Ep 17. The One With The Tea Leaves

Monica and Chandler are trying hard to conceive a baby and have resorted to various measures to make it happen. However, nothing seems to work and they decide to seek help from a fertility specialist. Meanwhile, Rachel is upset because she has had a series of terrible days and continues to receive bad news. Even the tea leaves seem to indicate that more unfortunate events are heading her way. Joey decides to help her out and takes her to a spa to relax.

The rest of the friends, Ross, Phoebe and Joey are seen trying out different things to make a quick buck. Joey comes up with an idea of selling sandwiches that he plans to make using ingredients left over from his fridge. Phoebe, on the other hand, is learning to read tea leaves and tries to predict the future of her friends. Ross, being an academician, has developed a game, which he calls 'Science Boy Game', where he quizzes people on random facts to win money.

As Monica and Chandler go through the daunting process of fertility treatments, they are put through a lot of stress and anxiety. They also have to deal with a lot of personal questions from the fertility specialist, leading to awkward and funny situations. At the spa, Rachel is finally able to unwind and relax when Joey joins her for a soothing bath. Joey gives her advice on finding good things in adverse situations and soon Rachel starts feeling better.

Throughout the episode, Phoebe keeps trying to read tea leaves and predict the future. She reads Chandler's tea leaves and sees a baby, confirming Monica and Chandler's decision to seek a fertility specialist. Ross drops by the spa with his game where he challenges Joey to a game-off. The competition heats up when Ross bets all his money on one question, and Joey comes up with a surprising rejoinder.

The episode ends with Monica and Chandler on their way home from the fertility specialist's office, both looking dejected. They meet Joey in the hall who looks confused by their sullen faces. As they enter their apartment, Joey follows them and sees their reactions on learning that their treatment was unsuccessful. He tries to cheer them up by reminding them of their terrible first date and how much they have come ahead since then. Joey's words lift their spirits and they conclude that they will keep trying to have a baby.

Overall, The One with the Tea Leaves is a hilarious episode that shows the struggles of couples who are trying to conceive a baby. It also highlights the importance of friendship and how friends can help you deal with challenging situations.