Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Brenda Hsueh
It's official- I've hit the point of the show where I shouldn't be surprised about coming across a very good episode. That's not to say that every episode in the future is going to be a winner, but HIMYM has almost entirely hit its groove by now.
"Zip, Zip, Zip" is a title that has always stuck with me since it lives up to the titular promise, as the pacing is traditionally rapid fire. Which is all the more helpful, since there are three different stories to hit, and each one helps to build character to come.
Strangely enough, Ted and Victoria have the least substantial story. Hell, it's barely a story after they get out of the cab. But considering how much material of the series that Ted has dominated so far, that's a good call in my book. Still, there is meat to Ted and Victoria's sexual hiatus, as not only does it make sense that the two of them want to take their time to get to know each other and not rush into anything, it seems as if it's been a while since either of them have gone at it. There's nothing wrong with waiting, although based on Ted's obvious blue balls, their time was indeed near. It's also nice to see Ted, who can be pushy in his own way, not pressure Victoria into anything she doesn't want to do. The show has issues with keeping both sexes happy, even this early in, so such a fair compromise is welcome.
The best parts of their story comes from Ted and Victoria's obnoxious pillow talk. Both of their intellectual sides show throughout as they share awkward attempts at soliloquies on the couch, and no matter how many times I've seen this episode, it never fails to crack me up. It fits Victoria's character to ask just what makes Ted cry as they make their way into each other's pants, and in truth, it seems like a fresh attempt at bringing romanticism to the bedroom. And of course, it works!
Marshall and Lily's material is similarly goofy and compressed, since a big chunk of it revolves around them being stuck in a toilet while nature is calling for Lily. Despite the pee trouble, it takes no time to find the heart behind their story, as the couple question their lengthy relationship status come their ninth anniversary. The wedding is still a ways away, so it only makes sense that Lily and Marshall feel like they've explored almost every facet as lovers that they can.
This contemplation on their status juxtaposes itself well with Ted and Victoria's first sexual encounter happening right outside. Here, the senior most couple on the series have come to a realization that they have done almost everything that they can as a pair, while their best friend is making personal history with his new love right across from them. Is the torch being taken from them, or is there no more mystery to be solved? This is what on Lily's mind, as she realizes that she and Marshall have cut back on their erotic passion for complacency.
But hey, as Marshall points out, they haven't urinated in each other yet. It's not exactly their first attempt at intercourse, but this is a strange little sign that they're never done learning things about each other. Life is too long and big for Lily and Marshall, or any person, to fall into stagnancy if they don't want to. There is more for Marshall and Lily to do with and for each other, but it's up for them to find out just what there is to discover.
But Barney and Robin. Now we're onto something. We've seen the two of them interact before, but this is the first time that they've had a wide range of material together. And almost instantly, one thing becomes apparent- Cobie Smulders and Neil Patrick Harris have fantastic chemistry with each other. Already, they feel like the kind of close friends that Lily and Robin haven't fully embraced being just yet, almost effortlessly. Watching Robin and Barney play laser tag together gives a sense of shared energy that actors try for ages to master, while their calmer moments are fantastically set up as buddy pieces, while Harris and Smulders deliver without a hitch.
As friends, Barney and Robin work. They both share a mutual appreciation of a non-typical mindset, based on their passion for laser tag and varied attempts to pick up desirable women, as well as the occasional desire to class up for a night. Not to mention that they both enjoy classic board games, and even give each other helpful tips at how to play.
As love interests? Well, Barney isn't wrong when he brings up how neither of them are looking for anything serious and that they get along great. But Robin isn't wrong herself to consider Barney at this point as a dirty sleazeball that barely works as a friend, let alone a lover. While Barney did forgo his chance to score that night, it took no time for him under dress while at Robin's place. Barney knows how to be a friend, but he needs to mature some more before she even considers being more than a friend with him.
But life is long, and both are smart people. Just as this series is considerably becoming smarter, by allowing each of its core characters a welcome moment of clarity in this episode. "Zip, Zip, Zip" wisely keeps the momentum going throughout, allowing everyone time to shine in an unforgettable episode that rarely stops entertaining or expanding the show.
Continuity Errors: Lily and Marshall have separate toothbrushes here, as any sane couple should. Later on, we learn that they supposedly share a toothbrush, which is just... god, why, Bays and Thomas?
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