NY Times Article -- Wrapping up Friends

There is a fascinating article (5 pages long!) about the imminent conclusion of Friends. Amongst other nuggets, the story says the real reason the show is ending this season is economics. It is too difficult to sell more than 200 episodes into syndication. You have to register with your email address to access the story, but it is worth it for this story alone. http://www.nytimes.com/2002/11/03/magazine/03FRIENDS.html?pagewanted=1&8hpib

In article , [email] (Bryan) wrote:

Interesting, but series *do* manage it. Seinfeld. MASH. Cheers. Mary Tyler Moore. Frasier will do it. Plus, there are other considerations -- eg, if the network is willing to pay enough, they'll do it syndication or no.

But anyway, the article says deals are usually 80-100 ep bundles. So fine: 10 years x 24 = 240 eps. Three bundles of 80. What's the problem?

Also really disagree with him about the ending of Seinfeld. Seemed perfectly appropriate to me. Now, the ending of Mad ABout You, *that* was an insult to the audience.

wg

I didn't read the article yet, but that is a kinda creepy drawing of the FRIENDS cast they got there:

http://graphics7.nytimes.com/images/2002/11/01/magazine/03friends.1.184.jpg

... okay, maybe Phoebe is in prison garb because of her past, and Monica is the domestic/chef ... but, why is Joey a priest? I know he's a minist-ainer (there's no one better, there's no one greater), but a priest?? Is that like trying to represent some inner angst they think Joey has being a womanizer (sorry Tennant, but he is a womanizer), but then really wanting a solid relationship? Rachel just looks like a snob, although I don't know what's on her face ... is that half a chicken or something? I know Ross has children, but why would they make him pregnant??? And Chandler's is the scariest of all ... I know he doesn't really like his job, but why would he be hanging himself, and what's with stabbing Monica in the back???

---- I just realized, maybe this pic has something to do with how the writer of this article feels the show should end, but boy is it weird. I guess I'll have to read it.