From what I remember reading, they happened to be on the lot that day during filming and wound up just improvising the whole thing basically on the spot
That sounds about right. Whole scene looks like they just wandered in unscripted and actors didnt know what to do, so the confusion on friends faces is real.
I understand why they did it though, Robin Williams' best work was often him improvising. IIRC for Aladdin they just let him riff for 4-5 hours then cut it into the film.
The iconic scenes in Good Will Hunting talking about his wife were improvised too.
It was probably obvious to the team that the scene was not too great but not using a scene including 2 of the most popular comedians would have felt wrong
This is how I’ve always felt about it too. I’ve never loved this cold open, but I understand and appreciate its purpose. It obviously doesn’t fit with the tone of the show, but how could they not include it? I bet they got great ratings that episode too by teasing those two immensely popular comedians in ads the week of airing.
I also see it like weird people you run into the club or cafe you're a regular at. They don't fit the vibe of the place and might not return. Also having talked them into it it would feel rude.
Edit: autocorrect
I have to admit I like it. Yes it's nonsensical and don't really fit with the show but it's amusing and the reaction from the cast is priceless.
Monica's "I have no idea" always make me laugh.
So odd to hear these opinions of it. I’ve always thought it was great. Pure improv on Robin and Billy’s part and also improv on the Friends Cast. It takes 1 minute out of the show and is brilliant. In my opinion. But obviously we all have our own tastes.
Robin: Why? Why?! What’s wrong with me?!
Billy: What’s the matter?
Robin: I have a feelin’... I, my wife is sleeping with her gynecologist.
(The gang is now eavesdropping in on the conversation, and is shocked.)
Billy: How do you know?
Robin: Well ya know, he’s got access.
Billy: Yeah.
Robin: Y'know it’s that feeling you get, ya know?
Billy: Like when you go bowling and you know you’re in somebody else’s shoes?
Robin: That’s the one.
\[cut back to the gang.\]
Phoebe: All right, so, so you went to Pete’s...
Ross: What happened?
Monica: (Robin is speaking loudly again) I...
\[cut to Billy and Robin\]
Robin: Why is this happening to me?! I don’t know, maybe it’s my wound.
\[cut to the gang\]
Monica: Forget it. (they all turn and listen to Billy and Robin)
Billy: So it’s-it’s not healed yet?
Robin: No-no, it’s oozing, oozing. (to Rachel) Could you pass me the cream? Is there any—Oh, there’s the cream.
Billy: Thomas, this is gonna be hard, but I wanted it to come from me, and nobody else.
Robin: What is it, Tim?
Billy: It’s me, I’ve been sleeping with your wife.
Joey: (to Billy) So you’re the gynecologist?
Billy: (to Joey) Hey, I’m trying to have a private conversation! Is that okay?!
OP, please show yourself out. This was funny. And when they left and Monica didn't have any idea what she was even talking about anymore.
So hold on, if they were improvising that scene, this means Matt's line "So you're the gynecologist" is also unscripted. That is some quick thinking :D
Because it was just spur of the moment improvised. Part of improvising is making an on the spot choice and sticking with it. They probably did this in one take and he was stuck with it, and no one was going to ask them to do something else.
I can think of a whole host of other things I find far worse in the show. its not amazing, but its a fun and silly cameo of two absolute legends. And ive heard it was just improvised on a whim. Its so short that its easy enough to ignore if you dont like it.
Id rather watch that then see Pheobe try and date her sister's stalker. Or then make out with his sister's ex-fiance. Just as a couple of examples. And those go on and on through the episode.
Yeah you pretty much described how I've always felt about it. The story of them just happening to be around makes sense to me because it really does feel very improvised, like they did it in a single take. It didn't turn out very good, but are you really gonna NOT use the free Billy Crystal/Robin Williams footage you just got?
It does go a bit long, but it works in a way. Back in the 'live at the coffee hangout/chill out with friends on comfy chairs' era, things like this would happen. You would be minding your own business and yet find yourself engrossed in the drama of strangers due to the volume of the conversation or proximity of them to you. And it would happen more than you would think. I miss the 90s coffee shops. haha
I do think it’s out of place for the show since it doesn’t really add anything to the storyline but it’s friggin Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. lol I just go along with it.
It was actually the opposite. Improvised and completely on a whim. But I can see how someone might not like it in general. I felt it was silly and stupid but in a good way, and Monica's reaction was great.
That scene, Phoebe's "box/fox/socks" line, and Ross's "best dollhouse EVER!" line are three things that always stand out in a bad way when I watch the episodes.
Lots of the early season cold opens were random imo. Like when they all start humming the songs together or walk in and see a different group friends occupying their seats. I think it adds to the charm of the early episodes. That said I also did not understand that scene when I first watched it and if not for knowing the irl backstory, it still would confuse me
I sat through that scene in the 1990s. As soon as I could forward past it, I've never watched it again. I like them both but it was seriously bad. It was improv I'm sure. Also Crystal has always been grossly overrated.
I LOVED IT! It was right after M and R broke up and I love how she came in to say... something and usually THEY are the center of attention and crystal and Williams stole their thunder. And the friend group was so lost... I love when Rachel tried to give him the tissues. So funny.
>It was right after M and R broke up
No, it wasn't.
It was after the episode where they think Pete is going to propose to Monica but is actually telling her he wants to become the ultimate fighting champion.
Something so much better could have (should have) been written for those two.
Great actors, great writers on the show. Should have went with writing an actual scene with actual dialogue.
Everyone deserved better.
I have heard the story that it was completely unplanned and they just happened to "wander onto the set" and agreed to do a cameo but I strongly suspect it's bullshit.
If they were on the Warner Bros. lot, and on a stage, they would be there to work, they weren't just popping by the lot together on the way to go play golf or something but the biggest factor that lets you know this was very much an intentional thing is the \*day after\* this episode aired, a movie starring Robin and Billy called *Father's Day* was released...by Warner Bros. the studio behind Friends. Appearing together on the number one show on television a day before your movie is set to be released is hugely beneficial and way too coincidental not to have been carefully planned.
Cringey: Robin Williams’ later improv was only at 75% creativity and 25% on autopilot. His earlier, manic, coke-fueled stuff was 150% genius. It’s cringey for me because I feel I’m supposed to honor a legend by enjoying his performance but I don’t.
I don’t know if I have as strong an opinion as you do. But I’ve only seen the scene once — when it aired originally — and have no desire to see it again. It was a bit much.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
It was probably used in promos to hype the show during sweeps.
Clearly improvised and I wish it were easier to skip because it's super bad.
Like the Ones after the Super Bowl- those are permanent skips for me.
No it was. But it was also completely ad-libbed by them. It's also a pretty old joke. I feel like two comedians of their caliber probably could have done better, but it is what it is. They dropped by the set and spontaneously did the scene.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
it would have been better if they had interaction in the story with one of the main character rather than just coming, doing the cameo and leaving.
every other cameo had some good interaction.
From what I remember reading, they happened to be on the lot that day during filming and wound up just improvising the whole thing basically on the spot
That sounds about right. Whole scene looks like they just wandered in unscripted and actors didnt know what to do, so the confusion on friends faces is real.
I understand why they did it though, Robin Williams' best work was often him improvising. IIRC for Aladdin they just let him riff for 4-5 hours then cut it into the film. The iconic scenes in Good Will Hunting talking about his wife were improvised too.
Same with good morning Vietnam. They basically just had him record hours upon hours of audio and then cut it for the film
It was probably obvious to the team that the scene was not too great but not using a scene including 2 of the most popular comedians would have felt wrong
This is how I’ve always felt about it too. I’ve never loved this cold open, but I understand and appreciate its purpose. It obviously doesn’t fit with the tone of the show, but how could they not include it? I bet they got great ratings that episode too by teasing those two immensely popular comedians in ads the week of airing.
I also see it like weird people you run into the club or cafe you're a regular at. They don't fit the vibe of the place and might not return. Also having talked them into it it would feel rude. Edit: autocorrect
I think it’s funny on its own, but it feels out of sync with the vibes of the show. Out of place.
Totally agree. I think it’s great but it’s so out of place that I can see why others would dislike it.
Have you ever been to NYC? So many crazy people 😅 totally could happened even if out of show’s character.
I have to admit I like it. Yes it's nonsensical and don't really fit with the show but it's amusing and the reaction from the cast is priceless. Monica's "I have no idea" always make me laugh.
So odd to hear these opinions of it. I’ve always thought it was great. Pure improv on Robin and Billy’s part and also improv on the Friends Cast. It takes 1 minute out of the show and is brilliant. In my opinion. But obviously we all have our own tastes.
Robin: Why? Why?! What’s wrong with me?! Billy: What’s the matter? Robin: I have a feelin’... I, my wife is sleeping with her gynecologist. (The gang is now eavesdropping in on the conversation, and is shocked.) Billy: How do you know? Robin: Well ya know, he’s got access. Billy: Yeah. Robin: Y'know it’s that feeling you get, ya know? Billy: Like when you go bowling and you know you’re in somebody else’s shoes? Robin: That’s the one. \[cut back to the gang.\] Phoebe: All right, so, so you went to Pete’s... Ross: What happened? Monica: (Robin is speaking loudly again) I... \[cut to Billy and Robin\] Robin: Why is this happening to me?! I don’t know, maybe it’s my wound. \[cut to the gang\] Monica: Forget it. (they all turn and listen to Billy and Robin) Billy: So it’s-it’s not healed yet? Robin: No-no, it’s oozing, oozing. (to Rachel) Could you pass me the cream? Is there any—Oh, there’s the cream. Billy: Thomas, this is gonna be hard, but I wanted it to come from me, and nobody else. Robin: What is it, Tim? Billy: It’s me, I’ve been sleeping with your wife. Joey: (to Billy) So you’re the gynecologist? Billy: (to Joey) Hey, I’m trying to have a private conversation! Is that okay?! OP, please show yourself out. This was funny. And when they left and Monica didn't have any idea what she was even talking about anymore.
So hold on, if they were improvising that scene, this means Matt's line "So you're the gynecologist" is also unscripted. That is some quick thinking :D
From my understanding the line there was Courtney literally forgetting her lines after that and the show just went with it because it fit.
OOOOOZING!
For me it's not the words. It's the cringey accent that Robin was doing. He's one of my heroes, but I'm not sure why that accent is funny.
Because it was just spur of the moment improvised. Part of improvising is making an on the spot choice and sticking with it. They probably did this in one take and he was stuck with it, and no one was going to ask them to do something else.
I disagree but have an upvote for your conviction, Friend. 👍
[удалено]
Wait people rewatch friends for the storyline? I just stick it on and let it do its thing, dont even really need to pay attention any more
I think that scene was brilliantly done - bizarre dose of some disturbingly funny comedy
I can think of a whole host of other things I find far worse in the show. its not amazing, but its a fun and silly cameo of two absolute legends. And ive heard it was just improvised on a whim. Its so short that its easy enough to ignore if you dont like it. Id rather watch that then see Pheobe try and date her sister's stalker. Or then make out with his sister's ex-fiance. Just as a couple of examples. And those go on and on through the episode.
Yeah you pretty much described how I've always felt about it. The story of them just happening to be around makes sense to me because it really does feel very improvised, like they did it in a single take. It didn't turn out very good, but are you really gonna NOT use the free Billy Crystal/Robin Williams footage you just got?
It does go a bit long, but it works in a way. Back in the 'live at the coffee hangout/chill out with friends on comfy chairs' era, things like this would happen. You would be minding your own business and yet find yourself engrossed in the drama of strangers due to the volume of the conversation or proximity of them to you. And it would happen more than you would think. I miss the 90s coffee shops. haha
It's impossible to explain to anyone that didn't coffee shop in the 90s what that experience was like. I miss it too
I don't know why it stopped. It's not like people stopped drinking coffee. 😂
I do think it’s out of place for the show since it doesn’t really add anything to the storyline but it’s friggin Robin Williams and Billy Crystal. lol I just go along with it.
I always hated it. It felt soo forced and unrealistic.
Technically it was the most realistic the friends have acted since they genuinely didn’t know what was going on
It was actually the opposite. Improvised and completely on a whim. But I can see how someone might not like it in general. I felt it was silly and stupid but in a good way, and Monica's reaction was great.
That scene, Phoebe's "box/fox/socks" line, and Ross's "best dollhouse EVER!" line are three things that always stand out in a bad way when I watch the episodes.
I loved it. Hell I didn't even know that was Robin Williams ar first.
Terrible scene and I skip it every single time. Don’t find it funny at all. Having said that, the actors are great, it just wasn’t for me.
OOZING
Lots of the early season cold opens were random imo. Like when they all start humming the songs together or walk in and see a different group friends occupying their seats. I think it adds to the charm of the early episodes. That said I also did not understand that scene when I first watched it and if not for knowing the irl backstory, it still would confuse me
I just don’t like it bc the oozing imagery really grosses me out lol
I thought that Monica saying that she had no ideia what she wanted to say, after hearing their talk was funny as hell, very relatable
No i reckon it's a great scene, very funny. Far worse scenes in the show and this isn't one of them
Toot de la smurf! (That’s french for yes, there are waaaay worse scenes)
La poo poo!
I loved it.
Yeah, I didn’t like it. It was corny for me. Felt out of place.
I find it weird how this is always painted as 100% improv yet Joey asks a question part way through that makes it seem scripted...?
just good improv by matt leblanc
They were probably encouraged to interact once or twice just so it didn't totally become the Billy and Robin show.
Improv can be partially scripted.
Its one of those things that were really cool cause both those actors were very relevant and popular at the time.
I skip that part and pretend it never happened. Totally agree it’s so cringy and just… ugh!
I sat through that scene in the 1990s. As soon as I could forward past it, I've never watched it again. I like them both but it was seriously bad. It was improv I'm sure. Also Crystal has always been grossly overrated.
I LOVED IT! It was right after M and R broke up and I love how she came in to say... something and usually THEY are the center of attention and crystal and Williams stole their thunder. And the friend group was so lost... I love when Rachel tried to give him the tissues. So funny.
>It was right after M and R broke up No, it wasn't. It was after the episode where they think Pete is going to propose to Monica but is actually telling her he wants to become the ultimate fighting champion.
I can't stand it. it felt so out of place.
I will watch the entire series but I refuse to watch this part. Someone should have written something for them because the improv is awful.
Absolutely terrible and not funny at all!
Something so much better could have (should have) been written for those two. Great actors, great writers on the show. Should have went with writing an actual scene with actual dialogue. Everyone deserved better.
I have heard the story that it was completely unplanned and they just happened to "wander onto the set" and agreed to do a cameo but I strongly suspect it's bullshit. If they were on the Warner Bros. lot, and on a stage, they would be there to work, they weren't just popping by the lot together on the way to go play golf or something but the biggest factor that lets you know this was very much an intentional thing is the \*day after\* this episode aired, a movie starring Robin and Billy called *Father's Day* was released...by Warner Bros. the studio behind Friends. Appearing together on the number one show on television a day before your movie is set to be released is hugely beneficial and way too coincidental not to have been carefully planned.
Cringey: Robin Williams’ later improv was only at 75% creativity and 25% on autopilot. His earlier, manic, coke-fueled stuff was 150% genius. It’s cringey for me because I feel I’m supposed to honor a legend by enjoying his performance but I don’t.
I found the thread full of children.
Yes, I always skip this scene. It's not funny at all, even for an improvisation
Same here. Nothing against Robin but I always skip that open in rewatches because it makes me cringe.
Super cringey??? No. Unfunny, maybe but not really cringey at all.
It’s pretty cringey.
I don’t know if I have as strong an opinion as you do. But I’ve only seen the scene once — when it aired originally — and have no desire to see it again. It was a bit much.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
I absolutely love Robin Williams. Friends is my favorite show. Hate this scene so much.
I hate it.
It was probably used in promos to hype the show during sweeps. Clearly improvised and I wish it were easier to skip because it's super bad. Like the Ones after the Super Bowl- those are permanent skips for me.
It was bad then; it's bad now. Fortunately, it's easily skipped.
No it was. But it was also completely ad-libbed by them. It's also a pretty old joke. I feel like two comedians of their caliber probably could have done better, but it is what it is. They dropped by the set and spontaneously did the scene.
It was so bad!
Yes, mostly because I don’t find robin williams funny at all. Ooh, an accent, hilarious
Yes, mostly because I don’t find robin williams funny at all. Ooh, an accent, hilarious
I agree!
why does he have the accent? Thats what I want to know lol
I vote show yourself out. While I appreciate the inquiry, I also loved that scene for what it was.
Same.
Like the show itself, it's a product of its time. Friends in the 90s would NEVER be okay if it were remade today
What episode is this??
YES! I can't believe how many people has it as their favorite episode, just because of that scene. I cringe so much when I see it, because it's way over the top, and just awkward.
Not cringy but definitely feels out of place
Wait… What? I’ve watched Friends hundreds of times and I don’t think I remember a scene with Robin Williams. Did they cut it certain countries?
When did people start calling pre-credits scenes cold open . I started noticing people using it recently.
it would have been better if they had interaction in the story with one of the main character rather than just coming, doing the cameo and leaving. every other cameo had some good interaction.