Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Jonathan Groff
The challenge: write a review before I head to work. But let's see how this goes, as "I'm Not That Guy" is a solid episode, but hardly as strong as the past couple. Those are usually the toughest to write for.
Although, this is definitely an important episode, as it introduces another of the key storylines of the season- Lily's financial woes, and how they affect hers and Marshall's marriage. Keep in mind, though, that Marshall still doesn't know of her credit issues.
But that's the thing, Marshall and Lily share most everything. In the decade that they have been together, the two are in synch to most everything, which is what makes Lily's decision to shelter this so fascinating. There's a guilt factor, yes, as Lily's bad monetary habits are likely to ruin them for a long time, and it's entirely her fault. While Marshall is known to be accepting in instances like this, it's still likely a little too rough for him to handle.
I shouldn't demonize Lily, since overspending happens to many (hell, I'm getting there myself), especially since it's being portrayed that she has an issue with shopping. It's not responsible at all, but to Lily, shopping is therapeutic when she needs a breather, which doesn't justify her bad money management, but in the twoish years the audience has known her to this point, she deserves some sort of relaxation. It would have just been better if her tastes were cheaper, but I still give points to the show for addressing how someone with a salary like Lily's is paying for her clothes. The same was never done for Mary Richards.
Thus is the woes of a capitalist society, that we're obligated to spend so much at retail when we only learn so little. Sadly, Lily has to deal with the repercussions firsthand, but it is good that Robin confronted her about her spending. If she had to wait much longer to address it, her debt would not be salvageable.
Lily's attempt to push Marshall into the Nicholson, Hewitt, & West job may not be the best mentally for him, but makes sense fiscally. The NRDC won't offer nearly as much as NH&W does, and there isn't exactly a room for improvement in kindergarten teaching for Lily. Since her art is mostly a dead end, for the two to help take care of their financial issues, it makes the most sense for Marshall to stay at a job that pays higher, at least for a while. Who's to say the NRDC won't be hiring again in a year or so, after all?
But it's nice on Lily's part that she decides to root for Marshall to not force himself into a job he's not interested in. The money would definitely help, but Marshall didn't go to law school to do bullshit work for a crooked firm. His goal is to help save the environment, which he couldn't do at NH&W. And he probably won't, even after he takes the job afterall. Still, I welcome the sacrifice Lily attempts to make, even if it's for moot.
So obviously Marshall's material with Coatsworth isn't a waste. Even if Marshall turned him down, though, it would still have been fun to see the exec try to seduce Marshall, as his methods became increasingly more elaborate and promising.
Although if there's one problem with it, I don't think that John Cho (one of Neil Patrick Harris' Harold & Kumar costars, among numerous other roles he's become known for in the years since) is entirely consistent as Coatsworth. His comic delivery is strong in places, redeeming Cho for enough of his time, but he also does some uninspired readings in just as many places, shockingly so. On top of that, Cho isn't all that convincing as a law firm executive, especially as oftentimes he still sounds like the stoner he's famed for playing. It's weird to see a misfire in terms of guest performances for HIMYM, but I don't buy Cho for most of it.
But what I really like about Marshall and Coatsworth's time together is the implication Barney brings into it, that Marshall is being treated like a date. Awesome dinners, great drinking sessions together, the candlelight's, the fancy dress. That's more than enough to win any good guy over, but what seems to seal the deal for Marshall is the promise of being in charge of the legal department for Tuckahoe Funland, which I've learned is based off of an actual landmark amusement park in New York where similar bad things have occurred over the years. Coatsworth clearly knows this, but uses it to his advantage anyway. As you can see, it works for Marshall, as he doesn't really know or care about the deaths or E. coli outbursts the park is famous for as he accepts. Selfishness or ignorance? You decide.
But also keep in mind how Coatsworth gets under Marshall's skin previously in the episode. As Barney mentions, the exec uses trademark sympathy devices, such as pretending to share interests and maintaining an open ear for Marshall. While we don't really learn about NH&W in this episode, it seems pretty clear that few of the people involved in the place, let alone Coatsworth, really cares about the environment. They care about money and success, which Marshall promises to be able to deliver.
Even more telling, though, is when Coatsworth talks money to Marshall. Before we know about Lily's credit issues, he cuts right to the punch that Marshall wouldn't be able to support Lily nearly as well if he went to the NRDC, while she similarly doesn't bring a whole lot in at her current job. An obvious truth, which Coatsworth doubles up on by making sure that Marshall's family has little to offer them, as is true. We're never really sure how Marshall made it to college with his smalltown roots (I just assume that some financial aid and a lot of loans are involved- that's how most people get in), but he's pretty far from flushed right now. There really aren't many better ways to dig into a guy than through his wallet.
That undercut works well towards constantly funny moments, that are somewhat reminiscent of "World's Greatest Couple", but work better here. The lack of enforcing dated gender roles and the reliance on good-humored winks is a very welcome change, as each of the flashbacks to Marshall's time with Coatsworth results in entertaining little vignettes, right down to Marshall's eventual walk of shame. Even his brief dialogue with a woman in similar shoes is humorous without reverting to sexism.
As for Ted and Barney's material, it's all good itself. It's been shown that Ted isn't much for pornography, at least on the surface, so his response to discovering that his name is being used for a porn star's name is natural, and it leads into solid ribbing from the gang. Less solid, however, is the reveal of Ted's phone interview mishap, which is a little too broad for its length. If a little bit was cut off and left to the imagination, it'd ring better for me.
Although really, this whole B plot is broad, which is the point. I just think there was more fun to be had in the convention, with the humorous reveal of Bizarro Ted. This allows for a likable and surprising story of Ted's bravery, and leads into a great exchange between a potential replacement name. All fine and good, but my favorite part of the scene comes from the beginning, with Ted's awkward wave to the guy in his human resources center at work. Damn.
"How I Met Everyone Else" is an A episode (I don't really believe in A+'s, but "Slap Bet" might come closer to one than any other episode), while this isn't. Despite some issues with "I"m Not That Guy", though, there is much to like and promises of something more to come for the show. That makes it pretty far from a misstep in my eyes. It also helps keep the winning streak season 3 has been on going, which keeps it a a step above the previous 2 thus far. Let's just hope it stays this strong as the year goes along.
By the way, challenge won. With over an hour to spare.
Continuity Notes: Not an error, but it's funny how doppelgangers are brought up in this episode, when the concept will show up later on in the series in a different manner. You'll see soon enough.
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