Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Chris Harris
One Paragraph Synopsis: Ted didn't forget to check "plus one" for Robin's local news award ceremony three months prior. Of course, he actually had a relationship when he was told, but now he doesn't. Ted was willing to go stag, although Barney objected and offered to buy him an escort for the night. Ted initially refused, until he meets Barney's choice escort, Mary, as well as sees Robin, who has been giving Ted the cold shoulder since the previous episode's fuck up. Then Ted decides to roll with Mary. The thing is, Robin was dating Sandy to make Ted jealous, while in even bigger news- Mary isn't a prostitute.
More firsts! This episode introduces us to Marshall's classic "laweyered!" catchphrase, which is an insanely well done way to use his skills in analyzing and remembering law to mess with everyone's head when needed. Barney's catchphrases will get more mileage, but this isn't the last time you'll hear it.
Also memorable is the use of telepathic conversations between the gang. These allow two (or sometimes more) of the characters to talk telepathically and decide on the best course to take without letting anyone else in on the game. It's also something that only this show could come up with and pull off as strongly as it does, but even the creators will admit that by the end of the series, they became a little too liberal with their uses of this method. Although it is worth noting that in this episode, the only pairs to have telepathic conversations are the ones who are the closest to each other- Marshall to Ted, as well as Marshall to Lily. A great way to start off this device.
I do admire that even though we've hit the strong part of show, the crew is still learning new ways to add to the formula and inflect onto the characters. You never stop learning, just as the show still has higher highs to reach.
"Mary the Paralegal" is admittedly an episode that I haven't picked up too often, so it surprised me at how strong it was. The entire episode is build-up to a somewhat dark joke on Barney's part, and does so in a sharp manner, especially as it delivers on a sweet bit of payback from Ted.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Let's look at the structure of the episode. There isn't really a subplot, since although just about any good subplot is connected to the main story in some way, Harris makes no attempt to hide that this is all one plot that needs full attention. Robin's night with Sandy is directly tied to Ted's time with Mary, as we hardly see the four of them separate from each other for the bulk of the episode. The second act almost entirely takes place at the table where the gang is out, making for another rarity in the show's setting, yet as per usual, the pacing is deliberately kept tight. I felt nary a drag during this part of the episode, which makes sense as each of the characters get their chance to shine over some strong dialogue. I also enjoy the setting of the episode, as it reminded me of The Mary Tyler Moore Show's classic Teddy Award episodes, and any memories of TMTMS are welcome in my book.
Good pacing makes the world go round, but so do context clues. A very memorable scene, which helps to keep the potential that Mary isn't really a prostitute alive, comes when she describes her work as a paralegal. It works as proof that Barney is right about sex workers being able to be educated beyond what their choice of work may indicate (which, from every sex worker I personally know, is so very true), as well as hints at the aforementioned possibility. The way that Mary seemed surprised when Ted gave her such bold, yet not entirely sexist, compliments, also shows that she may not be a prostitute, although the way she keeps her interest kept alongside Ted also has duel meaning, both to indicate that she may very well be, and/or state that she could just be attracted to Ted's confidence.
Which is another thing that surprises me about this episode, Ted having game. Maybe it's because he was so miserable with his relationship in the last couple of episodes, but I forgot how smooth Ted can be when given the chance. Until he dropped the l word on Robin, he had charisma going, which he was able to keep all night with Victoria. Although I don't think Ted would normally call his date hot so early on (nor would it normally work like it did here), he clearly knows how to use an expression like this correctly to impress a woman. He still seems sweet and likable, though, almost making him an anti-Barney.
Mary's a perfectly suitable date for Ted, being sweet and attractive enough to keep him happy physically, but also containing a sharp mind and keen sense of humor that appeals to his aesthetic. If only he knew which disc was her favorite on the Otis Redding set, but Erinn Bartlett was succinct enough as Mary to not need this information shared to make an impact, anyway.
On the flip side, I'll get to Sandy Rivers some more. Alexis Benisoff proved his chops as a serious actor over his run in Angel, especially as the show reached its end and his character Wesley was taken to his breaking point. But often forgotten was his comedic turn in his original run on Buffy as the nerdy foil to Giles. Denisoff is a well-rounded actor, and this episode allows him to play a strong humorous personality, doing suave well on top of sleaze. It wasn't a surprise to find out that Robin was holding a fake date with Sandy when you catch some of his dialogue. But my highlight for Sandy is his brief exchange with Lily, which is classic material.
But if Robin was dating a guy like Sandy under false pretenses, what does that say about her? It seems like a combination between Robin wanting to grab Ted's goat as a way of revenge, but she also might somehow still like Ted romantically. Why? I have no idea, honestly.
But that'll come back later, even while the season is still running. Wow, I only have 3 more episodes to go, though. It's crazy, but knowing that there are more episodes as fun as "Mary the Paralegal" ahead makes me excited to go over them again.
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