...may recognize these clips and recall an earlier episode. The clips are also updated with the beginning of each new season but the fountain sequence always stays the same. The fact that they are all dancing and laughing in the fountain connotes youthfulness, and perhaps even the implication that their youth is eternal and unchanging (ie, the fountain of youth). All these images are played and edited in time with the theme song. The words to the song are quite basic and reinforce the importance of friendship. This not only reinforces the premise of the show but also reflects society’s mid to late nineties preoccupation with twentysomethings (which was shown through the decline of the family sitcom). Some may even go so far as to claim that it almost shows a contempt for family through the idealization of single life.

Back to Friends 2 Semiotics Page

By: Lisa Alfano