TEXT: Originally written by Jeffrey Astrof and Mike Sikowitz. Transcribed by Ruth Curran. Converted to HTML by Dan Silverstein. [Scene: Central Perk. Rachel is introducing Phoebe, who is playing her guitar for the crowd.] RACH: Everybody? Shh, shhh. Uhhh... Central Perk is proud to present the music of Miss Phoebe Buffay. [applause] PHOE: Hi. Um, I want to start with a song thats about that moment when you suddenly realize what life is all about. OK, here we go. [plays a chord, then the lights go out] OK, thank you very much. [Scene: The ATM vestibule of a bank. Chandler is inside. The lights go out, and he realizes he is trapped inside.] CHAN: Oh, great. This is just... [Chandler sees that there is a gorgeous model inside the vestibule with him. He makes a gesture of quiet exuberance.] Credits [Scene: Monica and Rachel's apartment. Monica is on the phone with her mother. Phoebe, Rachel, and Ross are there.] RACH: Wow, this is so cool, you guys. The entire city is blacked out! MNCA: Mom says it's all of Manhattan, parts of Brooklyn and Queens, and they have no idea when it's coming back on. RACH: Wow, you guys, this is big. MNCA: [into phone] Pants and a sweater? Why, mom? Who am I gonna meet in a blackout? Power company guys? Eligible looters? Could we talk about this later? OK. [hangs up] PHOE: Can I borrow the phone? I want to call my apartment and check on my grandma. [to Monica] What's my number? [Monica and Rachel look at Phoebe strangely.] PHOE: Well, I never call me. [Scene: ATM vestibule. Jill Goodacre is on the cellular phone. Chandler's thoughts are in italics.] CHAN: Oh my God, it
SUMMARY:
During a New York City-wide power outage, the gang hangs out at Monica and Rachel's apartment. Ross tries sharing his true feelings with Rachel but a stray cat interrupts their conversation. Rachel and Phoebe search the building for the cat's owner, but when Mr. Heckles from downstairs falsely claims it is his, he spooks it. The cat belongs to their neighbor, Paolo, a hunky, English-challenged Italian who Rachel falls for. Meanwhile, a nervous Chandler is trapped in an ATM vestibule with 'Victoria's Secret' model Jill Goodacre . (This episode was part of "Blackout Thursday", in which NBC tied three shows all set in New York City together and airing the same night, beginning with the Mad About You season 3 episode " Pandora's Box " which depicted the cause of the city-wide blackout, followed by this episode, and ending with an episode of the short-lived show Madman of the People . Seinfeld aired the same night but did not participate.)