Paul (Johnson walker) should have written this essay but he
hasn't been posting on ATF for a while now. So, I offered to
take his place and write the essay in the hopes that it will
provide for some entertainment in ATF during the summer. :)
I'll start with my stand on the situation before I write the
pro R&R essay. This isn't as articulate as Claire's essay but
here goes:
I used to be an ardent R&R fan when I began watching the
show. Their constant bickering made me lose interest in the
pair. It started with TOW No Ones Ready. I thought Rachel's
behavior towards Ross was unforgivable. Like Claire, I too
think that Ross is too good for Rachel who behaves like a
bitch most of the time. Strangely, I find that she is this
way only with Ross.
I turned into a J&R supporter in season seven where the best
stories and jokes came from Joey and Rachel. Those characters
were the only ones who were constantly funny throughout that
season and they shared great chemistry. With the advent of
episode 812 TOW Joey Dates Rachel, it became very evidant
that these would make a fun couple. Joey is different from
Ross in many ways. Sure, he doesn't have the benefits of a
college degree but he knows how to put Rachel in her place.
Ross never knew and still doesn't know how to do this. That
is one of the many reasons that they shouldn't be together.
Ross and Rachel lack respect for each other, which is
something a child shouldn't be exposed to while growing up.
If they get together immediately after this cliffhanger, it
just wouldn't work because they would mess it up again and
this time there's a child involved.
Having said all of that, I will now proceed to say exactly
the opposite. :P
I'm a J&R fan but I am open to a R&R relationship provided it
happens gradually. So, I'd like to write how they become a
couple again before stating the advantages of their
relationship.
Here goes:
Come September and the misunderstanding over the ring is
quickly cleared up. Joey realises that these two still have
way too much baggage for him to add to their problems and
backs off. Chandler will be the good friend that he used to
be and talks to Joey to help him get over Rachel.
Meanwhile, Ross and Rachel take Emma home and decide that
they will leave things the way they are for the time being.
Ross gives the ring back to Judy and tells her to stay the
hell away from his personal matters.
Rachel gets to spend a lot of time at home with the baby
thanks to the extended maternity leave that Joey had "helped"
her get. Months pass as little Emma grows and Rachel learns
what it is to be a mom. Ross keeps the promise he made to
her and stays by her side to help her out with all the baby
matters. Motherhood teaches Rachel to be less selfish and
patient or is that wishful thinking on my part? As they share
countless joyous moments with their child, it slowly dawns on
them that they are more of a married couple than Chandler and
Monica.
Rachel wants to give the relationship a go but Ross is
somewhat hesitant. He reminds her of all the times that she
has been unbelievably demanding and turns her down. He does
have feelings for her but doesn't want to jeopardise his
daughter's future by entering into a hasty relationship that
might turn sour again. This leaves a complete shocked Rachel,
who is left to ponder on her past mistakes. She actively
makes attempts to be a better person for the sake of her
child. She doesn't make fun of his career even though she
still doesn't understand anything he says. For his part, Ross
doesn't make "Jurassic Parka" jokes either. She lets him go
on dates and doesn't ask him to be at her beck and call all
the time. Rachel dates too, not with Joey though. No, that
would complicate things again. :)
Months later, Ross notices the change in Rachel and proposes
to give their relationship a go. She accepts and they start
dating again. Suprisingly, everything goes well. This is a
mature relationship that doesn't involve mind games and ego
trips. Finally Ross proposes and they marry. They have to
elope because they can't have a proper wedding after their
fake wedding fiasco.
Despite their best attempts, old dragons rear their head when
juggling careers and their child and mistakes are made. Ross
won't take the blame anymore and she can't run away from her
problems. After undergoing some marriage counceling, they
stock of the situation and make amends. Slowly they plough
through their troubles and finally, finally learn what it
takes to be in a trusting relationship while maintaining
respect.
Conclusion: Advantages of the Ross and Rachel relationship that come from
the above mentioned scenario:
With both parents under one roof and married, they provide an
ideal and stable environment for little Emma.
To borrow a few lines from the show, little Emma would be
popular in school with an aptitude for science. :)
Rachel is no longer Princess Bitch. She is a mature, smart
career woman who is also a great mom.
Thanks to the intake of various calcium supplements, Ross has
a stronger backbone. :P
Ross and Rachel respect each other. Jokes about each others
careers are only made in good fun and never to ridicule.
We don't have to see any bickering or mind games or guilt
trips.
There is no use for 'fat' in their fridge.
Diehard R&R fans would be thrilled.
MLB would be relieved that he doesn't have to play the Joey
who's in love with Rachel again.
Oh and Joey moves on and falls in love with Phoebe, not. At
some point, Joey moves to California for various movie deals
and hooks up with Kate Millar there.
-Priya