Right, well I figured it was time for a brand new top 10 list for a change and this list will cover my pick of the top 10 episodes of the hit American sit-com, Friends, which ran for 10 years with ten seasons from 1994-2004. And I have been rewatching all the episodes (or nearly all of them) on Netflix as the whole series is on there.
The premise of course as we all know (or most of us!) is about six twenty/thirty something friends, who live in New York and it deals with their friendships and own love lives. The six friends are three men and three women, Ross, Chandler, Joey and Rachel, Monica and Phoebe.
The series has it share of highlights and great episodes, which will make this difficult for me to pick out my selection, so I will do this first part and come back to the 2nd part later on maybe next month rather than try and tackle them in two consecutive posts.
Right, so without any further ados, let's take a look at my pick of the first five in the Top 10.
Oh and just to warn you...
THERE WILL BE SOME SPOILERS AHEAD!!!
10. The One with the Jellyfish (Series 4 - Episode 1)
Memorable quote "It so does NOT!!!"
So, to kick off the list is this very funny opening episode from the 4th series, which sees the story continue on from where the 3rd series left off with the six friends on holiday at a beach house. And Ross (David Schwimmer) has to decide which woman he wants to be with, either his ex-girlfriend, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) or his new girlfriend, Bonnie (Christine Taylor). So, Ross opts for Rachel as the two of them look to mend their relationship, however its not quite that simple as Rachel first wants Ross to read a long letter that she wrote him about their relationship and that she wants him to agree to before they can continue.
So, the following morning, Ross has dozed off and not finished reading the letter (as it is 18 pages long, front and back!) only for Rachel to come down and ask him re: the letter's ending "does it?". Ross however, clearly has no idea what she means, bluffs it and says "It does", which for Rachel was the answer she was looking for, so the two of them then re-consumate their relationship. However after Ross manages to get a chance to finally read the end of the letter, he looks up and angrily says "It so does NOT!!".
Meanwhile, Monica (Courtney Cox), Joey (Matt Le Blanc) and Chandler (Matthew Perry) are out at the beach and Monica ends up being stung by a jellyfish and Joey tells Monica the only way to take away the sting is to pee on it. So, this soon leads into the following scene where all three of them walk back to the beach house, too mortified to say what happened.
And while this is all going on, Phoebe has gone off to meet a woman, who turns out to be her actual real mother (Teri Garr) when she believed that her actual real mum had committed suicide years ago....
THOUGHTS
This is definitely a great start to the 4th series and it features some of the funniest moments in the show, particularly where Ross and Rachael argue with one another near the end of the episode and also the moritified trio of Monica, Chandler and Joey over what happened on the beach with the jellyfish. This episode is also somewhat curious because if you watch the end of the 3rd series, Matthew Perry had lost alot of weight due to his vicodin addiction. However after the 3rd series ended, Perry had underwent rehab for his addiction, he put back on the weight he lost and suddenly looks alot healthier in this episode as a result. So, its actually quite an astonishing change overnight when you look at it from the context of the episode!
NOTABLE SCENES (Warning: spoilers are coming up!)
As for the episode's notable scenes there are plenty but I will try and keep it down to three, so first up there is the scene where Ross has fallen asleep in the morning having barely read much of Rachel's letter about their relationship.
So, Rachel comes down and asks Ross why he didn't come up after reading the letter and he tells her "Why didn't you come up?" and Ross pretends to have finished reading "Done!". Rachel asks Ross "You just finished it?" and Ross says to her "I wanted to be thorough. This is clearly very important to you. To us. I wanted to read every word carefully. Twice!". Rachel then asks "So...does it?" and Ross looks at her uncertain what she means and asks "I'm sorry?" and Rachel asks again "Does it?" and Ross asks "Does it? You know I just want to give that "does it?" part another glance!". Rachel however then becomes a bit annoyed and says "What do you mean? You said you read it twice. It either does or doesn't. If you have to think...!". However Ross quickly interrupts and anxiously says "No, I don't have to think about it! In fact I've decided. I have decided it that....it does!" and Rachel looks moved and then hugs Ross, and starts to pull him out the room while Ross frantically tries to look at the pages of the letter on the table.
However in the next scene (I'll tag this onto it!) when we see Ross and Rachel, happily snuggled up on beach house couch, the others come back and look happy to them together. So, Rachel then get's up and says to Ross "I have to go pack -" and she says in a heartfelt way "And it really does?" and Ross smiles warmly at her and says "It does. It really and truly does!" and Rachel, delighted walks off. So, this leaves Ross to scramble frantically through the end of the letter to find out what Rachel means by "it does" but after reading it, he takes a pause and angry looks up and says "It so does NOT!!".
Then there is the scene where back in New York, Monica, Joey and Chandler reveal the embarrassing truth about what happened on the beach with her Jellyfish sting. So, Monica awkwardly tells the others "I got stung. Stung bad. I couldn't stand. I couldn't walk. We were two miles from the house. We were scared and alone. We didn't think we could make it. I was in too much pain". Monica then says "Then, Joey remembered something he'd seen on the Discovery channel about Jellyfish..." and Ross says "Yeah the Discovery channel, right and how...." and he looks disgusted and says "...eww! You peed on yourself?!". Monica then embarrassed says "I tried but I couldn't bend that way....so..." and she looks to Joey as do the others, who all go "Ewww!". Joey however proudly says "That's right! I stepped up! She's my friend and she needed my help! If I had to, I'd pee on anyone of you!".
Joey however then looks embarrassed and says "Only I couldn't. I got the stage fright! So, I turned to Chandler..." and we see Chandler sit in the corner, head in his hands, he let's out an agonising howl. Chandler then get's up and says "Joey kept screaming at me, "Do it now. Do it. Do it now!" Sometimes, late at night, I can still hear the screaming". Joey then grins and says to Chandler "No, I just do it through the wall at night to freak you out!" and he pats Chandler on the back.
And lastly there is the scene where Ross and Rachel are cuddled up in bed together in Rachel's room (in Monica's apartment) and she ruins their happy mood by reminding Ross about the letter. So, Rachel says to Ross "I was so nervous about that letter. But the way you owned up to everything it just showed me how much you've grown" and Ross tries his best to hide his annoyance and says "I suppose". Rachel then insists "No, you have Ross. My mom never thought this would work out. She said, "Once a cheater, always a cheater. " I just wish we hadn't lost those four months". Rachel then pats Ross's face as she says "But if time was what you needed to gain a little perspective...." and then Ross yells at her "WE WERE ON A BREAK!!!".
In the next moment, we see them get dressed and Ross angrily says to Rachel "I thought it took two people to break up this relationship!" and Rachel angrily spits back "Yeah! You and that girl from the copyhouse, which you took full responsbility for!". Ross, then says "I didn't know what I was taking responsibility for! I didn't finish the letter! I feel asleep!" and Rachel bemused asks him "You feel asleep??!". Ross then angrily explains to Rachel "It was 5:30 in the morning. And you had rambled on for 18 pages. Front and back!" and he storms out the room. And as Ross angrily walks toward the door he turns to Rachel and says "By the way, Y-O-U-apostrophe-R-E means "you are. " Y-O-U-R means "your"!". Rachel furiously then says "I can't believe I thought of getting back with you! This is SO over!" and Ross then pretends to choke up with tears and shouts back "FINE BY ME!" and storms out. Rachel then stands at the door and shouts after Ross "Just so you know, it's not that common. It doesn't happen to every guy. And it is a BIG DEAL!!!" and she slams the door and storms back to her room, with Chandler moving forward and exclaiming "I KNEW IT!!".
SUM UP
So, "The One with the Jellyflish" is definitely one of the funniest opening episodes of any of the seasons and it more than deserves it place on the list here, so it takes a well deserved spot here at No.10.
9. The One with the Two Parties (Series 2 - Episode 22)
At No.9 is this episode from the 2nd series, which takes place on Rachel's birthday where Monica has arranged a lavish birthday party for her. The only snag here is that Rachel's mom has been invited but her dad hasn't been due to the fact that they are now both divorced and can't stand to be in the same room as each other. However on Rachel's birthday night, her dad unexpectedly turns up which forces the friends to put together two parties instead of one for Rachel in order to keep the couple separate.
And to make things worse for the guests, Monica's party turns out to be a real bore, as she is a strict host, who forces her guests to play some dull games. So as a result, Phoebe decides to sneak out people so they go to Joey and Chandler's party instead, which is more fun and laid back. And meanwhile this is going, Ross and the others tries and do their best to keep Rachel's mum and dad from seeing each other all night.
THOUGHTS
This episode is definitely one of the funniest of the 2nd series and the idea of the two parties works very well as Rachel's friends scramble frantically around to keep her parents apart without seeing each other. It also amusingly shows how controlling Monica can be as a party host and its something she would be accused again in the future of being a bad host, who bores everyone to death and Phoebe's sneaking people out is also funny as the party guests come up to her like she is some sort saviour!
NOTABLE SCENES (Warning: Spoilers will be ahead!)
The episode also features its share of notable scenes, such as the one on the night of the party where Ross tries to calm down an anxious Rachel when her mum and dad both turn up and how she wants them kept apart. So, Ross says to Rachel "This is your birthday, your party. Let's put them together. If they can't deal with it, who cares?!" but Rachel says "I do!" and Ross quickly says "That's who!".
Another good scene is when Ross, who doesn't get on well with Rachel's dad, Dr Greene tries to engage him in conversation but Dr Greene looks dispondent. So, Ross asks him "Hi, Dr. Greene. So how's everything in the vascular surgery game?" and Dr Greene somberly says "Its not a game, Ross. A woman died on my table today". Ross then says "I'm sorry. That's the good thing about my job. All the dinosaurs on my table are already dead!" and Dr Greene just gives him a look, making Ross more uncomfortable.
Then there is the next scene where Central Perk coffee house manager, Gunther (James Michael Tyler) who has also been invited to the party, tries to leave the apartment but Monica stops him. So, Monica spots Gunther trying to leave and she says to him "Gunther! Where are you going?!" and Gunther indicates to next door's party "I was sort of thinking about maybe..." and Monica says "No! You can't go! No, this is fun!". So, shortly after, Phoebe goes up to Gunther and quietly says to him "If you want to go, just go" but Gunther looks afraid and says "I can't. She'll yell at me again". So, Phoebe suggests creating a diversion "All right, I can get you out. In a minute I'll create a diversion. When I do, walk quickly to the door and don't look back".
Another good moment is when Ross tries to stop Dr Greene from going into Joey and Chandler's party where Mrs Greene is. So, Ross says to him "Where are you sneaking off to Mister??" and Dr Greene says "I'm getting my cigarettes" but Ross stops him and says "No. You see because that is the staging area. You go in there, it'll ruin the whole illusion of the party". So, Ross then tells Dr Greene "Take your scotch back in there and I will get your cigarettes for you, sir" and Dr Greene says "Get my glasses, too" and Ross says to him "All righty-roo!" and Dr Greene goes back into Monica's party. So, Ross turns and sighs to himself and says "What a great moment to say that for the first time!".
Then there is the moment where some of Monica's bored party guests quietly go up to Phoebe and one of them asks her "Is it true that have beer?" and Phoebe looks at the guest and says to them confidentially "Everything you've heard is true". And in the next moment, Phoebe get's the guests out only for Monica not long after to go next door to Joey and Chandler's party and finds some of her guests there instead. And Monica, shocked, says to the guests "You are supposed to be at my party!" and she suddenly spots Gunther dancing with some people and she says "And Gunther! What are you doing here?!" and Gunther looks awkwardly at her and tries to think of something and he just shrugs and starts dancing again.
And lastly there is the scene near the end where the friends just manage to keep Dr Greene and Mrs Greene from seeing each other as they both come out of their respective parties (Mrs Green, Joey and Chanlder's and Dr Green, Monica's). However as Dr Greene appears, Joey suddenly grabs Mrs Greene and says to her "Thanks for coming Mrs Greene!" and he gives her a big kiss, just as Dr Greene is successfully ushered out before her. So, after Joey kissing Mrs Greene, she looks speechless and he says to her awkwardly "You take care!" and Mrs Greene, flustered and also flattered says to Joey "Oh, you kids!". Mrs Green then touches Joey's face gently and says "Well, this is the best party I've been to for years!" and she then leaves.
SUM UP
So, "The One with the Two Parties" is definitely one of the best episodes from the 2nd series and I've always enjoyed comedy where people try to stall for time to avoid two particular people from seeing each other (or however many people!) as it makes for a fun concept. So, this episode is certainly worth a place on the list and it sits here at No.9.
8. The One with the Flashback (Series 3 - Episode 6)
Memorable "Here's your...penis!"
At No.8 is this very funny episode from the 3rd series "The One with the Flashback" where Chandler's girlfriend, Janice (Maggie Wheeler) asks him if there was any time in the past where the friends ever slept together. And as they all answer "no" Janice then asks them was there a time where they "almost" did sleep with one another, which prompts a completely different reaction from them!
So, basically the episode is set three years ago where Ross is still married to his first wife, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe are friends but they haven't met Joey yet and Rachel is still engaged to her fiance, Barry. Rachel happens to be in the same bar where Monica and Chandler are, and she tells her other friends that she desires one last "fling" and to get it out of her system before she commits herself to marriage.
Chandler is on the lookout for a new room mate with one of his primary candidates being a model photographer and the other being Joey. However when the troublesome neighbour, Mr Heckles turns up at Monica's door to tell them to keep the noise down, after Phoebe tells him off instead, he pretends to be Chandler's new room mate to the photographer, who got the actual spot, who leaves instead, allowing Joey to get the room.
Joey, meanwhile eyes up Monica when they first meet, she invites him to come in for some "lemonade" which he mistakes as slang for sex, so he strips naked infront of her, much to Monica's shock and disbelief. Joey however soon clicks with Chandler after he moves in as they begin to bond as Joey watches "Baywatch" and he also happens to have a cooler loaded with beers, which meets Chandler's approval.
Phoebe also at this time is living with Monica but she can't stand her obssessive tidiness and fussy nature, so she tries to discreetly move out pieces of her furniture one at a time as she sneaks off to another apartment she has. Monica eventually confronts Phoebe when she spots her taking a lamp and Phoebe says she needs her own space and needs live in a place where she "can spill" which Monica sadly agrees to as Phoebe sees it the best way forward for them to remain friends.
And then of course there is the other subplot where Ross discovers his wife, Carol, is a lesbian, leaving him utterly devastated, he goes to the bar where the friends hang out (which would later turn into their coffee house hangout, Central Perk) and finds Phoebe still there at closing time (although neither of them work there!). So, Phoebe comforts Ross and as she does, they begin making out on a pool table, which doesn't end quite so well for them as it could....
THOUGHTS
This is definitely one of my favourite episodes from the 3rd series and again flashback episodes can often provide alot of fun in comedy and this one nicely sets up the characters in their time and place back before the six friends became established.
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes there is the one where Mr Heckles turns up and knocks the door of Monica's apartment to complain about any alleged noise they were making. So, Phoebe opens the door and says to him "Mr Heckles, no one is making any noise up here!" and Mr Heckles says to her "You're disturbing my oboe practice!". So, Phoebe looks at him and says "You don't play the oboe" and Mr Heckles says "I COULD play the oboe" and Phoebe smiles and says "Then I'm gonna have to ask you to keep it down!" and she shuts the door in his face.
Another good scene is where Rachel in the bar with her other clingy friends talk about her engagement to Barry but she talks about her urge to have sex with someone else to get it out her system before she actually marries him. So, Rachel says to her friends "I feel like having one last fling just to sort of get it out of my system" and her friends react in surprise but Rachel insists "No I'm serious. I really think I need to have some meaningless sex you know? With the next guy I see!".
And this whole time, Chandler (who is also in the bar with Monica and he is sporting a goatee beard!) has been anxiously overhearing Rachel's conversation and feverishly chalking the tip of his pool cue, suddenly takes the white ball and drops it and rolls towards Rachel's seat. So, Chandler confidently stirdes up to her and says "Excuse me, I appear to have dropped my ball!" but Rachel, oblivious to his come on says "Yeah? So?". This leaves Chandler feeling embarrassed and he bends down and picks up the ball and says awkwardly "And now I've picked it up again!" and he heads back to Monica.
Then there is the priceless scene where Joey starts moving in after Mr Heckles scared off Chandler's other potential roommate and while he is moving in boxes, he sees Monica and the two of them share a little smile. So, as Joey grabs a heavy box and stands up too fast and suddenly falls back a little and he says to Monica "I stood up too fast! Got a little head rush" and Monica says to him rather coyly "Its the heat and the humidity" and Joey flirts with Monica a little and says "Yeah, that's a tough combination". Monica the smiles at Joey and asks him "Do you want to come in for some lemonade?" and Joey suddenly beams and says "Like you wouldn't believe!" so he follows her in.
And in the next moment as Monica prepares two glasses of lemonade, Joey quickly undresses himself and stands completely naked as Monica has her back to him. So, Monica without turning around asks "Your thirsty?" and Joey feverishly says "Oh, yeah bet I am!" so Monica turns around with the two drinks and says "Here's your penis!" as she stands shocked at Joey being starkers. Monica then shouts "Oh my God! What the hell are you doing?!" and Joey says to her sexily "You said "you wanna come in for some lemonade?". Joey however then realises his mistake and asks Monica "So, you were just going to give me lemonade?" and Monica exclaims "Yeah! Cover yourself up!". And when Monica asks Joey "So, if somebody asks if you want some lemonade that means that want to have sex?!" and Joey starts to get dressed and says "Yeah not just lemonade. Ice tea, sometimes juice". Joey then apologises, embarrassed he says "Sorry. I thought you liked me. I'm such a jerk!". Monica then awkwardly says to him as she looks at his trouser area "That's okay. By the way I can still see it!".
Then there is the very funny scene where a devastated Ross turns up at the bar just around closing time and Phoebe is still there. So, Ross, heartbroken says to Phoebe "Hi" and Phoebe asks "What's wrong?" and Ross tells her "I think my marriage is over" and Phoebe shocked says "Oh no! Why?!" and Ross says "Because she's a lesbian and I'm not one. And apparently its not a mix and match situation". Ross then says "Maybe this wouldn't have happened if I'd been more nurturing or I'd paid more attention, or I had a uterus". Phoebe then hugs Ross out of pity and she starts to kiss him on the cheeks and lips saying "Oh, Ross, you're so kind and sweet..." but then they suddenly start making out on the pool table, where Ross clunks his head on one of the overhead lights.
So, as they get on the table, Ross awkwardly says to Phoebe "My foot is stuck in the pocket. I can't get it out!" and Phoebe says "Ross, that's not something a girl wants to hear" and Ross says "Come on, don't start!". And as they continue to make out, Ross suddenly whinces and he says "Stupid balls are in the way!" as he moves some pool table balls, but they both laugh at his words and decide to stop and Ross tells Phoebe "Well that probably wouldn't have been the most constructive solution". So not long after, Monica, Chandler and Joey come in and Phoebe and Ross it upright on the table and Phoebe says to him "I don't know why I always thought this was real grass!". Monica then sees how down Ross looks and she asks "Honey? Are you okay?" and Ross tells her "My wife's a lesbian" prompting a big grin from Joey, who says "Cool!" and then Joey is introduced to Ross and Phoebe.
SUM UP
So, "The one with the flashback" is definitely a favourite episode of mine and it features some of the funniest moments from the show and flashback episodes in most sitcoms can often be the source of great amusement, so it certainly deserves its place here on the list at No.8.
7. The One Where Emma Cries (Series 9 - Episode 2)
Next is this episode from the 9th series "The One Where Emma Cries" in which Ross is still mad at Joey for accidentally proposing to Rachel (which happened at the end of the 8th series just after Rachel had her baby in the hospital when Joey accidentally finds Ross's ring). And this episode features two of the funniest moments in the series, which makes this one well worth putting on the list alone, which I will get to in a bit.
As for the actual story, the gist of it is basically that Rachel is struggling to adapt to being a new parent as she unwisely decides to wake up her baby girl, Emma from her sleep, which prompts her to cry non-stop. And with Monica and Phoebe both visiting, the trio become desparate after a while to try and stop Emma crying, which Monica eventually does after she picks her up and sways her side to side making Rachel decide that Monica is to be her "official baby cryer stopper!".
Meanwhile, Ross is still mad at Joey for accidentally proposing to Rachel in the hospital not long after she gave birth. So, Joey tries to confront Ross in the coffee house and tells him they need to try and get pass this and suggests why doesn't Ross hit him to make him feel better. So, Ross then tries to punch Joey, who ducks and Ross's fist instead hits one of the wall posts and Joey desparately tells it was reflex reaction that he ducked and he ends up trying to demonstrate ducking to Ross to prove his points but Ross doesn't get's hit in the face but Joey. So, the two of them end up going to hospital to get Ross's hand checked out where they eventually end up making peace.
And lastly, Chandler is nervous about a big meeting he has in his work and he ends being unable to sleep the night before. So this prompts Chandler the next day to fall asleep during the meeting where he unwittingly agrees to relocate to Tulsa, which is news that Monica isn't too keen to hear when he get's back home.
THOUGHTS
This is another priceless episode and the single funniest subplot in it is Ross and Joey's confrontation in the coffee house, where Joey tries to get Ross to get over being mad him by hitting him but as Ross swings at Joey, Joey instinctively ducks and Ross injures his hand on a metal post instead. And this is followed up by one of the funniest end sequences of any episode in the series, which I will get to.
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes, let's start with the very one where Ross is in the coffee house getting a muffin from a rather resentful Gunther, who is not too happy having learned that Ross had a baby with her. And Gunther tells Ross "So Rachel had your baby?" and Ross cheerily says "Yep. Can you believe it?" and Gunther bluntly says "Nope! I can't believe she had sex with you in the first place!" and Ross looks puzzled at him and says "What?!".
At this point, Joey comes in and tries to reason with Ross over their situation and Joey says to Ross "Hey, Ross. I know your pissed at me but we need to talk about this" but Ross says "No, we don't" and tries to walk away. Joey then says to Ross "Fine. But I got to say that technically, I didn't do anything wrong!" and Ross the angrily says "Let's put aside the fact that you "accidentally" picked up my grandmother's ring and you "accidentally" proposed to Rachel". Joey however then stops Ross and says "Can I just stop you there for a second? When people do this" and he mimics Ross's inverted commas hand gesture "I don't really know what that means. You were saying?".
So, Ross continues "And I could even understand that you couldn't tell Rachel. But why couldn't you tell me? You had all day to, and you didn't!" and Joey says "I know. I should have!" and he uses the inverted commas hand gesture and says "I'm sorry!" but Ross looks bemused and tells Joey "Not using it right, Joe!". Ross then says "I'm gonna go" but Joey stops him and takes Ross's bag of muffins and pleads "Ross, we have to get past this!". So, Joey then says "No, I don't know what else to do. I said I'm sorry, now Now you should scream at me or curse me or hit me!" and Ross says "I'm not gonna hit you" but Joey suggests "You'll feel better! You know you want to! I can see it in your eyes!".
Joey then tries to coax Ross into hitting more and more, so Ross finally takes a swing at Joey, who ducks at the last moment and Ross's fist instead hits a metal post and he ends up squealing in agony and he turns away from Joey and his eyes meet with a delighted Gunther. Ross then shouts at Joey "You ducked!!" and Joey desparately says "I'm sorry! Its a reflex! I couldn't help it! When a fist comes at your face, you duck! Look!". So, Joey then takes a swing at Ross but he doesn't duck and Joey ends up puncing Ross in the face and Ross reels back and shouts "WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU?!!" and Joey shouts back "You were supposed to duck! Why didn't you duck?!". Ross, then angrily says "Let's talk on the way to the hospital!" and Joey says "Good. Yeah, maybe while you're there they can check your reflexes!". So, as they go to the door, Joey the opens the door, which hits Ross's arm, who looks angrily at Joey, who apologetically holds up his hands in the inverted comma gesture and he says "Whoops!".
Then there is the scene at the hospital where Joey makes up with Ross as the two of them fill in a medical form for Ross's details. So, as Joey offers to fill in the form for Ross, due to Ross's injured hand, Joey asks the questions from the form and he asks "Name? No, I know its Ross, but what is that short for? You know, like Rossell? Or Rostophor?" and Ross looks not amused and says "Just Ross". Joey then looks at the next question and he asks "Occupation?" and he writes "Dinosaurs" and Ross starts to correct him "Actually, I'm a paleon..." and he decides to leave it alone "...dinosaurs is fine".
Joey then talks with Ross about the possibility of Ross getting back together with Rachel when raising the baby but Ross insists that he is more comfortable if they don't and just raise the baby as friends. So, Ross says to Joey "Yeah I thought we were supposed to get back together. But then she said she'd marry you" and Joey tells him "Come on, Ross, that didn't mean anything. She'd just had the baby. She was freaked out about doing it alone. She would have said yes to anybody!" but Ross tells him "Yeah, but I just want to be just anybody". So, as they bury the hatchet, Joey tells Ross "Hey, for what its worth with Rachel, I don't think you'll ever be just..." and he at last correctly uses the inverted commas gesture right "anybody". Ross then smiles, pleased that Joey finally got it right and says "There you go!" and Joey smiles back and does the gesture again and says "Thanks!" prompting a sigh from Ross.
Then there is the scene where Ross comes back home to his apartment where we see Rachel is exhausted from her efforts to deal with Emma, who is still asleep in her bedroom. So, Rachel tells Ross "You know what I really, really want?" and Ross asks her "What Rach?" and she says "I wanna sleep. I wanna eat. I wanna take a shower. I mean before she wakes up and we gotta do this all over again!" and Ross smiles and says "Right". Rachel then says to Ross "I mean because I got news for you. Emma: not easy!" and Ross smiles and reassuringly says to her "Well, that's what I'm here for". However at this point we hear Emma starting to cry again and Ross says "You want me to get that?" and Rachel says "No, its ok" and she then calls out "Monica!" and Monica suddenly races in and says "Got it! Got it!" and heads off to deal with Emma.
And last of all is the funniest moment in the episode where back at the coffee house, Joey and Ross sit on a couple of stools having their coffee. And Joey says to Ross "I've been thinking about this. And I gotta tell you, it's not my fault. It's a natural instinct". At this point, Chandler walks and asks Joey "What are you guys talking about?" and Joey says to him "OK, what would you do if I did this?" and he takes a swing at Chandler, who instinctively jumps back and Joey's fist once again hits Ross again, who falls off his seat! Joey then holds his hand up to Chandler feeling he has proved his point while a stunned Ross, slowly get's up and glares angrily at Joey.
SUM UP
So there you go "The one where Emma cries" is definitely one of the funniest and best episodes from the series and its great to see even after nine years of the show's run, it was still producing high quality episodes with plenty of good laughs. And Ross and Joey's confrontation and the ending are more than enough to put this episode on the list.
6. The One Where Everybody Finds Out (Series 5 - Episode 14)
Memorable quote "Get off my sister!!!!!"
So to finish off the first part of this list is this episode from the 5th series, which is the one (as the title says) where everybody finds out about Monica and Chandler's secret relationship, although at this point Joey and Rachel already know but in this episode Phoebe also finds out. And once Phoebe finds out she decides to have a little bit of fun with Monica and Chandler by kidding them on and Ross in this episode is on the lookout for a new apartment after his breakup with his wife, Emily.
So, the episode begins with Ross finding out that the ugly naked guy who lives in an apartment across the other side of the street from Monica is selling it (the character is of course an unseen running gag through the earlier series, although we do see him from the back in this episode). So, Ross is really keen to try and get the apartment, however there are loads of other applicants also trying to get ugly naked guy's flat aswell. So, Ross in an effort to tip the scales in his favour sends ugly naked guy a basket of mini muffins but when that fails he decides to just turn up at his apartment and agrees to also be naked with him (not in a sexual way though!) which in the end get's him the apartment.
Meanwhile, Phoebe finds out about Monica and Chandler after she witnesses them doing it through ugly naked guy's window. So, Phoebe decides that it would be fun to mess with them as she pretends to come on to Chandler but this soon get's Monica suspicious and they decide to try and mess with them back and Chandler agrees to go on a psuedo date with Phoebe. However on the night of the date as Phoebe pretends to seduce Chandler he is soon compelled to admit that he loves Monica and he declares his love for her infront of the others, but Monica insists that as Ross is the only one, who doesn't know that they say nothing. However its not long before Ross actually does find out for himself......
THOUGHTS
"The one where everybody finds out" is another great episode from the series, which is great because not only does it have fun with the idea of Phoebe messing with Monica and Chandler but also the amusing extremes that Ross goes to, to try and get Ugly Naked Guy's apartment (by getting naked too!). The episode also nicely has Chandler and Monica declare their love for each other infront of the others, cementing their relationship further more. And Ross's reaction at the very end of the episode is priceless, especially as at this point he is on a sabbatical from his university job for anger management issues, so seeing Chandler and Monica at it, tips him over the edge!
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes, well take your pick!
For starters there is the scene where Ross, Rachel and Phoebe have a look around ugly naked guy's apartment for viewing purposes (UNG isn't there in this scene!). However while they are there, Phoebe suddenly notices Monica and Chandler starting to do it and she looks aghast and shouts "Chandler and Monica! CHANDLER AND MONICA!!!!" to Rachel and she yells "THEY'RE DOING IT!!!". Rachel then shouts back "I know!!" and Phoebe shouts "You know?!" and Rachel shouts "Yes, Joey knows! I know! But Ross, doesn't, so you have to stop screaming!!". However at this point Ross comes back into the apartment (as he temporarily left) and Rachel springs back from the windows and shouts excitedly. So, Ross asks "What are you doing?" and Rachel excitedly shouts "Nothing! We're so excited that you might get this apartment!" and Ross says "Yeah it looks pretty good" and Phoebe joins in with the excitement "Pretty good?! Its great!! Get in here!!". So, Ross seeing how excited they both, he joins and screams with delight and jumps up and down with them.
Then there is the next scene where Rachel and Phoebe are back at the coffee house discussing Chandler and Monica. And Phoebe asks "You mean whenever Monica and Chandler were doing laundry or going grocery shopping? The time Monica spent on the phone with Linda from camp?" and Rachel says "Doing it, doing it, doing it!". Phoebe smiles excitedly and says "I can't believe its great. For him, I mean she could do better!". Joey then comes in and Rachel tells him that Phoebe now knows and he sighs with relief and tells them "Now enough of us know that we could just tell them we know. All the lying and the secrets will finally be over!". However Phoebe has an other idea and says "Or, we could not tell them we know, and have a little fun. If they say they are doing laundry, we'll give them laundry to do!". Joey however is not amused and says to Phoebe "You know what would be more fun?" and Phoebe asks "What?" and he firmly says "Telling them!".
Another good scene is when Monica and Chandler are about to go to do some "laundry" so in the scene Rachel asks "Mon, do you want to come and see a movie with us?" and Monica says "Actually, I was going to do some laundry". Monica turns to Chandler then asks him "Do you want to some laundry with me?" and Chandler says "Sure, I'll do it with you". However then Rachel says "Hold on a second" and she produces a big bag of laundry "Here you go. That would really help me out! Thanks!". Monica looks a little bemused and says "You know what? I don't have enough quarters" but Phoebe then produces a big bag full of them and she says "I have quarters!".
So, as Rachel and Phoebe are about to go, Phoebe teases Chandler (as she already did earlier) and goes up to him and sexily says "Bye, Chandler. I miss you already!" and she pinches his butt, prompting a look of surprise from both Chandler and Monica. So, after P and R leave, Chandler rushes over to Monica and tells her "Did you see that?! With the inappropriate and the pinching?!" and Monica says "I did!". So, Chandler asks her "So do you believe that she's attracted to me?!" but Monica susses it out "Oh my, God! She knows about us!". Chandler shocked asks "Are you serious?" and Monica says "She knows about us! And she's trying to freak us out! That's the only explanation!". However, Chandler in a bit of denial asks "But what about my pinchable butt and my bulging biceps...." but Monica gives him a look and it dawns on Chandler "She knows!!".
Another funny moment is where Ross turns up at the Ugly Naked Guy's apartment and for the first time we see UNG in person (but from behind and not his face) as an obese, pasty skinned white man, carrying a large plastic cup of soda. So, Ross awkwardly smiles and says to him "Good evening, sir. I'm Ross Geller. I'm one of the applicants. I realize that the competition is fierce but....". Ross stops and takes a moment as he looks at UNG and says "I'm sorry, I can't help but notice that you're naked. I applaud you. Man, I wish I was naked. I mean, this looks so great. That is how God intended it!".
Then there is the scene where Chandler and Monica decide to mess with Phoebe and Chandler sets up a date with Phoebe to come around to Monica's apartment. So, Phoebe turns up wearing a sexy dress and she flirts with him and neither of them back down in their attempts to break the other. So, Phoebe after a while goes outside into the hall where Rachel and Joey are and Phoebe tells "He's not backing down, he went to get some lotion!". And Rachel says "The sooner we break him, the sooner this is out in the open!" and Joey suggests "Show him your bra. He's afriad of bras. Can't work them!" and he casually undoes the buttons on Phoebe's dress to reveal her bra. Phoebe looks amazed and says "You didn't rip off any buttons!" and Joey grins and says "Not my first time!".
So, Phoebe goes back in with her bra exposed, which indeed makes Chandler uncomfortable as she moves in to kiss him, they both uncomfortably put their hands on each other. So, as Chandler moves into kiss Phoebe he suddenly pulls away and gives in and shouts "Alright! You win! I can't have sex with you!" and Phoebe asks "And why?!" and Chandler says "Because I'm in love with Monica!". So, Monica comes out (as she was hiding in her bedroom) looking surprised at Chandler's words and he points at her and shouts "That's right! I love her! I lover her!". So, Monica touched moves to Chandler and they embrace and he says to her quietly "I love you, Monica" and she says emotionally "I love you too, Chandler" and they both kiss with the others looking on, moved. And Phoebe smiles touched and says "I thought you were just doing it! I didn't know you were in love!".
And lastly there is another great end scene where Ross has secured UNG's apartment for himself and he speaks to the university dean as he shows him around the apartment. So, in the scene the dean says to Ross "Its nice to see you back on your feet" and Ross says "I am that, and the whole rage thing is definitely behind me". So the dean asks Ross "I wonder if its time for you to rejoin our museum team?" and Ross smiles and says "That would be great. I am totally ready to come back to work". However, Ross steps over to the window and suddenly sees something that sets off his rage again and says "Wait a minute..." and he becomes even angrier and yells "What are you doing???!! GET OFF MY SISTER!!!!!!".
SUM UP
So, there you go "The one where everybody finds out" is definitely one of the best episodes from the show and it has plenty of great moments. Although perhaps the only thing that is a bit annoying about it is Monica and Chandler's continued insistance on hiding their relationship when by then surely they should have just made it public and got it out in the open! And when it get's to the moment where everyone but Ross finds out and Monica still insists that to Joey that no one tell Ross yet, you can understand Joey's looks of annoyance at the end. Just tell him guys! But it does set up the final scene very nicely where Ross witnesses Chandler and Monica through his own apartment window.
And this episode more than deserves its place on the list and it nicely concludes the first part of the list being at No.6.
Right, so that's it for now and I will return with the second part of this post next month I think.
So, till then its bye for now!
No comments:
Post a Comment