Ep 16. The One That Could Have Been (2)

The One That Could Have Been (2) follows on from the previous episode, which saw the group imagine what their lives may have been like had they made different choices. In this continuation, we see the alternate reality versions of Joey, Monica, Ross, Chandler, Rachel, and Phoebe continue to navigate their altered lives.

Joey, in this reality, has never landed his big break as an actor and is stuck working as a waiter at a faux version of Central Perk. Burned out and disillusioned by his acting career, Joey struggles to find purpose in his life. However, he soon finds solace in the fact that he has a loving wife and family that he never would have had if he had become a famous actor. Meanwhile, Monica is an overweight chef at a diner who dreams of being a thin, successful chef. She has a relationship with Chandler, who is a struggling writer and is unable to commit to her.

Ross is still married to Carol, but the two have grown distant over the years. Ross is a disheartened college professor whose life has become mundane and unfulfilling. He still harbors feelings for Rachel and plays out a scenario in his mind where he is just about to tell her the truth before he is interrupted. Rachel is engaged to Barry, but after meeting Ross again, she realizes that she might still have feelings for him. Phoebe is a stockbroker who never pursued her music career, but she is miserable living a life that is unfulfilling and has no passion or creativity.

As the six friends navigate this alternate reality, they begin to realize that while their lives may have been different, they ultimately end up in the same place. They are still friends, even with their altered circumstances. They all long for something more, but they are unsure what exactly they are missing. Throughout the episode, they explore the things they missed out on and the choices that they made that led them to where they are now.

The One That Could Have Been (2) is a thought-provoking episode that explores the concept of what could have been for the beloved characters of Friends. It offers a glimpse into the alternate reality lives of some of the most iconic characters in television history. The episode continues to deliver on the humor and heart that the show is known for while still pushing the boundaries of what audiences expect from a sitcom. It is a must-see episode for any Friends fan, as well as anyone who has ever questioned the path their life has taken.