Ross and Chandler need to deal with a pair of bullies who have intimidated them out of their favorite spot. Phoebe tries to work up the courage to meet her dad.
Tropes:
- Angry Guard Dog: Albeit smaller than the norm. The dog's persistence and aggressiveness keep Phoebe from knocking on the door and everyone from leaving the cab.
- Does This Remind You of Anything?: Monica begging Rachel for money to buy more stocks looks a lot like someone trying to get money to buy drugs.
- Enemy Mine: Before Chandler and Ross fight Carl and Arthur, all four of them are interrupted by someone stealing their stuff. Both parties decide to go after the thief together.
- Even Evil Has Loved Ones: Before fighting, one of the bullies mentions that he's trying to have a baby with his wife, and so requests no hits below the belt.
- Even the Rats Won't Touch It: Rachel tries to distract the dog by throwing Joey's olive loaf and ham sandwich at it. The dog takes a sniff and backs away from it.Rachel: Joey, the dog will lick himself but he will not touch your sandwich. What does that say?
- Friendship Moment:
- The moment he learns about one of the bullies taking Chandler's hat, Joey immediately offers to take it back for him.
- Joey and Rachel supporting Phoebe, as she struggles with wanting things to be just right when meeting her dad.
- Heel–Face Turn: After their stuff gets stolen along with Ross and Chandler's, the bullies Carl and Arthur make one.
- Mood Whiplash: Phoebe talks about how little family she has and wants things to be just right when meeting her dad, and Joey and Rachel offer her whatever support she needs. Just as the cab pulls out, though, we hear the sound of the dog being hit.
- Not in the Face!: Before the fight Ross asks if they can avoid hitting faces as he has to work on Monday and doesn't want to show up with a black eye. One of the bullies agrees, as he has to show a house to a client. Everyone immediately agrees not to hit faces. They also agree to no below-the-belt hits as the other bully and his wife are trying for a baby and she's currently ovulating.
- Oh, Crap!: The three friends when they realize the dog got hit by the cab.
- Parent Never Came Back from the Store: Frank Sr. went to get groceries four years ago and hasn't been back since.
- Taught by Experience: Why Joey suggested holding pillows while sitting in the backseat of Phoebe's cab. He also brings a sandwich in case she takes a long time to reach the door again.
