I came up with the perfect way for the show to start.
They replay the "It's Rachel." scene. Then, subtly suggest some passage of time, then showing that Ross hasn't budged all that time (15 minutes, half hour?) from his pause. Joey is too upst to have noticed. Gunther finally comes over, complaining that Ross is blocking the enterence, hurting business. He gets Joey to help move Ross to the couch. Joey saying "sorry" to Gunther along the way would be a nice touch. Ross finally 'comes to' (as it were), and the more dramatic issues can commense.
I think it'd be funny, breaking the tention briefly.
I'd be shocked if the writers came up with such a scene.
But I'd be (mildly) disappointed if they didn't.
:-D