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4.12: The One With The Girl From Poughkeepsie
Monica isn't getting any respect in her new job as head chef, so Joey agrees to help her out. The plan is for her to hire him as a waiter, just so she can make a fear-inspiring show of firing him. But the job pays so well, Joey ends up not wanting to be fired. Meanwhile, Rachel is looking for a new man in her life, so Chandler offers to set her up with someone from work. Ross' life becomes difficult as he tries to keep up with both a local girlfriend and one in Poughkeepsie, and Phoebe works on a holiday song for all her friends.
Just Cute
Chandler is impressed when Joey gets 15 oreos in his mouth at once, although he's considerably less happy about Joey's oreo-covered teeth afterward.
Just Cute
With all the guys at work fawning over him to get to Rachel, Chandler gets extra Knicks tickets, and he does ask Joey to go with him. Well, he'd better!
Gay Themes
Rachel rushes into the coffeehouse and says excitedly, "Chandler! You have the best taste in men." Chandler just replies calmly, "Well, like father like son." (His father is, of course, gay.)
Sexual Issues
Chandler sees another man in the break room at his office.
Chandler: I say, Drew? Are you seeing anybody right now?
(Drew gives him a slightly odd look)
Chandler: Oh, I -- ah -- (laughing nervously) I'm not asking for me, uh -- y'know, I'm not -- I'm not gay, I'm not asking you out, I'm, um, um, I'm not gay.
Drew: I didn't think you were gay. I do now.
I love that scene. Sure, most guys get a little upset when people think they're gay, but Chandler does a whole frantic preemptive strike there. Denial, anyone?
Sexual Issues
As Chandler consoles Rachel, he suddenly asks her in all seriousness if she's ever been with a woman. She is understandably taken aback, asking what's wrong with him, and he muses that there's no good time to ask that question. Just thought I'd throw that in for the slashiness.
He Doesn't Love Her, Dammit!
This episode takes place while Chandler is going out with Kathy, but she doesn't appear and is only mentioned once. Referring to her, Chandler says, "Well, I have a girlfriend, I'm -- I'm happy. So, I no longer feel the need to go out of my way to stop other people from being happy." Which goes right along with the idea that Chandler dates women mostly for security. It also goes along with the idea that Chandler has issues.
Overall
Unfortunately, Joey and Chandler don't cross paths much in this one. But when they do, it's positive, and the episode gets significant points for its two separate references to Chandler being gay. So, I'll give it a 3 on the scale.
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