'Friends' Pilot: Courteney Cox aka 'Monica Geller' Could Have Been A 'Whore'
"Friends" and its characters became close to our hearts for 25 years.
Although the series has ended in 2004, many people -- especially "Friends" fans -- are still head-over-heels with the sitcom and still finds the story relatable. However, things could have been way different for all.
Apparently, NBC conducted an old poll that led to a huge character twist for Monica Geller.
Played by actress Courteney Cox, Monica Geller is one of the most loved characters in the sitcom. "Friends" fans have adored how strong Monica's character is.
One of the most memorable scenes for Cox's character is the scene in the pilot episode of the sitcom where she had a date that did not turn out well. Monica ended up reacting badly after discovering her restaurant co-worker -- who she and her friends call as Paul the Wine Guy (played by John Allen Nelson) -- was playing a cruel trick on her. However, her character was supposed to react in a different way.
The co-creators of the show, David Crane and Marta Kauffman, explained why NBC made a poll about Monica's character. The reason why was they want to know if the viewers would not like her because she slept with Paul on the first date.
Marta further explained to NBC News that NBC themselves conducted the poll to the pilot audience, asking if the storyline is "offensive" and "should be changed" in a different plot or character attitude.
Kevin Bright, which was the executive producer of the sitcom, explained how the survey question was made. Survey cards were handed out to the pilot audience with a question that stated "What do you think about her sleeping with a man on the first date? Monica is a) a w***e, b) a s**t." Marta also added, "c) a tramp," in the choices and NBC's Matt Lauer lastly added "d) your dream date."
The pilot episode is one of the most memorable episodes because it showed how Paul charmed Monica into bed by telling her that he has not been able to spend a night with a woman ever since his wife left him.
Monica, being the sweetest, felt sorry for Paul and agreed to go home with him. Later in the episode, she discovered that it was Paul's way of getting laid with women and it was his classic line to get every woman he dates.
When Monica learned about it, the plot was supposed to make Monica look like she was apatehtic on one night stands. However, because of the poll, the plot was changed and Monica reacted otherwise, as she threw Paul's watch on the floor and swore never to speak to him again.
