The One Where Rachel Goes Back to Work

Thursday, 9 January 2003

Rachel cuts her maternity leave short to stop a colleague named Gavin from keeping her job, Chandler starts over in advertising, and Phoebe works as an extra on Joey's soap.

What happens

• Chandler tells Monica he has no idea what to do now that he is out of work, and Monica offers to research careers for him.
• Phoebe admits she is short of money, and Joey gets her paid work as an extra on his show.
• Chandler picks advertising from the first of Monica's folders, and Monica arranges a meeting with an executive she grew up with.
• Rachel goes to collect things from her office and finds Gavin sitting at her desk, having taken over her job.
• The advertising executive offers Chandler a position, but it is an unpaid internship.
• After Mr. Zelner praises Gavin's work, Rachel announces that her leave is over and she is back at work that same day.
• With Phoebe about to be fired for ruining takes, Joey talks her into thinking of herself as the nurse she is playing, and she gets through the scene.
• Chandler confesses to Monica that he faked his part the night before, because a new career means he wants to postpone the baby.
• With ten minutes' notice on the presentation and no childcare, Gavin offers to look after Emma so that Rachel can present.
• Monica argues that no time will ever be the right time, and Chandler agrees to try for a baby now.