Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Brenda Hsueh
One Paragraph Synopsis: When Lily's new apartment proves to be a massive disappointment, Barney allows her to live with him for the time being. Although neither are initially enthusiast about their placement, the two bond between scaring off Barney's one-night stands and helping to make his place less, well, depressing. By the end of the episode, though, Lily moves back to her previous nightmare apartment with her new additions to Barney's, making it more livable. Conversely, Marshall ends up spending time with his law school buddy Brad. Maybe too much time.
Wow, that was not good. Granted, I haven't seen this one in a while, and only remembered it as the episode where Lily and Barney ended up cuddling each other. But there's obviously a reason why I don't actively seek it out.
Granted, Barney and Lily's stuff isn't that bad, but I'll save that for later. First, I should touch on Marshall.
Oh, Marshall. He really is a good character. He's as much of a nerd as Ted and Barney, but isn't nearly as pretentious as the former, or chauvinistic as the latter. Instead, Marshall consistently exudes a likable personality to him that never falters, as he often finds a way to be in favor of everyone else. While it's easy to enjoy and even like Ted and Barney for their neuroses, Marshall is somewhat of an anti-Ted or Barney, containing many of their interests and charms with virtually none of their unattractive qualities. As the rest of the series will show, Marshall might just be the greatest force of good in its universe. And it all works thanks to a dedicated performance from Segel.
I felt nothing for Marshall here, though. While I understand and appreciate his attempt to forget Lily since her time back, the attempt at how doesn't work, primarily since it's all a big, unfortunate joke. A joke that happens to be homophobic and transphobic at the same time.
Which it shouldn't be, since the idea of Marshall being bi and embracing life spending romantic fervor with a man instead of another woman, that isn't the episode's intent. His rendezvous with Brad is entirely played for laughs, but 8 years after airing, the humor doesn't land. I'm not sure if it did back in 2006, but I'd like to think that we have become more respectful towards the LGBTQA community in the years since.
But no, there's nothing funny about Marshall and Brad compensating for their ended relationships by spending time together, since it's not exactly a funny subject to begin with no matter the sex of the people in question. It's a plot that easily could have worked if there were more jokes added in beyond the two commenting on their time together being awkward, only to plan more time together. But that's just in, commenting on awkward situations doesn't help but to make said situation become even more awkward.
It's also not funny when Ted and Robin joke about Marshall being a girl. There are hundreds, thousands, possibly millions of ways to write a joke. Different mindsets working together should allow for great material to come out with great material. But having Marshall offer an idea of what he'd wear on a date with Brad isn't any funny at all. The show has already proven itself to be well apt at combining different styles of humor, but putting someone down for having a remote interest in things like Alanis Morrisette (who I do like, myself) or Mama Mia (... not so much for me, honestly) isn't even trying at good humor.
I don't want these reviews to come off as social justice whackadoos, but unfair material is what it is. There isn't much else to Marshall's story beyond the aforementioned gender-based humor, which doesn't say much for the character that hasn't already been told (the reveal of Brad reuniting with his ex should have been a memorable, prophetic scene, but it's ultimately a wash), nor comes off as enjoyable. Joe Manganiello tries his best as Brad, who also briefly appeared in the previous episode and comes off as respectable enough here, but that's the only thing that's really positive which I can say about this part of the episode.
It's also disappointing that Robin and Ted only contribute cracks about Marshall and Brad's predicament after they briefly help Lily out in the beginning. There's a hint of there being more for them when Marshall brings up potential jealously at them not being the titular world's greatest couple, but it's not reflected beyond that brief flash. Ah well.
Lily and Barney's story is strong, but not entirely entertaining itself. The best jokes from the episode come from Barney's introductions of his laws of the apartment, which come off as obnoxiously scrutinized for the character as it should be. Lily, who is usually, and usually rightfully, repulsed at Barney's particular lifestyle methods, does seem to grow an understanding and appreciation for him here, which makes for some sweet material between them.
The subplot of Lily helping Barney into getting rid of the women he sleeps with was meant to be sold as a humorous addition, but it doesn't really factor into much. While it does show potential in helping to build their friendship, it isn't that funny or likable. In fact, it does seem weird that Lily would want to help Barney in this way, and it doesn't deliver enough to make the addition work, since the few attempts at the joke don't come off as especially funny, nor does it build that much more to the characters.
The scene where the two end up together in bed works a little better, though. In fact, I'd call their moment of bonding to Letterman (which is a decent enough callback to Bays and Thomas' history in the industry, btw) to be the episode's most credible moment, but the morning reveal with Barney's disgust at domestication almost ruins it for me, which brings more sexism into the front. Lily's calling out of Barney's questionable take on relationships redeems the scene a little for me, as it does allow to prove that Barney is full of crap, putting the joke on him rather than with. Still, the bit bugs me. Besides, why does Barney care so much about cuddling?
Especially as I do feel that Barney and Lily were starting to build on their rocky friendship here. Clearly, they clash, as Lily's feminist beliefs rightfully don't fit with Barney's patriarchal way of thinking, but I sincerely believe that Lily finds good in him anyway. Which isn't hard to believe, since for all of his selfish behavior, Barney has proven in more than one occasion that he genuinely cares about his friends. I also think that he sees a loving person in Lily, despite her own selfish purposes, as well as a spark that they both share. Even though they are inspired for and by different things, the two do share a thirst for passion that can easily be compared among each other. It's a great trait that makes for one of the show's lesser-heralded, but still undeniably important, relationships.
I do see an attempt to make both stories about helping Lily and Marshall partly get over their break-up by spending unorthodox time with friends, and there is connection. The whole just isn't pleasant enough to give it a pass on that alone, despite Hsueh's best efforts in her screenplay.
Still, it's not enough to consider the episode as more than just a decent diversion. There are strong moments here, but they're scattered between jokes that don't work, and an attitude that is just unpleasant. But hey, I can forgive a lesser episode after so many strong ones since the last unremarkable ep. Let's just hope that the next story is an improvement.
No comments:
Post a Comment