On Valentine’s Day, only the male friends have secured dates. Following a humorous conversation about a recommended egg dish, Ross, seeking companionship after his divorce, goes on a date with the refined Kristen. Unexpectedly, Carol, Ross’s ex-wife, and her partner Susan also arrive at the same restaurant. When Susan is called away for work, Ross invites Carol to join him and Kristen. However, their conversation becomes uncomfortably personal.
Meanwhile, Joey convinces Chandler to accompany him to a restaurant as a favor to his date, the attractive Lorraine, who requested a double date. To Chandler’s surprise, Lorraine’s companion turns out to be his ex-girlfriend Janice. After Joey and Lorraine leave early, Chandler and Janice indulge in champagne using Chandler’s credit card, leading to an unexpected morning-after scenario.
As for the dateless women, they follow Phoebe’s suggestion to perform a cleansing ritual involving burning keepsakes from past romantic interests. However, when they burn Paolo’s grappa, the high alcohol content creates a lively situation that requires the intervention of three handsome firemen.
Did you know ?!
This episode is included on the 2001 DVD release The Best of Friends Volume 3.
At the beginning of the series, Monica and Rachel’s apartment number is 5, and Chandler and Joey’s is 4. The apartment numbers were permanently changed and in this episode, Monica and Rachel’s apartment number is 20, while Chandler and Joey’s is 19. This was done to better fit the exterior of the building in New York City that was used to depict their apartment, which was several floors up, as apartments 4 and 5 could not be that high in the building.
Rachel’s Reservation: When Rachel tries to make a reservation at a fancy restaurant, she uses the name “Holden McGroin,” which is a play on the phrase “holdin’ my groin.”
Janice’s Laugh: Janice’s distinctive laugh was actually based on a real-life laugh of one of the show’s creators, Marta Kauffman.
Ross’s Date: Ross’s date, Kristen, is played by actress Rebecca Staab, who later appeared in a different role in Season 2 as a woman who mistakes Joey and Chandler for a couple.
Firemen’s Appearance: The firemen who appear at the end of the episode were not actors but real New York City firefighters. They were not initially told they were going to be on a TV show, adding to the surprise of the scene.
Chandler’s Boxer Shorts: When Chandler wakes up next to Janice, he is wearing boxer shorts with ducks on them. This detail becomes a running gag throughout the series, with the ducks appearing on various items of clothing Chandler owns.
These are just a few fun facts about this episode!
