“Brian Johnson: [closing narration] Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us – in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain…
Andrew Clark: …and an athlete…
Allison Reynolds: …and a basket case…
Claire Standish: …a princess…
John Bender: …and a criminal…
Brian Johnson: Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”

I came up with a theory about the popularity of the TV show Friends. The one where the last episode aired 10 years ago. I’m a little late to the party sometimes.

I think one reason people like the show is that we’re all a bit like all the six main characters: Chandler, Monica, Ross, Rachel, Joey, and Phoebe.

We’re all a little charmingly awkward at times like Chandler.

We’re all a little anal and obsessive but still lovable like Monica.

We’re all nerdy and neurotic on occasion like Ross.

We’re all hot messes periodically like Rachel.

We’re all goofy and dim-witted every now and then like Joey.

We’re all “throw caution to the wind” spontaneous and free-spirited at times like Phoebe.

I think we relate to each of the characters on the show because we each see a little of all of them in us. Or at least I do.

That’s what good storytelling does. You think, “I’ve done that” or “I’ve been there” or “I’ve felt like that before.”

So that’s my theory. Maybe it works with other good TV shows. Or even other movies. I haven’t gotten that far yet.