Ep 17. The One With The Memorial Service

The One With The Memorial Service is the seventeenth episode of the ninth season of the beloved television show, Friends. In this episode, the gang gathers together to attend the memorial service of Ross and Monica's grandmother, who has recently passed away.

The episode begins with Joey, Chandler, and Phoebe discussing the difference between a "memorial service" and a "funeral," which leads to a comical discussion about Joey's fear of being buried alive. Meanwhile, Ross and Monica are arguing about the proper way to deal with their grandmother's death. Ross wants to give a heartfelt eulogy, but Monica thinks that their grandmother would have preferred a more lighthearted approach.

As the gang arrives at the service, they bump into Aunt Lillian, who is Ross and Monica's only living relative on their grandmother's side. Aunt Lillian is played by Oscar-winning actress Marlo Thomas, and her eccentric personality adds a new dynamic to the show. The gang listens to Aunt Lillian's stories about their grandmother, which leads to a hilarious revelation about her true age.

During the service, Ross struggles to give his eulogy and repeatedly breaks down in tears. In a heartwarming moment, the gang bands together to help him get through it. Joey even offers to perform his famous "smell the fart" acting technique, which lightens the mood and allows Ross to finish his speech.

After the service, the gang goes to a restaurant to celebrate their grandmother's life. However, things quickly go awry when they realize that they are sitting at a table next to their grandmother's arch-nemesis, who they promptly invite to join them. The tension between the two women adds a new level of humor to the show, and the gang struggles to keep the peace.

The episode ends with some emotional moments between Ross and Monica as they reminisce about their grandmother, and the gang shares a touching toast to her memory. The One With The Memorial Service is a poignant reminder that no matter how old you are, the loss of a loved one is never easy, but having good friends can make all the difference. It's a must-watch episode for any fans of the show who appreciate the perfect balance of humor and heart.