Hanging Out With Friends 05.01.08: The One With Russ
Posted by Jerome Cusson on 05.01.2008
That guy looks awfully familiar
Jennifer Aniston...Rachel Green
Courteney Cox...Monica Geller
Lisa Kudrow...Phoebe Buffay
Matt LeBlanc...Joey Tribbiani
Matthew Perry...Chandler Bing
Lauren Tom...Julie
Vincent Ventresca...Fun Bobby
June Gable...Estelle Leonard
Snaro...Russ (Snaro = David Schwimmer)
Written by Ira Ungerleider
Directed by Thomas Schlamme
And his name is Russ. Oh Russ. This show proves once again why Rachel and Ross might be the two dumbest people when it comes to love in the history of the world. It is so blatantly obvious these two want each other, yet they continue to deny it and will continue to deny it after they break up. But let’s watch the gang walk outside at 1:00 in the morning to grab newspapers IN NEW YORK. Once again, it needs to be made clear because I see very few black people, and very little mugging of people walking outside at 1:00 in the damn morning. Everyone compliments Joey on his genitals, but the critics trash Mr. Tribbiani’s performance. Joey considers quitting acting after ten years. Dun dun Duuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhh….
Rachel is hugging Joey after we come back. Ross gives a suicidal “Hi” yet again because of problems at work. Monica is once again dating Fun Bobby, and he makes everything fun by threatening to pick them up…literally. Monica feels this time it could work and is even going up to cabin (of love) for the weekend. Rachel points how much wine they went through for the evening. The friends each only had one or two glasses so that means Fun Bobby had three fun bottles of wine.
Everyone dances around the fact that he’s an alcoholic and just gives examples. Showing, not telling. At Central Perk Fun Bobby tries to spice his coffee up, but now it’s time to address the issue. Bobby says he’s always used the excuse he’s a social drinker, but he now agrees to quit drinking. Chandler and Joey arrive, and Joey is back in show business. He’s got an audition with Days of Our Lives, so to celebrate the gang is going to celebrate… except for Rachel who has plans. This should be fun.
Monica asks if Rachel would actually have other friends, but it’s just a date. Ross is brought up and then dismissed. Russ, Rachel’s date, walks in. You know, that guy looks familiar. He reminds me of someone who I can’t quite put my finger on. That “Hi” sounds pretty familiar too.
Joey goes to her agent to find out what happened with the audition. Their scenes together are always funny, and this is no exception. Joey informs Estelle that if he were to sleep with the network casting lady, he would for sure get the job. Estelle calls her up and it is confirms. Monica, on the other hand, is no longer dealing with Fun Bobby but with Sober Bobby. And Sober Bobby isn’t very much fun. He just points out fun facts about the village. Something about hardware stores. Monica says she can’t break up with him since he is the one who made him so dull with the whole quitting drinking thing. Russ arrives and gets to know everyone. I’m still not quite getting it. Still, there is something familiar about this guy. Phoebe asks Rachel if Russ reminds her of anyone. Rachel doesn’t know what to say.
Ross walks in and meets Russ. Okay, I get it. Russ kinda vaguely looks like Ross. There it is. I have to say that this scene creeped me out. This episode also illustrates the density of Ross as he doesn’t notice the connection between himself and Russ. Joey is at home making sauce because the only way he can get a part is by sleeping with this woman. After a deep and meaningful conversation with Chandler, he’s still not sure what to do. Monica and Bobby are out on a date, and now Monica’s ready to drink now because of how intolerant Bobby’s become.
Chandler is working on a crossword as Rachel still doesn’t get what the deal is. Chandler makes some more pansy jokes and departs. Rachel finally gets it when Ross and Russ have a conversation about who the real doctor is. Monica is stashing away booze for the trip since Bobby is damn boring and dull. When Dull Bobby arrives, he tells Monica she has a drinking problem and breaks up with her. Boy, did she get bailed out. The friends exchange money as clearly bets were made. Joey decides to sleep with the girl and become Dr. Drake Ramoray, a new recurring character on Days of Our Lives. More money is exchanged and we’re pretty much done.
The end credit sequence takes us back to bizarre world as Julie makes one last appearance while Russ is there. The two fall instantly in love and live happily ever after. That’s just a strange ending.
The “How you Doin’ moment?”Funniest Lines/Moments:
Phoebe: We have to celebrate. We should do a soap opera theme.
Chandler: Yeah, we could all sleep together, then one of us could get amnesia!
The “Oh no!” moment (weakest moment of the episode): Russ is a twit.
FRIENDS TRIVIA REVEALED: Nope, nothing here.
I just want to remind everyone of my new blog, which can be found at The Jerome Cusson Experience I'll be writing about all things sports and provide some additional fun things like movie reviews done by my friend Stephanie and some additional televison recaps. Specifcally, I'll be writing about The Critic before moving onto Freaks and Geeks. Stephanie will be reviewing House and my friend Matt will be writing about South Park. So be sure to check it out.
The 411: No real earth-shattering moments prevent this from being a classic. However, this episode has some very weird and creepy moments. The stuff with Russ was pretty damn funny, and the payoff was brilliantly done. Maybe more categorized as underrated, but this was still very entertaining.
