Lost-Style Clue or Prop Department Mistake?
Sorry for publishing two posts right in a row but this is too good.
The bro-worthy Seat42f noticed an interesting detail on HIMYM mother last night. The very same framed piece of paper can be seen both in Future Ted’s room as he tells the story to his kids and in Stella’s apartment in Rebound Bro this past week. See for yourself:
Sear42F assures that with HD and careful inspection the two are identical. What do you think? Subtle clue?
Personally, I don’t buy it. If this was Lost, maybe, but even though Bays and Thomas are cheeky and love rewarding fans who pay attention to detail, I think this goes beyond even them.
Also, those shots of the little Mosbys are old. Notice the kids never talk anymore? They both look too old now so most of the opening shots are just recycled from season one.
If I had to wager, I’d say it was just a mix up in the prop department. I’m sure there is a box of “framed art” that gets used whenever they make a set. Kind of like how there’s a Chinese Checkers board on the wall of both Robin and Ted/LAME’s apartment.
What do you guys think?
Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this post subscribe to Have You Met Ted. You can also have new posts delivered to your email. Subscribe in the sidebar.
Wait for it…
8:30pm Mondays on CBS.
Subscribe via RSS
Geri | May 7, 2008 @ 3:12 pm
It looks like the prop is 2 pages in future Ted’s room, but only one in Stella’s apartment. That leads me to believe it’s just a prop mistake.
I love the fact that the wedding photo behind future Ted’s son’s head is just a photo of people getting married with their heads chopped off. I noticed that a while back and thought it was hilarious!
Maria | May 7, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
I really, really, really hope Sarah Chalke/Stella is NOT the mother. I love Sarah Chalke, but I do not like her with Ted.
chris | May 7, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
Isn’t it known that Ted keeps stuff from past relationships?
If Robin couldn’t change him about that, why would any other woman? O_o
john d'arc | May 7, 2008 @ 5:55 pm
I disagree. The shots of the little Mosbys seem to be new.
KC | May 7, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
I pretty sure it’s the older ones, and that the framed art wasn’t supposed to be a clue of some sort. Speaking of them being too old, to portray the teenage Mosby kids, I don’t believe that’s true. They both are playing teenagers on networks the boys in on some Disney Channel show, and the girl on Desperate Housewives. Speaking of interesting facts, the Ted Moseby’s boy-child is dating the girl who played Robin’s kid sister. When I found out, it peaked my attention for some reason.
J | May 7, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
if stella is the mother i will be seriously pissed on how poorly their relationship is being treated in the show…
Tim K. | May 7, 2008 @ 10:43 pm
I vote for prop mistake.
I think we miss the point of the show when we desparately try to solve the mystery of who the Mother is.
This show is not about who the Mother is. It is about who Ted is,and how he became who he was when he met the Mother.
NV | May 7, 2008 @ 10:56 pm
Prop mistake, coincidence… whatever you call it, I think it’s that.
I get the strong impression that the writers haven’t got us near the time Ted meets the mother.
Also agree with Tim. I think the mother thing is simply an interesting plot part to look forward too, but has no effect on the present state of affairs. I feel (with no evidence) that if CBS ensured unlimited renewals for as many years to come, this show would go 5, 6, 7 and 8 seasons. Thus, mama aint coming soon. (I could be wrong though).
However, it’s pretty evil of them to give subtle hints (yellow umbrella, same party) and then simply tease us with it and not continue on…
Michael | May 8, 2008 @ 1:02 am
I’d find it unlikely if the show exceeded five seasons. The show has clinched it’s fourth, which means we’ll once again be left with a juicy cliffhanger to savor until next fall, but I wouldn’t be surprised if next year is it for HIMYM. It’s a great, witty, smart, sometimes dirty and overall hysterical sitcom but the show has only got so much in it until we start to lose attention. A lot of people think the show has jumped the shark with the “bro-ke up” as I’ve been calling it. Narrow-minded viewers who aren’t in the know think that NPH is all the show has going for it and that this is a prelude to his exit (not going to happen, since NPH actually is responsible for a lot of the shows viewers and future Ted does make many a reference to Uncle Barney). Regardless, people are getting tired of the show and the third season isn’t even over yet.
Not to mention the show houses two very big stars and it can’t hang on to them forever. Of course I’m talking about Jason Segel and Alysson Hannigan. If you pay attention to this blog, you know about Segel’s upcoming film schedule with the Muppets and another movie co-starring with Paul Rudd. Hannigan is popular in the what I like to call “mall movie” crowd, supporting films like American Pie and Date Movie that (somehow) gross large amounts of money in this country.
My prediction for the future of HIMYM - Ted and Stella will date (for how long is anyone’s guess) but she will not be the mother. There wasn’t enough of a “drumroll”, if you will, leading up to the introduction of her like there was with getting Victoria and Robin to fall in love with him. The five-minute date was adorable, but the whole episode went by too quickly and they sped up their relationship without even showing up the relationship. Boo, fail.
After Ted and Stella break up, I think Ted will have his finally round of bachelorhood - not like he did this season, he’s officially in his 30’s now - he’s gonna be a gentleman and start looking for the future Mrs. Ted Mosby. I have a strong feeling that it will be the conclusion of the story will take place in season four.
Ike | May 8, 2008 @ 7:42 am
If this was Lost I’d run with it, but it’s not. The fact they’re in different frames and the future frame has a second piece of paper before points to reusing a prop.
I like and agree with the fact about this is not about who the mother is but who Ted is. That leads to a more interesting question of why he’s telling this story. I don’t want to put much thought into that.
Even though I love this show I see 5 seasons max, but if it become more and more popular and hits the ground running next season there could be room for a spinoff which would be nice.
JD | May 8, 2008 @ 9:41 am
@Michael
I’m not sure what you’re basing your theory on. I think that since the strike HIMYM has been more popular and better received than it ever has. I think it’s gaining steam, not losing it.
Shows continue as long as they’re popular. While HIMYM is serialized more than the normal sitcom, I don’t think it has a specific story to tell that has an end where, after that moment, the show must stop. Even if we meet the mother, the show can continue. As other’s have said, the show is about Ted and his growth into an adult. It’d be a paradigm shift, but there’s nothing wrong with that.
I haven’t heard anyone suspecting that NPH is leaving the show. It’s clear from Rebound Bro that he and Ted will stay friends, this is just a cooling off period.
Jason Segel wasn’t a big star when he started the show. He’s built his current success while acting on the show, and that will continue. The majority of his work is in production right now and he’s handling the dual responsibilities, that’s not going to change.
Hannigan is a big star, but this is her most recognizable role outside of Buffy and American Pie, both of which are over and done with. It’d be crazy of her to back out now.
Josh Radnor is gaining success as well. I think that we’ll see him too writing and starring in films within the next three years. Him and NPH have continually been doing live theater through the past three years. These are all people who can multi-task and they all know that HIMYM is a good gig for them, and they all seem to love doing it so I don’t think we’ll see any of them leave.
I could see the show going into 6 or 7 seasons. It could be a Scrubs or a Friends where it turns into a syndication cash-cow for the network. After season 3, it behooves CBS to continue it for as long as they can.
Juna D | May 8, 2008 @ 4:52 pm
I don’t think it was a mistake. But I don’t think Stella’s the one either.
I love how bored the (2030) son looks everytime they show him. I would be pretty bored by now too.
Josh | May 9, 2008 @ 5:57 am
It can’t be Stella. I’m pretty sure the kids know their own mother’s name and the moment future Ted mentioned it they would’ve reacted to it.
The only reasons why I can see why they don’t have the kids react is because, like you said, the actor and actress are now too old to act out new scenes. Or it’s just a plain brain fart on the writer’s part.
Is it just me or does Ted’s comment on how he’s outgrown Barney very arrogant (if that is what he truly means)? How do you “out grow” a person, nevermind a friend? (I understand growing up and moving on. Yes you can drop Barney off as a friend because of what he did. But to outgrow him?) That’s blatant I’m holier than thou atitude if I’ve ever seen it.
JD | May 9, 2008 @ 9:46 am
@Josh I think we’re too assume that if Stella is the mother, Ted’s been using a pseudonym thus far in the story.
NV | May 15, 2008 @ 8:51 pm
Quote
@Josh I think we’re too assume that if Stella is the mother, Ted’s been using a pseudonym thus far in the story.
Endquote
A la the movie ‘Definitely Maybe’ (I enjoyed it alot, surprisingly)? It worked there, and ever since then I wondered if Ted is indeed using pseudonyms and it’ll be revealed later on.
Quote
That’s blatant I’m holier than thou atitude if I’ve ever seen it.
End quote
Normally, I’d agree. But he was hurt and angry. If there was any time I’d think he could say that without coming off as an arrogant prick, it’d be that moment. In my opinion.
I agree with JD about Hannigan and Siegel. So far, this is asure thing for all these actors/actresses, and the possibility of this show becoming even more of a hit grows with each season (especially once it gets on re-runs in syndication. The jump in popularity of ‘Family Guy’ was remarkable in syndication). One wouldn’t jump ship unless one had another sure thing. And so far, none have.
Sure, Siegel was remarkable with “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to become a Hollywood stay like Will Smith. Look at Steve Carrell. Made what I consider the greatest comedy movie I have ever, ever, seen, and he’s still in TV.
P.S. That comedy movie is 40 Year Old Virgin. If any thought Evan Almighty, hang you heads in shame (didn’t even watch it).