Episode 14 - TOW The Candy Hearts
29 March 2012
Synopsis: It is Valentines Day and Joey takes Chandler on a double date without knowing that the girl his date brought is Janice. Ross goes on his first date since his divorce and ends up at the same restaurant as Carol and Susan. The girls decide to have a “boyfriend bonfire” to cleanse themselves of bad relationships.
The Good: This is a wonderful, wonderful episode. By having all three plots centre on Valentines Day there is a unity, logic and purpose to everything that happens. Each scene is skilfully crafted as well so that the dialogue crackles with wit and humour throughout. The girls have several good lines as they discuss the bad boyfriends of the past. The best comedy comes from Chandler who is at the peak of his powers here. Whether breaking up with Janice, doing up his flies, shouting at Joey or stammering in the hallway he is a bundle of comedic energy exploding with delivery and timing to die for. He is aided and abetted in this by Joey who is excellent, his one track mind leading Chandler to the date and then through the break up. Janice is a superb comic creation. She seems totally believable despite being so over the top. As a comedy story it is perfectly pitched, each scene is a masterpiece of discomfort for Chandler and no one comes out looking like the bad guy. Just when you think that is as good as it gets there is Ross. His awkward approach and conversation with his date are beautifully done but he tops that when he tells Carol he loves her and wants her back. Throughout he comes across as tender, sweet and kind. It is brilliant acting and writing that can make you feel how sad Ross is while still mixing in good jokes. Choosing the best line has never been harder.
The Bad: To be the best ever the girls’ story would need to be stronger. But that is not a criticism.
Best Line:
(Janice) “Hello Joey, our little match maker. I could kiss you all over and I’m gonna!” (Kisses him all over)
(J) “Oh oh, hey, ha ha. (To C) If you don’t do it I will!”
Best Friend: Chandler
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