Friends season 5 episode 21 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Chandler struggles with using endearing nicknames for Monica, while Gary plans to ask Phoebe to move in together, a fact accidentally revealed to Phoebe by Rachel. Meanwhile, Joey and Ross engage in a marathon ball-throwing game. Rachel buys an expensive, aggressive hairless cat. Despite reservations, Phoebe agrees to move in with Gary but breaks up with him after he shoots a bird. The long-running ball game ends when Phoebe accidentally drops the ball.

Full Episode S05E21 Recap

### Scene 1: Coffee and Teasing - Chandler attempts to use endearing nicknames with Monica, but they agree it doesn't suit him. - Gary discusses with Chandler his plans to ask Phoebe to move in with him, but Chandler is sworn to secrecy. ### Scene 2: Monica's Apartment - Monica and Rachel discuss movie plans. - Rachel accidentally reveals to Phoebe that Gary plans to ask her to move in. - Phoebe expresses concerns about the relationship moving too fast. ### Scene 3: Chandler's Commitment Advice - Chandler tries to talk Gary out of asking Phoebe to move in, citing his own fear of commitment. - Gary, however, is excited about the idea, challenging Chandler's views on relationships. ### Scene 4: The Ball Game - Joey and Ross engage in a game, throwing a ball back and forth without dropping it. - Their game continues for hours, causing them to miss meals and other activities. ### Scene 5: Rachel's New Cat - Rachel buys a hairless cat, Mrs. Whiskerson, despite its high cost and unusual appearance. - The cat is aggressive and not as friendly as Rachel hoped. ### Scene 6: Phoebe's Dilemma - Phoebe struggles with how to respond to Gary's impending proposal to move in together. - Chandler, trying to assist, ends up being less helpful than expected. ### Scene 7: The Ball Game Continues - Ross and Joey's ball game reaches an impressive duration, but is threatened when Ross needs to use the bathroom. ### Scene 8: Chandler's Failed Intervention - Chandler attempts to dissuade Gary from moving in with Phoebe but ends up encouraging him instead. - Gary's romantic perspective influences Chandler to reconsider his own views. ### Scene 9: Phoebe's Reluctant Acceptance - Gary asks Phoebe to move in, and despite her reservations, she agrees, worried about hurting his feelings. ### Scene 10: The Ball Game's Endurance - The ball game with Joey, Ross, and Monica reaches a ten-hour mark, with the participants growing increasingly fatigued. ### Scene 11: Rachel's Cat Problem - Rachel tries to return the cat but is offered only store credit. - She eventually sells the cat at a profit, much to her friends' surprise. ### Scene 12: Phoebe's Shocking Discovery - Phoebe breaks up with Gary after he shoots a bird, ending their brief cohabitation plans. - The group's ball game finally ends when Phoebe accidentally drops the ball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Chandler struggle with using pet names for Monica?

He finds it awkward and recalls a previous incident where it didn't work out.

What significant decision does Gary plan to make regarding Phoebe?

He plans to ask Phoebe to move in with him.

How does Rachel inadvertently reveal Gary's plan to Phoebe?

She accidentally mentions it while discussing their movie plans.

What game do Ross and Joey play for an extended period?

They play a game of throwing a ball back and forth without dropping it.

What is unique about Rachel's new cat?

It is a hairless, purebred, show-quality sphinx cat.

Why is Phoebe hesitant about moving in with Gary?

She feels that their relationship is moving too fast.

How does Chandler's conversation with Gary about moving in with Phoebe end?

Chandler ends up encouraging Gary to move in with Phoebe, contrary to his initial intention.

What problem does Rachel encounter with her new cat?

The cat is aggressive and scratches her, not behaving as she expected.

How does the ball game with Joey, Ross, and Monica end?

It ends when Phoebe accidentally drops the ball after a marathon session.

Why does Phoebe break up with Gary?

She breaks up with him after he shoots a bird, which she finds unacceptable.

Friends season 5 episode 21

The One with the Ball