Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Carter Bays & Craig Thomas
One Paragraph Synopsis: Stella accepts Ted's proposal from "Miracles", as they spend the summer having lots of fun as a result. That said, they surprisingly don't know that much about each other yet, as Ted proves ignorant about most things Stella, right down to accidentally serving her peanuts without knowing of her allergy to them. This results in the two trading details about each other, with Stella admitting that she's never seen Star Wars before. Given how important the film is to Ted and Marshall, they decide to have Stella view it to see if she likes her fiance's favorite movie, which she doesn't... although she won't tell Ted, in a noble sacrifice. Meanwhile, Barney tells Lily of his newfound love for Robin, which Lily approves of and tries to set them up on a date, which results in an initially awkward, but ultimately pleasing bonding experience for the two.
The show writers, including Bays and Thomas, were spending a good part of the first few seasons finding the show's voice, often succeeding at going into new, clever directions to make the series stand out. I feel that whatever awkward phase was still present early on had been completely eradicated for the show's fourth season, as almost everything is in place here.
In terms of structure, How I Met Your Mother has definitely made its mark. The series has always remained tightly paced since its early days, and while this episode slows things down ever-so-slightly in comparison, there's still a speed here absent in other series with as few storylines per episode as HIMYM. While a show like Parks and Recreation can easily fit three or four plots in a half-hour, this particular HIMYM switches between two with dwelling or zipping, a balance that still keeps a good pace.
Bays, Thomas, and Fryman have made this particular balance a key element of the show, as every episode matters without forcing the audience to pay as much attention to each detail as they would a harder-edged drama. Filler seems like a weird term to use for a sitcom, but it's one that doesn't necessarily exist on HIMYM, as even the weakest episodes thus far have helped to contribute to the show's mythology, as well as build character in its own unique ways. With ample time for plot development, but not too much time as to hold anything back, the show often succeeds at keeping a fresh, important feeling going.
I watch "Do I Know You?", and find myself enjoying it the way that I do for most good episodes of the series, like I'm sitting in on a group of familiar friend's escapades. The framing is done well enough to not make it feel like I'm overstaying my welcome or not spending enough time in a scene, while every moment finds something fresh for me to want to stick around. Considering the importance of this place in the character's lives, this is definitely a good thing, and I'm glad to be there.
Because one other way the show has been succeeding is how the characters have been treated, this episode in particular staying true to everyone, while expanding on some of the core five above all.
Lily and Marshall typically share their role together, playing the experienced couple that claim to know all and offer their advice constantly. Lily is an instigator, finding what's going on in her friend's lives and picking the exact right motives, according to her, to expand on them. In this episode, she sticks to this mentality as she primarily interacts with Barney, helping him with his predicament. Lily's decision to trap both Barney and Robin into a casual date environment is a slightly slimey one, but she knows her subjects well- both of these characters are the kind who act big in most cases, but tend to freeze up when romance is involved, which is why they need a push. Especially as Lily decides to remain rightfully tight-lipped with Barney's emotions, hoping that he'll tell Robin himself.
It doesn't really work that way, as Barney is still unready to tell Robin his feelings, but thankfully this does lead to some good one-on-one time between the two, among their finest since season 1's "Zip, Zip, Zip". In the nearly three years since, the two have grown quite a bit, as Robin has become more willing to embrace her feelings, while Barney has proven to be as good of a friend and listener as he is a seducer. Both still have their issues with intimacy and sharing emotions, which is why the night doesn't become anything more than just a good time between friends, but it's not without waste.
The chemistry that Robin and Barney shared in "Zip, Zip, Zip" hasn't diminished at all, as even while just sitting for dinner and drinks, they set off a blast of energy together with just dialogue and body language. Neil Patrick Harris and Smulders have found the right way to exploit chemistry, and it obviously works. Even lesser dialogue ques keeping their moments entertaining, as it's apparent how much fun the actors are having without trouble getting into the mood of it.
But even beyond acting, the writing allows for a good moment in which Robin confides into Barney something important, her potential to switch jobs. Seeing some of the puns Robin has to say during the news makes her decision seem obvious, but her initial reluctance to reveal this is indicative that while she's still unsure of this, if anyone has the right to know and offer advice, someone like Barney can. When removed from other women, Barney proves his worth as an admirable, helpful friend, something Robin could really use right now.
Although if Barney is so admirable, why did he end up sleeping with the waitress, after all? Barney's speech supporting bimbos (a low point of the episode, as the women Barney sleeps with deserve better than to be classified as such) indicates that he really isn't ready to invest in a committed relationship, with Robin or not. Right now, Barney is too set in his ways to change, which explains the decision, although his turning to her news broadcast at the end suggests that Barney is still potentially in love with Robin, even if he can't act on it just yet. He might need more time, and assurance that more than one night of passion will happen if he does.
As for Ted and Marshall's material, Marshall plays his own take on the wise elder, aiming for a more emotional core as opposed to Lily's mental, almost as a reversal of gender roles. He understands Ted possibly better than he does, and recognizes the importance of Star Wars in his life. Then again, Marshall is just as big, if not even bigger, a fan. And all it takes is one viewing of A New Hope for the two of them to realize why Stella should see the film.
Surprisingly, the two (or three, since Barney himself is also a big fan) haven't talked about Star Wars all that much, despite how ingrained it seems into the show. Skywalker Ranch even lent the rights to use John William's iconic score during the episode, as they see what big fans the guys on the show is. But there have only been a handful of passing Star Wars references, along with Barney's Stormtrooper costume in his apartment, thus far. But something about Star Wars seems right, just as it makes sense that Ted favors Episode IV all else, which brings on the quest to get Stella to enjoy it, as well.
Imagine if the person you decide to spend the rest of your life with doesn't like your favorite film, book, video game, TV series, sports team, or what have you. In truth, you don't want to marry someone exactly like you, but it's hard to consider if life would be worth sharing with someone who doesn't understand why your personal passion is so important to you. This is what Ted is facing in "Do I Know You?", as Star Wars becomes a metaphor for commitment.
Seeing Stella's reaction to A New Hope- negative, opposed to her wildly positive reaction to Ted- makes for an interesting look at their relationship. She may not be able to get down to his favorite movie, but Stella loves Ted more than enough to deal with his personal passion and not look down at him for it. It's not ideal, but it seems like a noble sacrifice to make. Ted hasn't found the dream girl, but maybe it's time for him to have a new dream, instead.
Not a bad way to start off the season. Will Stella become the mother? Is Robin going to take the new job? Will she and Barney get together? And how about Marshall's mostly-forgotten unemployment depression? There is much more to dig into after this episode, but it looks like a bright road ahead for the season.
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