Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Stephen Lloyd
One Paragraph Synopsis: Ted is anxious to introduce the gang to his new date, Cathy, but they aren't as crazy about her. The reason is pretty simple- Cathy talks. A lot. But until they tell him, Ted is unaware as he's too smitten to notice. As this glass shatters, other bits and pieces regarding the group's idiosyncrasies become increasingly revealed, ranging from Lily's loud chewing to Marshall's singing. While the sudden realizations almost break the group, more important matters prevail. Such as Marshall's score from the bar being ready, but he forgot his password to find out. But rest assured, by the end of the episode, he and everyone else finds out that Marshall is officially a lawyer.
*glass shatters*
The line about Cathy formerly having a penis isn't funny and further perpetuates the idea that it is meant to be shocking or even funny that anyone has the right to decide that the gender they're born with isn't right for them, which needs to stop and I don't care if this was made in 2007 or 2015 (happy New Year, btw), everyone involved should have known better to go on with this.
I'm sorry, that was a big one. But I promise to let the anti-transphobia crusade rest, since this is the only use of it in the episode. And it really is a good one besides that unfortunate line.
It happens all the time. That one person you spend a lot of time with, be it someone you're attracted to or just a really good friend, there's always one or two things they're prone to do that it takes a while to notice, but once it happens, it never stops. If you can tolerate it well enough, that shouldn't be a problem, right?
I can see why Ted has remained ignorant to his date being the living equivalent of a Chatty Cathy doll, in that he really wants to impress her. If they're cute enough, I might be in the same boat. It is entirely mental to block out or ignore such a fault as excessive talking in an instance like this, which seems to be what Ted has done. Notice in the flashback, for example, how he reacts accordingly to Cathy's frequent points of conversation. He's aware, subconsciously, but too far into the game to openly acknowledge it.. until Marshall tells him.
Sometimes the confirmation sucks, since living unaware is blissful. Other times, it really is best to know. Also keep in mind that Ted was literally begging the gang to tell him why they don't like Cathy. Literally, not figuratively.
But the secrets revealed about the gang? Most of this isn't exactly new. Only Lily's tendency to chew loudly seems like an invention of the episode, but it's pretty far from outlandish. Marshall singing every thing he says, though? Seen as early as the show's very third episode. Ted's incessant correcting? Happens all the time! Robin's over-reliance on the phrase literally? She literally does it quite often. And I'm sure that Barney's little details don't require a reminder.
It goes without saying that each flaw fits in and adds to the dynamic of each of the characters. As the least present, I'll address Lily's loud chewing first. This fits with her inability to see past the faults of her believed "perfect" personality, as she puts herself at a consistently high pedestal in hopes to correct her friends whenever they make mistakes. While Lily's pretty far from perfect on her own (keep in mind that this episode doesn't address her debt at all, but the story's not done yet), she fancies herself as the voice of reason among the group. Even when she's dead wrong, but she can drown out criticism with some chips.
Note Lily's reaction when Marshall mentions her chewing to her. Lily is shocked and frankly confused that someone, let alone someone she loves as much as Marshall, could point out a flaw this big that she somehow has missed. It digs at her, but it's not like she'll stop eating, right?
Marshall's singing is adjacent to his welcoming personality. He always has a song playing in his head, even when it's not one that everyone wants to hear. Ted feels inadequate in every other aspect of life, and tries to use his approximate knowledge of many things in ways to show superiority whenever possible. Robin's use of literally, well, this article explains it better than I could. As for Barney? His ability to drift off during a conversation shows immaturity and selfishness, something he has in spades. Saying things in falsetto and creating random buzz words reinforce his party nature, as he is want to do. To be fair though, all of these Barney quirks are rather harmless.
To be even more fair, all of these are pretty harmless. As the core gang continue to ignore when the good moments come by, such as the reveal of Marshall passing the bar. It's warming to see almost all of these tropes reinforced and embraced when they're at the bar celebrating. All except for Barney not paying attention, as he just has to for this moment.
Marshall's story of losing his online code is pretty simple, but has good moments throughout. Barney's attempts to help him out create a surprising tension to the show, which is quickly subsided when his true motives are revealed humorously.
Just as much of the episode is, as this is light on dramatic moments. That might be why this is a quick review (the fact that I've been working SO much and feel guilty about not posting up a new review in the past few days is another), but aside from some poor taste in humor, this is another great episode for the HIMYM gang. A definite step up from the past two episodes, which were hardly duds to begin with. Season 3 really is on a roll.
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