Ep 10. The One With Russ

In Friends season 2 episode 10, entitled "The One with Russ," the beloved cast of characters are up to their usual antics once again. The episode begins with Joey auditioning for a role as a backup dancer for a music video. Meanwhile, Rachel is struggling to get over her breakup with Ross. Enter Russ, a new guy who is a spitting image of Ross. The gang is surprised when Rachel immediately takes a liking to Russ, who seems like a perfect replacement for Ross. However, as the episode progresses, they come to realize that looks can be deceiving.

As Rachel and Russ begin to date, the rest of the group become increasingly concerned with how much he looks like Ross. They worry that she's not moving on from the relationship and is only pretending that Russ is Ross. In one particular scene, Phoebe goes on a date with Russ to compare him to Ross, and simultaneously to distract him so Rachel can sneak into his apartment and determine if he has any Ross-like tendencies.

Meanwhile, Joey is struggling to impress the choreographer for the music video. He tries to copy the dance moves of the other dancers, but he struggles to keep up. Things are further complicated when the choreographer asks Joey to take his shirt off for the audition. Joey is hesitant at first, but eventually relents and rips off his shirt. Much to Joey's dismay, the choreographer rejects him for being too muscular.

In another plotline, Monica and Chandler become obsessed with a cheesecake that is mistakenly delivered to their apartment. They try to savor the cheesecake and take it to their graves, but they eventually cave in and eat the whole thing. They become so obsessed with the idea of this particular cheesecake that they go to great lengths to acquire another one, including breaking into their neighbor's apartment when they believe the neighbor has a cheesecake in their possession.

As the episode continues, Rachel begins to realize that Russ isn't actually Ross. Despite their similar appearance, Russ has some decidedly un-Ross-like qualities, including a job as a pharmaceutical salesman and a penchant for chewing gum loudly and insensitively. Rachel eventually realizes that she's not over Ross and breaks up with Russ.

In the end, Joey is devastated by his failed audition, while Monica and Chandler are ecstatic that they've secured another cheesecake. Rachel is still hurting over her breakup with Ross, but the group assures her that time heals all wounds.

Overall, "The One with Russ" is quintessential Friends, with its trademark mix of character-driven comedy, romance, and absurd plotlines. The episode is a standout in a season full of standout moments, and it's a reminder of why Friends remains a beloved sitcom over two decades after it first aired.