Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Chuck Tatham
One Paragraph Synopsis: After a fight at the Hoser Hut, Robin is threatened with deportation if she doesn't consider applying for American citizenship, which is something that she's initially against, but Barney helps persuade her to change her mind. After a night of preparation for her test, Robin heads back to the Hoser Hut for a night cap, and inexplicably arrives in Canada. Barney flies over to bring her over, when Robin decides that she'd be happier staying a Canadian citizen, which she sticks by until Barney gets his ass handed to him at a Tim Hortons for standing against the country. After seeing a best of both worlds scenario, Robin decides to apply for dual citizenship rather than sticking to either the US or Canada. And while this goes on, Ted and Marshall plan a road trip to an old pizza place in Chicago that they would plan similar trips to back in college. Only this time, Lily comes along, which annoys Ted, since he wanted a rare outing with just himself and Marshall.
Man, this gets crazy. And that isn't necessarily a bad thing, although it can be.
Absurdness in sitcoms can be endearing or tedious, but usually a show's more outlandish moments come a few seasons in, usually when syndication is a lock and the series has already used plenty of ideas, which HIMYM had hit. HIMYM in particular can get away with a little wackiness, thanks to future Ted's framing. When you consider that he isn't always the most reliable narrator, a locked-in brawl from a group of pissed-off Canadians and Lily hanging up on the roof of the car seems like a good fit.
And truthfully, this was a welcome endeavor, since despite certain aspects seeming iffy on paper, the execution is as strong and memorable as the show at its best. Tatham finds a good balance in his script, as Fryman and her take with the actors lives up to his material.
The decision to separate Barney and Robin from the rest of the gang was a good call, as plenty of time is given towards how their story effects their relationship. Barney's pushing towards Robin attempting US citizenship shows his disregard for her heritage, which is not a good sign. Even as Barney's love for Robin isn't questioned, it's still not great to see the little respect he gives to Canada, joking or not.
This is vindicated when Barney gets his ass handed to him by the end, a welcome diversion from the "nice guys, eh" Canadian trope that infiltrates media, including this series on most occasions. It's hard to not side with the other Canadians when they want Barney to atone for his stupidity, which comes in a well-shot sequence akin to your average action film. It's even more entertaining to keep tabs of how many nice things Barney says about Canada on the way, as he falls in love with Tim Hortons and gives an unknowing appreciation for the country's free health care.
Barney's bold declaration and proud ignorance is reflective of the American stereotype, abrasive morons who talk big game with little to back it up with. He does this while dressing up needlessly and drinking belligerently, all while carrying a needless devotion to his country. He really is a hell of a character, as this is a solid showcase of his.
And for better or worse, this is the guy that Robin fell for. When Barney starts a tangent, this is the way that she holds onto America, and why she's staying (her bar fight isn't mentioned again after the credits, which does result in a flaw of the writing. Why bring this idea on if you won't continue on with it? Otherwise, the script is great).
Robin sees both the Canadian and American in her, which results in her dual citizenship reveal, something that isn't divulged on here, but does seem likely to happen later on. It is a pretty good decision, all things considered, as Robin has been divorced from Canada long enough to consider herself an American, but is still tied enough to her country to not want to lose this part of her identity. It's a big balance that is met by the end, which is nice to see unfold.
And speaking of balance, let's go to the other guys' story. When you consider that Marshall and Lily started dating a day after he became roomies with Ted, it is a little surprising to see Ted remain so close to the idea of being with just Marshall. But then again, the two of them did share a room together years before the three moved into New York, and they've implied that road trips in the old Fiero weren't uncommon.
It is also a human trait to want one-on-one time with other people of your gender, as cis-centric as this might be. Guy time is important, but Marshall doesn't seem to consider this when it comes down to it, as shown by his lack of telling Ted everything that they've planned. There are expectations to meet when you become married, but Marshall does seem overly attached.
That is why it isn't hard to see when Ted tricks Marshall into going straight to the pizza place from the bed and breakfast. Not only was the place not singles friendly, but sometimes you just need to hang out with your bro and eat some crappy pizza. Lily doesn't seem to mind, either, which is good.
Not everything is perfect here, but the vast majority works. Just as this is a mighty funny episode. Barney's cracks about Canada are playful jabs from Canadian Tatham, who writes with love and finds the right way to show Barney up. And then there's Kenny Rogers, who has a fantastic reading of the doggy audiobook, which is delightfully toned to the show's typical sense of humor. This helps to make "Duel Citizenship" another fine episode, as season 5 is still hanging on.
And say it with me now, SHRIMP FRIED RICE! SHRIMP FRIED RICE!
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