Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Jamie Rhonheimer
One Paragraph Synopsis: Ted's ideas for the new GNB building keep on being poo-pooed by Bilson, a higher up that seems to be out for Ted. Until Bilson is dropped from the project, and all seems well for Ted, until he learns that the project is dropped, and Barney and Marshall went to extreme lengths to make it seem like he's still working on it, going as far as to hire random people to sit in on meetings, rather than telling him the truth. Angry with the revelation, Marshall and Barney try their best to make up for this, by getting a new opportunity for Ted, to get him to to redesign a particular room for another floor, but when Ted's look becomes far more elaborate than planned, Bilson fires him for good, just as Ted is fired from his firm. He then decides to take this in stride by starting his own architecture firm. At the same time, Lily is trying to figure out which Canadian celebrity Robin was propositioned to have a distinctly Canadian sex act with, and which collectibles said celebrity keeps. The result baffles Lily and the rest.
I love how Robin's story is based off of true events. An actual writer from the show had a friend with a similar situation as her, but also wouldn't identify which celebrity, collection, or offered sex act was involved. And I don't think that the story has been publicly dislodged yet.
Rhonheimer builds on the excitement that the gang builds, as she finds a way to embody this into genuine hope and curiosity. The concept of the freaky sex scheme and its effect on the gang, Lily in general, brings to life that emotion wonderfully. It's a great subplot, and I only hope that they really did stay at the bar for three days just to find out.
And the ending gag? Priceless. Robin's youthful grasp at the Frozen Snowshoe was a scream, as it reveals how she wasn't entirely truthful. And now I want maple syrup.
The A-plot is pretty strong, itself. Although I'm not crazy on seeing both Barney and Marshall lie to Ted. Barney makes sense, since it's in his nature, and he's just trying to make his friend feel better, but Marshall should know better. Still, like Barney, he's only out to protect Ted, and their method of doing so is surprisingly elaborate.
The ploy to get random, lower-maintenance employees from GNB, and the odd homeless person or two to fill out the firm is silly, but seems to work well enough for Ted, who never questions it, even after a crazy encounter with the cafeteria helper who doesn't speak English. As a way of avoiding the responsibility of telling Ted the news, this is a fairly crazy method, albeit one that's fun to watch on screen.
But it's still not the best policy. Honesty is, as shown when Marshall and Barney tell Ted what really happen. He is still bitter, but even more so after realizing that his best friends have been lying to him for a while. Ted's anger is fully justified, as he was denied important information, and thus was wasting his time. It's a shame, since this did seem like a good opportunity for Ted, but Bilson just seems like a massive tool.
Bryan Callen does a good job as the character, fully selling his unlikable streak, just as he makes his screaming matches funny to hear. It's a good performance that fits into the episode, which thankfully results in getting himself hit with a chair by Ted. Which may not be the best idea for his resume, but is well-deserved all the same.
The ending revelation of Ted's new architecture firm gives some hope to the character, though. This could be the piece of hope he really needs... or further bring him down. Only time will tell, but "Old King Clancy" still gives me hope for what has to be the best season yet. Even if this isn't nearly as strong as the last handful of episodes, it's a fun ride all the same, and I can't wait to see what's left.
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