Ep 22. The One With The Donor

The One With The Donor is the 22nd episode of the ninth season of the hit television show Friends, focusing on the group's continued exploration of relationships and parenthood. The episode features a major storyline regarding Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Monica (Courteney Cox) deciding to get donor sperm in their pursuit of starting a family.

The episode begins with Chandler, Monica, and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow) attending a seminar about the sperm bank they plan to use. Monica is excited at the prospect of starting a family and reveals to Phoebe that she has been tracking her ovulation using an app. Chandler, on the other hand, is anxious about the whole process and is hesitant about picking out a sperm donor.

Meanwhile, Ross (David Schwimmer) returns from China and reunites with Joey (Matt LeBlanc), who is excited to show Ross his latest entertainment venture - a game where participants are hooked up to electric shocks. Ross, not wanting to play, takes on the role of being the overseer, but he becomes the focus of the game when Joey hooks him up to the shocks.

Back at the seminar, Chandler and Monica are struggling to pick a sperm donor. After going through a few profiles, they quickly realize that they have different ideas of what they want in a sperm donor. Chandler is only concerned about selecting someone who looks healthy enough to ensure their child has a good chance at the perfect physique. Monica, on the other hand, wants someone with a good heart and intelligence. They both eventually settle on a donor they think meets their criteria: a teacher who runs five miles per day and has perfect vision.

After they make the decision, Chandler begins to have second thoughts and feels uneasy about starting a family with a stranger's DNA. He confides in Joey, who shares his own experience of fatherhood and reassures Chandler that no matter what, he will love and take care of the child. Chandler feels better after their conversation and later informs Monica that he is ready to start the process.

Elsewhere, Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), who is pregnant with Ross's child, is at the office, attempting to write a recommendation for Joey. However, every time she starts writing, she gets sidetracked with her pregnancy cravings. She eventually takes a break and goes to Central Perk, where she runs into Joey, who is feeling insecure about his acting career. Rachel encourages Joey to continue pursuing his dreams and reassures him that he will find success.

The episode then cuts back to Chandler and Monica, who are at the sperm bank trying to retrieve the donor's sperm. However, they encounter a series of obstacles, including an awkward conversation with the nurse and a clumsy mishandling of the sample container. Despite these hurdles, they eventually leave the clinic with the sperm sample in hand and are hopeful for what the future holds.

The One With The Donor concludes with all the friends gathering at Monica and Chandler's apartment, enjoying each other's company as they discuss their futures and potential new additions to their family. The episode ends on a heartwarming note, as the group watches a video from Chandler's childhood and reminisces about the past.

Overall, The One With The Donor is a strong episode that highlights the Friends cast's continued pursuit of love, family, and personal growth. The storyline surrounding Chandler and Monica's struggle with selecting a sperm donor is both humorous and touching, as it provides a unique glimpse into the complex and emotional process of starting a family. Additionally, the episode features several moments of true friendship and support, emphasizing the strong bond that holds the characters together.