Rating:  -
There are some sitcoms that required "growing up" before they became really good - and Friends is one of those. Early seasons had distracting gimmicks like monkeys and triplets. Later seasons relied on the performances and writing and were better as a result. Season 7 is a solid season all the way through, with the underlying theme of preparation for Monica and Chandler's wedding appearing in most of the episodes. Thus, the entire season has a narrative flow of sorts, but every episode is still stand-alone and watchable by itself.
Other reviews have listed the entire set of shows, so there is no need for me to repeat that. Some others have mentioned that the season is somewhat bland. Perhaps this is most true for those viewers invested primarily in the Rachel-Ross Axis, especially in the light of the upcoming Season 8 that re-introduces that entire storyline (through Rachel's pregnancy). I, for one, do not miss it. There are plenty of "soap-opera moments" in this season, but I prefer such moments to be centred on the soundstage where Joey is filming "Days of Our Lives".
All in all, it is a solid and very funny season. There are lots of guest stars - a personal favourite is Susan Sarandon as a soap opera queen. The box set is exactly what you'd expect if you've bought previous seasons of the show - there are a few commentaries (which often have a few neat tidbits but which also tend to cheerleading at times), there is a little quiz, and so on. However, the best part of having the show on DVD is to be able to watch it uncut and without advertisements. Friends is also one of those shows that improves when you see the episodes together - the underlying comraderie and warmth of the cast is emphasized, and it makes the inside runnning jokes funnier.
Rating:  -
I used to not really care for Friends, much but this season is definitely a can't miss!
Rating: -
I can't say with confidence that I have a least favorite season of this show. Of course, I don't think as a whole Season 7 is the show's weak point, but after noticing it was the only season receiving less than a 4½ stars, I didn't think it got a fair rap.
The primary issue is that there's only so much the writers can do when the season's 'A Story' was already developed at the end of Season 6. With everybody invested in Chandler and Monica's wedding, there really couldn't be any heavy story lines involving the other four characters that would divide an audience's attention. If you will, the writers couldn't allow anything to "steal Monica's thunder."
High Points:
- Chandler & Monica's Engagement Picture
- Rachel teaches Joey how to sail
- Joey & Ross's napping secret
- Ross's library book
- The Hanukkah story as told by the Holiday Armadillo, Santa and Superman
- The One Where They All Turn 30
- Joey's return to 'Days of Our Lives'
- Monica reveals the ugly truth about London to Chandler
- The One Where They're Up All Night (probably one of my favorite episodes in the whole series)
- Joey's 'Soapie' Award
- Denise Richards guest stars as Monica and Ross's hot cousin
- Rachel runs into an old sorority sister (Winona Ryder) she made out with in college
- Chandler & Monica fly out to Vegas to reconcile with Chandler's father and invite him to the wedding
The only throbbing flaw I found in Season 7 was in the 30th birthday episode. It revolves around Rachel's birthday and proceeds to flashbacks of everyone else's 30th. The only problem is that in Season 1's episode 'The Ick Factor', Monica reveals she is 26, which would've made her 30 in Season 5. Since Rachel's birthday is in Season 7 and Monica and Rachel knew each other from school, you have to assume they were the same age. I just wish the time line had been better, but I understand it's something the writers have to deal with.
Weak Points:
- Monica tries to recover an old cookie recipe passed down in Phoebe's family
- Joey's lead on Mac And C.H.E.E.S.E.
- The One Where Chandler Doesn't Like Dogs
- The One With The Cheap Wedding Dress
The whole season was a simple stall. I thought the writers did an excellent job with it and the acting was tremendous, as usual. Season 7 also entailed probably the most gripping Season Finale of the series and set the stage for a remarkable eighth season. This is a 5 star season any way you slice it. The worst of 'Friends', if this is it, is still one of the best things on TV.
Grade: A-
Rating: -
Friends - The Complete Seventh Season missed the mark a little bit but I think this is a much better season than seasons 8 through 10. Monica and Chandler are engaged and the whole season revolves around the wedding which takes place in the season finale. I really like the episode, The One with Phoebe's Cookies, it's hilarious. The One with All the Cheesecakes and the Christmas Candy are also standouts. A lot of guest stars appeared in this season like Susan Sarandon, Jason Alexander, Denise Richards, and Kathleen Turner. This season is kinda sad beacause Friends just wasn't the same after that but hey at least I can enjoy seasons 1-7 on DVD anytime I want!
Rating: -
This season was good. Unfortunately the last disc was scratched up. So I didn't get to see much of the season finale. Other than that, good stuff.
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