Friends is both nostalgic for those who grew up with the series and a soothing source of entertainment for viewers just getting used to the series. Arguably one of the best television shows of all time, Friends took television by storm in 1994 when the world was introduced to Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Monica Geller (Courtney Cox), and Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry). The concept is realistic: the six friends are simply getting by in New York City, with the usual pressures that life throws at anyone. As the series progresses, the main characters’ personalities emerge and they become people familiar to the audience. From Phoebe’s wonderful quirks to Monica’s endearing organizational skills, each trait is an important part of what makes the characters unique and fascinating. One of the main threads was the relationship between Ross and Rachel. The question of whether or not they would end up together remained throughout all the seasons, with moments that made it seem like they were meant for each other.

Early in the series, when Rachel re-enters Monica’s life after leaving her husband, Ross is overcome with romantic feelings for his high school crush on his sister’s best friend. Rachel knew how Ross felt, and she didn’t mind the two getting together. It took a while, but the couple eventually got together. And then they broke up. And then they got back together, and so on. Oddly enough, their story never got boring. The characters were so brilliantly played that it’s like watching two of your own friends go through a torturous romance. During their “off again” phases, Ross and Rachel each had other relationships. Rachel dated Joshua and even Joey, though neither of their relationships went very far. However, Ross got engaged to and married Emily, though the wedding didn’t go according to plan. Through a major mistake on Ross’ part, he put their relationship in jeopardy. While the episode and the scene in question are truly unforgettable, fans may not know how Ross’ mistake became part of the story.

David Schwimmer said the wrong name in an outtake

Rachel did not want to go to Ross and Emily’s wedding, which was held in London. She found the prospect of attending his wedding too difficult and declined the invitation, much to Ross’ disappointment. However, Rachel suddenly realised that she wanted to tell Ross that she loved him before he got married and flew to London in the hope of disrupting the ceremony. When she got there and saw that everything was set up for the big day, she couldn’t bring herself to ruin it and simply told Ross that she wanted to say “congratulations”. The ceremony took place, but when it was time for Ross to say his vows, he got a little confused. Instead of saying Emily’s name, he said, “I, Ross, take you, Rachel.” Not only was it brilliantly written, which proved exactly why Friends has a well-deserved place among the best shows of the ’90s, but it was also completely unexpected. The most interesting part of the scene is learning how it got into the script. As it turns out, Schwimmer did indeed say the wrong name, but on a different recording. As reported in The Sun, Schwimmer was supposed to say, “The taxi is waiting downstairs, Emily,” but instead he came in and said, “The taxi is waiting for Rachel.”

Up until that point, the writers weren’t sure what was supposed to happen in the episode where Ross and Emily get married. But after seeing Schwimmer say the wrong name, they had the revelation that this was supposed to happen in the episode. Thus, “I, Ross, Take You, Emily” was born, and thank goodness it did. The unpredictable moment shocked audiences. It was heartbreaking to see Rachel watch the man she loved marry, and some viewers hoped she would say what she really felt. For most, the thought of Ross saying the wrong name never crossed their minds. Ross tried to portray it as a genuine mistake that only happened because he had just seen Rachel, but Rachel hoped it was a sign that he really still loved her. If Rachel had confessed her love to Ross in the middle of the ceremony, it would have been a little predictable and disappointing. In reality, Friends Form, the audience was offered a spectacular plot that will remain in their memory.

Ross’ mistake changed the course of his love life

This time, too, Ross and Rachel’s relationship was not a done deal. The audience (and all the other characters) had to think hard about why Ross said Rachel’s name and not Emily’s. Understandably, Emily was devastated and also knew about their shared past. Ross tried his best to save their marriage, which seemed possible for a while. Emily had some demands for Ross to fulfill, including that he move to another apartment and stop spending time with Rachel. One night, when the six friends were going to have dinner together (even though Rachel knew Emily wouldn’t be happy if she knew she was going to have dinner too), Emily called Monica’s apartment and spoke to Ross, finding out that Rachel was there too. Emily was angry and Ross explained that there was nothing to worry about. Emily said she would be better off living together and she could always know where Ross was, which Ross disagreed with. Realizing that she didn’t trust Ross enough anymore, she ended their relationship.

Ross was deeply upset by his divorce yet again. If he hadn’t given the wrong name at their wedding, maybe Emily wouldn’t have been so worried about Ross’ friendship with Rachel and maybe they could all have lived in harmony. Ross’ love life was always complicated. He never seemed to get everything right or be with someone who was right for him. Once again, his mistake changed the course of his relationship, which was on its way to being the second greatest relationship he’d ever had. That being said, Ross and Emily’s split made way for the possibility of Ross and Rachel getting back together. It wasn’t right away, but now that Emily was out of the way, viewers were left to ponder whether Ross and Rachel would or should become a couple again. Had Ross stayed married to Emily, the Ross and Rachel saga would likely have died down. But then again, what would have been Friends would be complete without the will-they, won’t-they romance between two of their favorite characters that audiences just couldn’t get enough of.

Emily was made a villain, but not everyone believes she was in the wrong

Emily was portrayed as a villain. She came across as quite controlling and overbearing, especially after she married Ross. The audience wanted Ross and Rachel to be together, and Emily stood in the way of that. However, upon closer inspection, Emily actually didn’t do much wrong. Was it really surprising that she didn’t want Ross to be around Rachel, since he had said her name at their wedding ceremony? In fact, it was Rachel who introduced Emily and Ross to each other. Rachel was supposed to take her to the theater, since she was the niece of Rachel’s boss. Instead, Rachel wanted to date someone else and convinced Ross to take her. Unexpectedly, they both got along well. Therefore, Rachel shouldn’t have tried to come between them at their wedding, especially since she was the reason they got together in the first place. Rachel ultimately did the right thing by keeping her feelings to herself, and Ross was largely to blame.

Emily was also willing to give up her life in London for Ross. She would say goodbye to her family and her familiar home just so Ross wouldn’t have to move his entire life to another country. These sacrifices fell under the radar and weren’t accounted for. It might have seemed a bit too much to ask that Ross would never see Rachel, but it was Ross’s fault, not Emily’s. Ross had been allowed to invite Rachel to the wedding. The real problems came after the ceremony. To please Ross, he tried to make amends, but it just didn’t work. No matter what you thought of Emily’s personality, she tried to give Ross the life he needed and didn’t make Ross doubt her loyalty. Whether viewers think Emily is the villain or not, the Ross and Emily storyline was essential to the development of the entire series. Friends plot and provided fantastic entertainment.