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7.18: The One With Rachel's Big Kiss
Melissa, a sorority friend of Rachel's, shows up, and everyone is surprised to learn that the two of them once made out at a college party. Phoebe doesn't believe Rachel's story, though, and when Rachel asks Melissa about it, she claims it never happened. Meanwhile, Chandler has found the perfect tuxedo for his wedding to Monica; it was worn by Pierce Brosnan. Then he learns that Ross is stealing his thunder by wearing the tux Val Kilmer wore as Batman.
Just Cute
Monica yells at Joey for making a big deal about his parents coming to the wedding, but Chandler is very sweet about it.
Joey: No, I just wanted to thank you guys for what you did for my parents. That was really sweet. They're so happy to get to be a part of your special day.
Chandler: (serious) Well, you're welcome. And tell them we're really glad they're coming.
Joey obviously cares a lot about this wedding, and I don't think it's because of Monica.
Slashy
Well, it's not Joey/Chandler, but this episode is full of slashiness between the ladies. There is constant talk about Rachel and Melissa being lovers, which of course Joey gets very excited about. Then in the end, Rachel is so exasperated by no one believing her that she actually kisses Melissa, who then lets on that she's always been in love with her! And then Phoebe kisses Rachel, just to see what all the fuss is about! Obviously, girl/girl stuff is a popular ratings draw, but it still counts for something in the slash book.
Sexual Issues
When Chandler uses the word "fabulous" as he tries on celebrity tuxes, Rachel tells him he needs to watch more ESPN instead of E! And later on, when he argues with Monica about which tux is cooler, he lets something very interesting slip:
Chandler: Batman is so much cooler than James Bond!
Monica: What are you talking about? 007 has all those gadgets!
Chandler: Batman has a utility belt.
Monica: 007 has a fancy car!
Chandler: Batman has the Batmobile!
Monica: (suggestively) 007 gets all the ladies.
Chandler: (scoffing) Batman has Robin!
He says it as if it's perfectly clear that having Robin is way better than getting all the ladies. He then gets a strange look from Monica, and realizing what he's just said, he asks weakly, "We get ESPN, right?"
Sexual Issues
Chandler declares that Val Kilmer's movie "At First Sight" is "fruity", and yet he seems to have seen it.
He Doesn't Love Her, Dammit!
Several parts of this episode make Chandler and Monica's relationship look less than ideal. Monica is planning their wedding like a military coup, and they both seem to view it as a competition over which of them brings the most guests. Ross 'reminds' Chandler that he's marrying the woman he loves, but Chandler outright doesn't care about that; he's more interested in wearing the coolest tux. I don't think they kiss once in the whole half-hour; the most affectionate thing Chandler does is kind of pat her on the head.
Overall
Joey and Chandler barely see each other in this episode, but there are things that make up for it, such as the very slashy concept with Rachel and the way Chandler supports Joey's parents coming to the wedding. And Chandler and Monica are acting like platonic friends being forced to get married. So, being one of the better moments in a bleak seventh season, this episode gets a 3 out of 5.
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