Our take
The first episode that feels properly built around Christmas, and one of the most tender half-hours in the early run: a search for a missing parent played for laughs and for real hurt. The folk-singing masseuse's road trip, with two friends along for the ride, gives it its heart, the overheated party gives it its farce, and Audra Lindley's single appearance as Frances makes every minute count.
What happens
The friends are getting ready for Christmas, and Rachel is still angry with Ross. Phoebe discovers that the photograph of her father she has kept all her life is simply the picture that came with the frame. She visits her grandmother, Frances, who admits the truth: her father is not a revered tree surgeon in Burma but a pharmacist, and she hands Phoebe a real photograph of him. Chandler and Joey drive Phoebe upstate to find him. Back in the city, Ross suggests Rachel write a list of everything that annoys her about him so she can feel better, then drives everyone mad trying to disprove every point. Meanwhile Ross has meddled with the heating, and Monica and Rachel's Christmas party turns into a sweltering evening in the middle of winter. Standing outside her father's house, Phoebe realises she is not ready to meet him, and goes home to the family she has chosen instead.
Can the kids watch it?
Gentle grown-up humour and a bittersweet family story; suitable for most children from about 10, PG for the broadcast cut.
Cast and crew
Starring
- Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green
- Courteney Cox as Monica Geller
- Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay
- Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani
- Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing
- David Schwimmer as Ross Geller
Guest stars
- James Michael Tyler as Gunther
- Mike Hagerty as Mr. Treeger
- Audra Lindley as Frances
Director
- Kevin S. Bright