Ok this episode has a funny Joey and Chandler bracelet storyline. But the Ross and Rachel one IMO is not well executed. I think the show was at a good point for them to get together for real. And I find much of the flashback material amusing and usually like it when Monica and Ross' parents are in an episode.
So what didn't work? Well I don't like the storyline we are expected to buy within the flashback is sufficient for Ross and Rachel getting together. Rachel already knew Ross liked her from such a long time ago. In the flashback it shouldn't appear special for Ross to try to go help out Rachel when given the chance when her date didn't show up. Rachel was the Prom queen. It shouldn't be surprising for any brother of Monica to jump at the chance to take Rachel to the prom. So does Rachel decide to get together with Ross out of pity? Or was she pleased to be reminded that he loved her so long ago when she had the big nose and he had the awful hair and mustache? I'm not sure. And that is mainly why I don't think this episode works as well as many people convince themselves it works.
So what didn't work? Well I don't like the storyline we are expected to buy within the flashback is sufficient for Ross and Rachel getting together. Rachel already knew Ross liked her from such a long time ago. In the flashback it shouldn't appear special for Ross to try to go help out Rachel when given the chance when her date didn't show up. Rachel was the Prom queen. It shouldn't be surprising for any brother of Monica to jump at the chance to take Rachel to the prom. So does Rachel decide to get together with Ross out of pity? Or was she pleased to be reminded that he loved her so long ago when she had the big nose and he had the awful hair and mustache? I'm not sure. And that is mainly why I don't think this episode works as well as many people convince themselves it works.