The ‘Friends‘ series finale was iconic, but some air of disappointment failed to leave the fans of Rachel Green. After ten seasons of emotional growth and independence, the finale neutralized her growth by retrofitting her narrative arc into a cliched romantic reunion. Did Rachel’s ending fulfill her evolution or demote her to a pedestrian?
‘Friends’ Finale Undermined Rachel’s Independence
The whole story revolves around Rachel, beginning with her running away from Central Park, is one of discovering her true self. Rachel develops from being a pampered paragon of dependence to having a great fashion career. Episodes such as “The One Where Rachel Quits” and “The One with Rachel’s Inadvertent Kiss” show her desire to succeed on her own terms. However, she sacrificed a job offer in Paris which was meant to be the blossoming peak of all her dreams for Ross in the finale.
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Even if romance serves as an invaluable commentary in a sitcom’s ending, Rachel’s end wasn’t working the right way. After all, a career in Paris represented all that her professional life was important to her. Alas, life and career were finally made secondary in the final telling, rendering all her painstakingly hard-won goals purposeless.
This just perpetuates a tired conventionality that you must sacrifice your career in the interest of love.
Missed Opportunities For A Progressive Ending
Deeming such ideas ordinary, an equally adult closing was within the writers’ reach; it could balance Rachel’s personal and professional satisfaction. Pursuing her career with a long-distance relationship with Ross could have allowed “Friends” to get an ending in line with modern times. This alternative would recognize that relationships and careers can breathe in the same sphere and function hand in hand.
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Yet, Rachel opting to stay for Ross was even more unfair. Throughout much of the series, it was implied that Ross was a constant thorn in her side, from jealousy to lack of support for her career. The finale swept all those complexities aside for a reunion that felt like a fairy-tale ending and unearned.
Rachel Green should have had better. She had known resilience and individuality in her character development in “Friends,” yet her ending treatment seemed like two steps back. The series finale honored the romance instead of the independence. Rachel Green should have stood as an anthem to contemporary audiences. However sweet the reunion was, there were hauntingly what-ifs left behind.
