The episode's primary narrative is a "conspiratorial plan" by Phoebe and Joey to set up Ross and Rachel on the worst blind dates imaginable.
Some viewers find the "cringe" factor too high, with occasional criticism that the character of Steve felt "flat" or that the show was "sabotaging" its own characters. [S9E14] The One With The Blind Dates
This episode was one of several submitted by the show for its Emmy nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. The episode's primary narrative is a "conspiratorial plan"