Back in the 90's, Ross was the romantic heartthrob of the sitcom world. He was followed by lovable characters such as Jim Halpert and Ted Mosby, all of whom embody the dreamy/idealistic and sweet guy of our dreams. His relationship with Jennifer Aniston's Rachel Green is iconic. However, in the age of television streaming and binge-watching, many have noticed something that was missed during the original airing of "Friends": Ross is actually the worst. I'm not the first to notice this; Buzzfeed, Ranker, and HerCampus have all published articles detailing their hatred of him. Here is my list of the absolute worst Ross Geller moments:
1. The One Where Ross Is Unbelievably Sexist
Does anyone remember the male nanny that Ross and Rachel almost hired to care for Emma? Forget that he was kind, responsible, and good with the baby-- the fact that he's male immediately makes him unsuited to work a job that is "traditionally" female.
2. The One With The (Cringe-Worthy) Unagi
The "Unagi" episode is renown for how creepy one particular scene is. Without the laugh track, Ross's dialogue with the instructor in this scene sounds like something a serial rapist would say. Not only that, but Ross refuses to trust Rachel and Phoebe to properly learn how to protect themselves. Perhaps that relates back to point one?
3. The One Where He Dates His 20-Year-Old Student
This is one place of many where comparisons can be drawn between Friends' Ross Geller and "How I Met Your Mother's," Ted Mosby. Ted also dates a student in the show, but one thing that is different between Ted and Ross is that Cindy, while a student at Columbia, is not actually Ted's student. Elizabeth is Ross's student. Ted also dates a 20-year-old, but he is not an authority figure to her. Ross is creepy on both levels.
4. The One Where He Hits On His Cousin
Ew? Just... ew?
5. The One Where Ross Refuses to Communicate
Ross and Mona's relationship is one that goes on far too long, especially considering how poorly he treats her. Mostly due to a lack of communication. He refuses to talk about the Christmas Card, the key, and Rachel. Maybe if Ross learned how to communicate like an adult, he would not be chasing after Rachel at the end (for the millionth time).
6. The One Where He Tortures an Old Man (To Get With His Daughter)
Does everyone forget about this? Ross seizes on the opportunity to massage one of Phoebe's clients, who he perceives to be a hot woman. Instead, as soon as he claims to be a masseuse as well, the woman steps aside to reveal that her father is actually the one in need of relaxation. Instead of laughing it off and saying he was joking, he goes through with the massage!
7. The One Where He Lies About Getting an Annulment
I'm pretty sure it's illegal to be married to someone without them knowing. If it isn't, it should be. And, seriously, how sh*tty was it for Ross to lie to Rachel so blatantly about their marriage? Geez, Ross, communication!
8. The One With: "We Were On a Break!"
Every time Ross goes on and on about being on a break, my inner (and often outer) monologue is all like:
Seriously, Ross. Even if you were "on a break", you didn't clarify that you wanted to see other people. If you really still loved her, you wouldn't have sought comfort in the arms of another woman. Afterwards, when she makes it clear she wants to get back together, you could do the smart thing and take the blame, but NO.
9.The One Where He Kisses Monica
This might be the worst one on the list. Not only did Ross kiss his sister, he thought he was making moves on a drunk, semi-conscious Rachel. Yes, the fact that it was Monica is super icky, but what's creepier is the intention behind his initial actions. Who kisses girls when they can't verbally consent/express their discomfort? Ross, you're seriously messed up.
Sorry, Ross fans: he's one of the worst male characters in sitcom history.