Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas
Directed by Pam Fryman
One Paragraph Synopsis: Remember hearing about Ted's "date" with his doctor, Stella back in "The Platinum Rule"? Ted is still attracted to her, despite it being against her profession to date a patient. In Ted's favor, though, is the fact that he's only scheduled for 10 sessions with Stella, then he is no longer a patient. During these sessions, Ted pulls out all the tricks to win Stella over, but even though she shows interest in him, Stella just doesn't have the time or ability to try to date someone now, especially with Stella's daughter still being her top responsibility after work. It takes pure magic and ingenuity to win her over, which Ted does succinctly.
Let's get the best part out of the way now, shall we? Britney Spears, huh?
But in all seriousness, I'll save that particular scene for last. As for Miss Spears, however, she really was quite good as Abby. Definitely broad, but she serves the material well and brings sincerity to her role. I always get a few good laughs out of Abby, since she isn't drawn so far as to be a caricature of people with anxiety, but rather just a highly emotional person with some well-made comedic points. She could have been a lot worse.
Just like this episode could have been a lot worse. Because in truth, it's kind a of creepy concept to constantly ask a woman out until she says yes. Actually, it can be really creepy depending on the circumstance, and while Ted's determination borders on obsessive at a certain point, I think what makes this story work is that it's pretty clear that Stella does like Ted.
I say this as Sarah Chalke, herself on loan from Scrubs at the time, is great as Stella. She's given a little more personality than Ted's usual dates, which makes sense as it should surprise no one that she won't be a one-off. Stella is rightfully challenging, having her opinions and sticking to them, which culminates early on with her Plan 9 vs. Manos debate from Ted at the beginning. Stella's determination to win the argument becomes apparent along with her playing with Ted, almost trying to get him to join her girl's night out viewing of Ed Wood's famous flop. Almost like a trial date, but as casual as possible.
Stella really is proven to be quite smart. She figures out most of Ted's plays as he's going along, even as she seems to revel at them. But what she seems to enjoy more is Ted's own nerdy eccentricities, a point that his future self points out as the speak in French for one of his sessions, a little facet that I think both of them enjoyed. Her rejection of the cheesy self-help books that Marshall enjoys continues to further both of my mentioned traits, as Stella proves to be too self respectful for such a fad. Plus, she agrees that Ted can't rock a mustache. While Stella could have still deserved more time for character development, it's easy to see why Ted likes her.
It's also worth noting, again for Ted's defense, that he's right by pointing out that Stella does not say no when asked. This may not always be the best sign, but the points add up to her having interest in dating Ted, with this little tidbit being the final confirmation. It really does seem that Stella is simply unsure of dating again to go back into the game with Ted, a point he takes into consideration.
The rest of the gang don't get much to do in this episode, since there isn't a b-plot at all. The women especially are given little, although both of them have strong moments. Robin calls out how Stella's initial shooting down Ted's hopes is indicative that this is a tough fight in a cute, straight to the point way that I appreciate. Smulders has more than proven her ability to embrace without much warmness now, a point that comes across well throughout thanks to dry delivery. Lily, meanwhile, has a funny bit about her nail-biting habit, portrayed in a humorously tasteful manner by Hannigan.
Marshall is a little more helpful, as he actually gets to meet with Stella. Not only is his freaking out over the mole funny, this sequence brings up one of the episode's strongest points, its framework. Everything is where its meant to be, and no accidents are present. A big example of this is Ted discovering The Power of Me in Stella's office isn't a throwaway moment, as is revealed when it turns out to be Marshall's copy, further highlighted at the time when he mentions losing his copy.
Similarly important is the call that brings Spears' Abby to tears, which was an important scene in its own right, as it shows the character's emotional streak and how it'll effect Ted throughout the episode. The reveal of Barney being the instigator behind the call brings his great scheme into play, making him the most important main character of the episode besides Ted. As you see, his two schemes work out in the end- Barney wins that $10 bet from Ted, and he gets to nail the receptionist. All thanks to some unfortunate meddling. The ending tag is a scream in particular, with Spears' final delivery making for a great way to close the episode, and Barney's arc.
But when it comes to endings, wow, that two minute date. Beautifully orchestrated by Big Star's "Thirteen", the entire sequence takes place on one massive tracking shot as it sticks to the song's innocuous portrayal of youthful romance. Ted has done some crazy things to win a woman over, but he crams a night's worth of magic into a little over two minutes, losing nothing in the process, which is something to behold. As is Fryman's direction, as her ability to keep the shot going without a trace of editing to be found is astonishing. The show's New York Street is actually quite small, but looks gigantic and intimate all at once, as everything necessary is kept to maintain the emotion.
God, what a beautiful scene. A great way to start a relationship and finish a fantastic episode, despite some misgivings. The two minute date is among the show's most iconic moments, usurping Britney Spears' appearance towards the episode's legacy. But Spears definitely did help to bring people to the series, as this gave it some of the show's best ratings yet. And many of those viewers never left as the show continued beyond this high note.
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