But the most notable thing about this episode, in my opinion, was the realization that Chandler and Monica's relationship is real. It seems like ever since their wedding the marriage has been used for jokes involving behavior either characteristic or uncharacteristic of a married couple. I'm probably not the only one who was happy to see some caring and understanding between the two of them. The choice to drag out the Tulsa plot beyond one episode was a good one, since this represents actual choices made by the two characters, resulting in a struggle the writers can refer back to, and one that gives the characters a little more heart than they showed on their honeymoon.
I've been thinking about the evolution of the show, how the characters started as six friends and have now complicated their relationships a great deal with marriages and babies and whatnot. It seems like the original core of the show is about to outstay its welcome - but there's a clear opening for any number of spin-offs. How about one based on Monica and Chandler's coming family, or maybe "All About Gunther"? So many choices....