Season 3 Episode 16: Sandcastles in the Sand Discussion

Wow. So Robin is a sensitive girl after all. Who knew? Certainly not Simon. After Robin played second fiddle for the majority of this season we get to see an episode dedicated to her and her pop-star past. And we’re one step closer to the “major life changing event”, at least for Barney. If you haven’t seen the episode, there be spoilers ahead. You’ve been warned.

What Was Good

Robin’s opening hair and…outfit looked very nice. It’s amazing what a girl can do with half a Nerf football. I love that Ted just points it out (and did you catch Barney looking?) There were a lot of moments tonight that made me wish I had friends like LAME, Robin, Ted, and Barney. I know they’re fake but come on, who doesn’t want to hang out at McLaren’s?

The character of Simon was geniusly conceived. God, the teenage years in Canada must be tough if all it takes to make the girls swoon is some Drakkar, a sweet ollie on a skateboard, and a collection of Hard Rock Cafe t-shirts. I did have one question. There was a reference I didn’t get. ~~What is Degrossi High?~~ So Degrassi High is like a Canadian version of Saved by the Bell?

Cobie Smulders does one mean Canadian accent. Van der Beek, not so much. It’s really great to see how much her character has changed over time. There’s no way in hell she’d load a guy’s drum kit now-a-days. Well, any guy other than Simon.

The James Van Der Beek reveal in McLaren’s was amazing. The cargo pants, the gut, the hair, I loved it. I also love how dedicated the group is to harassing new people. This reminded me of when Enrique Iglesias first showed up.

Ghetto Lily. Wow, how awesome. I know it’s hard to find things for the other characters to do in an episode that doesn’t include them in the main plot but I much prefer what they did tonight over B-plots—give each a few great jokes. The best part about Lily’s urban side was how much of a waspy poser she was. She really put the LA in LAME tonight. Also, I think this was only the second time we’ve seen a black person on the show. Scratch that, the second-hottest-brides-made at Stuart and Victoria’s wedding that Barney took home was black.

LAME as parents. A little kitschy but I bought it. They (as well as Robin) played it out as hard as they could and I think it worked.

The Robin ending. What a sweet moment. Barney seemed so authentic in the bar. He acts differently around Robin, there’s no mysogyny, no bravado, just a realistic charm and sweetness. When he sad she was the second coolest person he knew, I really think he meant it. I also think he had no ulterior motives when he went over to watch that video.

Speaking of which. I loved the video. The cheesy graphics (jump cuts with the waves in a differnt flow as Simon “disappeared”), the single-tear on the text, it was all awesome.

What Was Bad

I was unimpressed by Van Der Beek overall. He wasn’t the worst guest star and really didn’t have that much to do. I think I just didn’t like that the second break up was so like the first. It was also a little hard to buy Robin doing such a total 180° but I get it, it was supposed to show her in a vulnerable spot.

Favorite Moments

The outfit above may be the best Robin has ever looked. Rawr!
“Just four or five more gigs and we’re going to explode. We could be Crash Test Dummies big.”
The Foreskins might be the best band name ever. Almost better than my old favorite, Soda Can Girth. There’s four of us and we play without shirts.
“Tell me more, tell me more. Did he have a car?” The Grease reference had to be explained to me.
“Did he take your maple leaf”
“Did he give you your first ‘O Canada’ face”
“Did he break up with you and tell you he’s just not that inuit”
“Something about fur-trapping?”
“Did you ride his zamboni?”
I love when they do these round table jokes. Remember the boobs-as-candy metaphor from awhile back that Ted won with “double bubble”?
“There’s another video?!?!?”
“FINISH HIM”
Barney’s “oooo wah-wah” video game sound effect
“You’re the second coolest person I know”
“Oh, you’re the first?”
“No, it’s this guy I know who lives in this place called THE MIRROR”
“So should I just put it in?”

Vocab Word of the Week

Revertigo - when you stop acting like yourself and revert back to your personality from a former time when around someone from your past.

I love that Ted gets annoyed when Marshall thinks of a more clever word than he can.

Closing

Holy crap! I never thought we’d see Barney and Robin kiss tonight. I thought all the comforting in the bar and the inviting Barney back to Robin’s was just to tease us and the ultimate payoff would be the video. I was honestly shocked when it finally happened. I wonder if it was after 2AM. What do you guys think?

In Episode Discussion, Season 3 @ 21/04/2008 | By JD

« So I Just Saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall - A Look at Episodes 3.17 and 3.18 »

Comments to “Season 3 Episode 16: Sandcastles in the Sand Discussion”

kd | April 21, 2008 @ 11:30 pm

Degrassi’s a popular teen show in Canada.

marko | April 21, 2008 @ 11:34 pm

Its Grease, not Greece.

Degrassi Junior High was a Canadian teen soap opera from the late 80s.

I loved ghetto Lily. She was almost as good as horny Lily.

JackAtak | April 21, 2008 @ 11:38 pm

This show reminded me of scrubs in the sense that not anything really happened for the overall plot until the very end of the episode.

I could have sworn Stella was supposed to come back tonight. When will that be? I’m ready to have her be revealed as the mother, and be a regular in season 4. Scrubs should be done this season. If it takes Britney to be back on to get the show going for another 20 episodes, then make it happen. I dread the day I hear the show gets cancelled.

In other news, I was also unimpressed with James Van Der Beek. I am probably the biggest Dawson’s Creek fan in the state of Indiana, and I still just wasn’t happy about it. In addition, I feel like Jason Segel doesn’t seem involved in the show. The character he played in the beginning of the show is way different than now. He’s got a lot of stuff on his plate in real life, and I feel like that shows on the show.

Im just ready for some high quality season 1 like moments. If this show is going to make for another year, it’s gotta happen. Bring back Victoria, complicate things, whatever.

My prediction:
A jealous ted gets upset that Barney would hook up with robin, and questions his friendship with Barney. Following, Stella finds out and says for Ted to call her when he is ready to move on from Robin. Marshall and Lilly will have a prego-scare. Abigail (Spears) will find her way into McClarens and hook up with Carl.

Ranjeet will be in the season finale. Just predicting it now.

Thanks and what not

Liz | April 21, 2008 @ 11:46 pm

I had a feeling Barney/Robin would happen, but I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly! Lily and Ted’s revertigo was pretty hilarious.

Also, Scrubs isn’t finished this season. I think they announced there will be a Season 8 on ABC, provided NBC lets the show jump ship.

jack | April 21, 2008 @ 11:47 pm

@jackatack: scrubs has another season left (to be aired on ABC).

Mallorymike | April 21, 2008 @ 11:47 pm

Perfect. Just perfect. This is exactly how a Barney/Robin hookup should happen. Now, the real test will be how Bays and Thomas handle the aftermath. If this is the beginning of a real relationship between the two, the only way it would work is if the writers stay true to the characters. I think it’s possible - Barney was really sweet and sympathetic while he was comforting Robin, but we was still “Barney” (i.e. the mirror joke).

Mallorymike | April 22, 2008 @ 12:17 am

^ Double post

I just realized what this episode reminded me of…the episode of “Frasier” where Niles and Daphne finally got together. I had the same reaction - shouting “HOLY CRAP!” so loud, I scared the neighbours.

Kathleen | April 22, 2008 @ 12:31 am

This episode was, well, AWESOME! I loved the Canadien jokes, references to Degrassi and Grease, and ghetto Lily. I sincerely want Michelle to come back so we can see more of that revertigo.

As for the Barney-Robin front, I think it’s a great storyline since it’ll be really interesting to see how that affects the group dynamic and Barney’s lothario behavior.

p.s. Just one thing to explain - Cobie Smulders does a great Canadien accent because she IS Canadian.

Diana | April 22, 2008 @ 12:43 am

I have been waiting and checking this blog every hour since the episode aired just to see the recap.

I think this one is up there for one of my favorites for so many different reasons:
“just not that Inuit” - fantastic
Lily around her friend Michelle and Ted’s friend Punchy? Bring them back please!
Barney Robin?! LOVE IT. I wasn’t surprised that it happened, but when it did….. ah.mah.zing.

PS Degrassi, as the others mentioned is a Canadian teen show. The original (Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High) aired in the 80’s and there’s a current version (Degrassi the Next Generation) that airs on the US on “The N” a Nickelodeon spin off channel. I’m ADDICTED TO IT. It’s so bad… if there’s anything that could ever happen to a teen, it’s happened on this show.

cherries | April 22, 2008 @ 12:47 am

As lame as it is to say, I loved every canadian reference! It started at Degrassi, which I still love to this day even though it is THE most dated show.
Anyways, we all called barney and robin together eh? (That’s the canadian saying that) but the butterflies in my tummy totally knew it was finally gonna happen during that video. Now, fallout… I can’t wait for next week!

J | April 22, 2008 @ 12:48 am

this allowed me to yell down my dorm’s floor “told you so!” at the end….

Ian | April 22, 2008 @ 12:56 am

Got a little bit irked at the continuity problem regarding Lily’s Revertigo…

She was a total grunge chick in high school, Nirvana, Violent Femmes etc., now she’s all about “You Go Girlfriend”… disappointed!

Outisde of that I thought it was a moderately bleh episode until the big payoff, and then the MEGA payoff!

Diana | April 22, 2008 @ 12:58 am

@cherries -

I believe that Barney and Robin could be

BRo

Oh it just works so well.

Cannot wait for next weeks episode. Based on the title “The Goat” I’m guessing it’s Ted’s 30th Birthday!!!

Mallorymike | April 22, 2008 @ 1:09 am

@Diana

I always called them BroTP (as in OTP - or “One True Pairing”).

AF | April 22, 2008 @ 1:31 am

Barney! Robin!

Major Fan Girl Squee!!

I’m in a seriously happy place right now.

phantom_student | April 22, 2008 @ 1:50 am

Okay, I have one question. I’m guessing they changed the city that Simon’s character is from for each respective (major) city the show aired in (Canadian viewer-wise). I could be wrong, tho! For the American viewers, which city did Simon say he was from?

Andy | April 22, 2008 @ 1:57 am

I’ve been waiting for BRo (Nice name - I’m going with it) for a while, but I was surprised to see it happen during that particular part. This should be fascinating to see the fallout.

Here’s hoping BRo have something to do with the goat - that’d be a great kick-off to their hookuphood.

Another very nice episode. The Robin Sparkles bit was just a precursor to the real payoff tonight - a stark contrast to when the Robin Sparkles reveal was the headliner.

Steve | April 22, 2008 @ 3:14 am

Break glass in case of emergency, we’ll go down to Staten Island and get you twelve ones.

Viridis | April 22, 2008 @ 4:39 am

I’m now mad at Bays and Thomas. They’ve teased BRo for so many episodes now, I finally think we’re going to get paydirt at Robin’s apartment, only to “settle” for the video. Then, bam, it happens, almost without preamble. Damn you for toying with my emotions like this!

I really like the song; no idea why it tanked!

Crumb | April 22, 2008 @ 5:00 am

I cheered a little too loudly when they kissed at the end. Finally !!
And what a wonderful way to lead to it.

Awesome episode with good jokes and a funny enough B-plot.
I loved LAME in parent mode and high-school Ted.

I think it’s the first time I can’t wait for next week’s episode that much !

ky | April 22, 2008 @ 5:16 am

Yes I freaked when BRO kissed…
And the premise of tonight was good — revertigo (yes ive been known to do this LOL) but I hated “ghetto” lily. It just doesnt fit with her character at all — in high school she wanted a cobain clone as a bf, dyed her black, and recieved compliments that’s she’s pretty in a “non generic” way. It would have been much funnier to play up her goth chick-ness and run with that.
That being said, I’m glad Robin got a whole episode and it def showed her vulnerability — she reverts from a beautiful confident successful woman to a teenager with low self esteem seeking validation from a boy that doesnt deserve her in the first place.
Also, don’t kill me but this season is a not at all to par with season one or two… Aside from slapsiving and spoiler alert, I haven’t loved many episodes.

ky | April 22, 2008 @ 5:18 am

meant to say she dyed her hair black — I’m typing on my iPhone - its hard.

john d'arc | April 22, 2008 @ 5:51 am

Ghetto Lily was the first time I had to fast forward a scene in HIMYM. It was cringeworthy to the max, to use a phrase from the 80s.

Also, a little racist. Couldn’t they have just done the old standard of “giddy high school girls”? That I would not have minded.

ky | April 22, 2008 @ 5:51 am

Oh one more thing - Marshall’s hair. Why does it still look like this??

Marcy | April 22, 2008 @ 6:57 am

Oh my God!!! I can´t believe it really happened. I hoped for it to happen, but I was still totally shocked…

O.k, let´s start at the beginning though. All in all, I think this episode was just medicore (well, until the last few minutes, that is). Don´t get me wrong. It was really nice to watch. I loved all the Canada jokes, and “teenage” Robin was just fantastic. The entire revertigo thing was funny, but HIMYM clearly had better theories/jokes/whatever you may call it in last episodes. Ghetto Lily was o.k, but Michelle talking about her dissertation in a normal way was just great. Not to forget that and Lily and Marshall are going to be great parents later in life
Still, the episode seemed stretched out too much. There were funny bits, but it didn´t have that typical HIMYM feeling. Oh, and when will they finally do something about Marshall´s hair??? It´s horrible! James Van Der Beek was not as funny as I expected him to be, so all in all. I give this episode 5 out of 10.

But now to the important part of the episode that will make “Sandcastles in the Sand” one of the most memorably episodes ever.

Robin and Barney! Finally! And It really seemed believable! I loved the way he comforted her after Simon dumped her. It was honest, nice and emotional Barney at whom we got a glimpse in “Bachelor Party” (Barney goning to San Francisco and telling Lily she needs to come back), “Single Stamina” (”There´s gonna be a baby???”), during Lily and Marshall´s wedding (showing how moved he is that Lily and Marshall got married, even crying and later comforting Tad, admitting that he and Robin were actually really good together) and in Dowisetrepla (again showing how fond Barney is of Lily and Marshall). Not to mention Barney telling Marshall to yell at him in last week´s episode to make him feel better.

Personally, I don´t believe that Barney/Robin will be only a one night stand. They are too good together, the chimistry is undenayble and they clearly have more or less the same values as pointed out by Barney in “Zip, Zip, Zip”.

The questions that pop up in my mind are:
1. How will things develope between Barney and Robin?
I don´t really see them ending up in a relationship just like that. I suppose it would take time. A lot of time. I could imagine them having a casual affair with some sex every now and then and them both seeing other people in between until they realize that their interest in other people gets smaller and small while their interest in one another get bigger and bigger, eventually leaving to a serious relationship (Good grief, that was a long sentence…).
The other possibility is, them screwing up the dynamics of the group for ever or at least for a long time. But I blocked that idea out of my head, as I don´t want it to happen. Ever.

2. How will Ted react?
I suppose he will still be friends with both of them later on (him calling Barney “uncle” Barney and Robin “aunt” Robin) but I could imagine a major storm coming up when he finds out there had been something between one of his best friends and his ex. I suppose we got to see the “thing” that will make Ted seriously think about why he is hanging out with Barney.

3. How will the group react?
I see Lily starring as Robin asking “Why???” and Marshall taking Ted´s side, no matter how he will react. It still would be interesting to watch, because of how Barney/Robin would affect the group as it is.

4. Will the mysterious girl from “The Bracket” play a role in what will happen between Barney and Robin and between them and the group?
I have the feeling there will be something, but I´m not sure waht it could be.

O.k, I´ve babbled enough. I have to calm down and rewatch “Sandcastles in the Sand” one more time *eh*

Jez | April 22, 2008 @ 6:59 am

I TOLD YOU SO! Y’ALL LAUGHED AT ME….hehe

i’m freaking stoked! i guess this has been hinted at for a while now…BRO all the way!

there is a guy code wherein you dont start dating your mate’s ex…you gotta feel for ted though….it’ll be interesting how he handles this new err development

i LOVE THIS SHOW!

Dave | April 22, 2008 @ 8:25 am

Finally! It’s about time.
You know Robin is a catch because Barney is totally going in the face of the Platinum Rule. What is he thinking hooking up with Robin?
Nice edit so that we don’t know who made the first move.

JD | April 22, 2008 @ 9:21 am

For the record, loving the “BRo” moniker.

Updated, now with pictures.

ky | April 22, 2008 @ 9:34 am

maybe someone can clarify for me — so Robin MET Simon filming Sandcastcles because he starred in it BUT didn’t it seem like the song was about their relationship??? (”week and a half” and other deatils).
Also there have been a handful of other African-Americans on HIMYM - James/Wayne Brady, Marshalls über-drunk law school friend that becomes a
Supreme Court Justice…
well, Sandcastles was overall a letdown but I’m really looking forward to The Goat and to see what direction BRO is taken.

Bill N | April 22, 2008 @ 9:56 am

New to the site. I love this show and the site but one thing about the episode really bugged me. If the song was autobiographical about Robin and Simon’s romance and break-up then why was he in the video? If it was such a painful break then why include him? Maybe I’m odd but I expect alot from the people that brought me slap bets and hours of laugh out loud delight.

ESG | April 22, 2008 @ 10:01 am

Good one, love how the group gang up on new guys. And LAME as parents, good. HipHop Lily? thought she was into rock/goth (perhaps she has diferent kinds of revertigo I guess). Simon was ok, too little to work with I guess. Not the best one of this season, but good one anyways.

The ending was “OH!!!!!” moment (I really can’t believe, Barney couldn’t find the Sandcastles in the Sand video on the web, but could so easily find Lets Go To The Mall, and Ted Mosby: Sex Architect). And the group leaving a dumped Robin alone at the bar? seems out of caracter, even most with Ted (even if he is dating). Besides, Where’s Stella?

Can’t wait for next week for the outcome of this!

P.S. On CBS HIMYM site, April 28 episode is titled “The Goat” where “Barney questions “The Bro Code” in order to accommodate his own needs.” Ehh? Bro Code? Can wait to see what he comes up with on that one. Hope it’s a Mendoza Line type line but with Breakup Time vs Hotness this time, cause Robin Sparkles IS hot jejeje =P

Honestly I don’t see Ted, not getting upset at this, but a relationship… I don’t know who would that affect the group. This reminds me of the The Platinum rule, Seems Barney is at at Step 3: Submission - Jumping In!

When will we see pickup for is a fourth season!?!?!?

The Coolest Gifts | April 22, 2008 @ 10:09 am

James Van Der Beek completely ruined that show for me last night.

No wonder he hasn’t acted since Dawson’s Creek…

Tim Kirschenheiter | April 22, 2008 @ 10:16 am

I must be the only one who didn’t like Robin and Barney hooking up.

Yea, we saw it coming. And yea, they gradually wrote it into the script. It was certainly well-crafted.

BUT, IMO I really don’t think the two characters line up well enough. This seems like a tremendously manufactured and forced storyline, not one that just springs from who the characters are.

It also reminds me of when Friends got Rachel and Joey together. Just so contrived.

Note: I am not saying that Robin and Barney don’t have chemistry; they do. But there is no way these two characters would get into a real relationship. If it is only a one-night thing, I could see that as being possible. But a real relationship, given their circumstances? I don’t think so.

Just one guy’s opinion though.

Payel | April 22, 2008 @ 10:41 am

hmm…….really, Barney’s comforting Robin was awesome. In this episode we saw Barney & Robin’s hidden nature what we rarely get to see- one, Robin being emotional like a “girl” . what we saw in season 1 13th episode before. 2nd, Barney’s being not-barney. yeah, thats how I describe it when Barney stop showing how awesome he is and concentrate on his friends’ problems; when instead of telling ‘don’t get married’ he flies to Sanfrancisco to get lily & Marshal back together; or when instead of making fun someone’s being stupid & crying he console her………well I can’t express how much I loved that scene.

Let’s talk about something that I did not like…… Barney & Robin!!!! seriously how can we let our coolest stars become the lamest. I wont deny it was kinda sweet to see them together. But I can’t bear the thought that Barney sitting & giggling with a girl instead of hitting on other women. I can’t bear Robin being fixed with a guy for too long [and I don't want breaking up of Robin with another friend]……And mostly I don’t want Barney and Robin’s bro-ship to end.

So, I would be happy if Bays-Thomas has thought of something other than making them a couple.

NV | April 22, 2008 @ 10:51 am

^ Thank you. Someone mentioned Rachel and Joey hooking up. That went well as great as… argh, just think of something nonsensical and would never work.

I may have missed it, but I always wondered ‘what if’ whether Barney, even temporarily, hooked up with Lily or Robin. For some reason, Lily was the one I suspected (during the time she was broken up with Marshall). However, I knew Barney wouldn’t dare as Marshall would slap him so hard he’d be ‘decapitated’ (yep, I so made a Forgetting Sarah… reference).

I’m very worried. I don’t want to see the cliched Ted being mad, Robin and Barney realising they cannot go on and them ending it, within the span of two/three episodes. It’s a cliched rubbish, it sucked in Friends, and it’ll suck even worse here. I’d rather they never did this if they’re going to royally **** this up.

But I won’t lie, my mouth hit the floor when they did start kissing.

As for Lily revertigo, I actually loved it. I took it to mean that Lily acted like this urban manner (I’m black, but urban sounded better) only with this friend, while keeping her goth looks/attitude elsewhere. And I thought that made complete sense. When you were in high school, don’t you act a bit differently with a certain person (maybe with more than one I don’t know) while having a persona elsewhere? It’s not deliberate, and I doubt it’s as comepletly different as Lily’s with this friend, but I bought it.

What topped it and really made me buy this, was that Lily’s friend also wasn’t like this normally, and only acted like that when Lily was around. Laughed at that.

As for the Canadian references, I love it. I happen to live in Canada, but I’m not a Canadian, but after being here for half a decade (very fond of the place), even I’m getting a bit mock-offended with their jokes. I went ‘hey!’ a couple of times with their jokes. They have to keep them coming. I, for one, think they’re top-class.

In the end, an okay episode, leaving one more concerned with what’s happening next (i.e. cliffhanger… ooh I hate them!).

A problem I’m having with the show is that the story is no longer progressing. You see, the show is best when there’s something driving the plot forward. In the first season, it was all about Ted chasing Robin. In the second, it went in a few directions, with the fall-out of Marshall and Lily’s break-up, and then their getting back together, then preparing for their wedding, while Ted and Robin going out together drove the plot. And the second season worked great. The third season started with Robin and Ted’s break-up, but we were done quickly with that. Then it became without something driving the plot forward, for the first time. Ted chasing woman semms more like a ‘girl for the episode’ rather than his true search for his wife (but we see the problem of him finding his future wife, right? The show would be winding down). Marshall and Lily are married, and frankly it’s good as a side-plot but definitely not main. Barney is Barney, and is secondary character.

The show needs something to drive it forward. And since the beginning of the season (after Robin-Ted breakup awkward moments), it’s been static in my view. Something needs to happen. And I don’t think it’s Robin-Barney, but I’ll sit back and see where they’re taking us with that. It’s not like I have any choice in it, heh heh.

NV | April 22, 2008 @ 10:54 am

^ Forgive the typos and mis-spellings.

NV | April 22, 2008 @ 11:05 am

Again, forgot something. That Robin Sparkles song was so, so, sooo bad. I thank whoever decided for them to keep switching to Barney commentary. Otherwise my ears might’ve started bleeding.

So bad. Sooo bad.

the modern gal | April 22, 2008 @ 11:19 am

I had all kinds of things to say, but I’m just going to go ditto to NV’s comments. Although I did love the song/video because it was so kitchy.

Nicole | April 22, 2008 @ 11:25 am

“I think this was only the second time we’ve seen a black person on the show. Scratch that, the second-hottest-brides-made at Stuart and Victoria’s wedding that Barney took home was black.”

It offends me that you said this.

Barrnys brother is black!!!!

JD | April 22, 2008 @ 11:31 am

@Nicole That’s why I said second. Wayne Brady was the first.

@everyone worried. Have Bays and Thomas not earned your trust? They’d never do something cliche with a Ted/Robin/Barney triangle. I’m sure they’ll come up with something way more awesome.

NV | April 22, 2008 @ 11:39 am

Quote: @everyone worried. Have Bays and Thomas not earned your trust? They’d never do something cliche with a Ted/Robin/Barney triangle. I’m sure they’ll come up with something way more awesome.

I really hope. But if Barney says something about falling in love, someone somewhere in this world will be screaming louder than a fighter jet breaking the sound barrier while strongly considering Hara Kiri.

But I concede, they’ve almost constantly hit it with big things in the show, so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now.

Tim Kirschenheiter | April 22, 2008 @ 11:56 am

Certainly they have earned our trust. But I am still a bit worried.

Just seeing Robin and Barney kiss brought back every bad memory of when sitcoms, desparately searching for a storyline, throw two characters together.

Hopefully HIMYM is able to erase those memories.

-Tim

Toomuchfreetime | April 22, 2008 @ 11:56 am

Well played Mr. Bays and Carter. I loved how they made you think BRo was going to happen, then you settle for the great video, only to bust it out of nowhere at the end.

I just hope in the next episode when BRo goes public, Marshal slaps the sh*t out of Barney (We haven’t had the slap bet in a while) and then congratulates him.

eduardo | April 22, 2008 @ 12:01 pm

wow

That was some serious awesome.
I have a new favorite episode, and that’s all I can say right now.
I’m still speechless.

I’ll comment again later; I need to watch it again.

Nicole | April 22, 2008 @ 12:29 pm

I think that what was once based on someone’s reality is now just a bunch of written BS-filler-fluff to extend/jazz up the story. We have seen Barney, Marshal and Robin centric episodes (Not that I mind that) It just seems like it came out of nowhere and three in a row. I think that we are so far into the show/characters now we don’t care what they do as long as they are doing it.

Pressure from above? For ratings? Out of material? Trouble getting back on the horse after the strike? When does lilly pad get one?

I still love the show!!! Just think it is being changed from above!

@ JD That was not directed at you! I just don’t think the show is racist!

Tyler B | April 22, 2008 @ 2:43 pm

I felt the whole episode was, sadly, a bit off…
I hated ghetto Lily and really thought that it was more offensive than funny.
I also agree with an earlier poster who commented on the fact that Marshall doesn’t seem to be the same character that I loved over the past two seasons, although I did think him yelling at Ted during the fake parent scene was hilarious.

Ted, the supposed main character, has had bit rolls in the last two episodes,
which is also upsetting. The ending makes up for a number of short comings though. Can’t wait until next week.

Ayra | April 22, 2008 @ 3:54 pm

OMG!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG. Omg. I cant believe they kissed!!!! OMG! I wonder if they went all the way? lol.

Geri | April 22, 2008 @ 4:30 pm

Please forgive me if I repeat anything obvious, as i’m writing this before reading everyone else’s comments.

LOVED this episode! It was so great to see Robin as a main plot point again and the jokes about Canada always make me giggle. I guess for us Canadian fans it’s like being part of a secret club within a secret club

I actually missed the Bob Saget intro and a teensy bit of the beginning of the show this time. I was watching hockey (Canadians eh?), so I missed a lot of those Canada jokes but I can re-watch the episode online.

I do agree that Robin looked amazing tonight. The opening look was my favorite. Lily looked nice as well. Good thing I found that site that tells you where they get their clothes huh JD?

James Van Der Beek….I kind of agree with JD on this one. He didn’t really do anything for me. He was just there, which is how I felt about the Abby character. By the way, all I have been hearing all weekend, is that the word is Britney will be making another appearance on the show. I suppose it makes sense if they were to use her for a scene in the office when re-introducing Stella.

Lily was hilarious. Such a BAD ghetto accent! It’s totally true though. Haven’t you seen your friends do this when they get around certain people? I’ve done it myself. And LAME as Robin’s parents was cute. I just love LAME as a whole. In a perfect world this show would run for at least 10 seasons and we’d get to see LAME become parents. I would love to see Marshall with a little baby. I think it would give him license to act as goofy as ever. But that’s just my crush on Jason Segel taking over this post, so back to the topic lol! Revertigo was probably the hardest I laughed all episode. Marshall and his made up words are so great! I think i’m going to put together a HIMYM dictionary and post it online.

Getting to the real juicy stuff, I somehow knew - right from the beginning - this was the episode that something would happen between Barney and Robin. I definitely noticed him giving her that “look” when Ted mentioned how hot she looked earlier in the episode. As he was absent for most of the episode (no doubt searching high and low for a copy of that Robin Sparkles video) I felt it.

Then as soon as Saget said the line “and one by one, we all went home….” I KNEW Barney was coming back to comfort Robin and that they’d somehow end up somewhere together. It’s not like it was a secret, but I guess with as much as we discuss how much we wanted to see Barney and Robin together on here, I was feeling it. I still want to know what Barney whispered in Robin’s ear a couple of episodes ago at the bar.

The Sandcastles In The Sand video was hilarious! I know there were teasers up before the show, but I stayed away from them because I wanted it to be a surprise and i’m glad I did. Tiffany still looks the same and I love that they used her as a backup singer. It’s too bad they couldn’t get Debbie Gibson and maybe Alanis to play the other two backup singers to amplify the joke, but I guess Tiffany was joke enough lol! I saw something on Entertainment Tonight Weekend about the video and they actually showed a part where Alan Thicke and Robin Sparkles were arguing about what she wrote in her diary and he yells at her that she’s grounded as she walks away up the beach. I may have missed it - did they actually show that over the end credits? I ran back to the hockey game real quick (HIMYM was on just about in between periods) thinking I would catch the repeat of the show on time shift later, but for some stupid reason it was on again.

As for Robin and Barney making out, I shouted so loudly when it happened I think I scared myself lol! What do we think this means? Are they going to try to pretend it never happened in the next few episodes? If this is the life changing event that’s going to happen? How could the Barney and Robin thing affect Ted and Barney’s friendship? Could this bring up the fact that Ted still has feelings for Robin even though he’s with Stella? Can we actually see Robin and Barney together long term? The next few episodes are going to be interesting.

Natalie | April 22, 2008 @ 5:00 pm

Loved the episode! Great jokes, funny music video and kinda catchy tune…lol
Loved Lilly acting all ghetto! I think Barney may change his ways some and date Robin for a little while (”for the big change thing”), and then later he’ll be back to his old self.

Steve | April 22, 2008 @ 6:19 pm

I agree with many other about the quality of this episode…

I honestly think that Van Der Beek was the best part of the meat of the episode, and that the only reason for the other 20 minutes was just to get to the kiss…

Victoria | April 22, 2008 @ 6:29 pm

I got sick of all the Canada jokes really quickly. You can tell they are from an american point of view and they just deal with stupid Canadian stereotypes. The accents were ridiculous and exaggerated. Summers don’t last a week and a half in Southern Canada, where Robin is supposed to be from. If they wanted to make Simon a bit different, he should have been from the Maritimes. “Red province, from the deep North”? The North is barely populated and you probably wouldn’t have any pickup trucks there.

Jess | April 22, 2008 @ 6:30 pm

Loved the episode! But the thing that really bugs me is that Sandcastles in the Sand has been in my head all day… and I can only remember the first half of the chorus. haha

Ashley | April 22, 2008 @ 7:10 pm

I’m Canadian and I think I laughed the hardest at the Canada jokes. They’re ALWAYS funny…

Sidenote to that: I totally didn’t know Degrassi was a Canadian thing.

And whoever asked: Marshall’s hair is like that for the movie Jason Segel’s currently filming. I don’t like it either.

AF | April 22, 2008 @ 7:37 pm

I want to point out that just because someone dresses a certain way in high school doesn’t mean they can’t interact with other people. Or maybe she went through phases trying to find her identity. Adolescence is a huge time for exploring different niches and seeing where you fit in.

I found Ghetto!Lily interesting. It showed a different side of her that hasn’t been explored yet. I thought it was really funny that Michelle didn’t talk like that when Lily wasn’t around.

The Mix | April 22, 2008 @ 9:43 pm

@Victoria - The Canadian jokes were awesome. They’re jokes, so of course they’re going to play off of stereotypes. After “Fargo” I think everyone here in MN where I live got made fun of for a period of about a year. They’re jokes, roll with ‘em.

I liked this episode. It’s not one of my favorites, but it was good. I, apparently am in the minority, however, in that I liked Van Der Beek. I liked the accent, because it was quite over the top. So was Robin’s for that matter.

As far as continuity and the show moving somewhere, I’m with JD…there’s no reason to be worried. We all know there’s other characters on the show that have to be explored other than Ted. I’m personally glad to see them working into the other characters.

When it comes to what’s going to happen with Robin and Barney, I’m playing the wait and see game. I don’t see any reason to start jumping to horrendous conclusions or start asking ridiculous questions.

“Robin’s opening hair and…outfit looked very nice.”

That, my friend, is the understatement of the century. My future ex-wife, no doubt.

Jason

Katie | April 22, 2008 @ 10:14 pm

well i absolutly loved last night’s episode. it was probably one of my all time favorites along with “Slap Bet”. But i generally liked James Van Der Beek’s, then again i pretty much love him in general. But oh man when robin&barney happend at the end i pretty much got up off my butt and started cursing like a sailor pretty much saying “I FREAKING KNEW IT”. but i loved it. and i cant wait until next weeks episode.

Geri | April 23, 2008 @ 1:11 am

A couple of smalls things I noticed upon re-watching the episode:

1. Michelle comes into the bar and wants to order a Vodka/Gatorade. Has anyone here ever tried that? Sounds disgusting! lol!

2. Any clue whether that’s actually Van Der Beek doing the vocals on Murder Train, the song Robin plays over the “puppy corner” segment on her newscast?

Shy | April 23, 2008 @ 1:13 am

Well… I for one think that out of Barney and Robin, The Barnacle will be the one to regret hooking up the most. Why? Let’s not forget that Barney’s #2 absolute most important thing in the world (#1 of course being the guy in the mirror) are his friends, even more than bagging a girl. I think he’ll be devastated when he realizes what may happen (oh, and Ted WILL find out and he WILL freak out, even if just internally) to his relationship with Ted and LAME (because it WILL be weird)

but the video- truly legendary

john d'arc | April 23, 2008 @ 1:42 am

weak, and I can start to see the seams of the show breaking.

But what do I know? Moar britney, right? That’s what viewers want.

JD | April 23, 2008 @ 9:31 am

A lot of people complained all season that Robin didn’t have anything to do. Now we get an episode dedicated to her and everyone complains that the other characters aren’t involved. When you have an ensemble cast like this show does, you can’t see everyone every week. Look at Lost, we go weeks at a time without major characters even being on screen.

Why Robin and Barney | be awesome instead | April 23, 2008 @ 11:12 pm

[...] an even more prevalent issue. (Examples of the discussion: howimetyourblog, HIMYM Message Board, comments from have-you-met-ted’s sandcastles discussion). I don’t want to spend a ton of time talking about the consequences, affects, etc… for [...]

macdawson | April 24, 2008 @ 10:03 am

Inspite of some bad parts already discussed above this will surely go to the top 10 best episodes of HIMYM. The Robin Sparkles video hit the mark and the way Robin and Barney end the episode… I meen, like many i saw it coming in previous episodes and in the fina scene in particular. They start at opposite ends of the couch and as future Ted narrates, with each new viewing of the video, they get closer and then Blam-O!!!
Anyone else think they are married in 2030? I have a feeling they are, or at least, they are together

Marcy | April 24, 2008 @ 10:14 am

@macdawson: If you ask me, they are so totally together in 2030. I wouldn´t even be surprised, if they got married. Before Ted Ow, that would hurt dear old Teddy- boy.

AF | April 24, 2008 @ 12:43 pm

I agree with JD about the way HIMYM showcases the characters.

On Heroes, they only have short snippets about what everyone is doing. And it could be weeks before you see the continuation to one character’s story.

Desperate Housewives also does character centric episodes.

A plots and B plots happen in every show. Some of the ensemble is going to have take a back seat to the front runners.

CHH | April 25, 2008 @ 12:49 am

I disagree that Robin and Barney are married in 2030. Robin doesn’t want to get married and she doesn’t want kids. That’s ultimately why she and Ted broke up. Barney doesn’t believe in marriage either (unless it’s Lily and Marshall who are apparently his OTP).

It’ll be interesting to see if the group does break up over this. Marshall/Lily/Ted have been friends since freshman year in college. Barney and Robin came years later. I don’t see Marshall or Lily choosing Barney over Ted. If there is a group break up, I think it’ll initially be along those lines with Lily and Robin still seeing each other.

sexarchitect | April 25, 2008 @ 3:47 am

honestly…the barney and robin thing was upsettingly lame! i started watching HIMYM because it was different from all the fat guy/skinny wife sitcoms, or the other garbage on tv. it was quirky and the fact that they pulled SUCH a “friends” was annoying. im sure theyre gonna take this somewhere, but the last few episodes have been a lot more “mainstream” which kinda sucks. if barney and robin start dating, they have officially killed off barney. he cant have a girlfriend. and that too ROBIN?! theyre clearly good together, but its just too…expected. i also hate stella (and elliott reed, her scrubs character). i really haven’t liked the direction the show is going in …

Marcy | April 25, 2008 @ 5:33 am

@CHH: But actually, that´s exactely the reason I could imagine Barney and Robin in the future. Because with Ted, there was always this pressure looming over Robin. Ted always wanted kids, and Robin knew that. It was this entire situation that made their relationship so dificult. Barney and Robin on the other hand, they both don´t want serious commitment, so the possibility so accidentaly fall into it, is much bigger. Because there simply is no pressure.
But I have to agree with you that I don´t see any kids for neither of them in the future. That would be overkill.

As for the group breaking up, it would be an intersting scenario, but couldn´t last for more than a few episodes since that would kill the premise of the show. It would be still interesting to see, how this scenario would be played out.

@ sexarchitect: I simply don´t believe Bays and Thomas will really pull a “Frirends”. I´m still very sure that there is a reason for everything they do.

NV | April 25, 2008 @ 10:31 am

Quote: It’ll be interesting to see if the group does break up over this. Marshall/Lily/Ted have been friends since freshman year in college. Barney and Robin came years later. I don’t see Marshall or Lily choosing Barney over Ted. If there is a group break up, I think it’ll initially be along those lines with Lily and Robin still seeing each other. End-quote

Hypothetically, if the group did break up, I’d be shocked if Lily and Robin still saw each other. I realised in the second season (the ‘grinch’ episode), that Lily and Ted go way back, even discounting Marshall.

Don’t know nor think it’d happen, but purely hypothetical, it’d be a Marshall/Lily/Ted group immediately if any conflict were to arise. The history they have together go waaay back.

Sexarchitect… wicked username. Wish I thought of that!

You’re right, Marcy, that Robin and Barney don’t want serious commitment. But even then, they have a different view of interactions. Robin at least wants a monogamous relationship for a time. Her problem is when things get deep, she gets uncomfortable. She prefers keeping men at an arms length, but still not too far apart.

Barney’s philosophy is use and then discard. He has no intention of keeping women at arms-length or any length. The show has made Barney so shallow, I can’t see him with a woman within the span of a month, and if they were going to change him with Robin, they should’ve laid the groundwork much earlier with previous episodes and women (showing him change from his bang-and-dump-in-one-night routine). That’s my issue.

Either he’s going to be regular-Barney with Robin, thereby hurting her and destroying whatever friendship they had, which owuld inevitably infuriate Ted, and be default Marshall and Lily too. Or Barney will change and will show a softer, more romantic side (which would be so off-character). There is an alternative scenario, where Barney and Robin, after getting Ted’s blessing, realise they just can’t do it (ick-factor or whatever). But that would be ripping Friends’ off so much they should get sued (and again, I thought it was pathetic in Friends the whole Joey-Rachel thing).

That’s why I think the show has reached a rock and a hard place location. It’s going to take a legend-wait for it and I hope none of you are lactose intolerant-dary move from Thomas and Bays to get out of this position in a good way (yep, I so did that!).

SimJ | April 26, 2008 @ 11:22 am

I wouldn’t be surprised if it was only a one or two episode thing. Robin was vulnerable and there’s always been a little something between both of them, but I think that they both don’t want to get into a relationship so they’ll probably leave it at that…

Geri | April 26, 2008 @ 6:58 pm

I agree with SimJ. I am not worried that Barney and Robin will become a “thing”. I think it was just fun to see them kiss and that’s that. I totally trust the writers.

I haven’t seen anyone discuss the possibility that the “hooking up” may have been just a one episode thing and a dirty little secret the two of them will keep until maybe it accidentally gets revealed on a future episode.

The How I Met Your Mother Blog