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David Crane had an idea and a plan, but he wasn't in a rush. He stayed patient and methodical, waiting for a sign—a sign that would provide evidence to support his thoughts.
Now, the numbers were in—
24 million.
Viewership had seen a small uptick, breaking a minor ceiling and returning to peak levels of the sixth season. However, the breakthrough wasn't enough. Purely by the numbers, it was the third-highest viewership of the sixth season—not a record-breaking result and of limited significance to NBC.
So, what did the "Los Angeles Times" mean by the "second highest"?
The answer: ratings.
12.34.
This was the highest rating since the first episode of the sixth season, and the first time since the fourth episode that ratings had surpassed 12.0.
Such performance was impressive, akin to a shot of adrenaline.
Most importantly, the increase in ratings was concentrated in the 18-49 demographic, proving Anson's appeal to younger viewers.
This was the key.
Some might say it wasn't enough—not exciting, strong, or impressive enough. Just a tiny breakthrough?
David Crane would say that this small breakthrough was already incredible. After all, they hadn't done any special promotion, and Anson was a complete newcomer. Expecting ratings to skyrocket would be unrealistic. They needed to take it slow, step by step—this was just the first step.
Next, there was the second step—
They had just shot "Paul 2.0" on Monday. The promotion should start to roll out gradually, with six days left before it aired next Thursday.
And that wasn't all.
Knock, knock.
A symbolic knock on the door, and before David Crane could respond, Marta had already pushed the door open.
"David, I have an idea. What do you think about writing a trilogy?"
David Crane looked up, his eyes brightening as a smile crept across his face. "I thought you didn't like Anson. You said he was just a pretty face."
Marta rolled her eyes, unbothered by the comment. "That was old news. Come on, update yourself. Anson's my new favorite now."
David Crane chuckled.
Marta sat down comfortably. "I think we're missing episode 23, so why not let Anson's character tie together episodes 21 to 23, leading directly into the two-part finale?"
"Look."
"This way, we can give Paul's character a proper ending while fully exploring his charm, ensuring the audience gets attached to him."
"Trust me, people love Paul."
"From last night to this morning, I've already received several calls asking where this actor came from. That's unusual."
"You know my friends—they have no interest in my work. If even they noticed Anson, it means the buzz from last night has already started spreading."
Marta's thoughts poured out like a flood, not giving David Crane a chance to speak. It wasn't until now that she paused, looking up at her partner. "What do you think?"
But—
David Crane had just opened his mouth when Marta continued, answering her own question.
"I know, I know, it's outrageous."
"From a one-episode guest to two connected episodes, now we're talking about a three-episode arc. Clearly, this kind of treatment isn't common on 'Friends.'"
"Wait, has this ever happened before?"
"Doesn't seem like it. Janice doesn't count…"
"Anyway, it's unusual, but personally, I think it's a good thing. We're giving a character a complete arc with three episodes. I've even figured out how to write episode 23. Haha, let me tell you, I have a feeling it's going to be great."
"Anson's contrasting charm will definitely bring lots of laughs and screams."
"And."
"This way, we can seamlessly transition into the finale. It not only solves all our problems but also introduces a special character. I think Paul Stevens could become one of those 'Friends' characters that fans remember. They might even demand to bring him back."
"David, what do you think?"
---
"Chattering on and on, animatedly."
David Klein was familiar with this side of Marta—she was always like this when inspiration struck. This version of Marta was good news for the show.
David Klein had just started to speak, "Marta..."
Marta interrupted, "I just heard, the ratings are pretty good..."
David Klein, "Marta!"
Marta finally closed her mouth.
David Klein got straight to the point, "We're on the same page."
Marta was startled and covered her mouth, "Oh, David!"
The look of surprise and emotion on Marta's face made David Klein both amused and exasperated. "You forgot that Anson was my parachute, I brought him in for the audition."
Marta rolled her eyes, "Alright, alright, you always find a way to turn it all into your credit. Anyway, I don't care; I've already started working on the script for the third episode, and it's nearly done."
A smile flickered in David Klein's eyes, "Don't worry, I'm serious. I think Anson might become our secret weapon."
Marta's eyes widened, "The ratings went up?"
David Klein nodded and was about to respond, but the phone rang. He glanced at it; it was an internal call. He handed Marta the "Los Angeles Times" and let her read it herself while he picked up the call. Frank's voice came through the receiver.
"Sorry to interrupt your meeting with Marta, but Brad Pitt called, and he needs to talk to you."
"Who?"
"Brad Pitt, Jennifer's Brad Pitt."
David Klein was slightly taken aback, not understanding why, but he nodded slightly, "Put him through."
Marta seriously read the news, and her mood lifted.
Although Marta didn't know or was not good at scheming or playing games, she could guess that David Klein was probably planning to use Anson to create some buzz.
This was a good thing.
On Monday, during the shooting of the 22nd episode, Marta went to the studio again.
This time, she wasn't worried, but curious—curious about how Anson would interpret and portray Paul's "vulnerability and contrast," as well as the "awkwardness" after being discovered by Ross.
As it turned out, Anson's performance was still excellent. His back-and-forth with David Schwimmer was highly effective, not only making people laugh but also making them increasingly fond of the character Paul. Anson had a natural charm that made it easy for audiences to like him—
It was a kind of charisma.
Some actors, despite being very good-looking or handsome, just don't connect with the audience, leaving people at a loss. On the other hand, some actors, with average looks, or even with some "distinctive" features, are simply liked by the audience—this is also a natural talent.
Anson had that kind of charm.
At least, that's what Marta thought.
Click.
David Klein hung up the phone. Marta looked up and saw a hint of seriousness on his long face; even his freckles seemed to have darkened.
"David?" Marta called out.
David Klein looked up, "Brad Pitt has asked us to end Anson's role."
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