Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas
One Paragraph Synopsis: Robin still can't stand her co-anchor Don, especially when he puts her on the spot by asking her to go to his party, which she sells to the gang as an invite for a date. When the context is revealed, they tell Robin how it is, that she's treating a duck like a rabbit, as in she's attracted to someone she considers to be a loser. That is, until Don reveals the party to be a ruse to lure Robin into something more intimate, a move that irritates her until he later apologizes and shows signs of moving forward. Meanwhile, Barney's plan to put his phone number up during the Superbowl works, as he's constantly getting offers from desirable women. Too many, to the point that Lily and Marshall hide his phone for him, which Ted finds just before an arranged date.
While this is a great episode, my one problem is how despite having a big argument about rabbits and ducks, Bugs and Daffy aren't brought up at all. Seriously, C&C?
But wow, that argument is great. We only get a highlight reel, but every little bit is hysterical, thanks to the actors using some wise methods of shouting to get their points across. It's also a wise decision to have Marshall stay alone on the rabbit, sticking to his method of purity which the rabbit entails. It takes a strong argument to get him to change his mind, which is helped by Robin wearing rabbit. Who's cozier, after all?
But the rabbit or duck theory is another solid one from the show. Appearances are hardly what they seem, and often times someone or something you dislike will become something that really matters to you. All it takes is faith, trust, and maybe some booze.
While the group's hazing towards Robin gets old, they don't seem to be far off about her attraction toward Don. It's apparent by now that when Robin feels one way, but isn't ready to admit it herself, she'll deny it in a giddy, sarcastic tone, which she keeps early on. And she sure brings him up a lot for someone who finds Don annoying.
It seems weird, since Don isn't a great catch. He's good looking, but looks only get you so far when you're unenthusiastic and piggish, which he is. Robin is still putting a little too much credence into her position, but she's right to feel isolated towards Don, at least early on.
But why does she find him desirable in this weird way, then? Don seems sincere when he apologizes at the end, which reveals a sadder exterior to his character. Don may be acting like an ass, but he appears to be hurt and confused, hurt at switching from one low-end gig to another and confused at how to cope with being single, all of this being shared to Robin with an honesty that Barney would reserve just for her. It may not be great for her, but this is Robin's weakness- the weakness of others, to a smaller extent. Ted's a little too open, while Barney and Don haven't gone too far yet. Let's just hope that Don keeps the pants on for a little longer, and he might just stay a duck.
Speaking of Robin and Ted, another highlight from the episode comes at the end, when the two are just chilling together on the couch after a hectic night. There's no intention of the two hooking up, with themselves or anyone else. It's just platonic roomey time. Considering how their history tends to sneak up on the show, serene little moments like this feel like a welcome breath of fresh air.
Ted's subplot is typical him, as it would be odd for anyone else, but makes sense for his sake. He's still looking for Mrs. Right, and is willing to take ANYONE, even a blind date. His request that Marshall and Lily find him someone to marry is pushy, but makes sense how Ted wants to play the game. And also notice some of the names Lily and Marshall trade off. The show hardly ever forgets.
But when you see how he plays along with Barney's phone, it's clear that he's not ready to go too far in the game yet. Kudos to Lily and Marshall for trying, though. Ted still likes the single life, and sometimes he even wants what Barney has.
And Barney is still just Barney. It's a welcome surprise to see the constant ringing break him, as even some pressure can be too much for the barnacle. This is karma getting at Barney for ditching so many women for his greed, that he goes insane and doesn't sleep with any of them, and it's hilarious to see unfurl.
Another great episode in a fun if uneven season. Does Don stay a duck, though? We'll see.
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