Friends: 5 Times Rachel’s Sisters Were Good (& 5 Times They Were Bad)

It’s safe to say that the Greenes are the most dysfunctional family on Friends. When Rachel first came onto the scene, fans got an insight into her lifestyle. She was one of the most spoilt, ignorant, and selfish people you would ever meet. However, Rachel’s sisters soon robbed the title from her when the viewers witnessed how pretentious and obnoxious they could be.

Still, it’s not as if there were no redeeming qualities about them. Even though they remained as spoilt as ever, the viewers did see some positive development, especially in Amy. Would you like some examples? From their growing independence to their relationship with the gang, here are 5 ways Rachel’s sisters were good (& 5 ways they were bad).

10 Good: They Both Want To Be Independent Like Rachel

Everyone knows that Rachel doesn’t have the best relationship with her sisters. However, she couldn’t help but feel moved when her sisters came to her for help. For instance, both Amy and Jill told Rachel they came to New York because they wanted to be independent like her.

Although Rachel’s life lessons didn’t last with Jill, they left quite the impression on Amy, who decided to not follow through with her engagement so she could start afresh. It may have been small but it was a move in the right direction.

9 Bad: Amy Called Emma Ugly

In season 9, it didn’t look like Amy was going to win ‘Aunt of the Year’ anytime soon when she told Rachel she thought Emma was ugly (“The One With Rachel’s Other Sister”). Not only does she believe Emma is a boy but she also ruins the gang’s Thanksgiving by fighting with Rachel.

It seemed stupid really, especially when all this came about because Rachel refused to consider Amy as Emma’s guardian. The fact that she called the baby “ugly” proves she needed to mature…

8 Good: Amy Cares What Rachel Thinks Of Her

This was one of the more subtle developments but fans were able to see that Amy cared about what Rachel thought of her. While Amy’s first visit suggests she had no intention of staying, the second one was more intentional. Amy came back because she wanted to tell Rachel she was getting married.

When Rachel tells Amy not to go through with the wedding, she actually listens and asks if she could stay at their apartment until she gets her life on track. If she was willing to sacrifice a “nice apartment” because of Rachel’s advice, it shows that she doesn’t want to appear superficial.

7 Bad: Amy Gets Her Niece’s Name Wrong

Again, Amy wasn’t going to win ‘Aunt of the Year’ when she continuously got Emma’s name wrong. First, she called her “Emmett” because she thought Rachel had a boy. Then, she starts calling her “Ella” and “Emily,” much to Ross and Rachel’s annoyance.

The fact that she constantly gets her name wrong suggests two things. Either she forgets because she’s not involved in Rachel’s life or she doesn’t seem to care enough to remember. It could also be possible that she does it on purpose to get a rise out of her sister.

6 Good: Jill Gets On With The Gang

Although she left on a bad note, there is a reason why Jill is Rachel’s favorite sister. She may have been spoilt but the gang thought she was more polite and considerate than Amy. For instance, Jill showed a caring nature when she revealed their father cut her off after she bought her friend a boat (“The One With Rachel’s Sister”).

It’s also safe to say that the gang liked her as Ross and Phoebe covered for her when Rachel caught her excessively shopping again. It wouldn’t have been surprising if the writers had offered Witherspoon a contract since she had good chemistry with them all.

5 Bad: Amy Fatshames And Insults The Group

Unlike Jill, the group couldn’t stand Amy because of her obnoxious and selfish nature. When Amy first made an appearance, fans could tell instantly that she was an inconsiderate person. Not only had they gone a year without seeing each other but Amy didn’t seem bothered that she had a niece.

When she met the gang, Amy got on the wrong side of them too. She constantly fat-shamed Joey, called Monica Rachel’s “crazy, fat friend,” and Ross Rachel’s “geeky boyfriend.” Let’s not forget her mocking Phoebe’s name either.

4 Good: Amy Offers To Babysit

Most fans will agree that Amy showed some character development on her second visit when she offers to babysit Emma. When Rachel and Ross’s sitter cancels on them last minute, Amy volunteers to watch her while they are at work.

Although Ross is reluctant to do so, Rachel vouches for Amy since she gives up an appointment to get her eyebrows shaped. Considering how vain and arrogance Amy is, this was a big deal for her. It’s showed great maturity.

3 Bad: Jill Never Visits Her Niece

Considering Jill is Rachel’s favorite sister, you would think she would have made time to visit her after she had a baby. Unlike Amy, Jill doesn’t check-in once. She doesn’t make an appearance at the baby shower and she doesn’t even visit to see Emma.

The viewers are also led to believe that Rachel and Jill may have not been in touch since the fashion executive was shocked to discover she had gained weight. At least Amy was making an effort to reconnect and helping out.

2 Good: Amy Wants To Be Closer With Rachel

Rachel and Amy may not get along due to their conflicting personalities. However, they did share a sweet moment in season 10 when Amy briefly moved in with Rachel. As fans know, Amy and Rachel had a small argument after the younger Greene sister had Emma’s ears pierced without Rachel’s permission.

As a result, Rachel goes to kick her out. Yet, she soon changed her mind when Amy told her how she hoped moving in would bring them closer again. Despite how rude she can be, Amy does show that she cares about Rachel.

1 Bad: Jill Tries To Hook-Up With Ross

The worst moment that involved one of Rachel’s sisters had to be Jill trying to hook-up with Ross. Jill proved she had no loyalty to Rachel when she decided to date Ross just to spite her. Since Rachel was uncomfortable with the idea, she essentially sabotaged their date when she told Ross her feelings.

However, when Jill found out what Rachel had done, she gets mad and accuses her of trying to control her life. She then tries to hook-up with Ross in revenge. When this fails, Jill coldly says goodbye to Rachel and is never seen again.

About The Author