Summary
Ross' comedic appeal on Friends was due to his ability to subject himself to humiliating circumstances, but without the laugh track, his actions come across as off-putting.
Ross' portrayal on the show has caused a split among viewers, who now recognize that he did not live up to the romanticized image of the "nice guy" that was initially presented. The storyline involving "unagi" serves to expose Ross' manipulative and vengeful nature, revealing that despite his harmless façade, he can actually be problematic.
Ross' unsettling traits become apparent in a modified Friends video where the laugh track has been removed. Although the beloved ABC sitcom gave ample screen time to all its characters, some of the most amusing moments arose from David Schwimmer's portrayal of the nerdy and petty Ross. This was partly due to Ross willingly subjecting himself to embarrassing situations, aided by Schwimmer's impeccable comedic timing. One of the most memorable storylines involving Ross revolved around his insistence that "unagi" signifies a "state of total awareness." As Friends approaches its 30th anniversary, some argue that the show has not aged well, an opinion supported by a laugh track-free video from Ruining Media. Take a look at the clip below:
Why Ross Has Become A Divisive Friends Character
The footage showcases Ross going to extreme measures to substantiate his argument about "unagi" to Rachel and Phoebe. Nonetheless, sans the comedic audience reactions, his endeavors appear highly unsettling.
The Central Perk gang is known for their individual qualities, which added depth to the show's storytelling. Their personal journeys were just as captivating as their group adventures, making each character unforgettable. Notably, Ross is often portrayed as the nice guy due to his long-standing affection for Rachel. His romantic nature made him seem harmless, but upon reflection, some of his actions have raised questions, causing a portion of Friends viewers to develop a dislike for Ross.
Ross wasn't necessarily a bad person, but Friends didn't exactly depict him as the ideal character. He had a tendency to be manipulative and vindictive, and his work in academia sometimes made him seem quite oblivious. However, David Schwimmer's exceptional acting and charisma managed to divert attention from these flaws. With the availability of Friends through reruns and streaming platforms, viewers are now able to fully see and understand his true character.
The "unagi" storyline in Friends is an excellent example of how it exposed the truth about Ross. He was determined to prove himself right, regardless of how strange or creepy he appeared. Although the narrative was exaggerated for comedic effect, it still highlighted the problematic aspects of Ross's personality within the sitcom.
Source: @ruiningmedia/TikTok
