Tom Selleck’s Richard was a true gentleman throughout Friends, but one Monica moment completely ruined his character. Richard and Monica’s relationship spanned seasons 2 and 3, before breaking up for their opposite opinions on wanting children. Throughout Friends, Richard’s age made the group view him as a mature, well-put-together man and his treatment of Monica (Courtney Cox) only supported that. When they split and had a fling later, Richard was completely respectful of Monica’s wishes and her happiness, even if that meant he lost her.
However, season 6’s two-part finale, “The One with the Proposal” completely undermines Richard’s character and makes him out to be quite sneaky. The finale of season six mainly consists of Chandler (Matthew Perry) trying to propose to Monica, but it is completely undermined by Richard’s untimely reappearance at the same restaurant. Although Richard still seems to be his cool, charming self, making Chandler a nervous wreck, he then visits Monica at her work to declare he is still in love with her. Although Richard does not owe Chandler anything, the lack of respect for their relationship, and Monica’s happiness, is completely unlike Richard.
Richard Was Always A Good Guy Until The End Of Friends
When Monica and Richard initially broke up in season 2, he stayed away and cut contact with Monica to make things easier for her, despite how hurt he was as well. His love for Monica meant he always put her first, and Richard even admitting he loved Monica after seeing her at the restaurant with Chandler meant he stayed away to let Monica live her life. Richard’s character was further shown to be great by Chandler, Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and Ross’ (David Schwimmer) love for him. Richard and Monica’s relationship heavily featured Chandler, Joey, and Ross being in awe of him and his cool persona. Even when Monica and Chandler were together, Chandler was often jealous of Richard purely because of how perfect he was.
Richard’s Character Changed To Help Chandler’s Story (Despite Hurting His)
Richard’s character was completely changed during the season 6 finale. Interrupting an obvious romantic dinner between Monica and Chandler was weird, completely unfair on his own date, and could be viewed as Richard sabotaging Chandler's proposal. Furthermore, he even went to Monica’s work afterward to declare his love. It could be viewed that Richard declaring his feelings to Monica was a romantic gesture, and he should not miss his opportunity. However, Richard’s character was made worse by how he acted when Monica visited him once Chandler was acting like he did not want to marry her.
Monica revealed her troubles with Chandler and how conflicted she was and Richard took advantage of her vulnerability. Although he eventually steps aside to help Chandler with his proposal, after some convincing, his character in the season 6 finale undercuts the character he was shown to be. The plot of the Friends season 6 finale, and Richard’s actions, were to help Chandler’s story and create real tension to show Monica and Chandler’s love for each other. It managed to do this and created a beautiful proposal scene to end the season, but in doing so, Friends completely ruined Richard’s character.