### Episode 10: "The One with the Monkey"
The episode begins in Monica's apartment. The gang—Monica, Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe, and Rosé—are gathered in the living room, talking about the upcoming New Year's Eve party. Monica is setting up decorations, while everyone else lounges around, discussing their resolutions and holiday plans.
**Monica:** (hanging up a banner) "Alright, so, New Year's Eve at my place. It's going to be low-key, nothing fancy, but I'm expecting everyone to come with a date."
**Ross:** (sighing) "A date? Great. So I'll be the guy without one. Again."
**Rachel:** (laughing) "Same here, Ross. No pressure or anything, Monica."
**Monica:** (teasing) "Come on, it's New Year's Eve! You can't be alone when the clock strikes midnight. It's, like, a rule."
**Joey:** "Don't worry, I'm sure I'll meet someone before then. New Year's Eve is, like, prime 'Joey time.'"
**Chandler:** (sarcastic) "I'm just hoping to make it through the night without being kissed by a random relative."
The group laughs, but Ross remains quiet, clearly feeling down about the upcoming holiday. Monica notices and nudges him gently.
**Monica:** "Hey, you'll find someone, Ross. Just try not to worry about it."
Before Ross can respond, he stands up, looking a bit hesitant but determined.
**Ross:** "Actually... I have something to show you guys. It's, um, kind of a surprise."
Everyone looks curious as Ross heads toward the door.
**Rachel:** "What is it? Another fossil?"
**Ross:** "Not exactly. Just... hold on."
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**Scene shift to Ross returning with Marcel:**
Ross walks back into the apartment holding a small monkey. The gang stares in shock and confusion.
**Rachel:** (in disbelief) "Ross, is that... a *monkey*?"
**Ross:** (nodding, proudly) "This is Marcel. I adopted him. I thought, you know, I could use some company... and Marcel's great."
**Chandler:** (deadpan) "Of course. When you're lonely, why not skip the dog and jump straight to the monkey?"
**Monica:** "A monkey, Ross? Are you serious?"
**Ross:** "Yes! He's very well-behaved. The guy at the adoption center said Marcel's basically like a person."
**Phoebe:** (cooing) "Aww, he's so cute! Hi, Marcel!"
Marcel looks around the apartment, curious and full of energy. He climbs onto the back of the couch, then over to Joey, who's both amused and a little nervous.
**Joey:** "Okay, I've seen some weird pets in my day, but a monkey? This is a first."
**Rosé:** (grinning) "Well, Ross, you certainly know how to make an entrance. Marcel seems... lively."
**Rachel:** (still in disbelief) "So, are you, like, going to bring him everywhere now?"
**Ross:** (nodding) "Yeah, he's my new companion. We're bonding."
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**Scene shift to the next day:**
The gang is at Central Perk, sipping coffee and discussing the latest developments. Marcel, as expected, has already become a bit of a wild card, climbing onto tables and swinging from chairs. Ross is trying his best to control him.
**Monica:** "I still can't believe you got a monkey, Ross. How's it going with him so far?"
**Ross:** (laughing nervously) "Well, he's... a lot to handle. But he's great company. I just need to teach him a few boundaries."
**Phoebe:** (dreamily) "I love that you adopted him. It's like you're giving him a new life."
**Chandler:** (deadpan) "Yeah, until he starts throwing stuff around your apartment."
**Rachel:** "Wait... are monkeys even allowed in apartments?"
**Ross:** (shrugging) "I asked. It's not exactly common, but there aren't any specific rules against it."
**Rosé:** (smiling) "Well, at least you're not spending New Year's Eve alone. Marcel can be your plus-one."
The group laughs, but Ross smiles gratefully, clearly relieved to have something to focus on besides his lack of a date.
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**Scene shift to Joey's audition:**
Joey arrives at an audition for a small role on a soap opera. As he's waiting in the lobby, he sees another actor, an old friend named **Bob**, who has landed the role Joey originally wanted. The conversation quickly turns awkward as Joey realizes Bob has been far more successful than him lately.
**Bob:** "Yeah, man, things are going great. I just got cast as a lead in this new show. What about you?"
**Joey:** (trying to stay positive) "Oh, you know, a few things here and there. Just... keeping busy."
As Bob walks away, Joey sighs, clearly feeling down about his career. He makes a mental note to avoid running into Bob again.
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**Scene shift to Monica's apartment:**
The gang is back at Monica's, preparing for the New Year's Eve party. Monica is in full party-planning mode, decorating the apartment while Phoebe helps with the playlist. Ross is keeping Marcel entertained, though it's clear the monkey is already causing a bit of chaos.
**Monica:** (watching Marcel climb on her kitchen counter) "Okay, Ross, maybe Marcel could hang out... *away* from the food?"
**Ross:** "Yeah, yeah, I'll keep him out of the way."
As the party starts, the guests begin arriving, each one with a date—except for Ross and Rachel, who are still without plus-ones.
**Chandler:** (to Ross) "So, what's the plan? You and Marcel going to dance the night away?"
**Ross:** (laughing) "No, I think I'll just keep it low-key. Enjoy the night, see where it goes."
---
**Scene shift to midnight:**
As the clock ticks closer to midnight, everyone gathers in the living room, champagne glasses in hand. Joey, still feeling down about his career, sits quietly on the couch, while Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe excitedly talk about their New Year's resolutions.
**Rachel:** "I can't believe another year is over. Let's just hope next year brings better luck."
**Monica:** "Yeah, and maybe this time I won't stress out about hosting every holiday."
**Rosé:** (smiling) "Well, here's to a new year. Full of surprises, I'm sure."
As the countdown begins, the gang stands in a circle, laughing and chatting. When the clock strikes midnight, everyone cheers, clinking their glasses together.
**Phoebe:** "Happy New Year, everyone!"
**Ross:** (holding Marcel) "Happy New Year... buddy."
Marcel climbs up onto Ross's shoulder, earning a laugh from the group. It's not the most traditional way to celebrate, but for Ross, it's a step toward embracing the unpredictable.
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The episode ends with a quiet moment as the group watches fireworks from the window, reflecting on the year behind them and the possibilities ahead. Despite the chaos, the friendships they've built remain strong.
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**End of Episode 10**.