Ep 7. Token Friend

In season 1 episode 7 of Mad About You, titled "Token Friend," newlyweds Paul and Jamie Buchman struggle to maintain their friendships with their single friend, Fran. Fran feels left out of their couple-centric activities and events and begins to drift further away from them. The episode explores the challenges and changes in friendships as couples experience different life stages.

At the beginning of the episode, Paul and Jamie are excited to throw a dinner party at their apartment. When Jamie invites Fran, her single friend, to the party, Fran initially declines, citing her discomfort at third-wheeling with the couple. However, Jamie insists that Fran attend, arguing that it's important to keep their friendships intact.

At the party, Fran feels out of place and struggles to find common interests with the other guests, who are all coupled up. She eventually excuses herself early, telling Jamie that she doesn't want to be a "token" friend. Jamie realizes the extent to which she's been neglecting her friendship with Fran and vows to be more inclusive moving forward.

Meanwhile, Paul is struggling to maintain his own friendship with Fran. He misses their one-on-one time and is frustrated by Jamie's insistence on always including Fran in their plans. Eventually, Paul and Fran bond over their mutual love of old movies and engage in a movie marathon at Paul and Jamie's apartment.

The episode highlights the changes that occur in friendships when couples get married and start families. Paul and Jamie's priorities have shifted now that they're married, and they often prioritize spending time with each other over their individual friendships. Fran, as the only single friend in their group, struggles to find her place in their changing dynamic.

Despite the challenges, the episode ultimately emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendships, even as life changes. Jamie acknowledges her mistake in neglecting her friendship with Fran, and Paul realizes that he can still maintain his individual friendships while also prioritizing his marriage.

"Token Friend" is a relatable and poignant episode for anyone who has experienced the challenges of maintaining friendships while navigating different life stages. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the episode strikes a perfect balance between humor and poignancy. Overall, it's a standout episode in a strong first season of Mad About You.