Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Robia Rashid
One Paragraph Synopsis: When Barney notices how Marshall doesn't like being told to do the dishes, Barney suggests that he tells Lily this straight up. It doesn't work, as the two get into one of the biggest fights of their lives. What do you expect from Barney, though, since he and Robin literally ignore all of their problems rather than address them straight on? Until recently, that is, when a weekend away allows them the chance to has things out, and they haven't stopped since. Ted discovers this when a tip from his neighbors, who "play bagpipes" frequently, gives him the idea to hire a bug and check out some of their fights, which are so big in comparison to Lily and Marshall's, that it's easy for them to reconcile.
I wish that every problem could be solved as easily as just getting naked. Or at least just the pants.
If there's one thing the season has been adamant about detailing thus far, it's that Barney and Robin are not exactly great as a couple. Not that they aren't great for each other, but the two of them are not taking the right amount of time to listen to each other and solve their problems.
Now Marshall and Lily, here's a couple who know where they're at. Their fights upon fights in "Bagpipes" begins after a silly obstacle and morphs into nothing but more silly things, and while this gets bad for them, there is still love present between them. Lily's not afraid to hit Marshall where he hurts, resulting in a great line where she literally tells Marshall to go fuck himself, but it's clear to see in Hannigan's eyes that they're going to stay together regardless.
Barney and Robin's arguments aren't too major, either. Some leftover trophies that can easily be discarded, poor decisions in washing etiquette which should be easily retired, and some disagreements over their friend's own fights. This is nothing. But when we see the two hash it out in the montage, it's almost like looking at a whole other thing.
As someone who does like seeing Robin and Barney together, I do wish to see them adapt to a more amicable relationship. But the signs are not pointing in that direction as well as it could. Rashid uses the show's two core couples thus far as to signify where one or the other is thus far. She paints Lily and Marshall as a well-rounded pair, while Robin and Barney have some issues to settle.
The balance is fun to watch as it's shared, since it isn't too entirely obvious where the point is, but the fairness is present. And it's also worth pondering what the image I used for this episode, where Marshall pops champagne for himself and his love after "winning". We're far removed from the pilot, in which he was afraid to pop champagne bottles in fear of hitting someone in the eye. He's had enough time for the fear to dissolve, and Lily's assurance even after she does get hit there is enough to.
Maybe Barney needs a cork of his own to help with his and Robin's relationship. Or maybe Robin is the cork, and she has had a big part in developing his character. This remains to be seen, but should be noted.
The bagpipes story itself is pretty silly, but is done well enough so that isn't a complaint at all. The humor itself is sharp this episode, sticking to the plot beats as well as it should and being evenly divided among the gang, so this isn't a surprise. Bagpipes are a funny metaphor for sex, and they're used tastefully here, right down to the surprise reveal of the people responsible for bagpiping Ted and Robin's sleep patterns.
Otherwise, Ted's core involvement in the episode is his intent to proof that Barney and Robin aren't as overwhelmingly lovey-dovey as they proclaim to be, which results in him spying in a smart move. Even then, Radnor does a fine job with his delivery, especially when Barney insults him as a lover of Robin's, where Ted does his best to not be antagonist, but is still presently annoyed.
But credit really must be given towards Rashid's take on Lily and Marshall's fights, which have some fantastic dialogue throughout. Lily's Shining impression is especially a treat, but the aforementioned orgasm line and her spat about Marshall having bad aim at night is handled well, and sold even better by Hannigan.
Just as the writing throughout is strong. "Bagpipes" is a great episode that is keeping the fifth season afloat. Whether or not Robin and Barney can be kept afloat, however, is too soon to tell.
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