How I Met Your Mother Review- "Splitsville"/"The Stamp Tramp"

The mediocre turn that season 8 started out on is slowly starting to improve with these episodes, even though both are pretty far from A-game.

Lily and Marshall's lack of sexual release is a weak bit for "Splitsville", and almost drags the episode down as much as Nick's recent stupidity does. Which itself is a lazy motive to make his exit feel welcome, rather than a logical conclusion that the character evoked.

That's what drags the episode away from me, but I do enjoy it regardless thanks to Robin's own role in the episode, who is showing her tired demeanor. And her annoyance towards Patrice is surprisingly still kind of funny, even if it only revolves around Smulders screaming. She's too good at it to not work at least somewhat.

But Barney steals the show here, with his well-written speech. It's similarly surprising to say so, but everything about the bit feels genuine. It also shows his humanity in a believable way that has been missing for a little while. That's good enough for me.

I actually like the following episode a little more, though. Neither of the stories are excellent, but each have enough good moments to make them mesh together for a good episode.

It's been a solid amount of time since Ted and Lily have shared a subplot together, and thankfully Radnor and Hannigan still have good rapport with each other. It allows for their mocking of Ted's college diary tapes to remain entertaining, especially since Ted's pretentious college self is still among the show's funniest recurrences. And the bit of Ted's acceptance towards Lily at the end is a welcome way to wrap this arc up.

Brad's return allows for solid build-up for the next episode, and made for funny moments between him and Marshall's boss. Both actors were fair game, as Segel wisely backs off a little to allow for this unexpectedly tight chemistry to pay off. It's also the most apt way to keep the episode's theme of recommendation alive.

Robin and Barney's material is probably the most dry, unless you find golden oldies jokes to be especially funny. But it's still Smulders and NPH doing what they do best, so it's hard to not find their time together at least a little enjoyable. And it does allow for a moment that helps to decide if things can work out for the two of them, which doesn't seem likely right now. But give it time. And maybe I'll have more to say soon.

Edit: Also, I appreciate the former episode's little bit about Romani culture. It still can come off as offensive due to the use of the G word, but it does a good job of playing Nick as the fool.