From FRIENDS-o-phobia to FRIENDS-o-philia

I haven’t seen a single episode of FRIENDS ever in my life. Not until today. This isn’t a crime or a mistake, but I guess with about 75% of the people I know and can relate to watching this episode, I’m most likely expected to know who Ross or Rachel is. I don’t think it is right on my part to be an ignoramus anymore. This episode has been the table topic for a long time, and there is probably a good reason for so many people to be crazy about it. I’m joining the bandwagon from today. I can’t really recollect why I missed it for such a long time, but I guess it’s because of my anathema towards TV serials (some of those late night Sun and Zee TV serials really suck!) and due to I not owning a TV when I was working. Additionally, I really hated every bit of the background laughter (or chatter), apart from not wanting to waste time. 

But this time around, with our LAN filled with multiple copies of all seasons, I’m not really in a position to find a reason to evade. I started today with three episodes, and I can’t really say I’m obsessed with it. In terms of amusement, Joey and Pheobe seem damn cool and has so far been the best of the lot. FRIENDS looks like a nice way to pass time, and to know more about the American culture – [here, I’m willing to take our HR prof’s suggestion to be receptive to other cultures, particularly since, according to his prediction, most of us would be loitering around the globe before 2010 :) ].

I still hate the background laughter, but I guess that isn’t reason enough for abstaining myself from the serial. Oh FRIENDS-omaniacs, is there any other character to watch out for?