Ross Geller is often the target of criticism from younger generations and has even been named the least-liked main character on “Friends.” And while there are some problematic situations—often intended purely for comedic effect—on a serious level, Ross Geller makes the most profound gestures and is a strong contender for the most emotionally deep friend.

Ross walks Carol down the aisle. It is a moment of perfection in which pure love for someone overcomes the ego. There are very few men in the world who would walk their ex-wife down the aisle at her wedding to another woman. Ross demonstrates a triumph of the human spirit and love over limitations that we rarely see anywhere, let alone in a comedy series. This single moment is enough to prove that there is depth to Ross and that his humanity remains intact.

When he makes the list to choose between Rachel and Julie, Julie’s only flaw is “She’s not Rachel.” This is the most romantic moment in the series. Here we can clearly see that Ross has understood what love is. That even when everything is on the other person’s side, love will always come first and determine who we want. And even though making the list itself isn’t exactly respectful, it serves more as a way to show viewers why such lists are absurd. Ross sees that love is the only factor that determines who you belong to.

All the grand gestures that go beyond the charm of comedy are Ross’s doing.

• The scene where we realize that Ross was ready to take Rachel to her prom so she wouldn’t be sad. A moment that reveals to us that Ross has been devoted to one true love his entire life.

• While pretending to be married to Rachel, Ross reveals his true marriage proposal, which is yet another wonderful example of his love and care for Rachel.

• When Rachel is injured, he stays to help her at the expense of his own professional commitments.

• When they argue like exes, Ross gives Rachel his T-shirt to make her feel better.

• While Rachel is pregnant, Ross agrees not to date other women to ensure her peace of mind.

• Ross supports Joey when they both like Charlie, and even when Joey falls in love with Rachel.

On the other hand, all of Ross’s problematic traits are either for comedic effect or to move the story forward. Yes, obviously storylines like his jealousy of Mark and his marriage to Emily aren’t particularly pleasant, but they’re directly tied to the show’s mission to keep Ross and Rachel both in love and apart until the very last episode, which inevitably creates some awkward situations.

Ben’s disappearance in the later seasons also has nothing to do with Ross, but with the writers’ decisions. And it’s wrong to blame the character for other people’s mistakes, which are clearly beyond his control.

And all of his episodic problems are for the sake of humor. Yes, in a dramatic film, dating your student, hitting on your cousin, saying the wrong name in your wedding vows, and remaining secretly married to your girlfriend are things that would be a problem. But… this is a comedy. We might as well accuse Phoebe of animal cruelty because she carries a bag with a live fish in her purse.

Ross is a deep and genuine person. And whether people like him or not, he deserves respect.