You can divide this season into three parts: Episodes 1-7 chronicle Rachel developing feelings for Ross, who currently has his own girlfriend. Episodes 8-14 are about Ross and Rachel reeling from a falling out and how they finally start their relationship. The rest of the season gives some of the other characters a focus now that Ross and Rachel are finally dating.
This season is probably the peak of Ross and Rachel's will-they-won't-they storyline. The push and pull of it all is genuinely compelling, and their first kiss is immensely rewarding. It's frankly really impressive just how engaging Ross and Rachel are as a couple (especially since they're not really the best for each other). Maybe it's the actor's chemistry or the endearing writing or both, but I can't help but be hooked whenever the two are on screen together. Joey has a storyline about getting a massive role in a soap opera only to be killed off soon after, resulting in some of the funniest episodes in the season. Chandler is dealing with his fear of being alone, which gets even worse when combined with Joey's storyline. Phoebe is trying to find the rest of her family, and Monica enters her closest relationship yet with a family friend named Richard. From this description alone, you can tell all of the other characters have a lot more to do, and all of their storylines are satisfying resolved by the end of the season.
The humor is also a lot more strong as well, especially the episodes that lean on Joey and Chandler's adorable yet hilarious dynamic. My favorite lineup of episodes this season is the arc where Joey moves out and Chandler gets a new, albeit insane, roommate named Eddie. It's absolutely hysterical to watch Chandler try to deal with Eddie's almost cartoonish antics, and perfectly exemplifies what it's like to have a roommate who just doesn't gel with you at all. This season is also notable for having one of the first gay weddings on television with TOW The Lesbian Wedding.
Here's some of the most notable episodes of the season:
The One With Ross's New Girlfriend: Season 2 hits the ground running with a hilarious premiere that sees Rachel go full-salt when dealing with Ross's new girlfriend Julie. Her bitterness is a joy to watch and Jennifer Aniston is hilarious in the role. Not to mention the subplot about Joey's tailor, resulting in one of Chandler's greatest rants.
The One Where Ross Finds Out: Ross and Rachel kiss! Seeing the chain of events that results in Ross learning about Rachel's feelings for him is a lot of fun, along with the climactic final scene that shows Ross and Rachel kissing at the entrance of Central Perk. It's romantic, beautiful, and most importantly, satisfying.
The One With The Prom Video: After six episodes of not being sure whether or not they actually want to start dating, Ross and Rachel are finally drawn together after seeing a prom video that shows just how much Ross cares about Rachel. Said video manages to be funny, heartwarming, and devastating all at the same time, resulting in one of Friends's most iconic moments.
The One Where Eddie Won't Go: The aforementioned Eddie arc reaches its culmination here, resulting in one of the show's funniest episodes. Just when you think Eddie couldn't get more bizarre, he makes sure to prove you wrong, and Chandler's reactions are always hilarious. And of course, seeing Joey and Chandler reunite is just adorable.
The One With Barry And Mindy's Wedding: I've heard many people claim this finale was uneventful, but I don't agree. The titular wedding does a great job of allowing Rachel to show just how much she's grown throughout these first two seasons, and Monica and Chandler both get dramatic resolutions to their story arcs. Monica's breakup with Richard is devastating, and Chandler settling for Janice is both sad and hints at a ton of hilarity in Season 3.
Overall, Season 2 was a really strong season for Friends and the start of the show at the height of its power. The pacing is a lot better, the writing is sharper, and the characters get more to do, even if the season does feel a bit aimless once Ross and Rachel get together.
4/5 Stars
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