he gets a call from his boss offering him a raise, so he ends up going back to the same position for a better salary. Chandler is like the reflection of the lower class in the society whose work is “alienated”. Based on Marxist theory, the fact that he is not content with his job shows there is a disconnection between what he is doing every day and what he truly feels about who he is.



As Chandler might say with his classic and sarcastic tone “Could this be any more terrible?” 
Well, yes it could. Chandler’s boss using money as a method to bring him back to the company is just as the same as how capitalism manipulates money as the power in society. In addition, Chandler accepting the offer is like how the lower class workers have no choice, but to give in to the bourgeoises and to accept this situation due to a lack of power in this imbalanced hierarchy.


“Just so you know, it’s not that common, it doesn’t happen to every guy, and it is a big deal!” As quoted by Rachel, it is a BIG DEAL! This type of idea embedded in our daily joyful entertainment should not be a common thing, yet nowadays, most of the audience just absorb this information unconsciously during all the waves of laughter. Day by day, this misleading or incorrect concept has been normalized as if this was how the society was supposed to be. Just like a drug coated with suger! So be careful, you might intake too much stuff that you don't want.



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