Andrew Braithwaite

On a TV night for the ages (if you've been paying attention to the promos airing the past three months), devotees of NBC's "Friends" have decided that the show's final episode is too important to watch at home. Some folks hit up bars offering specials on Blonde Ale (in honor of Phoebe); others are out to see the Rembrandts give their umpteenth performance of the show's theme song (you know, the one that's paying their bills for the next forever).

At The Apartment on Lincoln, every chair in the house is aimed directly at one of the eleven TVs showing the episode. Some patrons, obviously serious fans, are glued to the screen, while it's safe to assume that those less intensely focused on Chandler and Monica's vaudevillian "Twins? But we're not ready for twins!" act are here for the drawing of a trip to NYC.

During commercial breaks the party's host offers up "Friends" trivia questions, further exposing the "Friends"-obsessed in the room. Questions like: "What was the name of Rachel's cat?" First correct answer wins--you guessed it--a Joey "How you doin'?" mouse pad. Shout it out if you know it.

The biggest cheer of the night goes up when Rachel dodges Ross' profession of love at the airport, an act applauded by dudes who obviously figured that Schwimmer had it coming. By the time Rachel ends up back with Ross, assuring us that everything is again right in the sitcom universe, one guy starts clapping excitedly, realizes that he's the only one doing so, and instead shoots his buddies an awkward, triumphant fist in the air. This guy's definitely going to miss his friends, er, "Friends."

(2004-05-12)

Also by Andrew Braithwaite

Tip of the Week
Romanian-born writer and NPR commentator Andrei Codrescu's Beelzebub is tempting: a worn-out, Scotch-drinking soul sucker who's sick of the Underworld's petty bureaucracy
(2004-05-05)

Table Talk
Most people choose to spoil mom by making a reservation for brunch at one of the infinity-plus-one Chicago restaurants that offer...
(2004-05-05)

Bleacher Preacher
He's classic Chicago baseball: Jerry Pritikin attended his first Cubs game in 1945
(2004-04-27)

Chocolate bears
At the Chicago Park District's Egg-Stravaganza, everyone is here for one thing: sugar.
(2004-04-14)

You're tired
(2004-03-25)

My bonnie beer
(2004-03-18)

about Newcitychicago | about Newcity magazine | advertising | privacy policy | FAQ | employment