"Actor: David James Elliott"

• Friends - Series 5 - Episodes 1-8 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £20.98   |  Saving you £-13.99 (-200.10%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 5: Divorce number two is immediately on the cards as the year opens with "T.O. After Ross Says Rachel". As of this point, Ross' character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "T.O.W. Ross Moves In" with Chandler and Joey. Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("T.O.W. Ross' Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel, the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is made piggy-in-the-middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "T.O.W. Everybody Finds Out", the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "T.O.W. The Cop". This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "T.O. W. The Ride Along". She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale "T.O.W. In Vegas" though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel... --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 2 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £15.96   |  Saving you £-5.98 (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 2: Unfortunately, Rachel's brave intention to announce her feelings is scuppered in the season opener "The One With Ross' New Girlfriend". It doesn't matter how great her hair looks (a real-life accident when a friend cut it with a razor), or how many sneaky tricks she tries to separate them. Ultimately it takes a peculiar doppelganger to lure the new girl away in "TOW Russ" (Schwimmer credited as "Snaro"). The Friends couldn't be happier to have the angst and tension relieved, and "TOW Ross and Rachel... You Know" is unsurprisingly an all-time fan favourite. This was straightforward compared to the other side of Ross' love life in "TOW the Lesbian Wedding" though. Initiating another "will they, won't they?" subplot was the introduction of Richard (Tom Selleck) as a new flame for Monica. Highlights for the other characters all centred on the Emmy-winning two-part "The One After the Super Bowl" with a stunning cameo list including Brooke Shields, Chris Isaak, Dan Castellaneta (Homer from The Simpsons), Jean-Claude Van Damme and Julia Roberts (whom Perry subsequently dated for a short while). Another great highlight was Chandler and Joey's ineptitude in "TOW the Baby on the Bus", which also featured Chrissie Hynde giving Phoebe's "Smelly Cat" its best ever rendition on guitar. To leave viewers hanging, the year ended with Rachel in understandable uncertainty over "TOW Barry And Mindy's Wedding" (her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend). --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 5 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £20.98   |  Saving you £-13.99 (-200.10%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 5: Divorce number two is immediately on the cards as the year opens with "T.O. After Ross Says Rachel". As of this point, Ross' character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "T.O.W. Ross Moves In" with Chandler and Joey. Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("T.O.W. Ross' Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel, the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is made piggy-in-the-middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "T.O.W. Everybody Finds Out", the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "T.O.W. The Cop". This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "T.O. W. The Ride Along". She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale "T.O.W. In Vegas" though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel... --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 4 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 4: The New Year begins by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it's over for Ross and Rachel. There are a few episodes of pure silliness--such as "T.O.W. Chandler in a Box" after he kisses Joey's girlfriend--then two distinct story arcs take over. Usually when an actress falls pregnant, a show will hide them behind objects or in bigger clothes. For Kudrow it was decided to celebrate the fact on-screen by having her carry a child for her brother Frank (Giovanni Ribsi) and his wife. Being Phoebe, it naturally gets weird when "T.O.W. The Embryos" reveals she'll be having triplets. The hilarity resulted in an Emmy for her hard work. Subplot number two came with the arrival of British babe Emily (Helen Baxendale), who rapidly steals Ross's heart. The same episode ("T.O.W. Joey's Dirty Day") also features an amazing cameo from Charlton Heston giving Joey acting tips. But this couldn't have prepared fans for the stars and shocks of the gang's trip to London in the two-part finale "T.O.W Ross' Wedding". Somehow squeezed into the budget were: Richard Branson, Tom Conti, Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Saunders and June Whitfield. At the climax of what should have been the perfect wedding, the year ends by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it'll never be over for Ross and Rachel. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 3 - Episodes 1-8 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £16.87   |  Saving you £-9.88 (-141.30%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 3: Having really hit its comedic stride, the third season did the smart thing and showed a more serious side to the Friends' frivolous nature. There was fun introducing the chick and the duck, poking ""Ugly Naked Guy" with a stick and "T.O.W. The Princess Leia Fantasy" (for which George Lucas sent a "thank you" note). Then after establishing a few cracks in their otherwise fairy-tale union, "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel Take a Break" offered admirable contrast. From here on in, the awkward catchphrase "we were on a break" became a hard-hitting reminder that love hurts. The other s' relationships were naturally no less complicated. "T.O.W. Monica and Richard are Just Friends" teased a now moustache-free Tom Selleck into thinking he might be "the one". Then Pete (Jon Favreau) tried his hand before insanely wanting to become "The Ultimate Fighting Champion". This episode pulled off an incredible double guest surprise from Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, proving just how popular the show had become. To that list were added cameos from Ben Stiller as "The Screamer", Sherilyn Fenn as one of Joey's exs and Isabella Rossellini, who taught Ross to never fantasise on laminated plastic. The cast were fitting in film roles where possible. Cox appeared in Scream, then brought David Arquette back with her for a cameo, which kept their off-screen chemistry alive. The final surprise was Teri Garr as Phoebe, Sr in "T.O. At the Beach", where it was hinted that something might be salvaged between Ross and Rachel after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends: Series 10 (Vol. 3) | DVD | (07/06/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  The third volume of episodes from the tenth series of the smash hit sitcom. Episode titles: The One Where Chandler Gets Caught The One Where The Stripper Cries The One With Phoebe's Wedding The One Where Joey Speaks French.

• Friends - Series 10 - Vol. 2 - Episodes 5-8 | DVD | (16/02/2004) from £4.99   |  Saving you £2.00 (40.08%)   |  RRP £6.99

  The second volume of episodes from the tenth series of the smash hit sitcom. The One Where Rachel's Sister Babysits: Rachel convinces her spoiled sister Amy to baby-sit Emma over Ross' protests Phoebe unknowingly thwarts Mike's surprise for her and Joey scares Monica and Chandler with a recommendation letter on their behalf to a child adoption agency. The One With Ross' Grant: Ross is interviewed by a Nobel Prize-winning scientist for a paleontology grant - but the doctor is Charlie's ex-boyfriend who offers Ross the grant only if he breaks up with her. Joey is offended when Chandler lies about viewing his bizarre audition tape reel. The One With The Home Study: Monica and Chandler meet with an adoption worker who will decide if they are suitable parents - and who confesses she was once romanced by a cad named Joey in the same building. Meanwhile Phoebe and Mike opt for a small wedding and donate the extra money to children's charity - only to demand it all back. Ross uses Emma to confront Rachel's irrational fear of swing sets. The One With The Late Thanksgiving: Monica prepares a Thanksgiving feast for the gang and is furious when no one shows up! when Joey gets stuck in the door Monica and Chandler have the perfect remedy. Phoebe convinces Rachel to enroll Emma in a baby beauty contest while Ross and Joey squeeze in a hockey game. All four sheepishly arrive late for dinner - and face Monica's wrath.

• Friends - Series 2 - Episodes 17-24 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £12.96   |  Saving you £-2.98 (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 2: Unfortunately, Rachel's brave intention to announce her feelings is scuppered in the season opener "T.O.W. Ross' New Girlfriend". It doesn't matter how great her hair looks (a real-life accident when a friend cut it with a razor), or how many sneaky tricks she tries to separate them. Ultimately it takes a peculiar doppelganger to lure the new girl away in "T.O.W. Russ" (Schwimmer credited as "Snaro"). The Friends couldn't be happier to have the angst and tension relieved, and "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel ... You Know" is unsurprisingly an all-time fan favourite. This was straightforward compared to the other side of Ross' love life in "T.O.W. the Lesbian Wedding" though. Initiating another will-they/won't-they subplot was the introduction of Richard (Tom Selleck) as a new flame for Monica. Highlights for the other characters all centred on the Emmy-winning two-part "T.O. W. After the Super Bowl" with a stunning cameo list including Brooke Shields, Chris Isaak, Dan Castellaneta (Homer from The Simpsons), Jean-Claude Van Damme and Julia Roberts (whom Perry subsequently dated a short while). Another great highlight was Chandler and Joey's ineptitude in "T.O.W the Baby on the Bus", which also featured Chrissie Hynde giving Phoebe's "Smelly Cat" its best ever rendition on guitar. To leave viewers hanging, the year ended with Rachel in understandable uncertainty over "T.O.W. Barry and Mindy's Wedding" (her ex-fiancé and ex-best friend). --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 6 - Episodes 17-24 | DVD | (06/11/2000) from £8.67   |  Saving you £-1.68 (-24.00%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 6: Between seasons, Cox and David Arquette were married, leading to "T.O.W. After Vegas" adding "Arquette" after everyone's title credits. Unfortunately, on-screen it's divorce time again despite "T.O.W. Ross Hugs Rachel", since he secretly tries avoiding an annulment of their accidental marriage. Far more out in the open is Chandler and Monica's relationship. Moving in together creates lots of fun as the others move back and forth into each other's apartments. It also leads to Joey finally showing a tender side toward temporary roommate Janine (Elle Macpherson). By now his chat-up catchphrase: "How you doin'?" had caught on, but he needed to fall for someone. He kept the fun alive all year pretending to have a Porsche, starting work on the show Mac and C.H.E.E.S.E. and by falling for Chandler's card game Cups in the excellent "T.O.W. On the Last Night" (one of many directed by Schwimmer). More fun came from Ross trying to teach everyone the mental discipline Unagi, popping ridiculous moves with Monica for their childhood dance routine and having a fluorescently dazzling smile in "T.O.W. Ross' Teeth" (also featuring a near-silent cameo from Ralph Lauren). Far more talkative was Reese Witherspoon as Rachel's sister--another temptation for Ross. What they briefly had wasn't as complicated as later in "T.O.W. Ross Meets Elizabeth's Dad", who turns out to be an Emmy-winning Bruce Willis (thanks to becoming friends with Perry during The Whole Nine Yards). The fans' need for love interest and continuity had established the seasons' format now. Another two-part finale offers jeopardy--then resolution--from Tom Selleck's Richard in "T.O.W. The Proposal" between Chandler and Monica. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 4 - Episodes 17-23 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £18.70   |  Saving you £-11.71 (-167.50%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 4: The New Year begins by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it's over for Ross and Rachel. There are a few episodes of pure silliness--such as "T.O.W. Chandler in a Box" after he kisses Joey's girlfriend--then two distinct story arcs take over. Usually when an actress falls pregnant, a show will hide them behind objects or in bigger clothes. For Kudrow it was decided to celebrate the fact on-screen by having her carry a child for her brother Frank (Giovanni Ribsi) and his wife. Being Phoebe, it naturally gets weird when "T.O.W. The Embryos" reveals she'll be having triplets. The hilarity resulted in an Emmy for her hard work. Subplot number two came with the arrival of British babe Emily (Helen Baxendale), who rapidly steals Ross's heart. The same episode ("T.O.W. Joey's Dirty Day") also features an amazing cameo from Charlton Heston giving Joey acting tips. But this couldn't have prepared fans for the stars and shocks of the gang's trip to London in the two-part finale "T.O.W Ross' Wedding". Somehow squeezed into the budget were: Richard Branson, Tom Conti, Sarah Ferguson, Hugh Laurie, Jennifer Saunders and June Whitfield. At the climax of what should have been the perfect wedding, the year ends by telling the fans in no uncertain terms that it'll never be over for Ross and Rachel. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 3 - Episodes 17-25 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 3: Having really hit its comedic stride, the third season did the smart thing and showed a more serious side to the Friends' frivolous nature. There was fun introducing the chick and the duck, poking ""Ugly Naked Guy" with a stick and "T.O.W. The Princess Leia Fantasy" (for which George Lucas sent a "thank you" note). Then after establishing a few cracks in their otherwise fairy-tale union, "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel Take a Break" offered admirable contrast. From here on in, the awkward catchphrase "we were on a break" became a hard-hitting reminder that love hurts. The other s' relationships were naturally no less complicated. "T.O.W. Monica and Richard are Just Friends" teased a now moustache-free Tom Selleck into thinking he might be "the one". Then Pete (Jon Favreau) tried his hand before insanely wanting to become "The Ultimate Fighting Champion". This episode pulled off an incredible double guest surprise from Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, proving just how popular the show had become. To that list were added cameos from Ben Stiller as "The Screamer", Sherilyn Fenn as one of Joey's exs and Isabella Rossellini, who taught Ross to never fantasise on laminated plastic. The cast were fitting in film roles where possible. Cox appeared in Scream, then brought David Arquette back with her for a cameo, which kept their off-screen chemistry alive. The final surprise was Teri Garr as Phoebe, Sr in "T.O. At the Beach", where it was hinted that something might be salvaged between Ross and Rachel after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 3 - Episodes 9-16 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £6.43   |  Saving you £0.56 (8.00%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 3: Having really hit its comedic stride, the third season did the smart thing and showed a more serious side to the Friends' frivolous nature. There was fun introducing the chick and the duck, poking ""Ugly Naked Guy" with a stick and "T.O.W. The Princess Leia Fantasy" (for which George Lucas sent a "thank you" note). Then after establishing a few cracks in their otherwise fairy-tale union, "T.O.W. Ross and Rachel Take a Break" offered admirable contrast. From here on in, the awkward catchphrase "we were on a break" became a hard-hitting reminder that love hurts. The other s' relationships were naturally no less complicated. "T.O.W. Monica and Richard are Just Friends" teased a now moustache-free Tom Selleck into thinking he might be "the one". Then Pete (Jon Favreau) tried his hand before insanely wanting to become "The Ultimate Fighting Champion". This episode pulled off an incredible double guest surprise from Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, proving just how popular the show had become. To that list were added cameos from Ben Stiller as "The Screamer", Sherilyn Fenn as one of Joey's exs and Isabella Rossellini, who taught Ross to never fantasise on laminated plastic. The cast were fitting in film roles where possible. Cox appeared in Scream, then brought David Arquette back with her for a cameo, which kept their off-screen chemistry alive. The final surprise was Teri Garr as Phoebe, Sr in "T.O. At the Beach", where it was hinted that something might be salvaged between Ross and Rachel after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 5 - Episodes 17-23 | DVD | (15/11/1999) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 5: Divorce number two is immediately on the cards as the year opens with "T.O. After Ross Says Rachel". As of this point, Ross' character undergoes some extreme personality changes (which apparently lost Schwimmer many female fans). His incessant whining drives all the Friends to distraction, especially in "T.O.W. Ross Moves In" with Chandler and Joey. Later things get uncomfortable both at work and at home when he goes through a period of rage ("T.O.W. Ross' Sandwich"). While all this downplays his failed relationship with Rachel, the real idea is to allow focus on the secret pairing of Chandler and Monica after a night of passion in London. This made for a return to the show's appealingly silly atmosphere as poor Joey is made piggy-in-the-middle of everyone's secrets. Building to "T.O.W. Everybody Finds Out", the silliness pauses for some genuinely touching interplay between Perry and Cox. The previous year's semi-serious thread about Phoebe's birth gets forgotten fast: to distract the viewer she's introduced to Gary (Michael Rapaport) in "T.O.W. The Cop". This leads to some hilarious parodying with Phoebe interrogated about apartment hunting, and the guys excited and then scared in "T.O. W. The Ride Along". She's more than over him by the time of the two-part finale "T.O.W. In Vegas" though, especially since she missed out on London. Just in case fans thought Chandler and Monica had permanently stolen the spotlight, a cliffhanger shocks expectation again with Ross and Rachel bursting out of a chapel... --Paul Tonks

• Friends - Series 9 - Episodes 17-20 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £4.99   |  Saving you £2.00 (40.08%)   |  RRP £6.99

  The One With The Memorial Service: When Chandler jokingly posts an outrageous biography about Ross on Ross' college alumni Web site Ross retaliates by finding Chandler's alumni site and doing the same about Chandler. An Internet war between the two friends ensues. The One With The Lottery: Hoping to win a huge jackpot the friends pool their money and buy dozens of lottery tickets. However they bicker over how to spend the fortune if they win and Monica irritates everyone else by buying tickets just for her and Chandler. The One With Rachel's Dream: Nervous because his daytime drama role requires him to act as if he is deeply in love with a woman Joey rehearses with Rachel. Later she observes the taping of the emotional scene and has a surprising dream that night about Joey. The One With The Soap Opera Party: Ross is excited when he meets fellow paleontology professor Charlie Wheeler (Aisha Tyler) a stunning beauty. But when he takes her to Joey's rooftop party to meet the stars of Joey's daytime drama 'Days of Our Lives' she intimidates him with her impressive list of former boyfriends.

• Friends, Series 7 - Episodes 17-20 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 7: Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. the Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends, Series 7 - Episodes 9-12 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £3.98   |  Saving you £3.01 (75.63%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 7: lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). Onscreen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. the Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner!), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends, Series 7 - Episodes 21-23 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £6.99

  Season 7: Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. the Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. --Paul Tonks

• Friends, Series 7 - Episodes 13-16 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £15.99

  Lots happened behind the scenes between seasons and early on in the seventh year of the hit comedy, leaving audiences speculating that this might be the last. Perry became seriously ill again, and returned looking more emaciated than ever. Cox regained weight, but despite finishing Scream 3 happily, things were already rocky with David Arquette. Much was made in the press about Aniston marrying Brad Pitt, of course, but the real news (allaying fans' fears) was NBC's expensive renewal of the cast for two years at $750,000 per episode each (more than six times their previous increase). On-screen, at least there was Chandler and Monica's engagement lasting the whole year, despite predictable ups and downs (eg: "T.O.W. The Truth About London" revealing that Monica fancied Joey). By the time we finally get to "T.O.W. Chandler's Dad" (Kathleen Turner), it seems inevitable that the two-part finale will be an insane mess--but with a happy-ish ending. Sure enough, "T.O.W. Chandler and Monica's Wedding" features Gary Oldman joining in the chaos as Chandler repeatedly goes missing. Other star-turns in the year were Seinfeld's Jason Alexander as a suicidal Office Manager, Susan Sarandon as soap queen bitch Jessica Lockhart, Denise Richards as one of Ross and Monica's endless number of cousins and Winona Ryder as a surprise old friend, prompting "T.O.W. Rachel's Big Kiss". But perhaps the most telling instalment of this weirdly atmospheric year was "T.O.W. They All Turn Thirty". It suggested that maybe the Friends are all getting too old to carry on living their frivolous lives the same way after all. Paul Tonks

• The Knights Of Blood Steel | DVD | (07/09/2009) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The Knights Of Blood Steel

• Friends - Series 9 - Episodes 21-23 | DVD | (27/10/2003) from £3.99   |  Saving you £3.00 (75.19%)   |  RRP £6.99

  The One With The Fertility Test: Ross is in agony because brilliant and beautiful professor Charlie (Aisha Tyler) who usually prefers paleontologists is instead dating shallow Joey. Nevertheless Ross helps the desperate Joey pretend to be intelligent to impress Charlie - with mixed results. Meanwhile Chandler and Monica's nervous visit to a fertility clinic is made even more uncomfortable by the unexpected appearance of Chandler's annoying ex-girlfriend Janice (Maggie Wheeler). The One With The Donor: Disappointed to learn that they cannot conceive a baby naturally Monica and Chandler mull over their options. When Chandler brings home handsome unknowing co-worker Zack (John Stamos) for dinner Monica and Chandler embarrassingly 'interview' him as a potential sperm donor. The One In Barbados: Parts I & II as a feature-length 75 minute episode.