Peter James Smith

Rachel is still waiting impatiently for her labor to begin. After posing as his daytime television drama character, Joey pronounces a handsome patient, Cliff (recurring guest star Eddie McClintock), suitable for Phoebe to pursue romantically. Unfortunately, Cliff sees Joey on television and finds out about the ruse. Monica and Chandler make love after trying several locations in the hospital. Finally, Rachel gives birth to a beautiful girl--and Ross kisses Rachel. Both hiding their feelings, they wonder how to proceed. Recurring guest star Christina Pickles appears as Monica's mother, Judy, and recurring guest star Maggie Wheeler appears as Chandler's ex-girlfriend, Janice.

As the relatives gather for Monica and Chandler's wedding, Chandler finally realizes the magnitude of what he's doing. Joey finds out that he must choose between a major film role and attending the nuptials.

The senior members of the White House staff are summoned to the office early in the morning to handle difficult situations: Hundreds of Cubans are on their way across the Atlantic Ocean in search of freedom; and klutzy President of the United States Josiah Bartlet accidentally sprained his ankle riding a bicycle into a tree. Some members of the staff experience crises of their own. Sam discovers the law student he slept with last night, Laurie, also works as a high-priced call girl. Josh's former lover and fellow campaign worker, Madeline "Mandy" Hampton, now dates and works for a senator who might vie for the office of President. Also, a rumor persists that Josh will be terminated because of a remark he made on a TV show. The comment offends the Christian fundamentalists and upsets Reverend Al Caldwell, an influential religious leader and necessary Presidential ally.

Leo hires Mandy as a consultant to the President.

In the months leading up to the midterm elections, the staff makes an all-out effort to pick up Democratic seats in Congress.