How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Rebound Girl"

The Rebound Girl (7x11)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: Barney, still reeling over his loss of both Nora and Robin, and Ted, who is still feeling lonely, decide to adopt a kid together out of a whim. What was originally a crazy drunk idea becomes real when Barney arrives with a baby girl the next day, just when Ted is starting to realize how crazy this is. It turns out that he really has James' new adopted daughter, as he comes to Thanksgiving with his family, which Lily and Marshall are hosting at their new place in Long Island, which they decide to keep against Robin's wishes. But it's not like Barney won't get to experience the joys of raising a child soon, since Robin reveals to him that she's pregnant at the episode's end.

I really do like Ted and Barney, but they're both kind of pathetic. At least they are right now, while they're both as bored and depressed as they are. They both deserve someone special, but Barney sabotaged what he had and lost what he could have had otherwise due to a lack of maturity, while Ted isn't able to get his head out of his ass for similar reasons.

Using a baby as a metaphor works well enough, but this episode fails to land due to a tired string of gay jokes in the first act, and doesn't pick up from there. Bays and Thomas are usually very good at getting to the core of their character, in dramatic and comedic fashion, but while what they're saying about Barney and Ted is accurate, this isn't really funny or likable. It's just there.

Lily and Marshall's story doesn't work a whole lot better, since it doesn't really resonate emotionally. The problem is that Lily and Marshall don't really get a whole lot to do, especially as a couple, as Robin quickly steals the plot from them in an unfunny desperate attempt. Well, her anger over their many lamps in the apartment is cute, but this brings up the worst trait in Robin's character- her whiny side. Weaker writing brings this out, as evident by the episode.

Thankfully things lead into something promising with the ending revelation, which will result in a much better episode. This isn't one of the show's better episodes, though.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Tick Tick Tick..."

Tick Tick Tick... (7x10)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Chris Harris

One Paragraph Synopsis: After their kiss in the previous episode, Barney and Robin wake up the next morning next to each other. Both feel guilty, but also agree that they still hold a spark together, enough for them to consider telling Nora and Kevin the truth in hopes of clearing their conscience to get back together. Their chance arrives when the four of them are on a boat together, for Sandy River's annual cruise event. What ends up happening is that Barney tells Nora and breaks up with her when her parents arrive, but a surprise announcement from Kevin prompts Robin to not tell him, and to stay with him instead. While this is happening, Marshall and Ted are totally high at a concert, where Lily is also at, sober.

As much as I like the sandwich stuff- and I really do, it's a laugh riot throughout in its silliness- I only really want to write about Robin and Barney's story.

Because as much as I like them together, I don't think Robin was really wrong to stay with Kevin. Kevin may even know, and may just be dodging the truth out of fear. I'll allow this, since she deserves happiness with someone now, and if Kevin can offer this, go him.

Wow, that ending is rough, though. Neil Patrick Harris is great at dramatic moments.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Slutty Pumpkin Returns"/"Disaster Averted"

The Slutty Pumpkin Returns (7x08)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Tami Sagher

One Paragraph Synopsis: Ten years later, and Ted finally does it- he tracks down the Slutty Pumpkin, whose real name is Naomi (played by Katie Holmes). As great as this seems though, there's one problem; they don't connect. At all. Ted is going along with it because he thinks that Naomi is into him, but at the end of the day, it's more equal than either realize. Also, it turns out that Barney is a quarter Canadian, a fact that Robin won't let him forget after digging it up.

Disaster Averted (7x09)

Directed by Michael Shea

Written by Robia Rashid

One Paragraph Synopsis: One night at MacLarens, Kevin notices a "no boogey boarding" sign, and wants to know how it came to be. It turns out that this happened during the height of Hurricane Irene, all of which Ted reveals in traditionally extended fashion. Add in plenty of breaks for Barney's plead to remove his ducky tie, and a twist ending along the way, and you got your standard, classic HIMYM.

I won't lie, the first time that I saw the ending of "Disaster Averted", I cheered. And even though I have the context of what occurs after the series since, I still cheer whenever I hit that point when I watch the episode.

It was around this point 2 years ago that the two split up, and neither seemed happy when they did. The spark was gone, and they weren't connecting anymore. What has happened in the past two years for me to root for them, even when they're both perfectly content in their separate relationships?

Time. Time, understanding, and chemistry. When Robin and Barney were previously together, neither were at their best point in life. Barney wasn't ready to retire his womanizing self (in some ways he still fully isn't, as evident by warning signals in these episodes, but he's at least aiming to get there), while Robin only seemed to want to feel something to make up her inadequacies at work. When Barney didn't seem able to reciprocate that for her in the way she wanted, that was it.

But in the past two years, Robin found herself a better job, while embracing her self worth as a single woman in between relationships that offer different things than what Barney has. Meanwhile, Barney is starting to realize just how sadistic he can be with women, and is working his ways to fix this. He's still a bro, but he's perfectly able to listen to Nora, Robin, and even Lily without sexualizing or grossing them out. And despite how polygamous he can seem, Barney has yet to come close to cheating on either of his relationships.

Until tonight. But Barney wasn't about to ditch Nora for some random fling. While he and Nora are shown to be cute together, there hasn't been much of a connection between them in the way that he shares with Robin at any given point. The way that he's either tried to find ways out of their relationship, such as the Ewok theory, or that fate seems to be messing with them, like everything that happened in "Noretta", only proves this.

Robin and Kevin seem a little stronger together, though. Maybe Kal Penn just flows with the cast better than Nazanin Boniadi does, but he seems to fit in just fine with the gang, Robin most of all. Kevin uses his therapy (I'm not sure if he's even given an official title, so saying "therapist" is easier, I suppose) to mess with the gang if he sees fit, despite his general appreciation for their neurotic natures.

But really, Kevin just seems to be in love with Robin. Maybe more than she is him. Maybe she doesn't love him at all. Maybe this is why Robin is able to revert back to Barney so easily. All I know is that when the chorus to Pixies' "Hey" rises as she and Barney locks lips (one of the best uses of music the series has ever done), it feels like they're finally making up for lost time. God bless.

The last few episodes weren't so great, but these are improvements, even beyond Robin and Barney. "The Slutty Pumpkin Returns" is a great case of expectations vs reality. For the past decade, the thought of the girl in the weirdly sexy pumpkin costume seemed totally right for Ted stayed on his mind, especially since there's no way that they were able to meet up. Enough has happened to Ted, and likely Naomi as well, though, that their reunion could only not work.

Ted never really had too much to work on with Naomi besides the concept, which he only seems to recognize now. They had some similar interests, and her Tootsie Roll drink seemed unique enough to appease Ted, but what else was it that drew him into her? The structure of the costume, maybe? That makes sense for his architectural build, at least.

But since that brief encounter, Ted has been in at least 3 serious relationships (or four, since Karen probably fits in there). He's been able to spend more time with women that he definitely has connections with, has furthered up his career position, and has clearly been soul searching. The Ted of today needs more than a few quirks to form a bond, but there isn't anything here.

Nor is there anything for Naomi. Katie Holmes isn't given much to do with the character in terms of history, but she's strong enough in the role to make her awkwardness land. If anything, Naomi seems bored enough to give Ted a chance, and never expected them to have too much in common to begin with. She used Barenaked Ladies, for crying out loud, but Ted was too desperate to not get the signal! This results in an attempt that seems hollow, but that might be the only way things could have turned out for the two of them.

And "Disaster Averted" shares a similar structure to this season's "Ducky Tie", but works just as well, if not better. Both the flashbacks and Barney's distractions are funnier in this episode, even as the former episode was hardly a slouch. The melancholy note that Victoria left things on with Ted in "Ducky Tie" gave that a different sort of edge, but it's missing bits like Marshall's fears of being attacked by a bear in the bathroom. So yeah, it's pretty tough.

Also, Lily and Marshall's story in "The Slutty Pumpkin Returns" is sweet, if pretty broad. It works well enough for the context, but was hardly the highlight. Robin's teasing of Barney's Canadian roots was more enjoyable, actually. But they seem to always work together, which helps.

Mass How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Stinson Missile Crisis"/"Field Trip"/"Mystery vs. History"/"Noretta"

I've been feeling really stressed out and unmotivated lately, but I miss writing about the show and want to make up for lost time. So I'm going to try something a little different, and take a few episodes together and write about each briefly to get them out of the way. I won't even bother properly formatting them.

Besides, this episode starts off the arc of Kevin, who is played well by Kal Penn, the stronger half of the Harold & Kumar flicks. He doesn't have as strong of a hold on the show's atmosphere or his character as the rest of the cast, but he does well with his material.

Things start off strong for Kevin in "The Stinson Missile Crisis", where he plays audience surrogate as present-day Robin replaces future Ted. It's a funny concept, as Smulders pulls off Kourtney Kang's script well to make her expressive details about Marshall and Lily's spat as tedious as it is to the audience.

Because in truth, this part of the episode isn't all that great. It's great to see Vicki Lewis have fun as Dr. Sonya, but I've seen similar spats between the two before, and I knew right where it was going. Adding Ted in was a little more surprising, but his main addition to the story was some unfunny bonding between himself and Marshall in the third act that only pointlessly bring up gender roles. There were worse ways the story could have gone, but it doesn't feel very fresh as a whole. Marshall's recurring lack of knowledge in regards to the vaginal area aside.

I do think that Robin's story to Kevin offers a little more, but it doesn't show Robin in the best light. Considering her more common characterization as a strong independent woman, seeing her as a jealous ex seems like a step backwards, especially as she was the one to help Barney hook up with Nora. For too long this runs in that direction, but I do at least applaud Ted's speech to Robin near the end, which explains her actions to require court-mandated therapy, and show that Robin is able to help herself at least a little.

"Field Trip" further helps Robin get over her lingering feelings for Barney, by allowing her to become involved with Kevin. All signs point this to being a mistake, but maybe it's what she needs right now. Kevin has already proven himself to be the right balance between intelligent and cool that she needs right now, so I'm able to give them applause.

Ted's titular field trip is a funny bit, and it shows where he is right now. His need for validation from at least one of his students is indicative that Ted needs to feel important, going back to his bragging in "The Best Man". While it seems like everyone else in their life is finding their happiness all at once, he's only slowly getting there. Maybe by the time the new GNB building is up, he'll cool down a little. And Barney's bits during the field trip are hilarious, even as his subplot about Nora's age isn't as cute as expected.

This is the only episode here that explores Marshall's new job, which shows promise thanks to Martin Short's generally charming self. But the actual job doesn't show promise until the end, itself indicating that Marshall is the only one who can find himself the validation that he needs. This is a struggle that he shares with Ted, but Ted looks in the wrong place for his validation, as opposed to Marshall's ability to win Cootes over to do some good. That's all the difference that you need.

"Mystery vs. History" is a little too problematic for me, with the transphobic mens room joke and Ted's blind devotion to Woody Allen. But I appreciate Kevin's bitter analysis of the gang, which was built up for the right amount of time, and allows for some great gags from everyone.

The episode does bring up a good point about technology messing with certain aspects of life, however. Robin's delivery in the cold open is a little too broad for me, but it does come to a valid point that it's really best to stay away from your phone and get to know who you're talking to. Ted has to learn this the hard way as he scares away a fantastic, gorgeous woman, but it's a good lesson that he'll hold on to for sure, even if Barney and Robin don't. Also, their delivery of "I gots to know" gets old fast.

And James doesn't stick around for too long in "Noretta". Wayne Brady is just too charismatic as Barney's brother to only have a cold open appearance.

The episode leads up to an interesting phenomenon of how it's easy to fall for someone who is very similar to your parent. Sometimes too much so, but it lends into some funny material, especially with Marshall and Lily's subplot. Moreso than Barney and Nora at least, which does also have its moments, but is a little too twist heavy to really land.

At least Ted's bits with Robin and Kevin help them find some kind of ground, as it's shown that Ted is surprisingly cool with the two dating. Ted is still feeling left out, being the only single one of the group, which Kevin picks up on as he does the ultimate sacrifice- goes to see Weird Al with Ted, just to make him feel a little less lonely. I don't appreciate the shade against Weird Al, but I do appreciate his cameo at the end, though.

There, four episodes in one review. None of these are the show at its best, but these all have enough merit to stick around for. Now let's just see how, or if, Nora and Kevin continue to interact with the gang,

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Ducky Tie"

Ducky Tie (7x03)

Directed by Rob Greenberg

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: The gang goes to Shinjitsu, a teppanyaki that Marshall is crazy about, but Barney doesn't care for. Or does he? Because it all seems suspicious when he offers to do everything a teppanyaki chef can do in exchange for feeling Lily's boobs, which have received a pregnancy high. If he fails, he has to wear Marshall's cheesy ducky tie a year, which seems like a fair trade, until he and Lily let paranoia get the best of them and think that Barney has learned in secret how to be a teppanyaki chef. He has, but a twist screws things up for him, and he's stuck with the tie for now. At the same time this is going on, Ted tells the gang of his encounter with Victoria the previous night, which gives him some closure with her.

It's been more than 5 years since Ted cheated on Victoria. We've barely heard of her since, and it's only time for her to come back into his life.

And it's well deserved, for a sad tunrout for Ted! Just as the ducky tie plot was rightfully fun. Great episode!

How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Best Man"/"The Naked Truth"

The Best Man (7x01)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: On Punchy's wedding night, Lily is still trying to hide her pregnancy, and has Marshall drink for two until she's ready to reveal the news. The problem is, Marshall has a little TOO much, and ends up ruining the night as a result. But it's out to the gang that they're expecting, at least. Ted is gearing up for his best man speech, a usual spectacle, and he especially bound to make an ass of himself when he sees all of his old high school buddies married and with children, while he still isn't. And Robin is trying to get over her emotions for Barney, who's hoping for Nora to give her another chance.

The Naked Truth (7x02)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Stephen Lloyd

One Paragraph Synopsis: Marshall finally hears from the head of the environmental firm that he wants to work for, Garrison Cootes (Martin Short), who promises that Marshall is all but bound to have the job if a precise internet search checks out. Marshall looks himself up and finds his slate pretty clear. Except for one thing- the time he ran around his campus, nude and drunk out of his mind. To ensure that Cootes doesn't find this video, he tracks down the guy who shot the video to remove it, but Marshall ends up getting very drunk and does it again. It turns out that Cootes doesn't care anyway, and Marshall still gets the job. Also, Ted and Barney have women trouble.

Man, that dance scene was enough to pull the weight for the whole season ahead of it.

A brilliant work of direction and lighting, Fryman only continues to prove herself as a great observer of the characters as she allows them to own their way through this kinetic work. It helps that NPH and Smulders only grow with their roles as the show goes on, finding every point that Barney and Robin are supposed to hit without a hitch.

Notice how Barney leads a great deal of the sequence, but Robin holds her own as the lead. She wouldn't allow Barney, or anyone, take full control, but she respects him enough to lead when necessary. It helps that Barney still drives her wild, so it's easy for her to allow him to. The way Robin pauses when Barney creases her up at the end of the sequence is all the proof you need, just as his touchy nature is more than just typical- he wants her too.

I also want to give props for "Groove is the Heart"'s use. A 90's gem, this is a perfect feel good dance number to use for the sequence, not only for the show's playing with nostalgia and for poppy purposes, but also the song's idea, that love and dance can be equated. A perfect metaphor for the motion.

Robin sadly doesn't get nearly as much involvement in "The Naked Truth" as she does in the premiere, but her pining for "Lenny" Kravitz is pretty funny itself. The end result was almost like punishment for wanting too badly to meet him. But "The Best Man" puts her in an interesting place, as she still hopes for another chance with Barney, even though it's increasingly becoming moot.

As Barney himself is changing a little. "The Best Man" shows him in his natural state, trying his hardest to get some action in Cleveland, but falling back thanks to some terrible schemes. Purposefully terrible perhaps, as he's still waiting for a return call from Nora.

Barney's sincerity is proven in "The Naked Truth", when he gives Nora FAR more information than she needs. Barney didn't actually have to tell her every sordid lie he told for sex, but his unabashed honesty in the results is what makes this. Right down to how he waits in the diner for her return, a gesture that doesn't sound practical, but works in concept.

Some of the lies that Barney confesses to are pretty bad, too. The Soul Man is especially disturbing, as the show hasn't had the greatest history with race. But at least Ted dated a black girl tonight, right? Who only appeared for one scene, but I digress.

Ted seems to be in the same place he always has been, wanting to settle down, but not getting any closer to doing so. Zoey isn't mentioned at all here, but her effect is still felt when he's shown to be as miserable as he is. Although he at least seems to realize that at this point, their relationship wasn't meant to last.

This is why he has been overcompensating with the recent admission of his status as a hot young architect. To be fair, appearing on the cover of a decently popular magazine is something to brag about, so I can't blame Ted for doing so. But his attempts to win women over in both episodes are fairly pathetic, to say the least.

But it's evident by the fact that he doesn't win anyone over, and comes out empty in both episodes that this is for the best. His dates in "The Naked Man" are mighty pretty, but they're hardly what he's been hoping for in terms of a steady relationship, just quick flings. If he wanted to be serious with either woman, he would have done so, instead of making pros and cons charts (I would cheer too, btw).

Besides, Victoria's appearance at the end of the later episode is all the proof we need that something serious will be coming down the road soon. We're not done with her yet, but I think even casual fans can recognize a cliffhanger when they see one. Also, the Mosbius Designs Has Failed remix is A+. Look it up.

And now we're at what is probably the most important arc of the season, Lily's pregnancy. Right now, she and Marshall are adapting early on, but they're still taking baby steps. Both are clearly excited, but it's going to take a while before their child comes out.

Lily is just embracing the joys of pregnancy, while Marshall really needs to stop drinking so much. He makes an ass of himself in both episodes, just as he should. As I've mentioned a few reviews ago, we rarely see the characters too drunk, so finding Marshall casually throw a football through a wedding party and running around Manhattan naked as the day is surprising. Yet this paints a portrait of a Marshall who needs to take a look at himself, and how he handles his liquor. But at least until he does, getting the job with Cootes was a great moment, and this will hopefully lead to some more fun with Martin Short, who has some cute moments, as isolated as he is.

Also, "The Best Man" introduces the other big theme of the season- LeBron's departure from Cleveland. He's back now, but who cares?

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Landmarks"/"Challenge Accepted"

Landmarks (6x23)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: It's finally time for a preservation council to decide on whether or not the Arcadian should be considered a landmark, with Ted's testimony being the final, most important one. To Zoey's dismay, and through the power of flashbacks over the past few days, Ted ultimately decides that no, it shouldn't be. This would have been enough to seal its fate, but Zoey finds a trump card that allows the council to delay their announcement to further hash it out. When the likelihood of the Arcadian staying remains high, the gang find a way to help save Ted's wishes, and allow for it to be abolished. Just as his relationship with Zoey is abolished at the end of the episode.

Challenge Accepted (6x24)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: We cut all the way to September, when Ted and Barney are fighting about their chances at pressing the button to destroy the Arcadian. This is hardly Ted's biggest issue to face, however, as he's responsible for what kind of lightbulbs will be used for the new GNB headquarters, just when he meets up with Zoey, who wants to get back together. Although he initially turns her down, Robin and Barney discover that he changes his mind and takes her offer of getting coffee up. They catch him just in time to stop him, where Barney sees Nora again and asks her for coffee himself. Meanwhile, after Lily thinks that she receives food poisoning from their favorite soup, she and Marshall are afraid that he's going to feel the same way during his big interview. He even self-sabotages it out of fear, only to discover that Lily doesn't have food poisoning at all- she's pregnant.

So that's how it ends. Huh.

Well, it was told not too long ago that Ted and Zoey wouldn't last, so this isn't too surprising. And as far as resolutions go, this is okay. The Arcadian was going to be what broke the two up, and it's good to see Ted find a way to stick to his inhibitions as they finally call things off.

But at the same time, I don't care too much, since their relationship never felt that strong or real to begin with. Zoey's been a bit of a drag for her time on the show, despite some funny moments. On top of that, while Radnor and Jennifer Morrison's chemistry is decent, the two just don't click as a couple, mostly since we're never given a reason to believe that they work together. Even when Zoey comes back in the later episode, wanting to get back together.

I find it hard to write about Zoey since she doesn't get a lot of material to make her a big enough presence. She's hardly a background character, but there isn't too much to her beyond an unnecessary conflict. As such, she's my major problem with the sixth season.

A shame, since this is otherwise a great one, with growth being the main point. Consider Barney and Robin's subplot, for instance. Here, they have the best chance since their split to reconsider it, determining if it was for the best or not. Both are still afraid to bring it up on the surface, but their pondering is palpable when they discuss Ted's place with Zoey.

Their growth is also present when Nora returns, causing Barney to jump at the chance to initiate a second chance with her. While Barney initially felt shame in his previous date with her, he's finally willing to grow up a little and listen to reason with her. Just as Robin is showing restraint by allowing Barney to pursue his feelings towards Nora without letting her emotions get in the way. Whatever she's feeling, Robin sees the need to let go of such for his best.

Does this mean that Nora is going to be the bride at Barney's wedding? No clue, man. But it's nice to see how George Harrison is used as a bookend from the premiere and finale. It's a nice, soothing way to keep hope alive.

Marshall still doesn't have a job at an environmental firm, but at least we were offered good material from Dave Foley. That isn't their most important part of the episode though. Lily's announcement is, which is a long time coming, and indicative of their current place. Lily and Marshall are in love as much as ever, and right now deserve a boost together, which their first-born should be for them.

Even Ted shows growth by agreeing with Robin and Barney. Zoey was not right for her, and if you watch the bonus feature on the disc this episode is on of the set, he'll say so right away. Maybe now he'll finally find the one.

But he won't any time soon. I feel like I've been losing my enthusiasm for writing, but the show is about as good as ever. The Zoey material is the only thing really holding this season back, as it's one of the best. Without it, I might be able to call it the very best, but I think my final score will be an A-, which is definitely something to write home about, especially this late in its run. Now let's see if the next season can live up to that. As I recall, it follows almost directly from this season.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Perfect Cocktail"

The Perfect Cocktail (6x22)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Joe Kelly

One Paragraph Synopsis: After Arthur has been blackballing Marshall's job offers, he decides to join Zoey's side to help keep the Arcadian alive. This, of course, upsets Barney, as the two begin one of their biggest arguments ever. Lily and Robin decide to help them out by giving them a slew of drinks to cool their emotions down for them to find an agreement, which almost works... until Barney and Marshall have one too many drinks and continue their fight. At the same time, Ted and Zoey spend the night at the Arcadian so Ted can prove his point, which does end up working... until Ted decides to side with her anyway.

Do any alcoholic beverages have a side-effect on me like any of the gang for any given drink here? I dunno. Don't give me tequila though.

This has been coming a longtime for Barney and Marshall, and the episode gives them a tasteful hashing out as they handle things together. Their friendship isn't as strongly defined as their own with Ted, but they're still a part of this dynamic manly trio.

But it's funny, we see the gang drink a LOT, yet they hardly get drunk for as often as they do. This shows that either they can take their alcohol pretty well, or they just can until it's necessary for them not to for the plot. Here, we get a highlight reel of the five characters being at least a little too buzzed, and it works pretty well.

Frankly, the actors are just great at sticking to anything comedy, and playing drunk is no exception. Smulders, for example, doesn't have too much to do on her absinthe trip, but she's amazing at it, thanks to crackerjack delivery. Genius angle framing and movement on Fryman's part helps, as well. And of course, Ted's beatbox material is out of this world.

The main point is Marshall and Barney's marathon, which Segel and NPH sell well. Their chemistry is fully bonded, solidifying their close, if not entirely agreeing friendship. It makes even their silliest feuds believable, which the episode maintains alongside serious discussions about their issues.

If there's a problem though, their whiskey chat doesn't contain much information that we don't know. The core stories of the season have involved Marshall trying to make his dead father proud, and Barney attempting to get over the absence of his father. Discussing this directly doesn't add too much, but at the same time, this was supposed to be about the subtext becoming context, in which case this works.

The lack of resolution at the end is telling, but maybe this is too big of an issue for the two to settle instantly. We have two episodes left, and the Arcadian has yet to be decided on.

Especially since Ted jumped ship. But how did that even happen? You'd think that the return of the Cockamouse would be more than enough for Zoey to drop interest in the Arcadian, but apparently not.

I believe Zoey's story about the Arcadian, since we're not given much of a reason to doubt it. Zoey seems sincere in her plea to Ted to consider keeping the Arcadian alive, as does her childhood nostalgia. Jennifer Morrison may not have been the best actress the show ever maintained, but she's good at making her emotions feel real, and thus making her at least somewhat likable.

When she isn't pretty insufferable, at least. The Ted and Zoey relationship hasn't been given a whole lot of breathing room, which hurts the season a little in the long run, as the show is more concerned in giving the other characters more interesting plots. Ted and Zoey don't get the time they require to expand, and thus seem stuck to their positions. It becomes hard to care about them if they rarely get much to do as a pair, and are still stuck on the ground.

There are only two episodes left of the season, and while there has yet to be a real stinker, the lack of development on Zoey's person does hurt a little. There is still time to change this, and to help make an otherwise great season one of the best. We'll see. y'no what, though? I'll take a couple of tequila shots.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Hopeless"

Hopeless (6x21)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Chris Harris

One Paragraph Synopsis: Barney agrees to give Jerry another chance, so as he's heading to the bar, Barney gives the gang a list of things to consider trying out in hopes of making them look cooler. The guys give it a try for the night, as they head to Hopeless, one of New York's many happening bars. Jerry tries his best to keep up with them, but it doesn't work, until Jerry plays drunk to make Barney happy. A crazy night later, and it seems as if they start bonding a little more.

I almost thought that my laptop died, but I'm glad I didn't, so I can talk about how good this episode is.

It's pretty good. Jon Lithgow is great as Jerry, and he fits well with Barney. Suit up bitches.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Exploding Meatball Sub"

The Exploding Meatball Sub (6x20)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Stephen Lloyd

One Paragraph Synopsis: Marshall finally quits GNB to pursue a job as an environmental lawyer. Except the job isn't paying- all that's available is an unpaying internship, which he takes. As Lily is goading Ted for sticking with Zoey, despite how often they fight, she's getting tired of having to support Marshall as he chose a non-paying job rather than sticking to GNB, to the point that she almost leaves to Spain. When Ted convinces her to stay and be honest, Marshall decides to quit the internship and find a paying environmental job, effectively taking care of things. And Barney is saddened to see Marshall quit, but not for the reason you'd expect.

Well, he finally did it. Good on you, Marshall.

But he's not there yet. Marshall is just cutting ties to the toxic environment that GNB became for him. Taking a non-paying internship wasn't the best decision, though. Not when Lily can't exactly afford to support the both of them with a kindergarten teacher's salary. The best thing would have been for him to find an internship he could have done while still working for GNB, but that might have still been too much for him.

Although to Marshall, just leaving was the important thing. The fear of his graduation goggles sticking is too likely to ignore. And graduation goggles are a real thing, even being a phrase that predates the show. I mostly applaud the sequence for the return appearance of Scooby, which was more than welcome.

The point remains that if Marshall stayed at GNB for too much longer, he would have been less likely to leave, ignoring his emotional and mental needs for an easy out. Whether or not he and Lily could use the money, he is just not happy there. The conglomerate is sucking Marshall dry, which he knows, but it's easier to stay there than to deal with the uncertainty of succeeding elsewhere.

It's tricky, since there are solid reasons for him to either stay or go. But one thing's for sure- Lily seems to regret wanting Marshall to leave GNB since "Natural History". Or rather, she sees the reality of Marshall leaving a steady paying job for nothing, and it scares her.

Some could argue that this is out of character given her previous stance, but I think that Lily is being pushed with the reality of the salutation all too quickly, and it's hard to take in. Especially since there doesn't seem to be much of a conversation between the two. Marshall just went to the internship, no questions asked.

Things work out in the end, when Marshall decides to find a job in this field that actually pays, but that's actually a bit of a problem. Lily doesn't get to discuss it with him. Marshall just goes through with this by himself. There isn't much dialogue going on between the two. And considering how Lily and Marshall are supposed to trust and respect each other like no other, this isn't good.

Ted's material with Zoey feels like a waste, on top of that. The fact that they still haven't made anywhere near a mutual agreement together is still valid, but there isn't much to this subplot as they barely interact, and there's no conclusion. There isn't meant to be a conclusion right now, I believe, so that isn't a problem.

What is a problem is how unimportant their disagreements seem. This is supposed to be the most important event in Ted's life, but he's dating the one person who wants it to not happen more than anyone, and neither of them can find any sort of mutual agreement. And it feels like there's no attempt to do so on the writer's behalf. This deserves to be more than just a throwaway plot point, and hopefully there will be resolution soon. Right now, there isn't much to dig.

Aside from their reading of Tommy Boy. That's just gold.

Barney's material, meanwhile, is silly, but fun. Maybe more silly than fun though, but that isn't exactly a bad thing. My favorite bit is Robin's extended story, which seems to take from many different narratives, and seeing Barney deeply fall for it is funny. The final ending is cute, but not exactly rewarding.

I think this episode is a little stronger than that, but this isn't the show at its best. Lloyd is too strong at joke writing to not nail this aspect of the episode, but emotionally, this could have been stronger. Hopefully the last few episodes of the season will find some sort of necessary resolution, though.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Legendaddy"

Legendaddy (6x19)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Dan Gregor & Doug Mand

One Paragraph Synopsis: After 30 years of being away, Barney's father Jerry (John Lithgow) comes back into his life. Barney was really hoping for the rock star roadie his dad used to be, but Jerry has become completely domesticated over the yeas, which upsets Barney to the point that he won';t even see him after their first encounter. Barney eventually agrees to dinner with Jerry and his wife and young son, but seeing how happy Jerry has been over the years as a boring suburban dad hurts Barney, which his father understands and wants to help him with.

Huh, this has been a good season for Barney. And Marshall.

It's surprising to think about, since when most people talk about season 6, the first thing that comes to mind is the Ted and Zoey stuff, and while that is starting to run a little thin, there's been great episodes all around, some even featuring Zoey. But the other characters are getting some good traction in their stories.

Losing Marvin has been helpful towards Marshall wanting to push himself beyond his job at GNB. He's still there, but it's only a matter of time before he finds the right venue to exit out of. Although this episode doesn't focus on that very much at all.

Instead, his story today is about how he feels left out of the gang's typical hazing. Sometimes they go a little too far, but the fab five are rarely mad at each other. This is all love, and Marshall wants in without things being weird.

I'll be honest, the running gags about the gang's gaps does get a little old, since the jokes are mostly the same, but it all comes together with their scene in the car. Marshall's request for Lily, Ted, and Robin to dish all of their issues out on him allows for some necessary tension to be eased off, and he never takes it bad at all. Marshall just enjoys getting to be in the moment again. It's a nice way to end some clever, if samey, gags about the North Pole and bad aim. Sham le an.

But Barney is the star of the episode. Or at least he's tied with Jerry, as Jon Lithgow was an inspired choice to play him. A brilliant comic actor, Lithgow is able to land all of his material as Jerry, including Barney's fabricated cutaways, which he maintains with a general smugness that feels all so real.

When it's proven to be a lie, the deception hurts, but seeing the real Jerry, how dorky and loving he is, this doesn't seem wrong. Lithgow is also quite talented at drama, and doesn't push too much towards sappy material in his time over the episode. His warmth to Barney is genuine throughout, just as his confusion on how to treat his son during the rough basketball hoop scene.

And kudos to Neil Patrick Harris for nailing that. NPH has proven to be great at anything he's being thrown at time and time again, this episode being no exception. He allows for Barney's delusions to be cute, but not overly obnoxious or too sad. It's in the delivery, something he manages well.

Especially during the hoop scene. It's a pretty basic metaphor, but basic works enough of the time. NPH and Lithgow grew into great chemistry together almost instantly, and it's no surprise that they fall into scene so naturally side by side. It's present with Barney's fabricated moment, and by now, it hurts when Barney finally confronts Jerry. It hurts because we've seen how Barney's lack of a strong father figure has hurt him over the course of 6 years, and it hurts more as we see that Jerry recognizes this. Together, they pull this off like magic.

Although the more I think about it, despite some great material all around, this isn't in the show's all time strongest episodes. Gregor and Mand offer good dialogue and strong structure throughout, but they get some areas wrong. Besides my tired feelings towards the B-plot, I do think that Barney was too mean to JJ. Because I mean, right? I understand the implication, but the show can do better to reach its point. On top of that, the ending shot is a little too on the nose, even compared to other moments in the episode. It's still effective, but could have been done a little more subtlety.

This could have been handled a bit better ,but this is far from a trainwreck. "Legendaddy" finally brings one of the most asked about elements of the show to life, and it works more than well enough. And we're not done with Jerry yet.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "A Change of Heart"

A Change of Heart (6x18)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Matt Kuhn

One Paragraph Synopsis: Marshall convinces the gang to get their hearts checked in fear of something happening to them like his father, but Barney is the last holdout. When he finally goes to get it checked, it's shown that he is mostly fine, but with some potential worry there, meaning that he needs to wear something in his chest to scan his heartbeats for the next day. He ends up doing so when he's on his next date with Nora, which shows how nervous he is, especially when he lies to her about his desire to settle down and marry, and convinces the gang to lie to her as well. The thing is, though, Barney likes Nora too much to lie to her anymore and comes clean, which rightly turns her off. At the same time, he kind of isn't lying and does want all of this, and while he originally plans to tell her, changes his mind at the last minute.

Can Barney Stinson change?

As much as he is that gross womanizer, he does genuinely have romantic attraction. He loved Robin dearly, and is quick to fall for Nora in the same fashion. If anything, he may be aromantic, which is a wide enough spectrum to which he can still be romantically attracted to someone, but with his own aversions. I'm considering this, since he was never lovely dovey with Robin, and although it's tougher to judge from the brief period we saw of his time with Shannon, it's not hard to detect that he still wasn't fully equipped for romantic reception with her. Or I might be reading into this too much.

The point is, I don't think Barney really has to change too much. What he has to do above all is grow a little, which is definitely possible on his part. When Lily reads that he does want to settle down at some point, there is complete sincerity in both characters. She knows Barney well, and can tell right away that this is true. And Barney isn't even afraid to hide it anymore.

This is mostly his episode, and while he's playing dirty pool by initially lying to Nora, it's fun to see how much of this is actually true. It does genuinely seem that he wants to get married and have kids, maybe if it isn't even with Nora. His goal is still to get laid, but if one thing is sure about Barney, he's able to hide it well enough until he can land a yes.

If there's a problem with the episode, it's that Nora is too quick to fall for Barney's scheme, as she quickly called him out in "Desperation Day". How is she not able to see that he's lying to get in her pants, when he was trying exactly that just two episodes ago? It might be that she wants to fall for it, that she does want to spend time with Barney, be it sexy time or not. Or maybe she can see the truth in him, at least superficially. Because the moment he tells her his true motives, Nora rightfully walks out.

One thing is for sure though, the ending is fantastic. The play is great, allowing us to see what if Barney came in and told Nora that he's sorry and he is willing to settle down at some point. That would make for a sweet scene, and allow for a nice relationship to potentially happen.

But the crushing reality sets in, and it hurts. Barney still likes Nora, but he sees that this is moot. He's still going to be himself for the time being, and he's only going to hurt her. The bait and switch is rough, but great to see in Neil Patrick Harris' performance. It's a shame that it doesn't end the way he would have really wanted it, but it's probably for the best.

Robin's subplot is silly, but it's a nice addition for comic relief. Scooby's a funny love interest for her, as his actor plays the canine-like guy well, but the real fun comes from the show's constant dog puns. Each are more golden than the last, and Kuhn adds them in like the good boy he is. Now sit, as this review is over.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Garbage Island"

Garbage Island (6x17)

Directed by Michael Shea

Written by Tom Ruprecht

One Paragraph Synopsis: Marshall is feeling a void with his work at GNB, that he isn't doing his best to help the environment, especially after watching a documentary about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. When he's nearly fired for offering a pricey, but potentially helpful method to conserve energy at work, he won't rest until he finds some way to do his part, and thus make his late father proud. Ted, on the other hand, offers to pick up Zoey's things from her apartment, which requires talking to the Captain, who is aware that she's off the market again but can't place by whom, exactly. After a bad guess, Ted eventually mans up and tells the Captain that she's seeing him. And Barney is trying to not show interest in Nora after their laser tag date, but it's useless.

In "Natural History", we were told that the business suit Marshall would be a thing of the past in the near future, but were not told when. As of this episode, Marshall is still working at GNB, but this shows that it probably won't last for much longer.

Sometimes I fear that the series will go into wish fulfillment territory, which is something that some series are definitely guilty of. In some ways, HIMYM might fall there, but it rarely allows its characters to achieve their goals in the manner they wish. If so, Ted would have become a great architect right out of college, Robin wouldn't have to still be doing research, and Barney would be married to Shannon.

The show has an edge that allows for its road traveling to work. The characters don't always make it to where they want to, nor how they want to, but sometimes it all works out. For example, Marshall didn't want Meeker to get fired from backing him, but it does lead to a bit of validation in how Marshall is able to keep his job, and does allow for Meeker to find Wendy the Waitress, and fall in love. It's almost dark in how well this instance works for the characters, but that is a part of the show's charm.

Marshall's overcompensation for trying to fix the Garbage Patch feels sudden, just as Marvin's death was sudden and unexpected. The struggle to prove his father proud is all too natural for Marshall, and fits his current predicament. He just came back from a nostalgic trip in Minnesota, and is now trying to adapt to his regular life. Working for the ever-corrupt GNB isn't exactly the first thing he wants to do, but he must.

For now, at least. For better or worse, GNB is there to help Marshall maintain a steady paycheck, which will especially come in handy for when Lily becomes pregnant. The thing that makes the show and Marshall so welcome is that he's smart and usually good at determining the best route for him, so I trust the character. And this arc, which gets a plus from me.

Lily though, I'm not so sure about. Hannigan plays her too well for me to dismiss her, but I wish she had more to her in the last couple of episodes than just pining for Marshall. But at the same time, I sympathize with her want to be boned. It's her husband, and he's barely giving her any. That has to suck, but Lily gets a little too broad for me here.

And then there's Ted, who shows some strength by not only picking up Zoey's things, but telling the Captain directly that he is dating her. Given how Ted was stalling the news earlier, the revelation at the end was welcome. And while his material with Zoey isn't all too impressive, I applaud this story for two reasons- one being that Ted recognizes that he isn't exactly the hero here, since he isn't.

And more importantly, the Captain. Kyle MacLachlan is all too perfect as the character, bringing so much zeal to his persona. The way he delivers on how rapscallion is a word too strong for the bellhop is an example of his excellence, that this is a man who is just too good for his role. MacLachlan has clearly learned plenty on the essence of weirdness from his time with David Lynch, as the Captain exemplifies, and I'm thankful for his time here. Even if Zoey becomes a little tiresome by comparison.

And the story for Barney and Robin is a cute advancement from last week's. Nora won Barney over, but now what? It's cute to see how afraid he is to admit it, but he really does like her, and NPH plays this with aplomb. And this succeeds even when we only see Nora deliver one line during the episode, as a flashback. To see if Barney continues down this road is going to be fun.

"Garbage Island" isn't perfect, but a lot of what it offers works. Frankly though, I just want to see the Captain some more.