When the series started Roy seem almost condesending where Johnny was concerned. Almost like he viewed himself superior to Johnny in both action and intellect. Does anyone else see this friendship as a little one sided in the beginning?
I didn't see that, myself. In the pilot, Roy seemed to take to John immediately, even to the point of taking breaks with him (the scene in the hallway where just the two of them were drinking coffee; also the first instance of Roy calling Johnny "Junior") and requesting John as his paramedic partner at the new firehouse, Station 51.
My take on their relationship has always been like brothers, with Roy being the (slightly) older brother who teases, tolerates, and supports the younger man. Like family members, they sometimes have disagreements, become annoyed with each other, and even get on each other's nerves.
Now, I will agree that sometimes Roy's actions disturb me. For example, in the episode where the jet plane crashes into the apartment and John is knocked down, it seemed very strange to me that Roy never mentioned to Chet or anyone else outside that his partner was still inside and might be injured. Another example of this would be in "Helpful" where he shows no concern over Johnny's apparent difficulties in the storm drain. There are others, but my belief is that, to keep his focus and his sanity, Roy keeps his personal feelings behind a thick wall.
To support this premise, you only have to see episodes where the injuries are unexpected and not, technically, in the line of duty. When Johnny is hit by the car, Roy is frantic. Again when Roy is in the hospital after the monkey virus hits Johnny, he is muttering to himself about his partner's survival and reacts when Dixie announces that his partner is waiting for him ("temporary partner").
I think I agree with you that Roy takes to John right away (I'd love to see that pilot episode again!) Their relationship reminds me of Butch Cassidy & the Sundance Kid. Redford & Newman. They're that good together. I also love how a lot of times they don't even have to say anything to each other. A local tv station has been running the show again and it is so great to see it. They are in the third season and just recently showed Body Language, Understanding, Computer Error and Inferno. I am really enjoying seeing this show again (seems like such a more innocent time!) I enjoyed reading your reply! Terri
My take on the friendship has never been that it was condescending in the beginning. Myabe just a little stilted at first - more like characters in a scene or actors doing their job (which is really what they were). But as the series progressed I believe what we saw was more the friendship of Kevin & Randy than just the character relationship. Like in a couple of scenes where mini accidents occur that weren't scripted. I can't remember where but somewhere while in a fire (I think) you can hear Kevin ask Randy if he is alright & he addresses him as 'Randy' not 'Johnny'. Also I've always attributed Roy's reactions in virus, snakebite and nuisance as Kevin tapping into how he would react if it was his friend Randy who was hurt/sick and using those emotions to play out Roy's emotions. Just MHO....
It's also nice to know that Randy and Kevin still maintain their friendship even to this day. Kevin was Randy's best man at his wedding to Kristen, and both of them keep in touch.
It's a far cry from some actors on TV shows who just could not get along,(CHiP's and the Monkees for example) and I'm glad that Randy and Kevin were good friends on screen as Johnny and Roy, as well as off screen.
I agree about the 30 year friendship of Randy and Kevin. That makes it even more special to watch the series, seeing the chemisty between them and knowing that, not only is it real, but lasting.
My coworker and i work
like johnny and roy.
His name is Ed and works Java city
irony coffee shop. He makes me coffee
when needed like on emergency
Jonny and Roy are best friends.
i wish for yhem at my 2 jobs