Friends (TV Series) The One with the Birth Mother (2004) User Reviews

Proof that it never went downhill

[micro_hendy · 8/10 · 27 July 2008]

If the fact that they managed three strong story-lines interlinking doesn't impress you, then the smart jokes, great writing and - last but by no means least - Chandler's speech most certainly will. Never before or after has a sitcom brought me so close to tears.

Despite Monica and Phoebe being quite annoying during the episode, the rest of the cast played their parts perfectly, including those outside the group of six. Though Rachel's part was the definitely smallest, she pulled off her part beautifully. The introduction of new character was a nice touch as it was apparent from the end of the episode that Erika would be with the group for a few more episodes. In conclusion, this was a great episode and the makers should be proud of it, despite what people say about "Friends" going downhill towards the end.

Monica and Chandler go to Ohio!

[Lady_Targaryen · 7/10 · 7 May 2009]

Monica and Chandler are going to Ohio to the adoption interview, and they meet Erica, the lady who is pregnant. Erica said that she liked their application, but she thinks that Monica is a reverend and Chandler is a doctor. Monica wants to adopt this baby whatever it takes, but Chandler thinks it is wrong to lie to Erica.

Joey set up a date with Phoebe's friend, Sarah. Phoebe didn't like the idea of introducing them, since Joey always slept with her friends and never called them back, but Joey promises that Sarah will be different. Joey enjoys Sarah company, but he gets irritated when Sarah takes his food from his plate, since ''Joey doesn't share food''.

Ross wants to look cool for Joan, a woman he has a date. She works for Hugo Boss and already said that didn't like Ross' way of dress, so Phoebe invites him to go with her and Rachel to shop. Rachel helps Ross to buy some new clothes, but she took one of Ross' bags by mistake, making him wear a woman's shirt she bought for herself.

The episode that truly makes Chandler stand out.

[jerryshiung · 10/10 · 31 March 2019]

Chandler has always the most caring one among Friends but his image is more sarcastic than caring. This episode is showing Chandler's love for Monica and his thoughtful considering for the baby's real mother. It is an episode that makes you fall in love with Chandler. Worth a watch closely.

happy tears!!

[manoharaka · 10/10 · 12 December 2020]

I have watched this episode more than a 100 times and ended up crying the same number of times. this has got to be the golden moment of the show.

The One with the Birth Mother

[ComedyFan2010 · 6/10 · 15 September 2011]

Monica is disgusting in this episode. Just like she usually is. Her trying to be a reverend to trick that girl into giving them her baby and not even agreeing with Chandler right away that it is wrong once again shows what a worthless human being she is. Chandler might have made a sweet speech at the end (good job writers), but this in no way can make one be happy that someone like her is happily married and will get a child. Well, Erika seems a little bit of a dumb character so this may explain her decision

Matthew Perry did a great job in this episode. Not just with the speech but also when he realizes Erika's mistake, you can see him struggling and feeling guilt. So well done!

The whole story of Joey doesn't make much sense yet it is the best story of the episode. Him being covered in chocolate cake when his date comes back and saying that he doesn't feel sorry is one of the funniest scenes in the episode

Joey doesn't share food

[studioAT · 5/10 · 20 August 2017]

As he would later be the Creator/Executive Producer of the shows spin-off 'Joey' it was only natural that writer, Scott Silveri, chooses to put Joey in a story on his own away from the rest of the gang, to show audiences that he could work independently. The story line though is a bit silly, and although Matt LeBlanc's charm saves it, the character does seem to flit between smart/dim very quickly. This would be an issue that would occur throughout the previously mentioned spin-off too.

I loved Matthew Perry's speech at the end of the episode to Erica though, and it shows what a good dramatic actor Perry is when given a chance.

Monica's actions throughout were questionable though, as was the fact that Rachel's clothes fit Ross perfectly. On the whole this is a fun episode of the show.

One of the most immature, illogical and impossible episodes across all the series

[zubbus · 4/10 · 22 February 2010]

This episode has (at least) two completely illogical and impossible plot lines.

Rachel offers to help Ross with clothes shopping and Ross accidentally ended up with a bag of Rachel's clothes. And for some reason Rachel's clothes fit ROSS perfectly when he put them on, without even a slight stretch???

"Joey doesn't share food!" was to be something we suddenly discover about him in this episode, despite the fact that this was not true in about 30 previous episodes. And if that was exactly how things were and he didn't share food with babies or his friends or his dates and he didn't hide it, why did he not just tell his date that? Despite the glaring logical failures, however, the episode was not without its share of funny stuff.

80/20 bad to good

[jpapanone · 5/10 · 29 June 2021]

Monica annoying

Joey...eh. Fine enough.

Ross...they could have done something else or more with that story line. Instantly over just like that?

Jim Ohair makes an appearance. Always fun to see him in stuff.

Anna Farris...I'm Still on the fence with her.

She's not toally annoying...but she's also not totally not annoying.

I may have watched 5 minutes of her sitcom Mom...and that was too much.

A typical later episode of Friends. How much stuff are you willing to put up with and suffer with/through in order to get a small payback?

I'd have to give this a 5. You'll chuckle here and there...but gotta put up with the rain to get a little rainbow.

You know what philosopher said that?

Dolly Parton.

And people think she's just a big pair of...