David Crane had an inspiration, a plan, but he didn't rush into it. He remained patient and proceeded step by step, waiting for a signal.
A signal to provide evidence supporting his ideas.
Now, the numbers are out—
Twenty-four million.
The viewership rebounded slightly, breaking a small ceiling, returning to the peak of the sixth season, but the breakthrough wasn't enough. In terms of numbers alone, this was the third-highest viewership number of the sixth season, not enough to ignite the ratings, and its reference value to NBC was also limited.
So, what about the "second highest" mentioned by the "Los Angeles Times"?
The answer: the rating.
.
This was the highest rating since the first episode of the sixth season, and also the first time the rating had returned above since the fourth episode of the sixth season.
Such performance was remarkable, comparable to a shot in the arm.
Most importantly, the increase in ratings was concentrated among the 18-49 age group, proving Anson's appeal to young people with concrete actions.
This is the key.
Perhaps, some people might say at this time, it's not enough, not exciting enough, not impressive enough, not strong enough, just this little breakthrough?
Moreover, this is still not all.
Knock knock.
The knock on the door sounded symbolically. Without waiting for David Crane to respond, Marta had already pushed the door open and entered.
"David, I have an idea. What do you think about writing a trilogy?"
David Crane looked up, his eyes lighting up, revealing a hint of a smile. "I thought you didn't like Anson. You thought he was just a pretty face."
Marta rolled her eyes, not being reserved at all. "That's old news, please update. Anson is my new darling now."
David Crane laughed happily.
Marta sat down comfortably. "I think we're short of twenty-three episodes right now, so why not just have Anson connect the stories of episodes twenty-one to twenty-three, and then have a two-episode finale to wrap things up?"
"Look."
"This way, we can give the character of Paul a complete ending; at the same time, fully explore the charm of this character to ensure the connection between the character and the audience."
"Trust me, people like Paul."
"From last night to this morning, I've received a series of calls asking where this actor came from. This is unusual."
"You should know my friends. They have no interest in my work. If even they have noticed Anson, it means that last night's discussion has already spread among the crowd."
A burst of rapid-fire words.
Marta is still the same Marta.
She didn't give David Crane a chance to speak at all, pouring out the thoughts in her mind in one go. It was like a flood being released.
It wasn't until now that Marta realized this, looking up at her partner. "What are your thoughts?"
However.
David Crane had just opened his mouth when Marta had already answered herself.
"I know, I know, this is outrageous."
"From a one-episode guest appearance to a two-episode connection, now it's actually rising to a three-episode broadcast. Obviously, such treatment is uncommon in 'Friends'."
"Wait, has there been such a situation before?"
"It seems not, after all, Janice doesn't count…"
"In short, this is indeed unusual, but as far as I'm concerned, I think this is a good thing, because we use three episodes to give a character a complete arc. I've even figured out how to write the twenty-third episode. Haha, let me tell you, I have a hunch that this episode will be great."
"Anson's contrasting charm will definitely bring countless laughter and screams."
"Moreover."
"This is perfect. We can seamlessly transition into the finale, not only solving all the troubles, but also bringing a special character. I think Paul Stevens can become a memorable character in 'Friends'. Maybe the audience will even ask to bring him back."
"David, what do you say?"
Chattering, with animated eyebrows.
David Crane was familiar with this kind of Marta. When inspiration struck, she was always like this. This kind of Marta was good news for the show.
David Crane had just opened his mouth, "Marta…"
Marta, "I just heard that the ratings are not bad…"
David Crane, "Marta!"
Marta finally shut her mouth.
David Crane first stated the conclusion, "Our ideas are on the same frequency."
Marta was shocked, covering her mouth. "Ah, David!"
The expression of being moved and surprised made David Crane not know whether to laugh or cry. "You forgot, Anson was the parachute I brought in during the audition."
Marta rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, you always have a way to turn everything into your credit. I don't care, I've already started writing the script for the third episode, and it's basically coming to an end."
A smile appeared in David Crane's eyes. "Don't worry, I'm serious. I think Anson might become our secret weapon."
Marta widened her eyes. "The ratings went up?"
David Crane nodded, just about to answer, but the phone rang. He glanced at it, it was the internal line, so he handed the "Los Angeles Times" to Marta, letting her read it herself, while answering the phone. Then Frank's voice came from the receiver.
"Sorry to interrupt your meeting with Marta, but Brad Pitt called and said he needs to talk to you."
"Who?"
"Brad Pitt, Jennifer's Brad Pitt."
David Crane was slightly stunned. Although he didn't understand why, he still nodded lightly. "Connect the call."
Marta carefully read the news, and her mood also became elated.
Although Marta didn't know or was good at those calculations and games, she could guess that David Crane should be preparing to use Anson to build momentum.
This was a good thing.
This Monday, the filming of the twenty-second episode, Marta went to the studio again.
This time, it wasn't worry, but curiosity, curious about how Anson would interpret Paul's "fragility and contrast", and the "awkwardness" after being discovered by Ross.
Facts proved that Anson's performance was still outstanding. His back-and-forth performance with David Schwimmer was very effective. Not only could it make people laugh, but it also made people like the character of Paul more and more. Anson had a natural affinity that could easily make the audience like him—
This was a kind of temperament.
Some actors are not ugly or not handsome. In fact, they are definitely top-notch in appearance, but they just don't have audience appeal, which is frustrating; while some actors have ordinary looks, and may even have some "characteristics", but the audience just likes them. This is also an innate talent.
Anson possessed such charm.
At least, that's what Marta thought.
Clap.
David Crane hung up the phone. Marta looked up, and then saw a trace of depth on that horse face, and even the freckles became gloomy.
"David?" Marta called out.
David Crane looked up. "Brad Pitt is asking us to end Anson's storyline."
