The One with Joeys Big Break

"The One with Joey's Big Break" is the twenty-second episode of *Friends'* fifth season, originally airing on May 13, 1999. The episode follows multiple storylines involving the friends. Rachel struggles with an eye infection and an irrational fear of having anything near her eyes. Monica persuades her to visit a doctor, who prescribes eye drops, but administering them becomes a challenge that eventually requires help from their friends.

Joey learns he has landed the lead role in a movie called *Shutter Speed*, filming in Las Vegas. Chandler joins him on the trip but accidentally insults Joey by expressing doubt about the movie being his big break. This leads to a falling out, and Joey kicks Chandler out of the car. In Vegas, Joey discovers production is delayed due to funding issues and takes a humiliating job at Caesars Palace to make ends meet, hiding it from his friends.

Meanwhile, Phoebe is upset with Ross but can’t remember why. Ross tries to figure out the reason, eventually discovering she believes he called her boring in a dream. After a playful game, they resolve their issue, with Phoebe apologizing for insulting him earlier.

The episode was watched by 21.3 million viewers during its initial broadcast. It ranks #106 on Digital Spy’s and Telegraph & Argus’ lists of all *Friends* episodes, with the latter highlighting Phoebe’s line to Ross: "I am sorry about the fat ass thing. You actually have a very sweet little heinie" as the episode's best moment.