Kevin Farrell

While Phoebe and Joey giddily wait at a fancy restaurant for their friends' arrival to celebrate Phoebe's birthday, Rachel is delayed because she is afraid to leave her infant with a baby-sitter. Monica and Chandler also fail to arrive on time after they fight over Chandler's urge to resume smoking--and then yield to other urges. Rachel, Ross, Monica and Chandler continue to encounter delays, and famished Phoebe and Joey must struggle to retain their excellent table at the restaurant. Series star DAVID SCHWIMMER directed the episode.

Manipulative Francie convinces Paris that Rory has been plotting against her; when a former maid sues Emily, Lorelai fears giving a deposition will further strain relations with her mother.