Friends' Worst-Rated Episode Was Actually One of The Best
This episode definitely doesn't deserve to end up as the lowest rated in sitcom's history.
In the nineties, Friends was a real cultural phenomenon. And even though the characters on Friends don't have iPhones or Instagram – the sitcom is still being watched, even by the younger generation.
In the ever-changing world of social networks, Friends somehow proves to be immortal, timeless – and therefore modern.
The popularity and love of the fans is confirmed by the ratings – most episodes have a rating above 8 on IMDb. However, one episode that stands out from the rest is The One with the Invitation, the only Friends episode to score below 7 – 6.9.
This episode shows all the romantic moments between Ross and Rachel as they both think about their relationship and Rachel declines Ross' wedding invitation.
Ross and Rachel have become one of the most popular on-screen couples in television history. Their relationship has spawned many cult moments and memes that are still relevant today.
For example, Phoebe naming Ross and Rachel lobsters because these sea creatures choose one partner for life.
The episode is a kind of flashback to Ross and Rachel's relationship throughout the series, showing the most touching, funny or sad parts of their interaction.
According to fans, this episode is one of the most serious and dramatic ones, and this is precisely its strongest point.
If the couple of Ross and Rachel raised questions before, then after watching the episode, it became clear to many that these two were really meant for each other, and their relationship was not just a game.
Most likely, the couple of Ross and Rachel evoked such a response from the audience because, as the actors themselves admitted, they had real sympathy for each other in the early seasons.
Jennifer Aniston and David Schwimmer admitted that they were in love with each other in the early seasons, but did nothing to create a fulfilling relationship.
For the cast and crew of Friends, Aniston and Schwimmer's fondness for each other was obvious. Many on the set were sure there was some kind of relationship between the actors in real life as they had such great chemistry on screen.
And an episode that pays tribute to one of the most iconic and beloved couples in television history simply cannot be considered the worst one of the sitcom.