OK, so now we're into February already! Where does time go??!!
Anyway, so back to the post and this one is the 2nd part of my look at my pick of the top 10 episodes of the American sitcom, Friends and here I will look at the top 5 episodes that complete the list. So, let's take a look and see what made the cut....Could I BE more excited??? Sorry!
And yes I will mention the usual warning...
PLOT SPOILERS ARE AHEAD!!!
5. The One Where Ross Got High (Series 6 - Episode 9)
Memorable quote "It tastes like feet!!!"
So, to start off the 2nd part of the list is this episode form the 6th series, "The one where Ross got high" which is another Thanksgiving episode in which Monica and Ross's parents, Jack and Judy Geller, are invited to Thanksgiving. However, Monica's parents have never been that keen on Chandler and now that they are a couple, things are more awkward for Chandler here but he does at last find out why they don't like him.
So to do a more detailed recap of the episode, its Thanksgiving and Monica has invited her parents around to dinner, which leaves Chandler uncomfortable as they clearly don't like him (although at this stage he really doesn't know why). So, when Jack and Judy show up (played by Elliot Gould and Christina Pickles respectively) they clearly don't seem to approve of Chandler and at one point during the evening, Judy makes a discreet reference to Jack about Chandler saying "I think he's stone again". So, this prompts Ross to take Chandler into another room where he tells him he thinks he knows why his parents don't like Chandler and its because Ross got stoned during college and when his parents visited him, he jumped out the window of his dorm and later blamed Chandler for smoking the pot.
Meanwhile Joey and Ross want to try and get out of going to Monica's Thanksgiving dinner, so they can join Joey's new room mate, the lovely Janine (Elle MacPherson) and her dancer friends but they never get a chance. Rachel also is put in charge of making the trifle but she ends up getting the ingredients wrong as she adds beef and pees into it. This is because the pages of the recipe book got glued together and Rachel unwittingly combined the recipes for a trifle and a shepherd's pie, much to the surprise of Ross and Joey who find out when Ross looks at the book. And lastly Phoebe develops a crush on Jack after she had an erotic dream about him.
THOUGHTS
Out of all the Thanksgiving episodes in the show, "The one where Ross get's high" is certainly my favourite (with perhaps "The one with all the Thanksgivings" being my next favourite) and it has plenty of funny moments in it. And its the classic use of the comic device not allowing people to leave also adds to the fun when Joey and Ross want to hang out with Janine and her friends. Also not to mention the funny subplot of Rachel adding beef and peas into the trifle, much to the disbelief of Ross and Joey, who find out and Joey later tells the others and gives them some acting classes on how to fake enjoying eating it.
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes well there are a few here, such as the scene where Joey is impatient for Rachel to serve the trifle, so he and Ross can go to hang on with Janine and her hot dancer friends. So, in the scene Joey impatiently says to Rachel, who preps the dessert "Will you serve the dessert already?! There's drunken dancers a-waiting!". Rachel then tells Ross and Joey what her dessert is and what it contains "Its a trifle. Its got all these layers. First there's a layer of ladyfingers, then jam, then custard, which I made from scratch. Then beef with peas and onions then a little bit more custard then bananas and then I put whipped cream on top". So, Ross and Joey take a moment to take this in and Ross asks "What was the one right before the bananas?" and Rachel looks at him and says "The beef? But then I thought, "Well, there's minced meat pie" That's an English dessert. These people just put strange things in their food!".
Then after Rachel goes out of the room briefly to get some rum from Joey's place, Ross frantically looks through the recipe book to see what Rachel has done. So, Ross says Joey "Beef in a dessert?! No, no, no! Threre is no way!" and Joey says "I know. And only one layer of jam?! What's up with that?!". Ross then flicks through the pages quickly and discovers two of them are stuck together and he says "Oh, my God! She made half an English trifle and..." checks the other page "...half a shepherd's pie!".
Another good scene is when Chandler tries to complement Judy on the sweater she is wearing but he get's nervous and he tells her it looks nice and tight on her and he buries his head in his hands. So, Jack quietly says to Judy "What's the matter with him?" and Judy quietly says to him "I think he's stoned again". Ross then says to Chandler "Dude, I need to talk to you" and he takes Chandler into another room and tells him "I think I might know why my parents don't like you. Okay, remember we were young. Spring break, sophomore year, I got high in my bedroom and my parents walked in and smelled it. So, I had told them you had gotten stoned and jumped out the window".
Chandler then looks shocked and angrily asks Ross "How could you do that?!" and Ross tells him "Yours was the first name that popped into my head. It didn't think it would matter!". Chandler then angrily asks "How could it not matter?!" and Ross says "How was I to know we'd be friends after college and know you'd be living with my sister?!". Chandler then asks him "What about all this "friends forever" stuff?!" and Ross says to him "I don't know. I was all high!".
Then there is the scene where Ross stalls for time by taking Rachel outside, so Joey can tell the others what has happened with the trifle and how to fake enjoying it when they eat it. So, Rachel asks Ross "So, what's up, Ross?" and Ross awkwardly says "Thanksgiving. The holiday season is upon us...and you look nice today...". Rachel then stops him and says "No, Ross. Don't do this" and Ross asks "What?" and Rachel tells him "I don't think us getting back together is a good idea. I thought this might happen today. I know the holidays can be rough and it must be a hard time for you to be alone right now". Ross then looks at her a little indignant and says "You're alone" and Rachel says "No, I live with Phoebe. I mean your ALONE alone. And its just not the right time for us. I'm sorry". So, Ross, clearly not expecting this from Rachel in the first place, just shrugs it off and plays along and says "Can't blame a guy for trying!".
And in the next, Joey tells the others how to pretend that they like the trifle when they eat it and he says to them "And if anyone needs help pretending to like it, I learned some things in acting class. Try rubbing your stomach" and he mimes rubbing his stomach "or saying "mmmm" and smiling!". So, Chandler, not impressed, looks on and says "Yeah, I'm not paying for those acting classes anymore!".
So, after they all try Rachel's trifle, they all give mixed reactions, the best one being Monica who follows Joey's advice and rubs her stomach and makes a fake "mmmm!" noise to pretend she enjoys it and she awkwardly says "its good!". So, Rachel puzzled afterwards says "What was all that about? Does it not taste good?" and she looks to Ross who is struggling with his trifle and she says "Let me try it". Ross then says "No, no!" and he quickly finishes his and says to Rachel "All done!" and she Rachel goes off to check on the others to see if they liked it. So, Ross turns to Joey and painfully says "It tastes like feet!!" however Joey is happily eating his, who says "I like it!" much to Ross's disbelief. Ross then asks Joey "Are you kidding?!" and Joey tells him "What's not to like?! Custard, good. Jam, good! Meat, GOOD!".
And lastly there is the scene where Ross and Monica spill the beans on their past secrets and present revelations to their parents. So, Ross shouts at her parents "Well, Hurricane Gloria didn't break the porch swing! Monica did!". Monica yells back "Ross hasn't worked at the museum for over a year!" and Ross retaliates with "Monica and Chandler are living together!!!" and Monica hits back with "Rachel married Ross in Vegas! And got divorced! Again!!!". Then the others make their announces their own revelations starting with Phoebe, who has had a sensual dream about Jacques Cousteau earlier, so she shouts "I love Jacques Cousteau!". Rachel, flicking through the recipe book says "I wasn't supposed to put beef in the trifle!" and Joey shouts out "I wanna go!!".
So, Jack and Judy, who are a bit stunned by all these revelations, stands up and says to them one by one "All right. Joey, if you want to leave, just leave. Rachel, no, you weren't supposed to put beef in the trifle. It did not taste good! Phoebe, I'm sorry but I think Jacques Cousteau is dead. Monica, why you felt you had to hide an important relationship is beyond me". And Jack then pitches in and says to Monica "And we kind of figured about the porch swing!". Judy then compliments Chandler on putting up with Ross during his "drug problem" years and she turns to Ross and Monica and says "Monica and Ross. I don't know what I'm going to do about you two" and Chandler finishes by saying "I'll talk to them".
SUM UP
So, "The one where Ross got stoned" is definitely one of my favourite episodes and it has its share of funny moments from Rachel's faux pas with putting beef into the trifle, to Joey and Ross both dying to get away from the dinner to hang out with Janine and her hot dancer friends to Joey's acting lessons on how to appreciate Rachel's botched trifle. Its a very funny episode from start to finish and as such it deserves its place in the top 5.
4. The One with Ross and Monica's cousin (Series 7 - Episode 19)
Memorable quote "That's me! 100 hundred percent natural!"
So, at No.4 is the hilarious episode, "The one with Ross and Monica's cousin" in which Ross and Monica's hot cousin, Cassie (Denise Richards) comes to stay with them but her stunning looks prove incredibly distracting for both first Chandler and then later Ross. Meanwhile, Joey has an audition for a role in a big film but there is one catch, as he has to appear naked and also not be circumcised (which Joey is!) so Monica decides to help him out by fashioning something to make appear that he isn't!
And to do a more detailed recap, the episode starts with Monica inviting her beautiful cousin, Cassie over to stay with her and Chandler, however when she arrives and she let's her hair down, things go into slow-mo as she flicks her, which distracts Chandler as he gawks at her, speechless. This makes Cassie somewhat uncomfortable, who then decides to stay with Ross, who is also stunned by Cassie when she flicks her hair. To make matters worse, Ross finds himself unable to resist Cassie as the two of them sit down to watch a movie together, he get's the impression that she is into him, so he makes a move to kiss her but she is taken aback and asks him what the hell he is doing. So, Ross, stunned sits there speechless and his inner thoughts are narrated and Ross finally says to Cassie "I haven't had sex in a very long time!".
Meanwhile, Joey has an audition for a part, which would be perfect for him but there is one catch and that is the role requires for an actor to be naked in one scene and also not be circumcised, which Joey is. So, Monica helps out Joey by fashioning a "wrap" to cover his old chap, which would double as a foreskin as she uses cold cuts of meats wrapped up to do so! However when Joey goes to the audition, it doesn't quite go according to plan when its time for Joey to show himself!
And lastly, Rachel and Phoebe have been told by Monica that they need to put together a bridal shower for as she is now engaged to Chandler but neither of them are prepared for it and are forced to slap together one at short notice by raiding through her address book of contacts. However again things don't quite go according to plan here either as Monica turns up late for the shower, thinking that no one has turned up.
THOUGHTS
This is another episode that shows why Friends is such a funny series as it features some great laughs and funny storylines, especially the main one where Monica and Ross's incredibly hot cousin, Cassie comes to stay with Monica, only for her to distract both Chandler and later Ross with her looks. And whenever Cassie flicks her long hair in slow-mo, its backed up brilliantly by the Barry White song "I'm going to love you just a little more, baby". And the end of the episode is also priceless when Cassies opts to stay with Phoebe but even Phoebe is stunned by Cassie when she flicks her hair!
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes here, well take your pick as there plenty to be had.
For starters there is the scene where Joey discusses with Monica his audition for the role in a movie, where he has to be naked in a scene and not be circumcised. So, Monica asks him "What have you decided to do about the movie?" and Joey undecided says "I don't know. It's not like it's porn. This is a serious, legitimate movie. Nudity's really important to the story. Maybe I shouldn't go on the callback". Monica however tries to persuade Joey to go "No, you should. A lot of major actors do nude scenes. The chance to star in a movie? Come on!".
So, Joey thinks its over and considers it and he says to Monica "That's true. And I'm only naked in one scene. It sounds really great. My character's Catholic. He falls in love with a Jewish girl. We run away and get caught in a big rainstorm. We go into a barn, undress each other and hold each other.
It's really sweet and tender". Monica however just teases Joey and says to him "Plus, everyone will see your thing!".
And later Joey tells Monica that he has been called in by the director, so they can see him naked for the role to ensure that he isn't "cut". So, Monica asks Joey about his old chap "It's definitely all gone? There's nothing there to work with? - What were you thinking?!" and Joey anxiously tells her "I don't know. I just want this part! They say no matter what you're asked during an audition, say yes. They want you to ride a horse, say you can! You figure out how to do it later". Monica however tells Joey "This is not like learning to ride a horse. This is like learning to grow a turtleneck!".
Joey then tells Monica "I know, okay? Tomorrow, when I go meet the director I have to take my clothes off so they can see what my body looks like". Monica, surprised says "Oh my God! What are you gonna do?" and Joey dispondently says "I have to call my agent and tell her I can't do the part". However, Monica has an idea and says to Joey "Unless..." and Joey asks her "Unless what?" and Monica says "This may sound crazy, but there may be something we could fashion.." and Joey asks "Like what?" and Monica says "Well, I'm not sure yet. Off the top of my head, I'm thinking double-sided tape and some sort of luncheon meat!".
Another funny scene is when Cassie stays with Ross after Chandler makes her uncomfortable with his relentless staring at her because of her gorgeous looks (and hair flicking!). So, in the scene, Ross takes in Cassie's things and she says "Thanks for letting me stay here. Monica's place was nice. But her fiance sure stares alot!". However, Cassie then let's her hair down and flicks it and once again we go into slow-mo and get the Barry White song playing and Ross looks on fixated by Cassie just like Chandler was. And after a brief while, Cassie says to Ross "Oh my God! You do a great Chandler!" and Ross, finally snaps out of it and says "I have a knack for impressions". Cassie then says to Ross "Maybe after we get re-acquainted you could do me" and Ross says "Yeah." but suddenly realises what he said and how it sounds and he quickly says "No!".
Then there is the scene where Joey samples Monica's wraps for his "part" and she presents them on a try and she tells Joey "These are more realistic, but perishable. Over here, we have pink suede, which is nice. But if it gets wet, it'll shrink" so, Joey says to her "Maybe we'll just take that one away!". Monica then suggests "Why don't you try these on? We'll get a better idea of what works" and Joey smiles and says to her "Thanks, you are such a good friend. And this is so weird!" so he goes off to try on the wraps. And after a short while, Joey shouts from his bedroom "We have a winner!" and Monica excitedly shouts "What? Which one?!" and Joey comes out of his room, grinning he says to Monica "The Silly Putty. Not so silly anymore!".
And then there is the following, priceless scene where Ross sits next to Cassie as they watch a film together in his apartment and we hear Ross's thoughts as narration and every now and then, Cassie gives him a smile as he glances at her. So, Ross's narration starts "She's your cousin. If she knew what was going on in your head, she'd think you were sick. Or would she? Let's back up for a second. She was the one who suggested opening a bottle of wine. She was the one who turned down the lights. She was the one that wanted to rent Logan's Run the sexiest movie ever!". So, as Ross glances over at Cassie, she gives him a warm smile and he suddenly gives himself a sly look and he narrates "Forget it. I want it. She wants it. I'm going in!".
So, Ross makes his move and leans in to kiss Cassie, who suddenly recoils in surprise and shouts at Ross "What the hell are you doing???!!". So, Ross remains speechless as we hear his thoughts again "Say something clever. Okay, doesn't have to be clever. Just has to be words. Say some words. Any words will do. Oh, my God, this is the longest that anyone has not talked ever! There is nothing you could say to make this worse so just say something!". Ross then finally manages to say something although its the last thing he should have said "I haven't had sex in a very long time" and Cassie groans with disgust and get's up, leaving Ross, mortified. And we hear Ross's thoughts once more "Yeah, you really shouldn't have said anything!".
Then of course there is hilarious moment where Joey turns up for a callback audition where he has to strip naked infront of the director so they can see if he is not "cut". So, Joey says to the director as he starts to undress "I totally understand you need to make sure I don't have any horrible scars or tattoos. Don't you worry. I have nothing to hide". Joey then drops his underwear and to show his privates to the director and he says to them "So, there you go. That's me. One hundred-percent natural!" but then all of a sudden from behind Joey (the POV in the scene) we see the wrap fall to the floor. Joey then doesn't know where to look and suddenly becomes deeply embarrassed and he let's out an awkward smile and says "I tell you, that's never happened before!".
And last of all is the very funny end sequence (over the credits) where Cassie stays with Phoebe after her debacle with Ross. And in the scene Phoebe asks Cassie, who is getting changed "Cassie, are you finding everything ok?" and Cassie says from another room "Yeah. Thanks for letting me stay here" and Phoebe tells her "Oh, its no problem". However as Cassie appears, she let's her down and flicks it again and again we go into slow-mo mode with Barry White playing and this time its Phoebe is stunned by Cassie! And after a brief pause, Cassie looks at a speechless Phoebe and asks "What?" and Phoebe just like Ross however is speechless and she narrates "Say something. Say anything. Ask her out! She's not your cousin!".
SUM UP
So, to sum up "The one with Ross and Monica's cousin" is certainly one of the funniest episodes from the show and its use of Denise Richards as the gorgeous bombshell, Cassie, is just priceless when we see Ross and Chandler fixated by her looks and later even Phoebe and the use of Barry White's track just adds to the fun of it all. And of course its great also because Joey's penial "wrap" which he uses for his audition callback only for it to drop off!
So, its a great episode and easily one of the best and certainly deserves its place in the top 5 here at No.4.
3. The Last One (Series 10 Episodes 17, 18)
Memorable quote "I got off the plane!"
So, at No.3 is the show's finale, "The Last One" which of course had to be on the list somewhere as it is both funny and touching and you would have to have a heart of stone not feel a bit emotional at the final sequence of the last episode where you know its goodbye.
And yes as this is the show's finale I should definitely issue the following warning:
SPOILERS ARE AHEAD!!!
So, the story basically follows Ross and Rachel's off and on again relationship as it appears to be close to being on again, Ross shares a passionate night with Rachel, the day before she is due to fly out to Paris to start her new job. Rachel however seems set on the job and she saw their night together as "the perfect way to say goodbye" however Ross wants her to stay but is at first reluctant to tell her as she seems so set on leaving.
Meanwhile Monica and Chandler are on the verge of leaving their apartment as they prepare to move into their new house, so that they will have more space to look after their two newborn adopted children. This naturally upsets Joey as he doesn't want to see them go, but he is somewhat consoled by the fact that Monica and Chandler have a guest room for him to stay in when he will visit them.
As for Ross, he soon decides he wants to go after Rachel, so Phoebe drives him to the airport where Rachel is about to board her flight but he soon discovers from Monica that they have gone to the wrong aiport. Rachel's flight however is delayed as Phoebe makes a call to her and mentions there is something wrong with one of the plane's "fulangi's" which Rachel relays to another passenger, who panics and tells the other passengers and they all start to disembark from the plane.
This just happens to buy Ross and Phoebe enough time to get to the airport, just before Rachel is due to board another plane again and just before she goes off again, Ross and Phoebe arrive with Phoebe screaming at the top of her lungs for Rachel, who was about to step onto the plane. Ross tells Rachel that he loves her and wants her to stay but its all too much for her to deal with there and then and she decides to get on the plane, leaving Ross devastated.
However, as Ross get's home, he switches on his answer machine and finds a message from Rachel, who called from the plane and she admits that she does love him and on realising it tries to get off the plane and we hear her get into a commotion with the steward. So, as the message cuts off, Ross's frantically tries to playback the message, desparately asking if Rachel got off the plane only for him to hear a familiar voice say "I got off the plane...".
THOUGHTS
Well as a show finale, "The Last One" is definitely a very fine, funny and moving send off for the show and it sees the characters all meet happy resolutions (well except for Joey maybe as he has no relationship of his own not that it bothers him!). And even though I'm not a soppy romantic person, what romantic is in me enjoyed seeing Ross and Rachel finally get together again and this time knowing its for good.
NOTABLE SCENES (Warning plot spoilers are ahead!)
And as this is a double bill there are plenty of notable scenes but I will try and condense it down to four or five tops!
So to kick off there is the scene where Gunther declares his love for Rachel as she is finally set on leaving for Paris to go to her new job. So, Gunther in the scene says to Rachel "Rachel ? I know you're leaving tonight, but I just have to tell you I love you. I don't know if that changes your plans at all, but...". And Rachel looks touched and says to Gunther "Gunther I love you too. Probably not in the same way, but I do. And, and when I'm in a cafe, having coffee, or I see a man with hair brighter than the sun, I'll think of you" and she pecks him on the cheek.
And later on, Phoebe asks Ross about how he feels about her "So, did you talk to Rachel?" and Ross says "No, and I'm not going to" and Phoebe asks "Why not?" and Ross says "Because she's just going to shoot me down. You guys saw what happened with Gunther. It did not look fun!". Phoebe however tries to encourage Ross "How can you compare yourself to Gunther? I mean, sure, he's sexy in a more obvious way" and Ross looks puzzled by this and Pheebs then says "You have a relationship with her, - you slept together last night!". But Ross says "Yeah, and she still wants to go! It's pretty clear where she is".
Then later there is the scene where Rachel finally says her goodbyes to everyone and heads off for the airport, leaving Ross behind, still torn about what to do but Joey tries to convince Ross to look at things the way she does. So, Joey tells Ross "Maybe, maybe it is better this way I mean, now, now you can move on I mean, you've been trying to for so long, maybe now that you're on different continents". And Joey unsure if what he said was right and asks Monica and Chandler "Right?" and they nod and Joey continues "Maybe now you can actually do it. You know? You can You can finally get over her...". Ross takes a moment to consider Joey's words and he says "Yeah that's true..." but then he says "Except I don't want to get over here. I want to be with her!" and Joey excited says "Right!" and Ross says "I'm gonna go after her!" and he excitedly get's ready to go as Phoebe offers to drive him to the airport.
And then we have the scene where Ross and Phoebe finally arrive at the right aiport (after they went to the wrong one earlier) and just before they do, Rachel and the other passengers wait to board their flight again after Phoebe made her call to Rachel about "the left phalange" of the plane not working. So, one of the passengers asks "And you fixed the phalange?" and the airport staffman says "Yes the phalange is fixed. As a matter of a fact we put a whole lot of phalanges onboard, just in case!". So, just as Rachel is about to board her plane again, Ross and Phoebe arrive just a little late as Rachel has already started to walk down the corridors leading to the plane. So, when Ross is unsuccessful at getting through to talk to Rachel, Phoebe desparately screams at the top of her voice "RACHEL!!!!" which suddenly makes Rachel reappear again.
So, Ross takes her aside and emotionally tells her "OK the thing is...don't go. Please stay with me. I am so in love with you. Please don't go!" and Rachel is stunned and says "Oh, my God!" and Ross says to her "I know, I know. I shouldn't have waited until now to say it but I'm tell you now. I love you". Rachel however is being ushered by the flight staff to board the plane, so she is too distracted to deal with Ross's feelings and she tells him "I have to get on the plane. I can't do this now, Ross. I'm sorry!" and she goes off to board the plane, leaving Ross, heartbroken.
So, Ross goes back home, devastated, he checks his answer phone and get's an emotional answer message from Rachel. So in the message Rachel says to Ross "I just got back on the plane. And I just feel awful That is so not how I wanted things to end with us It's just that I wasn't expecting to see you and all of a sudden you're there and saying these things And And now I'm just sitting here and thinking of all the stuff I should have said, and I didn't. I mean, I didn't even get to tell you that I love you too... Because of course I do. I love you!". But then we hear realisation in Rachel's voice "I love you I love you What am I doing? I love you! Oh, I've gotta see you. I've gotta get off this plane!" which stuns Ross.
And then we hear Rachel have a commotion with the steward and she says "I'm really sorry but I need to get off the plane, okay? I need to tell someone I love them" but the steward says "Miss, I can't let you off the plane" and Ross shouts at the machine "Let her off the plane!!!". Rachel continues to plead with the stewardess and says "Please, miss! You don't understand!" and Ross shouts at the machine "Try to understand!!". But then the message cuts off and Ross frantically tries to play it back and he says desparately "Oh, my God! Did she get off the plane?! Did she get off the plane?!". So, then we hear a voice say "I got off the plane..." and Ross turns to see Rachel and they hug and kiss one another and declare love for each other. Ross then says to her "I love you and I'm never letting you go again" and Rachel tearfully tells him "No more messing around. I don't wan't to mess this up again, we're done being stupid!". Then Rachel says "This is it, you and me?" and Ross says to her "This is it. Unless we're on a break..." and Rachel gives him a look and Ross suddenly sighs and smiles and says to himself "Don't make jokes now!".
And last of all is the emotional final scene where all the friends are gathered together in Monica and Chandler's now empty apartment for the last time, as they are ready to move into their new house. So, in the scene Monica and Chandler both hold each one of their babies and Chandler says to his baby "Look around you guys. This was your first home. And it was a happy place filled with love and laughter. But more important because of rent control, it was a friggin steal!". Monica then says to Chandler "Oh, honey, I promised Treeger that we'd leave our keys" and they both take out their apartment keys and put them down on a worktop but then the others produce a key of their own and put them down too!
So, a tearful Rachel asks Monica "Do you guys have to go to the new house right away, or do you have some time?" and Monica says "We got some time" and Rachel says to Monica and Chandler "Okay should we get some coffee?". So, Monica looks to Chandler, who nods and says "Sure" and Chandler starts to push the babies pram and he says "Where?!" and they all go out into the hall for the last time and then the camera pans around Monica's empty apartment to finish the series.
SUM UP
So, to sum up "The Last One" is a great send off for the show and its both funny and touching and its emotional ending of both Ross and Rachel finally getting back together for good and also that last pan around Monica's empty both pack quite a big punch. And this episode also has its shares of laughs aswell as tears, so as such it deserves a place on this list and takes the No.3 spot.
2. The One in Vegas (Series 5, Episodes 23, 24)
Memorable quote "I found my identical hand twin!!"
So, in the runner-up spot is another double bill episode "The One in Vegas" where a whole lot goes on in this very funny finale to the 5th series. Starting off with Joey, who is out in Vegas to star in a movie but unfortunately the production has run out of money, so he resorts to taking a job at a casino dressed as a gladiator. Monica and Chandler meanwhile also head out to Vegas as Monica has got tickets for them as an anniversary gift for the 1st anniversary together as a couple but Phoebe insists on tagging along as she was left out from their trip to London (due to her being pregnant with her brother's babies).
Meanwhile, Ross and Rachel also decide to head out to Las Vegas aswell to join the others and they fly together but end up winding each other up and playing practical jokes on one another, which culminates with Ross drawing a moustache on Rachel's face (which won't come off!). And when Rachel is mocked by everyone at the casino for her moustache she refuses to leave her hotel room and instead opens the hotel room bar and her and Ross both get drunk together.
While this is is going on, Monica, Chandler and Phoebe find Joey working at the casino, which he tries to hide at first by pretending he is playing a part in a movie but soon tells them the truth. Joey however soon hits on an idea how to make himself a millionaire when he says one of the casino dealers, appears to have the exact same hands as his, which leads Joey to pestering the dealer about how they are both "identical hand twins". Ultimately though Joey is escorted from the casino by security along with Phoebe, who also got into trouble when she confronted an elderly lady trying to muscle in on her action on the jackpot machines.
And last of all, Monica and Chandler have a falling out when Monica reveals that she had lunch with her former boyfriend, Richard (played by Tom Selleck but he is not in this episode though!) which makes Chandler jealous and angry. However they soon make up and then go and play on the craps table and have a great run and Chandler keeps making more daring bets as they win and he ends up saying if Monica throws another 8 then they should get married in Vegas tonight. So, when Monica throws the dice it does appear to be an 8, so they decide to go and get married, however as they get to the casino's chapel, another wedding is already in session and the doors soon open and we see none other than a very drunk Ross and Rachel stumble out as a married couple!
THOUGHTS
Well, this double bill had to be on this list also as its just a great laugh from start to finish and it features some of the funniest moments from the series aswell, such as Joey's ridiculous notion that he has found his identical hand twin, which happens to be a dealer at the casino. And then of course there are the fun moments between Ross and Rachel as they fly to Vegas together and wind each other up on the flight over and when they arrive, they get blind drunk and end up married!
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes here, well there are plenty!
So to start off there is the scene where Ross eyes through his apartment window that Rachel is naked in her apartment (as Phoebe said she likes to be naked in her apartment when she is alone!). So, Ross get's it into his head that Rachel is doing this on purpose to lure him into having sex with her and he goes to her apartment and knocks on the door. So, Rachel, naked, puts her robe back on and answers the door and sees Ross standing there with a furtive look on his face.
So, Ross in a sultry voice says to a somewhat baffled Rachel "Okay, Rach, before anything happens I wanna lay down a couple of ground rules. This is just about tonight. I won't go through with this if it'll raise the question of "us". I just want this to be about what it is!" and he kicks off his shoes. Rachel then looks blankly at him and asks "And what is that, Ross?" and Ross says to her "The physical act of love!". Rachel then looks shocked and asks "What are you crazy?!" and Ross says to her "So, you weren't trying to entice me with your nakedness?" and Rachel gasps "Oh, god. You saw me!". Then doubt starts to creep into Ross's mind and he starts to feel awkward and he asks Rachel "So, you weren't trying to entice me with your nakedness?" and Rachel looks at him in disbelief and asks "You actually thought I wanted to have sex with you?!". And Ross, now deeply embarrassed, tries to cover it up and he says, faking laughter "No! No!" and he picks up his shoes and starts to leave and he says painfuly "No, no, no, no...." as he goes.
And this is followed by the funny scene on the plane where Rachel teases Ross over what happened in her apartment and she says to him "Okay, Ross? I'm a little warm, so I'm gonna be taking off my sweater. Now, I'm just letting you know this is not an invitation to the physical act of love!". So, Ross annoyed says "Yep, that's hilarious!" and Ross then says "Look, last night was embarrassing for you, too" but Rachel denies it was and says "No, not really. I just don't embarrass that easy"and Ross says "What?! You totally get embarrassed!" but Rachel denies it and says "No, I just think I'm more secure person than you are". So, Ross says "Is that so?" and he takes a pause then says loudly "Hey, lady! I don't care how much you want it, okay? I am not gonna have sex with you in the bathroom!" and he grins as Rachel looks embarrassed.
Then there is the priceless moment where Joey down at the craps tables suddenly spots that a dealer appears to have the exact same hands as Joey's. So, Joey goes upstairs to tell the great news to Chandler, who is moping about alone as he is angry at Monica for going out to lunch with Richard without him knowing. So, Joey says to Chandler "You are not going to believe this! I have found my identical hand twin!" and Chandler looks bemused and asks "What?" and Joey says "My identical hand twin!". Chandler, not catching on asks "What's an identical hand twin?" and Joey says "What does it sound like?! Its a guy with my identical hands! The dealer's hands were just like mine. It was like just looking into a mirror" but Chandler not impressed or convinced asks "Are you sure you weren't just looking at your hands in a mirror?". So, Joey excitedly tells Chandler "Don't you see what this means?! I'm gonna be a millionaire!" but Chandler, puzzled asks "Hhhhhow?!". However Joey starts to feel annoyed at Chandler's secpticism and asks "Are you un-supporting me again?!" and Chandler quickly corrects himself and says "I support you 100%. I just didn't get it right away. Now I'm caught up. Identical hand twins. It's a million-dollar idea!".
Another funny scene comes at the end of the first episode of the double bill where Ross and Rachel land in Vegas and as they leave the plane, the stewardess asks if they enjoyed the flight. And we then see Rachel has a moustache pencilled on her face and the stewardess asks her "Did you enjoy your flight?" and Rachel, oblivious to her moustache (as she was asleep when Ross did it) smiles and says "I did, it was excellent, thank you very much". And next we see Ross walk past the stewardess who asks him also "Did you enjoy your flight?" and he smiles and says "Oh, it was the best!".
Then we have the great moment where Joey corners the dealer who allegedly has identical hands to him in the bathroom. So, Joey grins and says to him "That's right, take good care of those babies!" and the dealer, confused asks "Do I know you?" and Joey says to him "Joey!" and he holds up his hands and says "Joey!" and the dealer remembers and uncomfortably says "Oh yeah, the hand guy". So, Joey tries to convince the dealer that they can work together and become rich and famous through their identical hands and he comes up with a song for them. So, Joey says "We can have our own show. We can clap our hands together. People will love it! And I wrote a song for us" so Joey sings "This hand is your hand...This hand is my hand Oh, wait, that's your hand... No, wait, it's my hand!". However the dealer desparately tries to walk away and says "I've gotta get back to work!" but Joey follows and says "But you haven't even heard the chorus!!".
And then later there is the scene where Joey is back at the dealer's table and then Phoebe joins them (who is in on Joey's idea) and she pretends to be her alter ego "Regina Falangie) and she says to the dealer "Oh, my God. May I just say that you two gentlemen have the exact same hands? They're identical. I've never seen that in the business world!". However the dealer is quick to catch on and he snaps and says "Stop it!" but Joey plays along with Phoebe and asks her "Wouldn't you pay good money to see identical hands showcased in some type of an entertainment venue?". The dealer however has had enough and he says angrily to Joey "If you leave now, I will chop off my hand and give it you!". But then a security guard comes by and escorts Joey and Phoebe away with Joey protesting to the dealer "Come on, man! You can't do this to me! I'm your hand twin!!".
And lastly there is the final scene where Monica and Chandler decide to get married in Vegas and they head off to casino chapel. So, Chandler says to the registrar "One marriage, please! We want to get married" and the registrar says "There is a marriage in progress. Have a seat". Chandler then hums a few bars of Elgar's "Land of Hope and Glory" and Monica asks "What are you doing?" and he says to her "The wedding march. Does that freak you out?" and she says "No, its the graduation song". So, Chandler nervously says "This is it. We're going to get married" but Monica seems a little unsure and asks "Are you sure you want to do this?". However the chapel doors suddenly burst open and we see a very drunk Ross and Rachel, both of whom now have doodled pencil marks on their faces, stagger out the chapel laughing and carrying flowers. And Rachel says "Well, hello, Mr Ross!" and Ross says back "Well, hello, Mrs Rachel!" and they both leave the chapel and stagger drunkenly in different directions, leaving Monica and Chandler stunned to end the series.
SUM UP
So, to sum up "The one in Vegas" is a great double bill episode and a priceless example of how daft yet fun Friends could be as a series and its worth watching alone for Ross and Rachel's shenanigans on the plane and when they get drunk in Vegas. Not to mention we have Joey meeting his identical hand-twin and Monica and Chandler impulsively wanting to get married but only for a drunken Ross and Rachel to beat them to it. So, overall its a great couple of episodes with plenty of funny moments and it deserves to take the runner-up spot.
And so the Number 1 episode of Friends is......
1. The One Where No One is Ready (Series 3 - Episode 2)
Memorable quote "Hey, I'm Chandler! Could I BE wearing anymore clothes?!"
Yes at the top spot is this great episode from the 3rd series, which the very first episodes to be based all most solely around Monica's apartment as the six friends are supposed to be getting ready to go an important banquet at Ross's museum but they keep delaying. The episode also takes place in real time, so the running time of 22 minutes is actually how much time is documented in the actual episode, which also helps make this a really unique one.
As for the actual story itself, well it basically begins with Ross trying to get everyone ready to go a big banquet that is being held at the museum where he works and the only one who arrives ready is Phoebe. Joey however unwittingly during an argument with Chandler, Phoebe throws some hummus toward him, which lands on her dress instead, so Phoebe has to try and find something to cover up the stain, which she tries out different things throughout the episode.
Joey and Chandler both get into an argument over a chair, which Chandler vacated when he left the room, so Joey took his place but when Chandler comes back, he wants Joey to get up but Joey refuses, so the two of them end up at each others throats throughout the episode. And this culminates in Chandler stealing Joey's underwear, so in retaliation, Joey decides to wear all of Chandler's clothes while going "commando" (i.e. he is wearing no underwear!).
Meanwhile, Monica is still trying to get over her breakup with Richard (Tom Selleck) at the end of the 2nd series and she becomes anxious when she hears what she thinks is a new message from Richard and calls him back. Monica however then on hacking into Richard's answer machine, hears a message from another woman, who turns out to be a friend of his, Michelle but when Monica speaks to her, Michelle refuses to stay silent on her calling. So, Monica instead hacks into Richard's machine again to leave a message saying how he she was feeling a bit out of things and "maybe I was having my period or something". However it actually turns out that Monica has instead changed Richard's outgoing message, which she finds out to her horror later.
And lastly, Rachel, who at this stage is in her relationship with Ross, can't decide what to wear for Ross's banquet, so he ends up getting impatient with her and tells her to pick anything but just get ready. So, Rachel takes the huff and decides to get into a sweater and pyjama bottoms and not go leaving Ross having to be apologise for his behaviour and he asks what he can do take make it up to her and Joey suggests he could drink a glass of fat, which Joey earlier on thought was cider. So, when Ross decides to do it and is about to drink, Rachel stops him and changes her mind and get's dressed.
So after a series of funny mishaps, the friends are all eventually ready to get going...
THOUGHTS
This for me is definitely the best episode from the series as it has pretty much everything that makes a great Friends story and its also pretty simple and the fact that it takes place nearly all within Monica's apartment and in real time also helps make it a really unique episode too. But it also has plenty of very funny moments aswell, where the main highlights are Chandler and Joey's row over a chair, which Joey refuses to get up from and it ends up with stealing each others clothes!
NOTABLE SCENES
As for the notable scenes, again well there are plenty here to choose from.
So to start off there is the scene where Chandler goes off to the bathroom in Monica's apartment and having vacated his seat, Joey takes it instead. So when Chandler get's back he says to Joey "Get up" and Joey asks "What?" and Chandler says "You're in my seat" and Joey says "How was this your seat?!" and Chandler says "I was sitting there" and Joey says "But then you left!" and Chandler says "Well, its not like I went to Spain!". So, Joey asks him "What's the big deal? Sit somewhere else!" and Chandler says "The "big deal" is I was sitting there last. So, its my seat" but Joey corrects him and says "Well, actually, the last place you were sitting was in there so..." and he points to the toilet.
Ross, however is becoming impatient with them both and he says " You guys, you know what? It doesn't matter. You both have to go get dressed before the big vein in my head pops!". Chandler then says calmly to Ross "I just have one thing to do. Its no big deal..." but then he shouts directly at Joey "GET UP!!!!" but Joey doesn't flinch. So, Chandler a little later tries a different tack and he says to Joey "You know what? Don't get up. Just sit right there. I just hope you don't mind my hand..." and he places his hand directly infront of Joey and he says "right here!!". So, Chandler keeps hovering his hand infront of Joey and he says "Not touching. Can't get mad! Not touching. Can't get mad! Not touching. Can't get mad!". So, Joey, who is eating a plastic tub of hummus, throws some toward Chandler but it misses and hits Phoebe's dress instead and she shouts "Oh, my God!! You rotten boys!!!".
Phoebe then frantically asks "What get's out hummus?! What get's out hummus?!" and she asks Monica, who is still hung up on Richard's answer message "Monica, what get's out hummus?!" but Monica simply ignores her question and asks "If it is a new message, what is he calling to say??" and she walks away and Phoebe says to herself "OK thanks. I'll try that!".
So, then there is the moment where Chandler has returned, now dressed in his rented tuxedo, he goes up to Joey and says to him "You'll notice that I' m fully dressed. I, in turn, have noticed that you are not. So in the words of A.A. Milne, "Get out of my chair, dill-hole!". So, Joey says "OK" and he get's up and takes the cushions and arm wrests from the chair and walks away with them, leaving Chandler looking on in disbelief. And Chandler asks "What are you doing???" and Joey says to him "You said to give you the chair. You didn't say anything about the cushions" and Chandler shouts "They're the essence of the chair!" and Joey spitefully says "That's right! I'm taking the essence!".
Another great moment is when Joey storms back into Monica's and he angrily asks Chandler "Where's my underwear?!" and Ross says "Come on, you took his underwear?!" and Chandler say "He took my essence!". Ross then asks Joey "Why can't you just wear the underwear you're wearing now?" and Joey says "Because I'm not wearing any underwear now!". So, Ross asks "Then why do you have to wear underwear tonight?" and Joey tells him "Its a rented tux, okay? I'm not gonna go commando in another man's fatigues!". So, Chandler smugly says "Well someone is going to have to give somebody back their cushions!" and Joey confrontationally says "OK, you hide me clothes?! I'm gonna do the exact opposite to you!". Chandler then scoffs and says "What, are you gonna show me my clothes?!" and Joey thinks for a second and points angrily at Chandler and says "Opposite...is opposite!" and he storms out.
And then we get to probably the best bit of the episode where Joey returns wearing what appears to be Chandler's entire wardrobe of clothes much to Chandler's disbelief. So, Joey says to Chandler "Okay, buddy boy, here it is. You hide my clothes, I' m wearing everything you own!" but Chandler just looks on in disbelief and shouts "Oh, my God! That is so not the opposite of taking somebody's underwear!". Joey then teases Chandler by saying "Look at me, I'm Chandler! Could I BE wearing anymore clothes?! Maybe if I wasn't going commando!" which prompts a look of disgust from Chandler. Joey then says "It's hot with all this stuff on. I better not do any, I don't know, lunges...." and he starts doing some lunging with his legs with his hands on his hips.
Then there is the scene where Rachel is fed up with Ross's narking at her not being ready, so she decides not to go and get's into her PJ's. So, Ross pleads with Rachel "Look, Rach, I' m sorry, okay? Look, I was a jerk, okay? I' m sorry I yelled. I want you there. I need you there. What can I do to show you how much I want you to be there?!". Joey after a pause then offers "You could drink the fat" and Ross looks up at him and says "Welcome to an adult conversation!" but Rachel is interested in this and says "No, no, no. Now wait a minute. Wait a minute.That actually sounds interesting" and she looks at Ross and says "I think you should drink the fat".
So, Ross decides to do it and he picks up the glass of fat and he looks at it and says to himself "I think this will be fine. Okay, vanilla milkshake. Just a vanilla milkshake, with chicken bits floating in it". So, Ross prepares to drink it and says "Cheers..." but Rachel stops him and says "No, don't! OK, OK, I'll go!" and she looks moved by Ross's gesture and she asks him "You were really going to do that" and Ross says "Well, yeah" and she says with a little emotion "You were going to drink the fat". So they make up and Joey and Chandler finally leave to both get ready properly but not before Joey does a few more teasing lunges, prompting Chandler to angrily say "Stop it! Stop it!".
Then there is the scene where Monica makes a fatal mistake of changing Richard's outgoing message with a rather embarrassing one of her own. So, Monica records the messsage thinking it to be just a message for Richard and she says "Listen, I did something kind of crazy tonight. Maybe I' m getting my period or something. I don't know. Anyway, I beeped into your machine and I heard this message that freaked me out and Michelle will tell you the rest. I' m sorry, okay? And I hope that we can just forget the whole thing".
So, at the end of the message, we hear the digital Stephen Hawking-eseque voice say "You're outgoing message has been changed" leaving Monica utterly mortified as she panics and asks Phoebe "Outgoing?! Did that say outgoing?! Not outgoing!!" and she dials Richard's number and it plays back her new message. So, Monica listens in horror as we hear her voice "Hey, Richard its Monica!" and she shouts "NO!" and then we hear the next bit where she says "Listen, I did something kind of crazy tonight. Maybe I' m getting my period or something" and she shouts "NO!!!!" again and Monica tries to find a way to change it but the message phone just says "goodbye" and she yells again "NO!!!!!!!!!". Monica then desparately says to Phoebe "Maybe we can call the phone company to change the message? They could change his number!" and Phoebe says "I think after this, he'll be doing that himself!".
And last of all is the moment where Rachel finally changes into her outfit for the banquet, which wows Ross and he says "You look..." and they kiss and Rachel smiles and says "And we still have about 5 seconds to spare!". Ross then says to her "We're a little late. Come on" and Rachel turns to him at the door and says "Oh, and by the way. I'm going commando too!" which causes Ross to foam at the mouth (well not literally but you know what I mean) as the episode ends.
SUM UP
So, there you go "The one where no one is ready" is for me anyway the best episode of Friends as it has its share of really funny moments some of which are the best in the series, particularly the row between Joey and Chandler, which is priceless. However the other characters have their moments too here with Ross getting more and more uptight as the episode goes on, Phoebe trying to find ways to cover up her hummus stained dress and Monica's desparation to try and fathom out a message from her ex-boyfriend, Richard and to decide if it was an old one, which ends badly for her.
In the end its a priceless, hilarious episode and for me it more than deserves to take its place at the top spot here as the best episode from the series as it is also a fan favourite and even the show's creators consider it as one of their favourites also. And if they think its that good then who am I to argue with them? So, yep "The one where no one is ready" certainly deserves its place at No.1.
SIGN OFF
Right, phew! That is finally it for my top 10 list of the best Friends episodes and it was fun to do but also a pretty big undertaking, so its good to get this one done and dusted and I will move onto another top 10 list of best episodes for another TV show at some point in the future. However until then I will probably just get back to the more regular stuff.
So, that's it for now and I will be back sometime soon with a different post for you's.
Until then its bye for now!
Maybe, maybe it is better this way I mean, now, now you can move on I mean, you've been trying to for so long, maybe now that you're on different continents. Read more: https://www.springfieldspringfield.co.uk/view_episo
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