- In the years since “Friends” aired its series finale, a lot of criticism has been directed at the character of Ross Geller, played by David Schwimmer.
- Comedian Emily Heller posits that the only reason the friends stuck with Ross after his divorce from Carol was that he was Monica’s brother.
- Heller’s theory caused some controversy on Twitter.
Ever since “Friends” ended its 10-year run in 2004, much criticism has been levied against the beloved sitcom’s plot holes, occasionally offensive storylines, and, yes, even the shortcomings of some of its main characters.
Probably no other character has received as much backlash after the fact as Ross Geller, played by David Schwimmer. Ross has been called many things over the years — selfish, judgmental, whiny, possessive, controlling, melodramatic, sexist, jealous — you get the idea.
Yet despite these problematic qualities, his status as a cherished member of the friend group was never really in question. And comedian Emily Heller thinks she knows why.
Just realized they HAD to make Monica & Ross brother and sister otherwise all the F•R•I•E•N•D•S would have stuck with Carol in the divorce
— Emily Heller (@MrEmilyHeller) May 12, 2018
If you’ll recall, one of the main storylines in the show’s first season centers on Ross’ divorce from his first wife Carol, who cheated on him with (and later left him for) a woman named Susan. In the second episode, Ross learns of Carol’s pregnancy. His ex tells him she’s going to raise the baby with her new partner and that he can be as involved as he wants.
Heller’s theory posits that if Ross hadn’t been related to Monica, the rest of the group would have chosen to remain friends with Carol — widely considered to be more likable than the oft-gloomy paleontologist — over him. Her idea has caused quite the uproar on Twitter, with many of the show’s fans split over whether Ross deserved to have any “Friends” at all.
Some were firmly in Heller’s camp.
I don’t think they were all that friendly with Carol really. Plus Chandler was Ross’s friend and Joey was Chandler’s friend. But I agree that Ross being Monica’s brother is the only reason any of them hang out with him full stop 😂
— Amy (@AmyxJean) May 13, 2018
Exactly! nobody wants to hang out with the sad guy who owns a monkey. Ross sucks.
— Jake Lewis (@hereisjake) May 12, 2018
Others were proud members of the “We love Ross” group.
Exactly! To the OP and everyone else who thinks that Ross didn’t really belong, I’ll leave you with this thought: pic.twitter.com/s1X4h8K6lr
— Shahed Chowdhuri @ Microsoft (@shahedC) May 13, 2018
when the internet attacks ross and you realize you’re the only one who likes him pic.twitter.com/tPVMzq5b7W
— April (@ashernisky) May 13, 2018
Noooooo way, for so many reasons but the main thing I’ve taken from this thread is that some people don’t like Ross... didn’t think that was even possible. Phoebe sure, but never Ross ! #teamrosspic.twitter.com/FQ8Q0de94I
— Molly 🦋 (@mllyrss) May 13, 2018
And still others pointed out that without the Geller siblings, there would be no “Friends” to begin with. (The horror!)
They would never even be a group if Ross and Monica weren’t siblings. The only reason Monica knows Chandler is through Ross and the same goes for Ross and Phoebe knowing each other because of being Monica’s roommate
— YoungTut (@DioRando1) May 13, 2018
That's not true.. The whole show is based on them been brother and sister. Or how else would they have all met each other? Get over it
— Daniel (@Stormboat) May 13, 2018
What? It's quite clear the main link between the whole group is that Monica and Ross are brother and sister. There'd be no Friends without Family...
— Donncha O'Fearghail (@dbrianofarrell) May 13, 2018
Though it’s hard to imagine a “Friends” without Ross, what do you think of Heller’s argument?
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