WARNING: The post discusses overall _patterns/tendencies_ of the first few eps of Season 7 and the last few of Season 6, but CONTAINS NO PLOT SPOILERS.
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Ok, watched 704 last night. I'll comment in the already existing thread about the episode proper, but I would like to know what they have done with Chandler. In his place we have a warm body. Maybe. No humor, no characterization, just a few lame lines that feed the plot. Argh!
The plot with Ross, Monica and Chandler _was_ funny last night, but did not even let Chandler shine with his brand of humor. No biting sarcasm, no clever pop-culture references....nothing. Since last season, the Chandler I greatly enjoyed watching has utterly disappeared.
And please don't feed me the "he's just growing and changing" stuff. First, it's a comedy, and I would like to laugh once in a while -- especially at my favorite Friend's trademark humor. Second, even if it's argued that Chandler, in having a secure relationship with Monica, has outgrown his need for sarcastic humor as a defense, we haven't really seen any positive growth elsewhere. We've only seen him grow more quiet and, when he does have a "humorous" line, it's devoid of personality and such.
Bring back Funny Chandler!