Unpopular Opinion Suggests Gunther & Rachel Should've Been Endgame on Friends
The TV sitcom Friends was full of romantic pairings, and one that never got anywhere – or any airing – was a relationship between Gunther and Rachel.
Gunther played by James Michael Tyler between 1994 and 2004, was the manager of Central Perk, the coffee shop that is the center of many Friends scenes.
If you've ever seen Friends, then you'll know that Gunther was undoubtedly in love with one of the main characters – Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston ) – from his first appearance on the show until the very end.
The Evolution of Gunther and Rachel's Relationship
Let's be clear, Gunther and Rachel never did have a relationship, unfortunately for Gunther. It was blindingly clear he loved her all throughout, whether that was when he was training her up to be a waitress or when she visited the coffee shop with the others. He did tell her, eventually but it took until the very last episode of the show.
Gunther's unrequited love was frequently funny – his facial expression when Mark asked Rachel out is a fine example. He was unobtrusive and non-presumptuous, and he loved her warts and all. Mostly, though, he was simply happy to be in her life in whatever way that came.
There are many arguments why Rachel and Gunther would have and wouldn't have made a good couple. Let's look at some reasons why they would:
Why Rachel and Gunther might work
They were co-workers. Lots of people date their colleagues. After all, they're probably the ones we spend the most time with after our families. Secondly, Gunther's interest in Rachel never faltered, unlike Ross's. What's more, it would have been better for Rachel to have dated outside her social circle. Everyone knows that when you date a friend, things get messy!
Another reason is that Gunther is pretty funny. More so than Ross anyway. Ok, so he might not be her 'type' but then is paleontologist Ross her type either? What's more, many fans think that Rachel and Ross weren't actually right for each other anyway. They did fight an awful lot.
Why Rachel and Gunther wouldn't work
Many fans believe that the way Gunther behaved towards and about Rachel was a little creepy. It could be said that he put her on an unattainable and unhealthy pedestal. Most of all, though, Rachel never showed him one ounce of romantic interest. Even if she had, it's likely that Gunther would have done anything for her and, as a result, allowed her to treat him like a doormat.
Should Rachel and Gunther have ended up together?
The general consensus is that they probably shouldn't have. After all, there would have had to have been some sort of reciprocated romantic interest from Rachel at some point prior to the end of the show. If love stares you in the face for that long, it doesn't go unnoticed. What should have happened, though, was a genuine love interest for Rachel besides Ross. That would be worth including!