What is the plot?

The episode begins with the group of friends--Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey, and Phoebe--gathered in Monica's apartment. They are excitedly discussing their plans for Thanksgiving. Monica is particularly enthusiastic about the holiday and has prepared a feast. However, the mood shifts when they realize that they have no turkey to eat. Monica is determined to make the holiday special, and she insists that they must have a turkey.

As the group discusses their plans, Ross reveals that he has a special tradition of watching the Underdog balloon in the Thanksgiving Day parade. He expresses his disappointment that he won't be able to see it this year because he has to work. The others try to convince him to take a break and join them for the parade, but Ross is adamant about his responsibilities.

Meanwhile, Monica is busy preparing for the Thanksgiving dinner, and she is frustrated when she learns that the turkey she ordered has not arrived. She decides to go out and buy a turkey herself. As she leaves, the rest of the group continues to talk about their plans for the day. Joey and Chandler are particularly excited about the prospect of watching the parade and eating a lot of food.

While Monica is out, the group receives a call from Ross, who is still at work. He is upset because he has just learned that the Underdog balloon has escaped from the parade. The friends are shocked and concerned, and they quickly decide to head out to see if they can catch a glimpse of the balloon. They leave Monica's apartment and head to the streets to find the Underdog balloon.

As they make their way through the city, they encounter various obstacles, including crowds of people and traffic. The group is determined to find the balloon, and their excitement builds as they get closer to the parade route. They finally spot the Underdog balloon floating away, and they rush to catch up with it.

In a comedic turn of events, the group finds themselves in a series of mishaps as they try to chase the balloon. They run through the streets, dodging pedestrians and cars, and their antics draw the attention of onlookers. Ross is particularly animated, expressing his frustration at missing the balloon and his desire to see it up close.

Meanwhile, Monica is at the grocery store, where she is struggling to find a turkey. She is determined to make the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, but her efforts are thwarted when she discovers that the store is out of turkeys. She becomes increasingly frustrated and desperate, trying to find an alternative for the meal.

Back with the rest of the group, they finally manage to catch up to the Underdog balloon, but it is stuck in a tree. The friends work together to try to free the balloon, but their attempts are comically ineffective. They end up causing more chaos, and the situation escalates as they attract the attention of the police.

As the chaos unfolds, Monica returns home, empty-handed and defeated. She is upset that she couldn't find a turkey and feels that her Thanksgiving plans are ruined. When she arrives, she finds the rest of the group still trying to deal with the balloon situation. They explain what happened, and Monica is both amused and frustrated by their antics.

In the end, the group gathers together in Monica's apartment, despite the lack of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. They share a moment of camaraderie, reflecting on the day's events and their friendship. The episode concludes with the friends enjoying each other's company, emphasizing the importance of being together, even when things don't go as planned.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "The One Where Underdog Gets Away," the group of friends is left disappointed after their plans to watch the Underdog balloon at the Thanksgiving Day parade are thwarted. They end up at Monica's apartment, where they share a heartfelt moment, realizing the importance of being together despite the mishaps. Ross, still reeling from his recent divorce, is comforted by the group, and they all find solace in each other's company.

As the episode concludes, the friends gather around the table, sharing food and laughter, emphasizing the theme of friendship and support. The episode ends with a sense of warmth and camaraderie, highlighting that even when things don't go as planned, the bonds they share are what truly matter.


As the episode unfolds, the scene begins with Monica excitedly preparing for Thanksgiving. She is determined to host a perfect holiday dinner, and her enthusiasm is palpable. The friends gather in her apartment, each bringing their own quirks and personalities into the mix. Ross, still grappling with the emotional fallout of his divorce from Carol, is particularly sensitive and vulnerable. His friends rally around him, trying to lift his spirits.

The anticipation builds as they plan to watch the Underdog balloon at the Thanksgiving Day parade. Monica is especially eager, having made elaborate preparations for the event. However, their plans take a turn when they discover that the Underdog balloon has escaped, leading to a series of comedic yet frustrating moments. The group is left feeling deflated, their excitement dashed.

In the next scene, the friends gather in Monica's apartment, where the atmosphere shifts from disappointment to camaraderie. They sit around the table, sharing the Thanksgiving meal that Monica has prepared. The food is a mix of traditional dishes and Monica's unique culinary creations, showcasing her dedication to making the day special. As they eat, the conversation flows, filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, which helps to ease the tension from earlier.

Ross, feeling the weight of his recent divorce, is comforted by the presence of his friends. They engage in playful teasing, which serves to uplift his spirits. Monica, ever the caring friend, ensures that Ross feels included and supported, demonstrating her nurturing nature. The group reflects on their own Thanksgiving experiences, sharing stories that reveal their individual backgrounds and family dynamics.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the friends find themselves in a moment of collective gratitude. They realize that despite the chaos and the failed plans, the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in their friendship and the support they provide each other. The camera captures their smiles and laughter, emphasizing the warmth of their bond.

The final scene encapsulates the spirit of the episode. The friends, now fully engaged in each other's company, share a toast to friendship. The laughter echoes in the apartment, and the sense of belonging is palpable. Each character, from Monica's determination to create a perfect holiday to Ross's journey of healing, finds solace in the shared experience. The episode closes with a heartwarming reminder that even when things go awry, the love and support of friends can make any situation better.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "The One Where Underdog Gets Away," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main storyline and character interactions throughout the episode, which centers around the gang's plans for Thanksgiving and the unexpected events that unfold.

What happens to the Underdog balloon during the Thanksgiving parade?

During the Thanksgiving parade, the Underdog balloon gets loose and floats away, causing panic among the friends who were excited to see it.

How do the friends plan to spend their Thanksgiving together?

The friends plan to spend Thanksgiving together at Monica's apartment, where they intend to watch the Thanksgiving Day parade and enjoy a meal.

What is Ross's emotional state regarding his first Thanksgiving after his divorce?

Ross is feeling particularly down and lonely about his first Thanksgiving since his divorce from Carol, which adds to the overall tension of the holiday.

What does Monica prepare for Thanksgiving dinner, and how does it go?

Monica prepares a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but it goes awry when she accidentally burns the turkey, leading to a frantic search for a replacement meal.

How does Joey's storyline contribute to the Thanksgiving theme?

Joey's storyline involves him trying to impress a woman by pretending to be a chef, which leads to humorous situations as he struggles to cook and help with the Thanksgiving meal.

Is this family friendly?

"The One Where Underdog Gets Away" from Friends, season 1, is generally considered family-friendly, but there are a few elements that might be objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Mild Language: There are instances of mild swearing and casual adult language that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

  2. Relationship Dynamics: The episode explores themes of romantic relationships and breakups, which might be confusing or upsetting for younger viewers.

  3. Emotional Moments: Characters experience feelings of disappointment and frustration, particularly related to their plans and expectations, which could resonate emotionally with sensitive viewers.

  4. Humor about Failure: Some jokes revolve around failure and mishaps, which might not be appropriate for all children, depending on their sensitivity to such themes.

Overall, while the episode contains humor and relatable situations, parents may want to consider these aspects when deciding if it's suitable for their children.