Friends is both nostalgic for those who grew up watching the show and a comforting source of entertainment for viewers who are just becoming attached to the series. As arguably one of the best TV shows of all time, Friends took television by storm in 1994, when the world was introduced to Ross Geller (David Schwimmer,) Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston,) Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow,) Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc,) Monica Geller (Courtney Cox) and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry.) The concept is realistic, as the six friends simply make their way through life in New York City with the usual pressures that life throws anyone’s way. As the series goes on, the personalities of each main character come clear, and they become people that audiences are familiar with. From Phoebe’s wonderful quirks to Monica’s endearing organizational skills, each trait is an important part of what makes the characters unique and intriguing. One of the main through-lines was the relationship between Ross and Rachel. The will-they, won’t-they question lingered through the seasons, with moments that made it seem like they were supposed to be together.
Near the beginning of the series, when Rachel comes back into Monica’s life after leaving her husband at the altar, romantic feelings come flooding back to Ross for the high school crush he used to have on his sister’s best friend. Rachel was aware of how Ross used to feel, and she wasn’t against them dating. It took them a while, but the pair did eventually get together. And then they split up. And then they got together again, and so on. Strangely enough, their story never got boring. The characters were so brilliantly acted that it’s like watching two of your own friends going through an agonizing romance. On their “off again” periods, Ross and Rachel each had other relationships. Rachel dated Joshua and even Joey, although none of her relationships got very far. However, Ross got engaged and married to Emily, although the wedding did not go to plan. In a huge error from Ross, he put their relationship on the line. Although the episode and specific scene are truly memorable, what fans might not know is how Ross’ mistake came to be a part of the story.
David Schwimmer Said the Wrong Name in an Outtake
Rachel wasn’t going to go to Ross and Emily’s wedding, which was being held in London. She found the prospect of watching him get married to difficult, so turned down the invite, much to Ross’ disappointment. However, Rachel suddenly realized that she wanted to tell Ross that she loved him before he got married and flew to London in the hopes of interrupting the ceremony. Once she got there and saw everything ready for the big day, she couldn’t bring herself to ruin it and simply told Ross that she wanted to tell him “congratulations.” The ceremony went ahead, but when it came to Ross saying his vows, he got a little mixed up. Instead of saying Emily’s name, he said, “I, Ross, take thee, Rachel.” Not only was it great writing, which proved exactly why Friends has a deserving spot among the best ’90s shows, but it was also completely unexpected. The most interesting part of the scene is learning how it got put in the script. As it turns out, Schwimmer really did say the wrong name, but at a different taping. As reported in The Sun, Schwimmer was supposed to say, “I have the cab waiting downstairs, Emily,” but instead, he walked in and said, “I have the cab waiting for Rachel.”
Up until that point, the writers weren’t sure of what should happen in the episode where Ross and Emily get married. But, after seeing Schwimmer say the wrong name, they had the epiphany that that’s what should happen in the episode. Thus, “I Ross, take thee Emily” was born, and thank goodness it was. The unpredictable moment left audiences shocked. It was heartbreaking to see Rachel watching the man she loved get married, and some viewers were hoping that she might say what she was really feeling. For most, the thought that Ross would say the wrong name never occurred. Ross tried to play it off as a genuine mistake that only happened because he’d just seen Rachel, but Rachel was hoping it was a sign that he really loved her still. If Rachel had confessed her love for Ross mid-way through the ceremony, it would’ve felt a little predictable and underwhelming. In true Friends form, viewers were given a spectacular storyline that remains truly memorable.
Ross’ Mistake Changed the Course of His Love Life
Once again, Ross and Rachel’s relationship wasn’t a closed book. Audiences (and all the other characters) were left to consider exactly why Ross said Rachel’s name instead of Emily’s. Understandably, Emily was devastated and also knew of the history they had together. Ross tried his best to salvage their marriage, which seemed like it might be possible for a while. Emily had some demands that she wanted Ross to meet, which included moving to a different apartment and not spending time with Rachel. One night, when the six friends were going to have dinner together (although Rachel knew Emily wouldn’t be happy if she knew she was having dinner too), Emily phoned Monica’s apartment and spoke to Ross, finding out that Rachel was also there. Emily was angry, and Ross explained that there was nothing to worry about. Emily said she’d feel better once they were living together, and she could know where Ross was all the time, which Ross refuted. Realizing that she didn’t trust Ross enough anymore, she ends their relationship.
Ross was deeply upset at getting divorced again. If he hadn’t said the wrong name at their wedding, then Emily might not have had such strong concerns about Ross’ friendship with Rachel, and perhaps they could’ve all lived in harmony. Ross’ love life was always complex. He could never seem to get it right or be with someone that was compatible. Once again, his mistake changed the course of his relationship, which was heading towards being the second-biggest relationship he’d ever had. Having said that, Ross and Emily’s break-up made way for the potential of Ross and Rachel getting back together again. It wasn’t an immediate thing, but now that Emily wasn’t in the way, viewers were left to consider whether Ross and Rachel would or should become an item once more. If Ross had stayed married to Emily, then the Ross and Rachel saga likely would’ve subsided. But then again, what would Friends be without the will-they, won’t-they romance that audiences just couldn’t get enough of between two of their favorite characters.
Emily Was Villainized, but Not Everyone Thinks She Was in the Wrong
Emily was portrayed as the villain. She came across as quite controlling and pretentious, specifically after getting married to Ross. Audiences wanted Ross and Rachel to be together, and Emily got in the way of that. However, when it’s looked into a bit further, Emily didn’t actually do much wrong. Was it really surprising that she didn’t want Ross to be around Rachel since he said her name at their wedding ceremony? It was actually Rachel who introduced Emily and Ross to each other. Rachel was supposed to take her out to the theater, as she was Rachel’s boss’s niece. Instead, Rachel wanted to go on a date with someone else and persuaded Ross to take her. Unexpectedly, they both hit it off. As such, Rachel shouldn’t have tried to come between them at their wedding, especially as she was the reason they got together in the first place. Rachel eventually did the right thing by keeping her feelings to herself, and Ross was largely at fault.
Emily was also willing to leave her life in London behind for Ross. She would be saying goodbye to her family and the home she knew, just so that Ross didn’t have to move his whole life to another country. Those sacrifices fell under the radar and weren’t brought into consideration. It may have seemed a bit too much to ask for Ross never to see Rachel, but it was Ross’ fault, not Emily’s. Ross had been allowed to invite Rachel to the wedding. The real issues came about after the ceremony. To give Ross his due, he did try to make amends, but it just didn’t work. No matter what was thought of in regard to Emily’s personality, she was trying to give Ross the life he needed and didn’t leave Ross questioning her loyalty. Whether viewers believe Emily to be the villain or not, Ross and Emily’s storyline was integral to the development of the overall Friends plot and made for some fantastic entertainment.
