While this episode does repeat the rather standard 'Go On' plot format of Ryan trying to jump through the stages of grief quickly, only to realise he can't, while at the same time trying to help another member of the group, this is another good episode.
It is a step down from previous episodes though, and you can see Matthew Perry straining a little to make the material work.
I do feel that the network had started to meddle with the show at this point also, something creator Scott Silveri faced/didn't handle well when he was the boss of 'Joey'.
It's almost like people didn't like the heavy drama aspect, so it's been toned down. In the first episode Ryan had a melt down and it was played sincerely, here a similar thing happens and it's played for laughs.
This isn't a huge problem, but does show a lack of faith in tone.
Overall, a fine but not as good episode.
It is a step down from previous episodes though, and you can see Matthew Perry straining a little to make the material work.
I do feel that the network had started to meddle with the show at this point also, something creator Scott Silveri faced/didn't handle well when he was the boss of 'Joey'.
It's almost like people didn't like the heavy drama aspect, so it's been toned down. In the first episode Ryan had a melt down and it was played sincerely, here a similar thing happens and it's played for laughs.
This isn't a huge problem, but does show a lack of faith in tone.
Overall, a fine but not as good episode.