Martin's Musings

The celebrity “hall pass” is a fun little game many couples play. (Or so I’ve been told.)

The scenario is simple: Each partner gets to name one celebrity who, were they ever to have the chance, they could have sex with, and the other partner would be totally okay with it. It’s complete fantasy, of course, but that hasn’t stopped people from making their choices over the years.

This concept of a “hall pass” has inspired multiple storylines in pop culture. For example, you probably remember the season-three episode of Friends (“The One with Frank Jr.”) where Ross and Rachel create lists of five celebrities they’re allowed to sleep with if they ever have the chance. Ross’s list, which he laminates, includes Isabella Rossellini, but Chandler convinces him she’s “too international” and suggests replacing her with Winona Ryder because she’s “more local.” And then, at the end of the episode, Rossellini herself walks into Central Perk, but she dismisses Ross because she’s not actually on the list.

Good stuff.