The penultimate season of this long-running favorite proved to be a fairly tumultuous one--and very funny as well. It kicks off in the aftermath of the accidental proposal made by Joey (Matt LeBlanc) to new mother Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), and includes a hilarious scene in which Monica's father (Elliott Gould) catches his darling daughter (Courteney Cox) and her husband Chandler (Matthew Perry) making whoopee in a closet. The show's writers inject some new elements into the 2002-2003 season, most notably the addition of recurring characters played by Paul Rudd, Dermot Mulroney, and especially Aisha Tyler as Charlie, who becomes Joey's girlfriend. One story thread finds Chandler and Monica struggling as his weekly business commute to Tulsa and her problems conceiving put a strain on their marriage. And there's another great Thanksgiving episode, this one featuring guest star Christina Applegate as Rachel's “other” sister, Amy. The ninth season ends on a cliffhanger, as Charlie breaks up with Joey and turns to Ross (David Schwimmer) for comfort, which sends Joey back into Rachel's arms. Most of us know how things worked out, but in re-watching Friends' ninth year it becomes quite evident that writers, directors, and cast members alike were working overtime to make this group of episodes special. DVD extras on this 23-episode four-disc set include the customary producers' commentary on three episodes, a gag reel, and a preview of the 10th and final season, as well as a “Behind the Style” featurette, the Flaming Lips music video “Phoebe Battles the Pink Robots,” and a “Who's Your Best Friend?” trivia challenge. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
Friends: The Complete Ninth Season
Warner, 4 discs, 620 min., not rated, DVD: $44.98 Volume 20, Issue 3
Friends: The Complete Ninth Season
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