'Friends': The One Where They Made Their Best Episode

Friends is a cult classic television phenomenon that has made a lasting impact on modern comedy television. But back in the nineties when the show was in its early seasons, the writers and production teams were having to find ways to lower the cost of production and that lead to arguably the greatest episode of Friends in its decade-long run.

With the recent rumor that was cruelly spread across the internet that Netflix would be removing the series from its online streaming site, many fans were (rightly) outraged and rushed to re-watch the series for the final time... on Netflix anyway.

"The One Where No One’s Ready" first aired in 1996 and is a brilliant piece of television. Though Friends is filled with unforgettable one-liners, original songs and moments, this episode stands out from the rest because of its defining structure. The entire episode is centered on 24 minutes in Monica and Rachel’s apartment as the gang is ushered by an impatient and increasingly frustrated Ross to get ready for his Museum’s benefit. It would be simple, but everyone has something else to deal with. The episode is shot almost exclusively on the main set, with the exception of the quick credits scene. Putting the six friends alone in an isolated setting reveals the heartbeat and pull of the show that continues to make it a firm favorite with its loyal fandom today.

Every character stays true to their individual personalities. Although they fail to be the best of friends to Ross, David Schwimmer is comedy gold when Ross is having a meltdown. Chandler and Joey are goofy and childish, together they have some of their greatest moments as they get as competitive as warring siblings. The comedy and chemistry between Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc stand out when they’re fighting, the pettiness of which only adds to the extent of humor. Instead of fighting or arguing over a girl (as they do with Cathy in season four, and Marta in season three’s Thanksgiving episode), their squabble begins with Joey sitting in Chandler's chair and results in Joey going commando in Chandlers clothes.

Moreover, Monica obsessing over her ex-boyfriend Richard leaving her a voicemail message has only become all the more relatable as I have grown up. Since I began watching the show at my older sister’s insistence (and had no choice considering she controlled the remote), I was able to appreciate this part of the episode more as I rewatched the show in my late teens. The message was so simple and casual; “Hey Monica, it’s Richard. Call me.” Yet Monica is rattled and unable to focus on anything else.

Rachel comes and goes the most this episode as she darts in and out of her bedroom in different outfits obsessing over what to wear. She doesn’t particularly have much to go on with regards to what a paleontologists girlfriend would wear to the event. As X quips "I don’t know, you may be the first one." It would fail to be a classic friends episode without a few cracks at Ross’s job.

Jennifer Anniston, despite her character flitting in and out of the scene, still draws attention to the tremendous growth in Rachel's character at this point in the show. She's still unreliable and flaky, but her newfound independence and self-assurance that stems from her new job has given her more of a backbone. This leads to one of the sweetest moments between herself and Ross; "you were going to drink the fat," she says tearfully.

The success of this episode would further go on to influence episodes later in the shows lifetime despite their production budgets increasing. This includes 'The One on the Last Night" (Season 6, Episode six) and 'The One with Monica's Thunder" (Season 7, Episode one).

It's certainly my favorite episode, but would you agree? Throughout ten seasons, we were spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a favorite.