Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas
One Paragraph Synopsis: Ted, still convinced that he and Robin should be together, attempts to make it rain so he can stop Channel 1 New's annual camping trip and thus make sure that Robin and Sandy Rivers don't hook up. He even convinces Barney to ask an old fling (played by Amy Acker- more Whedon royalty!) to pull off a rain dance. Somehow, it actually works, as Ted finally convinces Robin to start a relationship together. At the same as one relationship blossoms, though, another falls apart. Marshall discovers that Lily applied for an art fellowship in San Francisco, as she makes it in, which has the couple discuss their future. The answer of whether or not they could make it work is shown at the end of the episode, as Marshall is holding Lily's engagement ring in her hand, crying in the rain Ted believes to have caused.
Persistence works! Well, sometimes, I guess.
I've mentioned before that I'm not a fan of the "turning a no into a yes" trope in fiction, because it's a creepy idea. On numerous occasions, yes, someone who turned down another person for a romantic or sexual relationship can be coerced into changing their mind, but it usually requires a logical, not-forced attempt at getting to know and understand each other as people to come to this conclusion. Not bugging the rejector and creating crazy schemes to attempt a way to do so.
I'm otherwise very positive on this episode, as I'll get into later, but I do think it would have been better if Ted would have respected Robin's decision and allowed her time to change her mind, if she so felt the need to. It does seem like Robin was heading into this decision herself, but Ted practically trapped her into a corner until she rushed into her definite choice.
There's definitely misogyny in here, almost saying that women are only good on their own if they say yes. This is toxic logic, but it sadly exists in multiple forms of media. HIMYM is occasionally a little sharper in terms of its execution of tropes like these, but I do sincerely believe that Robin feels trapped here.
Still, I come out hopeful when Ted has his rainstorm vision come true. Whatever problems in sexism that How I Met Your Mother has, the series is still supremely adept at taking romantic comedy tropes and making them work. Against my better judgement, Ted and Robin do feel like a potential loving couple, as their reveal in the end keeps a sharply passionate bond between them that is apparent the moment they exchange lips. Fryman has kept her directing chops tight all season, with her camerawork being simply to die for.
There is also a wise cut to the blue French horn that Ted stole for Robin all the way back in the pilot, which doesn't linger for too long, but leaves enough of an impact for viewers. It's a smart way to symbolize that Ted has won his fight for now, and that he and Robin are going to work out pretty fine for now.
Will they? The audience will or did see, but the show has plenty to do with Ted and Robin as it goes along. For now, let's allow Ted his victory, and let new viewers (if you're there with me!) find out for themselves if they're really meant to be.
Marshall and Lily though, that's where my attention comes back to each time. Which makes sense, since even though Ted's quest to win over Robin is a big part of both the episode and the season itself, the main course for this episode is about the deconstruction of the show's core couple.
Which it totally succeeds at, in my book. By this point, the series had excelled at maintaining its structure, which extends itself over the course of the episode, as we're taken from Lily and Marshall's demise at the same pace they go through it. The couple seem lovingly serene at the beginning, until the call from Lily's fellowship comes in and quickly starts their deterioration.
The couple's invention of the pause system is an ingenious way to give them seemingly final moments of admiration before their split, which is used magnificently three times over the course of the episode. The reveal of their pause earlier gives the audience a better understanding of Marshall and Lily's relationship- they fight like every other couple, but they know when to put a happy face on or what to keep to themselves when needed. The second use allows for a comedic pause during their fight, allowing for the two to have a peaceful dinner before they both tear up at Red Lobster, making for one of the show's strongest usages of product placement, and a true highlight of the episode itself.
But the third, damn. It's at this point that it seems like no matter whether or not Lily and Marshall would survive this fight, they do truly love each other. The kiss that Hannigan and Segel share feels extraordinarily passionate, as it also works as a last kiss with each other. Whatever problems can't be resolved, nothing about Lily's eventual leave is definite. This is going to be just as hard on her as it will be for Marshall.
Although, did Lily really need to leave for San Francisco? To her, yes, she really needs to experience her own life before dedicating it to Marshall. This isn't against him at all, but rather just something that needs to be done for her. It's rough, and I do think that she should have handled this crisis better, but Lily has her right to analyze herself.
At the same time, Marshall's reaction is completely fair. Keep in mind that this is news to him, that Lily isn't happy with her current deal, and also that it's only natural to assume that he is the cause for Lily's discomfort. Marshall doesn't attack her, nor despite what Lily thinks, force her to stay for the wedding. He does seem to understand what she's feeling, although he is rightfully upset.
Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel continue to competently keep their performances going throughout, as it's clear that they fully understand their characters at this point, including the love for each other that is present. It's what makes the reveal at the end of the episode all the more heartbreaking, as Segel wonderfully emotes pain as he holds Lily's ring. The rain keeps up with his tears, while Lily is keeping away on her own.
Despite the dramatic strength in "Come On", Thomas, Bays, and Fryman don't forget that this is a sitcom, and keeps the episode very funny throughout. Nearly every line of Barney's is a hoot, as he wisely slides to the side to keep the emotionally stronger stories of the other characters take center. He is also supported well by Acker's Penelope, who does a good job at playing her material of inexperienced white girl for Ted's rain dance, keeping a solid mix between likable and annoyingly pretentious. Even Marshall and Lily add some sharp lines in during their extended fight, yet also wisely find a way to not overshadow the seriousness behind their plot.
"Come On" delivers as the full HIMYM package, combining sharp, varied dialogue with powerful dramatic moments. Despite its questionable moments, this is a great way to end a solid first season. And I can't wait to start season 2 up.
Final Thoughts on Season 1: Like basically every show, the first season had a rocky start, but delivered on its potential fairly early on. The show's unique pacing found itself in no time, and helped to make the show stand out between basically every other comedy on TV, then and now. Since I'm crunched for time and most of what I feel about these episodes are in my reviews, I'll just give the first season a preliminary score of a B-. Good start, and I know it can do better.
Now onto season 2!
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