Stub: Random Scribbling #3546

 FRIENDS S8E5 TOW Rachel's Date

Analysis of the significance of the last scene (and possible foreshadowing)

In the very last scene of this episode, we see Ross consoling Rachel who's depressed from a failed date. He does manage to cheer her up, not wholly, but at least so much so that the transition in the overall atmosphere from gloomy to wry is evident. Following this, he offers her coffee, which she politely declines, and Ross proceeds to bid her goodbye. A couple of instants later, Rachel decides against her previous decision and follows Ross to the coffeehouse.

Meanwhile, Ross enters the coffeehouse and sees Mona there , who mildly flirts with him, hinting at a coffee date. As Ross proceeds to buy coffee, Rachel appears at the door of the coffeehouse,  notices their interaction, pauses for an instant, and leaves unnoticed by either of the other two.

The pause and the expressions on Rachel's face are very significant. They are highly indicative of the fact that although they are having a child together, they are at very different places in their relationship. In fact, one could argue that they are in fact bonding over their insecurities, about future family life and pregnancy, rather than sharing romantic feelings otherwise.

This fact is possibly foreshadowed by Phoebe's line to the same effect while giving the reason for dumping Tim. Her line was a lame excuse in the case of her own fleeting, short-lived, and largely casual relationship, but it foreshadowed the relationship status of the more central duo.

Also of note is the point that although there was seen what may perhaps be interpreted as a tinge of disappointment on Rachel's face upon seeing Ross with Mona, it is much more likely that the source was not her romantic interest in Ross (which is largely implied to be non-existent at that point of time) but rather due to some sort of subconscious gnawing which probably unwittingly led her to seek a conventional familial configuration in the twilight of her pregnancy.