Why Is Chandler Bing A Fan-Favourite Character?

Even though it’s been a few days, the passing of Matthew Perry still feels unreal. He left a void in the lives of Friends fanatics like me and millions more. After all, he and the gang had always been there to lift my spirits during life’s low moments. Chandler Bing was always a constant source of comfort.

Our minds act in mysterious ways. Ever notice how it tries to make things up to make you feel better when you are not feeling yourself? Right now, my mind imagines Chandler living his best life after his death—in his personal heaven, free from addiction, and with mental health as robust as his sense of humour.

I recently read that Matthew Perry wanted to be remembered for more than just being Chandler Bing (which definitely made sense). He made significant efforts to help people struggling with addiction, even though he couldn’t always help himself.

Simply put, Chandler stood out as one of the best characters in the series, because of his quick wit, sarcastic humour, and remarkable character development during the run of the series.

Why I loved Chandler Bing

• Ideal Partner for Monica: I really identify with Monica’s persona and Chandler’s transformation from a man afraid of commitment to a dedicated and caring spouse. It completes Monica’s story arc flawlessly. Their love tale is quite endearing.
• His Sarcasm: I was always laughing at his astute observations and clever one-liners. His distinct sense of humour served as the ideal diversion from the other characters’ oddities.
• Bromance with Joey: Chandler’s relationship with Joey Tribbiani was the epitome of friendship anyone can hope for. The group’s internal jokes, banter, and unwavering support for one another improved the group dynamics and added a special touch to the performance.
• Memorable Catchphrases: Throughout the series, Chandler Bing coined some of the most iconic catchphrases. Expressions like “Could I BE any more…?” became synonymous with his character and continue to be widely recognized and quoted today.
• Vulnerability: Even though Chandler was known for his sense of humour, there were poignant occasions that revealed his depth of emotion. His heartfelt proposal to Monica and his difficulties dealing with his father’s absence showcased a sensitive and vulnerable side that won over the audience. His character became more realistic and well-rounded as his emotional development kept pace with his comedic development.
• Willingness to Take Risks and Faithfulness: Chandler displayed remarkable courage when he left his job as a “transponder” (according to Rachel) to pursue a career in advertising. Matthew Perry’s decision to remove a storyline where he cheats on Monica reflects his commitment to his character’s integrity and his understanding of what the audience expected.

Top 5 episodes of FRIENDS where Chandler stood out

Over the years, I have narrowed down a few go-to episodes that focus on Chandler and throw light on his multifaceted persona.

Here they are:

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• “The One with Chandler in a Box” (Season 4, Episode 8)
• “The One with All the Thanksgivings” (Season 5, Episode 8)
• “The One with the Proposal” (Season 6, Episodes 24 and 25)
• “The One with All the Cheesecakes” (Season 7, Episode 11)
• “The One with the Halloween Party” (Season 8, Episode 6)

These episodes capture some of Chandler’s most memorable moments and are a wonderful way to keep his memory alive.

So, every time I miss Chandler, I am going to watch them. What about you? How are you going to keep his legacy alive?

Recommended read: 

• Why You Need To Catch Up On The Show FRIENDS!
• 12 Reasons Why I Say Friends The Reunion Is A Must Watch For All Fans
• 8 Life Lessons The TV Series Friends Had For Me, Even 15 Years Later

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