The group of friends is gearing up for the festive season. Rachel remains upset with Ross. Meanwhile, Phoebe makes a startling discovery: her mother deceived her by presenting a picture of a model as her father. Seeking the truth, Phoebe visits her grandmother, who reveals that her real father is a pharmacist, not the revered tree surgeon in Burma as she had been led to believe. Phoebe’s grandmother provides her with a photograph of her actual father.
In an attempt to lift Rachel’s spirits, Ross suggests she create a list about him. Although the list helps Rachel feel better, Ross becomes obsessive, striving to disprove each point. Chandler and Joey accompany Phoebe as she meets her father for the first time. Meanwhile, Rachel and Monica host a Christmas party. Despite her curiosity, Phoebe decides not to meet her father, fearing disappointment.
Did you know?!
• Since James Michael Tyler (Gunther) was the only actor who knew how to work a cappuccino machine, he became a series regular. He was an actual barista when hired. When he began to appear in more episodes, he quit to work full time on the show.
• Gunther, who was planned to be a silent cast member, has his first line in this episode.
• The only appearance of Phoebe’s grandmother.
• First proper Christmas episode of the series
• In previous episodes, there are references to the show Three’s Company (1976). Audra Lindley played who plays Phoebe’s Grandmother, played Helen Roper in the previous show.
• The photo of Phoebe’s grandpa is actually a photo of Albert Einstein.
• When Phoebe greets her Grandmother she says “if that’s really your name”. In The One at the Beach (1997) Phoebe meets her biological mother, meaning that she really isn’t her real Grandmother.
• Jake Weber (Dawn of the Dead, 2004) appears as an extra at the party. Monica bumps him out of the fridge because it’s her “turn” to cool off.
