I haven’t seen slutty pumpkin since it first aired but, remembering what I do, it definitely outdoes aldrin justice and I’m not that guy. Ultimately I think that’s the way we want to see those characters and what we hope to see some of from week to week: Ted as the hopeless romantic, a knowingly-flawed but self-assured Robin and Barney who is there for Ted without question.

Great idea, JD, to compare the seasons!

I like episodes were the whole plot just flows, and even if sometimes they are not the most memorable, they are always funny to re-watch.

I’m generally a sucker for the good quote slash introspective episodes of any show. I loved this show called “Ed” back in the day and my favorite episode of that “Live Deliberately” centered around two basic philosophies of life…..either “doing everything”, or Thoreau’s philosophy, “live deliberately”. My favorite episodes of Scrubs were the Michael J. Fox episodes. My favorite episode of Star Trek TNG (yes, I liked that show) concerned Picard living an entire life in a dream, though it was mere moments in real time, if only to record the history of a dying civilization.

In any case, Slutty Pumpkin happens to be my favorite episode because it defines our characters rather nicely. Robin not only exposes her main flaw but also realizes it, accepts it and makes a conscious decision (“why can’t I be Gretel”) to work through it. Ted not only realizes the obvious futility in his quest for the Slutty Pumpkin, but also realizes the fact that it’s sort of a necessary pain in order to be the guy that he really wants to be. All of us watching this season I’m sure see that the Ted we’re viewing is sort of a through the looking glass Ted. I think everyone has went through what Ted’s going through this season in some form, for some period of time…..the whole “hey, I need to be single, WOOHOO” kind of thing. Even though it’s shallow and kind of stupid, it’s ultimately helpful, because it lets us figure out and know for sure what we DON’T want. But in Slutty Pumpkin, we know obviously that Ted is a romantic…..and not just a blue french horn kind of on a whim romantic, but the kind of romantic that dedicates himself to whatever and whomever he really loves. As I’ve told JD, my favorite line of HIMYM also pops up in this episode and I think is the best indicator of Ted found in all of HIMYM…..

“”I know, chances are,the love of my life isn’t going to walk through that door at 2:30 in the morning, but seems just as nice a spot as any to just sit and wait”

And on a lesser note, this is the first real sign we see concerning Barney’s willingness to seriously be there for Ted. Even though he “wants” Ted to leave, he still stays to be there as a friend…..though obviously he would never admit it. That and the “Oh you’re dangerous Maverick” line is awesome.

Marshall and Lily make a very good aside to the episode along with Robin.

Thinking about it, this is kind of a pre-cursor to the ultimate problem of Robin and Ted’s relationship…..Ted wanting to throw everything he can into a relationship, and Robin wanting to be her and only her.

In any case, I enjoyed this last week’s episode, and would put it ahead of Aldrin Justice for sure, though I obviously can’t put it above Slutty Pumpkin. I loved Lily drowning in a pit of shoes….that was funny as hell.

Glad to see this website has a good repartee going on. It’s good talking with you all!

The Mix (formerly known as Jason)

I’m glad these Season vs. Season posts are generating discussion. I can’t wait till later in the season when the big guns start coming out.

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts Eduardo.

There’s nothing really special about “I’m Not That Guy”, except that we get to see more of Marshall and Lily being awesome together. But its just so enjoyable that you feel really good watching it, I have only good memories about this one, that’s probably why I like it so much. (I’ll post another comment after re-watching “Slutty Pumpkin”)

And thanks for the email JD!
I would have to say that my favorite episode is “Robin Sparkles a.k.a. Slap bet” simply because it’s perfect, and I didn’t like Robin that much until that episode. It was really unexpected and physical, which is always a good combination.
I love the one when Ted meets Victoria, and even tough I’m a 23 years old guy, I cry every time I watch it! It’s just that amazing.
There are so many episodes I love; I’m guessing Season vs. Season will be the best way to remember them all! So keep up the good work!