How I Met Your Mother Review- The Magician's Code

The Magician's Code (7x23, 7x24)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Jennifer Hendricks, Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

Two Paragraph Synopsis: As Lily goes into labor while Marshall and Barney are still in Atlantic City, she does her best to hold on for her baby daddy, to no avail. Ted and Robin come by to help occupy her for as long as they can, trading stories to numb her even slightly, but she still ends up at the hospital a while before Marshall does. He and Barney do everything in their insanely drunken fervor to make it to Manhattan, which results in a bus trip... to Buffalo. But all prevails, as they make it to Lily's side in time for the birth of Marvin Waitforit Eriksen.

With their new son alive and well, Lily and Marshall are doing their best to adapt and to cut back on shenanigans, which include only helping the gang out with issues that relate to an 8 or higher. Two big 10 events happen here, though, one of which involves Ted finally calling Victoria back up, only to discover that she was about to go through with her wedding. But she's still willing to get married to him, which Ted ponders on being right to do, before they drive off into the sunset together. Meanwhile, Barnet and Quinn's trip to Hawaii is halted when a magic trick of Barney's sets off the airport sensors, and he tries his best to not spoil it. He eventually does, though- he plants a wedding ring inside of this little box he's carrying. While all seems well for Barney and Quinn, the flash forward at the end of episode paints a different picture, as Robin is shown to be Barney's bride-to-be.

I haven't been talking about season seven that much, for a couple of reasons. One, I'm losing interest in writing big pieces, even for a show that I enjoy as much as HIMYM. The other being that I'm running out of things to say about the show as it transitions into its awkward last few years.

If anything, I'd say that "The Magician's Code is a good reflection of where the series was at this point, considering how compromised it felt throughout. Some of the show's charms and eventual magic are still present, with a few too many unfunny or tiresome elements to drag it down.

The first half is easily the stronger, allowing for the funniest moments ala some clever cutaways. Not every one of them works, but the variety infused into each one made them feel fresh, just as the gang felt at their most organic here. There wasn't a dragged out split-up storyline or partner with mixed chemistry among the cast to drag things out here, just the core 5 allowed to have fun with each other, sometimes correlating certain bits together in a smart way.

It's especially nice as the parts of the episode that take place in real time aren't all that great. Marshall and Barney are good at playing funny drunks, but it gets old fast, just as the suspense doesn't pay off. While I do want Marshall to be there for his son's birth, I'm not all that invested in the chase. Really, I'd rather see more funny flashbacks, or get a little more screentime for Vicki Lewis.

But it all comes together for the birth of little Marvin, a great moment in the show's run. The emotional weight of the group's core couple is brought to life, as they see everything they could want in life with their firstborn son. Fryman composes the moment well, as she continues to do so when Ted, Robin and Barney arrive and see the gang's first child as he's born. It's moments like these that remind me of why I love the series even now, as I still care about these characters and their accomplishments. They feel real, and I feel like a sixth member of the gang when this is going on.

The second part becomes less fun, as Bays and Thomas don't bring their A game to the table. Barney and Quinn's story shows the most promise, although the fact that she left her stripping job almost works as a cop-out to avoid them working past the issue. It's really a non-issue, and Barney should get over her choice in profession. Some funny moments happen during their interrogation, but it falls moot when the proposal occurs. It's sweetly done, another touch of Fryman magic, but let me just say that you haven't seen anything yet.

Since it's now known that Robin will be marrying Barney, it's safe to admit that I wasn't a big fan of his relationship with Quinn. They're not done yet, but so far their time together has only allowed for quick resolutions rather than serious discourse in regards to their problems. This isn't the best way for a relationship to grow and flesh out, and unless some serious changes occurs, it can't work out. There's also the fact that I'm not a huge fan of Becki Newton's acting as Quinn, who is able to give solid readings, but comes off as a little too forced throughout.

Ted and Victoria seems promising, at least for now. I'll get to them when I start up on season 8. Same with Lily and Marshall, who need some time to get the hang of baby life. It's just not that exciting, as this episode rarely felt that way at all. Even the reveal of Robin being Barney's bride didn't have a big punch, since at this point, it's more stalling than anything.

Season 7 just feels compromised throughout. For every great moment, there's an equally unimpressive one to balance it out. Some great episodes, such as "Tick Tick Tick", allow for the show still be worth watching at this point, but duds like "The Burning Beekeeper" are too prevalent, and hurt it in the long run. I ultimately give season 7 a B-, which makes it about on par with the first and the fifth. Not too bad, but the series has seen better days. Will 8 be an improvement? We'll see...

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Good Crazy"

Good Crazy (7x22)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: As it's getting closer to her birth, Marshall is becoming increasingly demanding about the future of his and Lily's child, to the point that it drives Lily crazy. After a crazy fight, she tricks Marshall into having a wild weekend at Atlantic City with Barney, who himself is hoping to blow off steam while he and Quinn still argue about her profession. They're doing great, especially after the two get wasted and decide to turn their phones off briefly- just before Lily goes into labor. Meanwhile, Ted is doing his best to get over Robin by taking a few dates up, but each one of them resembles her in some way to him, to the point of insanity.

This really does kind of feel like a part one to the upcoming double-header finale, which isn't a bad thing at all. Especially when you consider how one too many elements here aren't wrapped up.

Well, Ted and Robin seem to be getting close to an end. I'm not too hot on this storyline, not only since I don't feel much of anything for their relationship anymore, but this feels a little too similar to Ted and Barney's split near the end of season 3. With less funny results, such as the flat dating bits he has here. I do like Ted and Robin's friendship, though, which is why I can at least understand their grief here. The two work well as friends, but Ted needs to stop pursuing Robin as a lover.

Lily and Marshall are going to have more important material to manage in the season finale, but I do really enjoy their abbreviated fight. Lily's spaghetti obsession in particular is a touch of the show's playful, but well-used sense of humor in motion. It keeps the rest of the episode in motion, as it leads to the welcome turn at Atlantic City.

And Barney... his stuff isn't really any different than before. I'm already ghastly tired of Barney's resistance towards dating a stripper, but here we are.

This is a silly episode, but it does a good job of portraying the characters at their most drastic to avoid their inevitable change. Lily and Marshall are struggling to find the right method for them to raise their child; Barney is finding anything he can to invalidate his relationship, especially since he seems to have a hard time finding out if she really is worth it; Ted is trying his best to get over Robin, but is realizing how pointless it is to drop her when everything is changing so much; and Robin... doesn't have a whole lot to do here outside of Ted's psyche. Next time, though!

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Trilogy Time"/"Now We're Even"

Trilogy Time (7x20)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Kourtney Kang

One Paragraph Synopsis: Ever since they decided to pause a disastrous study session in 2000, Ted and Marshall have decided to rewatch the original Star Wars trilogy together every 3 years. Barney tags along with them in 2003, as well. As they do, the guys take the chance to sit down together and reflect on how they feel things will change during their next session- Ted finds himself optimistic that he'll find the one by then, Marshall hopes for the best with himself and Lily, while Barney is thinking of his next exploit at that time. Each look into this timeframe shows how things are changing for the group, from Marshall's depressive post-Lily take in 2006, to how Ted is still single and miserable in 2012. But a necessary flash-forward to 3 years later shows that things will work for him, after all.

Now We're Even (7x21)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Chuck Tatham

One Paragraph Synopsis: Yes, we find out why Ted wore a dress in this episode, and it's pretty funny. But this is also the one where Barney's qualms about dating a stripper are openly presented, as he tries to Make Every Night Legendary with Ted, who is also adapting to the single life a little too well. And also the one where Robin finally breaks into the media scene, when she pilots a helicopter after her pilot has a stroke. Also, Lily had a crazy sex dream about Ranjit, for some reason.

I wish that I wasn't losing interest in writing, since these are both great episodes. "Trilogy Time" has the best of Kang's skills, as she plays with chronology to her advantage and makes for a poignant reflection of where the guys are right now. The episode is also smart with how it uses Star Wars references liberally, but never allows them to take over.

Marshall has found his love, but it took him and Lily a little time to reach where they should be to have children, which they now can. Barney, for the longest time, only wanted random flings, but he seems to be very serious about Quinn, based on how he doesn't want to ruin things with her by farting too soon. But they're finding equity fairly quickly, which speaks well for them.

And Ted. Well, Ted needs to get his head out of his ass. Robin isn't the one, and he needs to accept that. But he should, as he already has his first kid come 2015. Also, there are only two seasons left, which bodes well.

"Now We're Even" is fun, but it's a little disheartening that Barney doesn't seem to be over Quinn's profession just yet. It's brought up regularly here, but there isn't closure for Barney's disappointment, which shows that we're not done with it just yet. I'm kind of over it already, but I do like how she's being allowed to flesh out a little in these episodes, even getting nice one-on-one time with Lily.

Hers and Marshall's plot is funny, if a little too bizarre to fully land. The idea that Lily likes strong father figures is nice, but the ending bit about Miss Potts and Frankenstein's monster almost messes with that to the point that it can't land. But I give this a pass for more of Ranjit's mugging, any day.

Robin's story is my favorite of the episode, as this allows her the validation that she deserves. This wasn't even dumb luck, either. Well, it was a little lucky, but it seems like this happened at exactly the right place at the right time for her to succeed. She needed a win like this, especially with Ted still being pointlessly cold to him. And speaking of Ted, he deserved having hot soup boil up on him, to be honest.

So yeah, good stuff for a mixed to good season. Only 3 episodes left! Or two, technically.

How I Met Your Mother- "The Broath"

The Broath (7x19)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: Barney is ready for the rest of the gang to meet Quinn, but first, he talks to Ted to convince him to not tell the others that she's a stripper, and how she made him lose a lot of money. He does instantly, as they begin to interrogate her, while she gets Ted and Robin to fight about her apartment, as Quinn is moving in with Barney. An intervention brings this to the center, when it seems like Barney does, in fact, mind that he's dating a stripper, as they break up. When the gang make things up to Barney, he and Quinn then reveal to them that they were playing the group the whole time, just to watch them burn. As Barney himself likes to do. And Robin decides to allow for Ted to move into Quinn's apartment, as her co-anchor position at work, and subsequent raise, allows for her to find a better place.

Really funny stuff, but if I have a problem with it, the explanation of Barney and Quinn's scheme in the last act was a little too on the nose. But the previous group broath was too humorous to not make up for it.

The ending's bit of foreshadowing is interesting, though. It makes it seem likely that Quinn is Barney's wife, but hopefully Quinn's stripper job will stop being a detriment to Barney. There's no reason that she should have to quit for his benefit. They seem to work pretty well though, at least for now.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Karma"

Karma (7x18)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Stephen Lloyd

One Paragraph Synopsis: Barney still can't get Quinn out of his mind, but can't get the nerve to find her again- until he discovers that she's Karma, one of the top strippers at his favorite club. While Barney has doubts about dating a stripper, he and Quinn really seem to hit it off anyway- at least that's what he thinks, as Karma shows off some of her good moves on him. Ted lets Barney in on how he's being played, which he does realize after a while. The episode ends with the two meeting for coffee, away from the club. Meanwhile, Robin briefly moves in with Lily and Marshall as she tries to find her own place, but their increasing dissatisfaction with suburban life has them try to keep Robin close by, as much as she hates Long Island. Before long, no one has to stay in Long Island though, since Ted gives up his part of the apartment's lease for Marshall and Lily to stay in.

I wasn't sure how to feel about this one at first. It wasn't too funny, and I'm not crazy about Barney's hypocritical doubts about dating a stripper. But it picked up after a little, and allows for some good moments near the end.

I was more impressed with Marshall and Lily's stuff though, especially Ted's letter at the end. It was a big moment for him, so he can allow himself to move on. It will also help to keep the gang close, just as Lily and Marshall can easily adapt to raising a kid in Manhattan. I don't feel like saying much more, but Robin's narration was pretty funny, too.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "No Pressure"

No Pressure (7x17)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by George Sloan

One Paragraph Synopsis: Following the previous episode, Ted and Robin briefly reconnect, only for Robin to post-hastily realize that she has a work trip to Rome this week, and leaves in a couple of hours. The two put their future on hold, as Marshall and Lily give Ted conflicting advice on how to handle things. It seems like Lily particularly wants their relationship to not work, which is confirmed when Barney discovers something- Lily and Marshall's box of bets. It turns out that Lily has bet against Ted and Robin working out, but Marshall's confidence in their success has prevented him from paying up. After getting over how shitty this is, Ted realizes that he and Robin aren't meant to work, when she returns. Marshall then recommends that Robin moves out, which she graciously accepts.

For all of my moaning from the previous episode, I forgot how things actually turned out here lol.

But this shows how the two don't, and likely can't, work. Robin doesn't allow for much dreaming, while Ted still keeps his head in the clouds. Even when Ted doubts himself, he's never entirely forgetting his goals, which will always be different than Robin's. Not only do they not have the same spark that the two had back in the second season, but Fryman doesn't seem to even allow them to, anymore. Their relationship is done for, and it's for the best.

Since I find Marshall and Lily's betting creepy (also, if I had the motivation to, I would start a mini-rant about Marshall's adamant refusal to accept that Ted and Robin won't work, but I'll save the spoilers corner for another day), enough to be to the episode's detriment, I want to focus on Ted and Barney before I call this brief review off. Primarily, I think that the way that the two handle Barney's previous attempt to reunite with Robin was done smartly. While he is still attracted to Robin, Barney is doing a good job of not taking advantage of Robin's vulnerable situation, which is worthy of respect. He expresses pity, but calls it a day as to not do anything anyone would regret. It shows growth, even.

This episode does a good job of showing how when one door closes, another can always open. Robin isn't meant to be the one, but that shouldn't be a problem to Ted. The one is still out there. His time will come to find her. I wouldn't call this a great episode, but it's a solid outing with a decent emotional core behind it.

Also, keep an eye out for Conan O'Brien's cameo. The story behind it is pretty clever, and worth a paying attention to.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Drunk Train"

The Drunk Train (7x16)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Craig Gerard & Matt Zinman

One Paragraph Synopsis: This time for Valentine's Day, Ted and Barney are trying the train ride from Manhattan to Long Island that Lily dubs "the drunk train", where a slew of drunken college students typically come home on after a night out. They both strike out due to being a bit too sober, but even after trying the train totally wasted, Barney doesn't seem able to get a girl out of his mind from the other night. And it looks like Quinn, the girl in question, can't get over him, either. As for the actual couples, a romantic week in the snow is planned for the four of them, when a bombshell is dropped via Kevin's proposal to Robin. Dumbstruck, she reveals her own bombshell, admitting to Kevin that she can't have, and doesn't want kids. A lengthy reflection allows for Kevin to make his own decision, as he calls off the proposal.

Ugh, that ending.

Why am I very much pro Robin and Barney, but the concept of Robin and Ted getting back together turns me off? I think this stems from where the characters are now, and how Robin views the boys. With Barney, there's still a spark between them, and unfinished business to take care of. They both still want each other, even if it'll take relationship gymnastics to make it together, but a big part of both of them want to.

Ted and Robin don't really have unfinished business, though. They were together for a much longer span, and had a more complete ending. Even though Ted swears here that he's willing to be okay without kids to be with Robin, that's a crock, and he knows it. Any future together is bound to be doomed, unless Ted can find a way to convince Robin to adopt.

Not to mention that Robin doesn't seem interested in Ted romantically anymore. They worked well back in 2007, but that was 5 years ago, and a lot of what made the two gel has changed, while what caused them to split hasn't as much. This seems like a dead space, since it's all but confirmed that Robin can't be the mother.

This last-minute revelation pisses me off, but the rest of the episode is very good. Well, I'm not crazy about Barney and Ted's ploy to hit on drunk girls, but if they're drunk too, that kind of balances itself out. I think?

I do think that the drunk train concept is a funny idea, and it's even better knowing that this is based on a real phenomenon that Gerard and Zinman have experienced first hand. They delve into it a little on the episode's commentary, and it's definitely worth picking a copy of season 7 up for alone.

As a social observation, this works great. Getting Radnor and Neil Patrick Harris to play drunk to fit in works even better, as they're both gifted as comedic actors. Radnor pulls off the loud jackass beautifully, while NPH is great at playing a drunken buffoon. Together, and with a nice group of drunken fools, they work beautifully.

Barney's pursuit of Quinn works okay. We've seen Barney pine for something a little more serious with other women before, and while Quinn is shown to be a worthy match mate for him, there isn't a whole lot to root for yet. It also felt like the flashbacks to their night together hurt the episode more than helped, as their wordplay wasn't strong enough to pull the material off. Watching Ted's failure with his date was actually more fun, as brief as their moments are.

Lily and Marshall's stuff is solid enough, helping to show that they actually aren't the "perfect couple", but I'm more interested in getting towards Robin and Kevin. While I have generally liked their time together, it isn't surprising to see the two make their separate ways. Despite Kevin's ability to listen being one of his job skills, he can only be patient enough to Robin for so long. Her inability and refusal to have children is the straw that breaks the camel's back, as he has been showing restraint with her for a little bit.

Kevin was a fun addition, as he got to interact with the rest of the gang pretty well, and in some moments, felt like one of the boys. It's a little saddening to think that he received more opportunities to be a part of their group than any of Ted's exes or Nora, which seems sexist in a way. Like the girls don't get the chance to be fun, but one of the show's few male love interests can.

It is deceptive for Kevin to constantly reinforce his proposal, only to deny it shortly after. Even as reasonable as his reason to call it off might be. To give up a lifelong desire for children must hurt. Possibly more than leaving someone that you thought the world of. I feel bad for Robin, but I can't exactly blame Kevin, either.

So yeah, good episode. Mostly great, with a couple of things aside.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "The Burning Beekeeper"

The Burning Beekeeper  (7x15)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: It's a Mary Richards dinner party, thrown by Lily Aldrin. Ted and Garrison Cootes get into a spat when Ted is convicted (by Barney, who is actually guilty) of eating one of the few vegan items available at the party. Cootes and Marshall are also having issues, since Marshall has to go back to work later that night. Barney's about to sleep with a woman who has a history of cutting off unloyal men's packages. And Mickey's collecting bees, for some reason.

Apparently, if there's one episode Bays regrets, it's this one. Not because it's a complete misfire, but due to how they weren't able to get the full potential out of this episode's concept. Or it could be because, y'no, it does suck.

There's an interesting idea in "The Burning Beekeeper"'s framing. A recently deceased professor of my school's film program used to teach that time is not linear, a concept that works. We still get from point A to B, but maybe not directly. Sometimes it makes more sense to reach point D first, but we can still save points C and E for later. Not everything that happens in the universe is direct.

That's why I do welcome the concept of an episode like "The Burning Beekeeper", which keeps a sense of chronology in tact, but plays with it. Certain plot elements are snuck or hidden until later on in a way that should reward repeat viewings. But similar to another high-concept sitcom episode, Seinfeld's "The Betrayal", the novelty doesn't help what is, in actuality, a weak episode.

A few jokes do land. Robin and Ted have an amusing argument, while Barney's ineptitude to take responsibility was also fun, especially his delivery of "I don't know" when he gives Mickey the tip on kerosene. But that's about it, since the majority don't.

Martin Short tries to keep the environment going, but it seems like he can tell that this is a poor script based on his mixed atmosphere. Despite solid delivery, there's a sense of dread in Cootes' lines. He also just doesn't have strong chemistry with Radnor, as evident by their lifeless argument. Short works a little better with Segel and Chris Elliot, but there isn't much zest regardless.

And the beekeeper stuff similarly runs flat. Mickey's bee puns are pleasant enough for pun fans, but are pretty one-note otherwise. It also doesn't help that bee keeping is just a weird idea for Mickey to try out, one with no real purpose. It's leading up to a punchline that doesn't pay off for anything.

Nothing else really works. Lily's aggravation isn't expanded on well, as believable as it is. Robin's feelings of being too pushy is an afterthought that feels out of place here. And Barney's material with the penis-chopping woman is old hat.

All of this together makes for a flat episode. A flat episode in a unique package, but still a dud throughout. I don't think that a single HIMYM episode is bereft of good moments, but Bays, Thomas, and Fryman can do better.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Tailgate"/"46 Minutes"

Tailgate (7x13)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas

One Paragraph Synopsis: Even with his father gone, Marshall still intends to keep their tradition of watching the Vikings and the Bears' yearly game against each other alive, by tailgating at Marvin's stone. In between passes, Marshall shares some of what's gone on in the past few days, primarily New Years Eve. This includes Robin playing cruise control for Sandy during the ball drop, Ted and Barney bringing the bar Puzzles to life in their apartment, and Marshall and Lily's argument about faith (in the supernatural), as she reels over her father's disinterest in her pregnancy.

46 Minutes (7x14)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Dan Gregor & Doug Mand

One Paragraph Synopsis: Lily and Marshall's move to Long Island is official, as they head out shortly after the gang's nightly MacLarens trip. Even though it's really a short distance from them, it's still a rough blow to the gang, but Barney tries to keep Ted, Robin, and Kevin's spirits alive by taking them to a strip club. Here, they meet Stripper Lily again, and well, things go crazy from there. Meanwhile, Mickey's last-minute moving into Lily and Marshall's new house is increasingly getting on their nerves, as he constantly goes too far. After rightfully being kicked out, Mickey goes ballistic and sets traps up for the two before they reach an agreement.

"Tailgate"'s a good episode, but not quite a great, especially compared to the previous episode.

The wraparound of funeral goers, along with Marshall and his brothers at Marvin's burial comes off as a sweet way to end the episode, but almost doesn't feel tied to the rest of it. Marshall's annoyance with visiters coming over while he tries to tailgate is only something that occurs in his little bits, and doesn't really connect to the rest of the episode's stories. As such, I find it a little cloy, even if Bays and Thomas can usually make cloy work.

However, the rest of the episode's material is generally strong. Robin's quest to keep Sandy around for the ball drop continues her quest for finding her place in the journalism industry, by showing how it's not exactly her biggest issue right now. Between everything that's happened to her lately, Robin is superficially interested in keeping her job steady, to the point that she's almost forgetting her goals. Kevin proves his worth as a boyfriend by pushing her to take Sandy's place at the end, which is not only good on his part, but does allow Robin to push herself forward. Maybe 2012 will be her year after all. I also give points to her delivery of the line stating that she gave up dreams that she didn't know she had, which really stings in context. Brilliantly keeping the memory of the previous episode alive.

Marshall and Lily's  paranormal discussions are true to his character, as Marshall's fascination for conspiracies like Bigfoot and Nessie are attributed to the way he views faith. Marshall takes everything by face value and to heart, as his defense for Nessie's existence reflects.

This more or less takes over for a debate about religion, as Lily plays the skeptic to Marshall's believer. The gang's beliefs isn't otherwise mentioned on the show, so this almost works as a way to announce Lily's atheism, and having her suggest that they raise their children without religion.

This also brings faith into the mix, as Lily has no faith in her father. Which, to be fair, is warranted, although Mickey does come through at the end. Lily has little reason to believe that her father can help out, let alone has much interest in their child, given his years of neglect. Lily seems to hold some faith onto a turn around for Mickey though, as he comes by to little surprise.

Meanwhile, Ted and Barney's bar plot is pretty silly, although it works for what it is. Bringing Doug back from season 4's "The Fight" is a welcome surprise, as he adds some funny moments, but this is pretty common stuff, some of which was repeated from season 4's "Three Days of Snow". Kevin, surprisingly, brings in some of the more fun moments, primarily with his disharmony added to the two's Cheers-like theme song. Funny stuff.

"46 Minutes" is a little less strong, primarily due to the Long Island plot. Chris Elliot's shtick gets old fast, as his Mickey is starting to overstay his welcome for the audience as well as for Lily and Marshall. There are only so many masturbation jokes that an episode can pull off, and this gets old by the second act. The Paranormal Activity-esq bits also don't work, and almost come off as lazy.

The material with the rest of the gang is more fun, delving us into the crazy adventures the gang could have if they listen to Barney more often. So yeah, don't do that. But Stripper Lily and New Marshall do bring up some funny scenarios. Again, Kevin allows for some of my favorite moments, as his and Robin's quest to maintain their position as a fun, new couple increasingly tires them out, despite their best efforts to stay chill. Smulders and Kal Penn keep the pace going well, in particular.

But what makes the episode a keeper is its last line, stating that the gang will always be close together, no matter what. It's the bond of these five people that has kept the show afloat thus far, and is what keeps me going through the series again.

How I Met Your Mother Review- "Symphony of Illumination"

Symphony of Illumination (7x12)

Directed by Pam Fryman

Written by Joe Kelly

One Paragraph Synopsis: Continuing from the previous episode's bombshell, Barney copes to the news of Robin's pregnancy, even though it isn't exactly official. Barney does his best to show Robin the perks of parenthood, but she's still disinterested. A check with Dr. Sonya proves that she isn't actually pregnant, which is good news... until Robin later learns that she can't have children. Something she's okay with, but the realization of it hurts more than she could imagine.

Part of me was afraid to tackle this episode, but I also knew that I absolutely had to hit this one, so here we go.

But how do you touch such an episode? The series has had plenty of dramatic moments before, but a lot of them were pretty standard for sitcoms, but done very well- losing a parent, dealing with the return of a distant parent, rough break-ups. But infertility? This isn't necessarily untouched territory, but not that many comedies take this subject on.

Fryman and Kelly keep the show's traditional sense of humor alive, even adding in a silly (but not meritless- I'll come back to that) subplot, but Robin's news flash is treated with respect. Just as her character is throughout, with this episode being one of Smulders' biggest highlights. She knows all of Robin's comic beats, and keeps the script's energy alive through all of its highs and lows, nailing each of her lines.

And more importantly, Cobie is an extraordinarily competent actress, who can do dramatic roles very well. She proves this in the third act especially, where Smulders gives her all without reaching even in the slightest. A fantastic balance that she gets like nobody's business. Her entertaining take on the show's narration becomes delicately somber, delivering her plea of not wanting children with a rough embrace that makes her hurt all the more believable. Even Smulders' facial reactions are saddening, but never borders on tacky.

Good acting can save bad writing, but thankfully Kelly's script gives Robin a great arc in the episode. It's risky to have Robin's emotions switch so frequently in one episode, but all the more important in how its delivered, especially given the context of her character. The Robin of a few years ago wouldn't want to keep the child, just as the Robin of the episode's first act didn't plan to either, but the reality of the situation, and the likelihood of what she's losing comes in.

In a way, it's a bit of tragic irony that Robin, a woman who for most of her life never wanted children, has been told that she can't. The fact that she laments this fact isn't a fault on her or the writing, but rather a human trait, to want what we can't have. In this case, Robin's heartache not only is believable, but all too tragic. The realization is what kills her.

"Symphony of Illumination" still keeps the show's silliness alive, even with a problematic line or two, but never feels weakened for this. And that's the joy of HIMYM, as the series can offer serious character stories on top of fun with rotten teenagers and boob jokes. Marshall's storyline with Scott is goofy, but offers a realistic point for Marshall, as he's starting to embrace the suburban life. Marshall wants to be the cool adult for the local kids, but his naive nature is going to be his downfall. Literally. Hopefully he'll adjust better, but here it's shown that Marshall needs to bone down a little.

I wish that I could do this episode justice, since it's really one of the best. I haven't even mentioned Barney's patience with Robin's conflicting view points, since he did a good job. Even with his opening remarks.

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?