In the finale of ‘Friends‘, titled ‘The Last One’, Joey Tribbiani stands single in the famous purple apartment, among his married or committed friends.
Although Joey was involved in a series of relationships, the creators’ decision to keep Matt LeBlanc‘s character single seemed natural. Moreover, ‘The Last One’ is regarded as one of the most satisfying ends of a long-running sitcom.
However, keeping Joey single was not merely to keep the plot true and diverse. Staunch fans of ‘Friends’ will know that Joey eventually finds his partner. The creators, David Crane and Marta Kauffman used this open thread to web a spin-off of the beloved series, ‘Joey‘. As the title suggests, the storyline revolves around Joey Tribbiani who is adjusting to life in Hollywood after his friends have settled down and finds his romantic interest, Alex Garrett.
Soon after ‘Friends’ ended, ‘Joey’ aired in 2004. Joey moves to Hollywood in an attempt to become a successful actor. He meets with his landlady and neighbor, Alex Garrett. Andrea Anders plays the character of Alex. She is an educated lawyer yet slightly silly and married! She too is riled by the amorous charms of Joey Tribbiani. Initially, she is intimidated by Gina, one of Joey’s seven sisters. However, Gina warms up to Alex over an unfailing session of girl makeover.
Alex’s husband was a musician and stayed away from home most of the year. Hence, Alex finds comfort in the Tribbiani household. Joey, as the true friend he is, helps Alex when her marriage goes sour by the end of season one. And Alex realizes she has feelings for Joey. In season two, Gina resolves to help Alex get over her crush on Joey. But when he sees Alex on a date with his friend, Joey too admits his affection for Alex.
If one thinks, the six friends could have easily paired off with each other making the plot neat and simple. However, David Crane and Marta Kauffman were against this idea saying, “It all would have been too tidy and too complete.” After all, the series is called ‘Friends’ not ‘Love Island’. Matt’s character was not meant to end up with any of his friends. Crane and Marta proved it with Joey and Rachel’s awkward romantic venture.
Even Matt disliked the idea of Joey and Rachel together. “It’s wrong. It’s like I want to be with my sister,” Crane related Matt’s reaction. Not only did Joey’s single status in the finale provide a scope for spin-off but also it remained true to his nature.
