Friends: 25 Greatest Episodes
2. The One With The Prom Video (S2E14)
The Episode
The gang watch a video from Monica and Rachel's prom night. Joey gives Chandler a friendship bracelet.
Why It's Great
This episode serves as the ground zero for the greatest relationship in television history. Yes, we'd had flirtations, hints, and one or the other being ready; heck, they'd even kissed before now. But this is where Ross and Rachel finally realise their feelings at the same time, and properly get together as a couple. That kiss is one of the most joyous, cheer-inducing moments in the entire series, but the route there is also fantastic.
The friendship bracelet story is another classic slice of Joey and Chandler action, producing memorable lines and witty moments. But it's the titular video that really steals the show.
As mentioned earlier, it's great to see the flashbacks, so there's already a hilarity in seeing Ross, Rachel, and Monica back in the 80s. We and the friends themselves watch, waiting on tenterhooks, as Ross is setup as Rachel's knight in shining tuxedo, only for an expertly executed rug pull. It's brutal for Ross, heartwarming for everyone else, and makes the kiss that much more impactful. He's her lobster.