Directed by Pam Fryman
Written by Matt Kuhn
One Paragraph Synopsis: Marshall convinces the gang to get their hearts checked in fear of something happening to them like his father, but Barney is the last holdout. When he finally goes to get it checked, it's shown that he is mostly fine, but with some potential worry there, meaning that he needs to wear something in his chest to scan his heartbeats for the next day. He ends up doing so when he's on his next date with Nora, which shows how nervous he is, especially when he lies to her about his desire to settle down and marry, and convinces the gang to lie to her as well. The thing is, though, Barney likes Nora too much to lie to her anymore and comes clean, which rightly turns her off. At the same time, he kind of isn't lying and does want all of this, and while he originally plans to tell her, changes his mind at the last minute.
Can Barney Stinson change?
As much as he is that gross womanizer, he does genuinely have romantic attraction. He loved Robin dearly, and is quick to fall for Nora in the same fashion. If anything, he may be aromantic, which is a wide enough spectrum to which he can still be romantically attracted to someone, but with his own aversions. I'm considering this, since he was never lovely dovey with Robin, and although it's tougher to judge from the brief period we saw of his time with Shannon, it's not hard to detect that he still wasn't fully equipped for romantic reception with her. Or I might be reading into this too much.
The point is, I don't think Barney really has to change too much. What he has to do above all is grow a little, which is definitely possible on his part. When Lily reads that he does want to settle down at some point, there is complete sincerity in both characters. She knows Barney well, and can tell right away that this is true. And Barney isn't even afraid to hide it anymore.
This is mostly his episode, and while he's playing dirty pool by initially lying to Nora, it's fun to see how much of this is actually true. It does genuinely seem that he wants to get married and have kids, maybe if it isn't even with Nora. His goal is still to get laid, but if one thing is sure about Barney, he's able to hide it well enough until he can land a yes.
If there's a problem with the episode, it's that Nora is too quick to fall for Barney's scheme, as she quickly called him out in "Desperation Day". How is she not able to see that he's lying to get in her pants, when he was trying exactly that just two episodes ago? It might be that she wants to fall for it, that she does want to spend time with Barney, be it sexy time or not. Or maybe she can see the truth in him, at least superficially. Because the moment he tells her his true motives, Nora rightfully walks out.
One thing is for sure though, the ending is fantastic. The play is great, allowing us to see what if Barney came in and told Nora that he's sorry and he is willing to settle down at some point. That would make for a sweet scene, and allow for a nice relationship to potentially happen.
But the crushing reality sets in, and it hurts. Barney still likes Nora, but he sees that this is moot. He's still going to be himself for the time being, and he's only going to hurt her. The bait and switch is rough, but great to see in Neil Patrick Harris' performance. It's a shame that it doesn't end the way he would have really wanted it, but it's probably for the best.
Robin's subplot is silly, but it's a nice addition for comic relief. Scooby's a funny love interest for her, as his actor plays the canine-like guy well, but the real fun comes from the show's constant dog puns. Each are more golden than the last, and Kuhn adds them in like the good boy he is. Now sit, as this review is over.
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