When Friends was in its last few seasons, the writers pulled out some weird and eccentric subplots. If you look at the fan forums, you will see a lot of criticism over the Barbados episodes, Joey's inability to speak French, or Monica's belief that Chandler had a fetish for sharks. However, the one plot that gets much hate was the romance arc between Joey and Rachel.
Not only did it take the fans by surprise but the actors too. But should Rachel have held out for Ross? They may have been endgame but how long would they have lasted before they took another "break?" By the last season, these two weren't compatible either. If you would like to know why they wouldn't work, here are 5 reasons why Rachel & Joey made no sense (& 5 why Ross & Rachel didn't).
Rachel & Joey: Where Did Rachel's Feelings Come From?
One of the reasons why fans found it hard to contemplate the relationship between Rachel and Joey was because of its randomness. In season 8, fans saw Rachel reject Joey after he confessed to having feelings for her. At this point, fans didn't mind the storyline because they thought it gave Joey some maturity.
However, by the end of season 9, it seemed like Rachel had a change of heart because she had a 'dream.' After refuting it lots of times, it did appear strange that this was the spark that set off her feelings.
Rachel & Ross: Chandler's Involvement
When she wonders why he would do this, Rachel is shocked further when Chandler accidentally lets slip that Ross is in love with her. She later admits that she doesn't know what to do with that information as she never thought about it. It just makes you wonder whether they would have started if Chandler never said anything
Rachel & Joey: The Writers Knew They Were Going To Fail
You'll be hard-pressed to find someone who enjoyed the Joey-Rachel relationship as many believed it was awkward and forced. The writers should have known it wasn't going to be warmly received by the fans as soon as the actors began to protest against the storyline.
Yet, the writers went ahead with the controversial storyline because they wanted to develop Joey's character emotionally. However, did they not do this with Joey's character in season 8? Considering the relationship lasted a week, it doesn't exactly show maturity or growth.
Rachel & Ross: The Different Interests
While Ross and Rachel had a passionate and tumultuous relationship, there was one flaw that should have stopped them from fully working. Their different interests. As fans know, Ross and Rachel didn't have a common interest. Ross's passions were about the sciences and Rachel's were about the fashion industry.
When both tried to share these interests with the other, it was either met with an eye roll, a scoff, or complaints. There were also plenty of times where they traded insults about the other's interests. So how was their relationship going to work if they couldn't be themselves around one another?
Rachel & Joey: The Different Life Choices
Another reason why the relationship between Joey and Rachel didn't make sense was the fact that they were at different life-stages. There was one main thing that was going to stop Joey and Rachel from working out - Joey's maturity levels.
It was a big deal for Joey when he decided that he was going to commit to a relationship. However, other pressures would have got to Joey. For one, he would have had to mature for Emma's sake. Two, his profession could involve relocating to a different city, which brings a whole other set of issues. The relationship came at the wrong time.
Rachel & Ross: Why Isn't Ben As Involved?
Another thing that didn't make any sense about Ross and Rachel's relationship was the lack of involvement Ben had. Considering that Emma was his half-sister, you would have thought that Ross and Rachel would have invited him to the apartment so he could see her.
However, once Rachel gave birth, the viewers never saw Ben again. Add to the fact that Rachel struggled to bond with Ben the last couple of times she watched him, wouldn't this affect their relationship in the long run?
Rachel & Joey: Rachel Accepting Joey's Proposal
If fans think about it, Joey and Rachel's relationship didn't make any sense considering it was dismissed again in the season 9 premiere. As fans know, season 8 ended on a cliffhanger, with Rachel accepting Joey's proposal. However, what she failed to realize was that Joey was trying to retrieve the ring that fell out of Ross's pocket.
Funnily enough, when asked if she wanted to spend her life with Joey, she said no. If she didn't envision a future for them then didn't this foreshadow the failure of their romance?
Rachel & Ross: Miscommunication
Although Ross and Rachel ended up together, some fans have theorized that it wouldn't have been long before they split up again. Why? Because they are always miscommunicating with one another. For ten years, fans watched as Ross and Rachel tried and failed to make their relationship work.
In season 3, they broke up over a simple misunderstanding. Then, for the seasons that followed, they could never get on the same page. Rachel tried to ruin his wedding and Ross kept their marriage a secret. They had a baby and Rachel accepted Joey's proposal. Considering how in love they were, how could they be so bad at communicating?
Rachel & Joey: Joey Wouldn't Have Done This To Ross
Most fans will agree that Joey and Rachel's relationship wouldn't have worked due to their loyalty to Ross. Despite Ross giving them his blessing, it seemed out of character for Joey and Rachel that they would cross this line. Not only did Rachel reject Joey's feelings in season 8 but Joey constantly pushed for her and Ross to get back together.
Even in the hospital when she and Ross had Emma he was telling them how they were meant to be. If that is how he felt, then why did they get together?
Rachel & Ross: They're No Good For Each Other
At the time, Roschel fans rejoiced at the couple's reunion in the season 10 finale. However, time has allowed many fans to reflect on the show's ending and realize that they may have been better off apart. Why? Because they are no good for one another.
For one, they always tried to sabotage each other's happiness. Two, they were extremely possessive and controlling of one another. Three, there was still a lingering resentment over Ross's cheating. As long as these traits remained, this romance would never work.