Row 2 is generally better than row 1 because you are further away from the galley.
Row 1 is perfectly fine, but row 2 is preferable.
Agree - Row 1 is noisy - not just the FA talking to each other - but, the rattling of cutlery etc etc.,
5Pm flight - you have plenty of time to enjoy a couple of glasses of wine, dinner and a movie before going to sleep .......