Rachel Green and Joey Tribbiani’s romantic entanglement remains one of the most debated and dissected storylines in Friends history. The answer to when they officially “get together” is fraught with ambiguity, but most viewers would agree that the real beginning of their relationship, marked by a mutual declaration and first kiss, occurs in Season 10, Episode 4: “The One With the Cake.”
From Platonic Palship to Romantic Pursuit
The slow-burn build-up to Rachel and Joey’s coupling wasn’t exactly met with universal acclaim. For many, it felt forced and out of character, betraying the established dynamics of the group. However, the writers planted seeds long before their eventual romance blossomed. Joey’s initial infatuation with Rachel was evident in earlier seasons, particularly after Emma’s birth when he developed strong protective feelings towards her.
The idea of Rachel and Joey dating sparked after Rachel and Ross went on a break in Season 3, although nothing serious developed at that time. The storyline truly reignited later, evolving from a platonic bond into something more complex. The “will they, won’t they” tension reached its peak in the final season, leading to the pivotal episode, “The One With the Cake.”
“The One With the Cake”: The Tipping Point
This episode centers around Emma’s first birthday party, which everyone almost misses due to a problematic cake and a lengthy message from her grandparents. Amidst the chaos, Rachel and Joey find themselves drawn to each other. The attraction, which had been simmering for some time, finally boils over. After moments of awkwardness and hesitation, they confess their feelings and share their first kiss, solidifying their commitment to exploring a romantic relationship. This is arguably the key moment marking the start of Rachel and Joey “getting together.”
The Aftermath and the Ultimate Demise
The relationship that began in “The One With the Cake” was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful. Rachel and Joey struggled to navigate the complexities of their newfound romance, hindered by their pre-existing friendship and the lingering feelings Rachel still harbored for Ross. The sitcom explored the awkwardness and humor inherent in transitioning from friends to lovers, but the lack of chemistry and narrative conflict became apparent to both the characters and the audience.
The writers ultimately decided that Rachel and Joey were better off as friends, bringing their romantic interlude to a natural conclusion. This allowed Rachel to eventually reunite with Ross, satisfying the expectations of many viewers who had rooted for their relationship throughout the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rachel and Joey’s Relationship
1. When does Joey first start having feelings for Rachel?
Joey’s initial attraction to Rachel surfaces after she moves in with Monica and becomes part of their friend group. However, his feelings deepen significantly after Emma’s birth, as he develops protective instincts and a sense of responsibility towards Rachel and the baby.
2. Why did the writers decide to put Rachel and Joey together?
The writers explored the Rachel and Joey relationship as a way to add complexity and tension to the final seasons of the show. It introduced a fresh dynamic and challenged the established relationships within the group, particularly the Ross and Rachel dynamic.
3. What was the fan reaction to Rachel and Joey dating?
Fan reaction to Rachel and Joey’s relationship was largely negative. Many viewers felt it was forced, unnatural, and detrimental to the characters’ established personalities and prior development. They argued that it disrupted the core dynamic of the friend group.
4. In what episode do Ross and Joey fight over Rachel?
Ross and Joey experience significant tension and conflict over Rachel in Season 10, Episode 5: “The One Where Phoebe Hates PBS.” This episode showcases the awkwardness and discomfort stemming from their prior friendship and the shifting loyalties brought about by the Rachel-Joey romance.
5. Does Rachel ever reciprocate Joey’s feelings before Season 10?
There are hints of potential attraction from Rachel’s side before Season 10, especially during moments of emotional vulnerability and comfort. However, these moments are largely ambiguous and could be interpreted as platonic affection rather than romantic interest. It’s crucial to note that she doesn’t explicitly reciprocate his feelings in a romantic sense.
6. How long do Rachel and Joey actually date?
Rachel and Joey’s romantic relationship is brief, spanning a few episodes in Season 10. Their dating period doesn’t last more than a handful of weeks, ultimately proving unsustainable due to their lack of compatibility as a couple.
7. What episode do Rachel and Joey break up?
While there isn’t a specific “break-up” episode per se, their relationship gradually dissolves throughout Season 10. The tension and lack of chemistry become increasingly apparent, leading to a natural fading out rather than a dramatic split. Their incompatibility culminates in them agreeing to be friends again, arguably concluding their romantic endeavor.
8. Did Matt LeBlanc (Joey) approve of the Rachel and Joey storyline?
Matt LeBlanc reportedly had reservations about the Rachel and Joey storyline. He felt it was out of character for Joey and expressed concern that it would damage his character’s likability.
9. How did the other friends react to Rachel and Joey dating?
The other friends, particularly Monica and Chandler, were initially supportive but also expressed concerns and anxieties about the potential disruption to the group dynamic. Their reactions mirrored the mixed feelings of many viewers, acknowledging the novelty of the relationship while questioning its long-term viability.
10. Were Rachel and Joey ever officially “boyfriend” and “girlfriend?”
Yes, after their kiss in “The One With the Cake,” they explicitly state that they are trying to be boyfriend and girlfriend. They are together in a romantic, dating capacity for a brief period.
11. Why didn’t Rachel and Joey work as a couple?
Numerous factors contributed to the failure of Rachel and Joey’s relationship. These include their established friendship, a lack of romantic chemistry, the lingering feelings Rachel had for Ross, and the differences in their personalities and lifestyles. Their incompatibility ultimately outweighed any potential for a successful romantic partnership.
12. What happens to Joey after Rachel and Ross get back together?
After Rachel and Ross reunite, Joey continues to be a supportive friend to both of them. He ultimately finds his own romantic success in the spin-off series Joey, where he moves to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career and explores new relationships. This spin-off shows his journey to finding love on his own terms, independent of Rachel and the established dynamics of the original series.