Season 4 Episode 1: Do I Know You?

By JD

[pictures to come Thursday]

This was a powerful season opener. We saw a half hour of pure How I Met Your Mother glee, unencumbered with guest stars or lame plot lines. Plus, John D’arc liked it so it must have been good (he’s a tough critic.) When that beautiful harp music came in over the cold open I was so excited for what was to come. This is going to be a long one, so get ready.

What Was Good

First off, Neil Patrick Harris is fantastic. He puts 110% into this character. Watch his body language, the way he delivers his lines. The bit in his apartment while he’s explaining to Lily what he wants to do with Robin as he boyishly kicks out his leg in the kitchen. Or when he plays it cool to Lily like he’d tricked her then pulls a Napoleon Dynamite style run out of the room. That’s solid gold.

That brings me to the way they dealt with Robarn (sorry, I’m sticking with it.) It felt natural and realistic. Barney had doubt and excitement, worry and apprehension, and in the end he went with old Barney but left it open enough for us to know there’d be more.

We’re learning more all the time how nerdy a kid Ted was. Tonight we saw a flashback to what looked like asking a girl to prom when the jock who called him “turd” had already made his move on the girl. Also, we find out Ted learned how to cook from his grandmother after school since he wasn’t good at sports. Makes it even sadder his parents never told him she died. Couple that with his deep love for Star Wars and we’ve got a nerdy hero. Tonight he brought back the “fun facts”, this time about Star Wars trivia, that we first saw him use in regards to the Empire State Building in “First Time in New York.”

I love these call backs to old episodes for reticent fans. Ted’s first was Molly Mackenzie, junior year of high school. If you remember, it was might have been Molly who Ted was dating freshman year of college and called to apologize for making out with someone other than Lily, and the very same Molly that broke up with him over Christmas break that year. [There is some dispute to this. We'll have to go to the tape to confirm.] We saw this first time during “First Time in New York” and know Molly borrowed money from Ted after the deed was done.

Marshall didn’t have much to do but his lack of a job was funny. It was a great laugh both times he popped up from behind the couch (in a way that was reminiscent of Lily in Swarley.) I also liked his casual realization that he did need a job. It was kind of nice to split up LAME and let Marshall and Ted have some bro time.

What Was Bad

There wasn’t much to complain about tonight. If I had to bring up one issue, I would have liked to see the gang’s reaction to Ted’s engagement. All we saw was Marshall talking to Ted about how well he knew Stella. We didn’t see Robin, Lily, or Barney’s reaction to the engagement. In fact, Barney and Ted didn’t speak to each other at all during this episode. Are we pulling away from Ted as protagonist or was this just a fluke?

Favorite Moments

After Ted almost kills Stella with peanut pesto (which, btw, sounds gross) we see them exchanging first times. Is there anything sexier than a girl in a man’s hooded sweatshirt? It doesn’t even have to be your own (girl, sweatshirt.)
“You left a voice, but it wasn’t male.”
“I slept with Robin one time and I caught feelings.”
I have to find the song that plays right after the opening credits when everyone is being re-introduced. It’s just instrumental but it’s great.
“I’m marrying a woman who’s not only hot but loves Star Wars. That’s the dream.”
“What was that?”
“I was high fiving fifteen year old me through the space-time continuum. We did it. We did it you masterbating little bastard!”
I love that Marshall and Lily need a code word for when Lily is randy. Does anyone play the cute, horny girl better than Alyson Hannigan?
Speaking of that, I love the play on gender roles the show implies. “They’re not in love with Robin and neither am I. I mean she is great and sweet, I’m not going to pretend I haven’t thought about her body…”
or
“The she-male who sounded alarmingly close to Ted?”
“Hey, Ted hit that for over a year.”
“Wish me luck”
or
“I’m losing wood here.”
or
“Even I was thinking about rocking a motor boat on those bad boys.”
“First of all, how did they understand that bear they hang around with all the time? Yeah, he goes [insert bad Wookie noise] and they’re like ‘that’s a good point bear, let’s try that.’” Best review of Star Wars ever?
“Ted, the only people in the universe who haven’t seen Star Wars are the characters in Star Wars cause they lived them Ted, they lived the Star Wars!”
“I think tonight is going to be de-wait for it-lightful.”
I normally wouldn’t transcribe this entire speech but it’s the premiere and the logical successor to the “we will be what is up New York” speech from season two so it’s worth it:

You know who is confused? Bimbos. They’re easily confused. It’s one of the thousand little things I love about them. I love their vacant, trusting stares; their sluggish, unencumbered minds; their unresolved daddy issues. I love them Lily and they love me. Bimbos have always been there for me, through thick and thin—mostly thin, B-man doesn’t do thick crust, what up!

There was a moment in the episode tonight that I feel like I had a personal hand in creating. It has to do with the soldier from Iraq who was a fan of the show. It was awesome and I hope he gets a chance to see it.

Conclusion

We saw a return to form for the show. The characters were developed, the comedy was there, and it had heart like we haven’t seen since season two. Sure, Stella seems like she’s on the fence deep down about Ted and is trying to make it work, but we all kind of knew that was coming right? The important things were there and were handled well. I have almost no complaint.

This episode was really a redo of the pilot. Replace Ted with Barney, Robin was still Robin but to Barney (who was like Ted) she was Barney. Marshall was Barney to Stella who was like Marshall was to Lily about Ted. Yeah, think about it. I’m right.

Finally, if you’re in doubt about the episode you need only look at the dinner scene between Barney and Robin. That felt like two real people sharing an awkward meal. The comedy came naturally from the situation. It felt authentic, and the bit where Barney convinced Robin to apply for the job was touching and felt right. When he said he didn’t always want to be “that guy” and wanted to be someone you could actually have a conversation with, I think he was being honest. Although, in the end he was still d-bag Barney, taking pleasure in misleading that girl about the Yankee game.

What’d you think?

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In Season 4, Show Analysis | Monday, September 22nd, 2008 11:31 pm GMT -4 | By JD

« Happy Season 4 Premiere Day! - Stella’s Sister Has Been Recast »

43 Comments to “Season 4 Episode 1: Do I Know You?”

Jason | Monday, September 22nd, 2008 11:46 pm GMT -4

It’s interesting. Leading up to the show I kept hoping I would not be let down like the Season 3 premiere. The first episodes of season 3 felt forced, and i just had this fear of this happening all over again.

However, i am more than happy to say that this episode was right up there with the best of Season 2. One of my favorite parts was when Robin become Barney’s Best Bro after the dinner by pulling the “Have you met Barney?” line. This just says so much about what she thinks of Barney. He was trying so hard to be a gentleman and be romantic, but she didn’t notice any of it. Same old Barney, and she ENJOYS that Barney, as she is very much like that. She IS the female version of Barney. I know I’ve been in a position where I started to fall for a friend, but she never took me seriously, and she could never see me as more than that friend.

Great review, great show, great episode, and here’s to a great season!!
C | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 12:07 am GMT -4

Molly wasn’t the girl he was dating in college (her name was Karen). But you were right… Molly was the girl that was mentioned in the ‘First Time in New York’ episode that stole his virginity and then dumped him. (Although he told Robin’s sister a different version of that story)

Awesome review! I agree, they had some great lines in this one. Voice mail joke = priceless
Dan N | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 12:15 am GMT -4

Confession: I was in a eerily similar situation with a girl in high school where I showed her my favorite movie. The fact that both Ted and I acted the same way while the movie was running actually made me laugh out loud. Ah, memories.

All that aside I really enjoyed the episode.
Zac | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 01:10 am GMT -4

I also thought it was a great episode and it foreshadowed something I was hoping for…Ted doesn’t really know Stella and I think he will ultimately realize it. And I think everyone, not just Marshall, will also realize and try to get their friend to see it as well. I also must admit that I behaved the same way when I showed my ex-gf this show for the first time. That’s why I love this show…I can relate to all 3 of the males on some levels.
Hee | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 02:11 am GMT -4

This was a really nice episode, with actual content. It didn’t just feel like a sitcom, instead it felt like something greater, stronger and more real. It’s a Neo Sitcom.

Although it was a bit disconcerting seeing Barney de-suited I loved the symbolism of it possibly represented – shirt unbuttoned and open – open ness – we are seeing a more open Barney)

It’s both terrifying and exilerating seeing this new Barney. Terrifying because we’re scared of loosing the old Barney and exhilerating because we’re seeing a side of a mainly comic relief character that we don’t usually get to see and that is something special in television land.

However, I really missed seeing interaction between Ted and Barney. I feel like we haven’t gotten any of that since before the BroKe up.
john darc | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 02:27 am GMT -4

that thing with Molly, did she never call him ever again?
john darc | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 02:31 am GMT -4

also, whoa whoa whoa, I liked it. I’m not IN love with it. I don’t want to be the episode’s boyfriend.
john darc | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 02:46 am GMT -4

rewatching the ep. Is the girl in the background of Barney’s shot in the restaurant the same asian woman from Zip Zip Zip?
High Hoper | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 03:48 am GMT -4

I loved it! Specially the ending, when Barney turns on the TV to watch Robin and then turns it off…

I honestly want Barney to take a step closer to Robin… but not now. Let’s experience how you turn an actual Barney into a nice guy… If it was a whole-life-changing experience for him the thing about Shannon, there was to be another whole-life-changing experience that makes him return to be what it was.

But, as i said, not now… Let’s have fun with him at least for this season and let’s watch a person in love who doesn’t know what to do with his feelings.

You know? When The Simpsons started, all attention and dedication from Matt Groening was to Bart, and during the evolution of the show, it showed up that the main character is Homer. Could that happen here as Bart=Ted and Homer=Barney?
Chrissy | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 04:28 am GMT -4

This was a great start for this season! I liked the episode so much. I agree with you review above, JD. Neil Patrick Harris IS awesome (awesome square)!! He played this little boy being in love so convincingly you really felt compassionate and you’d want to help him get this girl. I also liked another Barney/Lily moment.
It definitely was a bit sad Ted and Barney didn’t talk to each other. I wondered what the rest of the gang would have said to Ted’s engangement, too. These are just minor issues though. I am looking forward to the next episode though, I think, it won’t have much to do with the story of the last one.
Steve | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 04:59 am GMT -4

JD: Last season you posted that you were glad to see single Ted back, and was excited for those “more shenanigans.” Well “Couple Ted” is now back and shenanigans will continue to be lame.

BUT! We have a substitute! It’s not bored Robin, or obsessive-compulsive Barney…it’s UNEMPLOYED MARSHALL this is gonna be hil-wait for it….arious.

Ultimately, this really felt like “just another episode.” And if you know my opinion, that’s a good thing. Of course, the season openers the last two years were great, but the goal is no longer to draw people in – now we get to enjoy the fruits of a prosperous sitcom in it’s glory days.

Is it just me or is anyone else tired of Sarah Chalke being prudish and condescending? Even when she wasn’t in this episode, it sure seemed like it. CAN THERE BE MORE FUN FROM THE HOT CANADIANS PLEASE.
Ivy | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 05:57 am GMT -4

I loved it! I have seen better episodes I think, but I’m sure this season will be as awesome as the first, second and third! I really missed the show and I’m SO HAPPY there’s fresh material to watch
Alaettin Ayar | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 07:29 am GMT -4

Awesome! But i didn’t like Sarah Chalke since i know her attitudes from Scrubs. She doesn’t look natural as Stella. She is still Elliot. She must be out very soon…
Peter | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 10:58 am GMT -4

For as good as the show usually is about factual references and dates. They made an error last night. Star Wars came out in 1977, Ted mentioned last night they his father took him to the theater to see it as a kid. Based on the fact that Ted is 30 years old, it would have been pretty tough for him to go to the movie, as he was probably not even born in 1977, based on “the Goat” episode from last season, he would have been born in 1978. I was born in 1977 and one of my first memories is of my dad taking me to see “Return of the Jedi” in the theaters.
Jona | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 11:22 am GMT -4

Peter, he said it was a drive-in, they were probably just showing an old print.
Jarrod | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 11:24 am GMT -4

Was I the only one who noticed that Robin didn’t say WHERE the new job was???? It was sort of implied that it was in NYC because she was worried about how the other station would view her based on her current job, but that doesn’t mean that the job is for sure in NYC.
Ike | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 11:32 am GMT -4

Peter, their were no home entertainment systems so you’d have to go to the theater to rewatch it. I bet a lot of places reran Episode 4 and 5 before 6 came out in 1983, which makes Ted 5. Just guessing since I wasn’t born till 84 though.

This episode is classic, perfect HIMYM. Comedy, realistic characters, and lots of heart. Who doesn’t remember being that awkward boy ‘catching feelings’. The show is playing it just right and I think Barney will still be able to be legendary and a very-clingy (smell her hair lol) boyfriend. I do like the point about a shift in focus. I think it will add variety and make the show better by also showing us how Barney becomes Uncle Barney. They also brought back the slut/prude from ‘Game Night’ and ‘First Time in NY’. It was also great seeing the fortress of Barnitude again.

I agree it was disappointing not to see how everyone reacted, but I can live with it. Esp seeing all the different reactions from Stella.

Chimichanga, I have to go…
Ae | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 11:56 am GMT -4

Only problem I saw was if you have a serious peanut allergy you would know around the first meal together. She been dating Ted for a while and he should of known.

I noticed Robin didn’t mention where the new job she wants to apply is going to be.
pulling socks | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm GMT -4

@Jarrod: I noticed that too- that Robin didn’t say where the new job would be. I thought that it was such a blatant omission on her part that it was intentionally cut in editing, or that she was going to follow up with “but I am not going to apply because then I would be taken away from you, Barney.”

I also thought that a more concerned Barney would have asked for more details about the job before just an encouraging “Promise me you’ll apply” …

I wonder if that was the planted seed about Robin leaving the show to go on her worldly sojourns… (except we know she doesn’t because she lives in Ted’s apartment next year?)
Zac | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 06:15 pm GMT -4

What cities did Robin mention during the Season 2 finale break-up dinner with Ted? She has already been to Argentina, and she says she could also see herself in Paris or Tokyo. I think it will be either one of those 2 cities.
The Modern Gal | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 06:58 pm GMT -4

I thought the one-liners were fantastic in this episode. I am glad to see some doubt between Ted and Stella, because I still feel like her character just doesn’t fit the overall HIMYM vibe. I’m ready for that side story to be resolved.
Jill | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 08:25 pm GMT -4

I loved the episode but I am not sold on a Barney/Robin pairing- unpopular opinion I know. I love them as friends but not so much as a couple. Time will tell what will happen between these two but watching Barney pine over and be in love with Robin is not my cup of tea.

I did however, really enjoy the Barney & Lily scenes; NPH and AH play off each other so well and Lily was adorable and hilarious. I liked the Stars Wars bit with Stella, Ted and Marshall and Stella’s real opinion of the movie was priceless. Hard to believe that Ted of all people doesn’t know that Stella has a peanut allergy, is a Mets fan, her favorite color, etc., especially after dating most of the spring and all summer. And there was no mention of Stella’s daughter Lucy, which was strange given that Stella seemed to be spending all of her free time at Ted’s place.

I kind of missed seeing more of the group interact as a whole but hopefully there will be more of that in upcoming episodes.
Lynn | Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 08:57 pm GMT -4

This episode was great! I loved the return of the “fun facts” !! and mentioning molly… I love when they mention stuff from previous seasons.
And the lines you mentioned were mostly all the best…I esp. liked
“You left a voice, but it wasn’t male.”
Stella has yet to grow on me…. i dont like her with ted, just something I can’t explain.
Great blog JD! And Im happy to see so many comments already!
Daniel | Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 01:08 am GMT -4

I thought the overall writing and acting was great, but did anyone else feel like the scene changes were awkwardly done?
john darc | Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 01:53 am GMT -4

I thought it was awkward at first, and then I realized it was genius.

“What I know about Stella is that I love her.”
“You love her?! How can you love Robin if you’re sleeping with other girls?”
A Fan From Syria | Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 11:33 am GMT -4

it was a de “wait for it” lightful epsiode ..really i enjoyed every single part of it..great job..specially from Barney..and i liked that part when Robin became a wingwoman for Barney..she was so cute..
Wingman | Wednesday, September 24th, 2008 03:39 pm GMT -4

I really enjoyed the episode and like where its headed.

My chief complaint about bizarro Barney is that at dinner, he gave off too much of the Will Ferrell Anchorman vibe. You know in Anchorman when he’s smitten by Veronica Corningstone. I thought it could’ve been a little bit more comfortable uncomfort. Just my thoughts.

B-man doesn’t do thick crust, what up!
Josh | Thursday, September 25th, 2008 11:10 am GMT -4

Does anyone know the name of the song that was playing right after the Bimbo Monologue, when Barney turns on the TV to stare at Robin?
AF | Friday, September 26th, 2008 11:20 am GMT -4

I adored tonight’s premiere for so many reasons.

I loved unemployed Marshall. I think he makes for good comic relief. Especially when he jumped out from behind the sofa.

I loved the Barney/Lily interaction, particularly when he was swooning over Robin and Lily made him call her. “You made a voice but it wasn’t male.” It’s always nice to see the fortress of Barnitude.

Ted and Stella were pretty entertaining too. Star Wars is classic and it’s good to know that Stella will sacrifice sitting through a movie she doesn’t like for Ted.

YAY HIMYM!!
Hee | Friday, September 26th, 2008 08:53 pm GMT -4

Josh I’m fairly certain that the song is “Sway” by The Perishers.
lethal | Saturday, September 27th, 2008 07:28 am GMT -4

You forgot the Robin a.k.a. “the boogeyman with a teleprompter”, it was so a great joke!
little barney | Sunday, September 28th, 2008 11:11 am GMT -4

this episode was legendary.
NPH was great, i felt sympathy for him when robin tells him to hold that thought and barny says to himself i will, you can see his eyes tearing up.
Robin was hot.
marshall was funny. apart from slapsgiving, he was boring in season 3.
i love star wars, so this made the episode awesome for me. stella’s impersonation of chewbacca the wookie made me laugh so hard.

i believe that ted and stella will break up this season, i dont feel that stella is the mother. I always thought that victoria from season 1 would be great because she and ted had great chemistry.

I hated the fact that we didn’t get a reaction from the friends. Out of all the guys I wanted to see Robins reaction. I loved barneys reaction to ted at the end of season 2 but i guess this wouldnt be the same because they became friends again. we didnt see ted and barney have a conversation together.

I CHOOSE BIMBOS !!!!!!
Gaelle from Belgium | Sunday, September 28th, 2008 03:41 pm GMT -4

Really strong and funny season openener. It made me laugh as hard as the best episodes from season 1 or 2, and it broke my heart seeing how much Barney is hooked on Robin while she doesn’t have a clue.
I am really a fan of Robarn. Even if I am not such a fan of the “one-girl-every-guy-want-to-date” kind of pattern (like Rachel in Friends) but I think the writers managed to outsmart that with one little dialogue (Lily’s monologue at the restaurant with Barney “I’m not going to pretend I haven’t noticed her body”- like it’s so obvious eveybody is drawn to Robin that even Lily could be attracted to her) So I wish they will explore what could happen between those two a little more since they’re really the two characters with serious commitment problems. I really don’t believe that Barney could become less funny because of that, I mean have you seen this episode? It was hilarious! I think Robin loves Barney the way he is now and it’s probably why she can’t imagine him being in love with her. I think it will lead to some Granola Barney resurfacing, and that’s great. And finally I think Robin could be the one who learns to Barney how to balance the present Barney with the old crying-a-lot-granola Barney who was a bit lame but at least allowed himself to have feelings. I think that inner battle and insecurity will lead to a lot of hilarious moments.

@ Lethal, I also loved the “boogeyman with a teleprompter” joke and Barney’s response: “Are you kidding? That was a great joke! It’s smart, funny, beautiful, the all package. It’s everything you’re afraid to let yourself want… in a joke”

I loved how Lily is trying to be a teacher to Barney on how to express his feelings and accept them. Lily/Barney’s interactions are great.

Unemployed Marshall is hilarious.

And I loved how important it was for Ted that Stella loves Star Wars.

Really appreciated your review JD, you pointed out pretty much everything I also enjoyed in this episode.

Can’t wait to see what’s next!
Willton | Monday, September 29th, 2008 02:42 am GMT -4

So, when you said “pictures to come Thursday,” which Thursday were you talking about?
JD | Monday, September 29th, 2008 10:48 am GMT -4

@Willton, that’d be a yet-to-be-determined Thursday in the future. Hold tight!
Ricardo | Thursday, October 9th, 2008 02:55 pm GMT -4

Does anyone know the song that plays while Barney is talking to the waitress about how in love with Robin she is? It’s just guitar and piano. I’ve been looking for two weeks!! Please help!?!?! It’s when Robin introduced the chick to Barney as the new Yankee second baseman. I need that song! Email me at iblogbetterthanyourmom@gmail.com
Steven | Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 02:46 am GMT -4

I’ve always been looking for that same guitar/piano composition.
Does anybody know where to find it or how to download it?
Thank You.
Lena Sofia | Monday, January 26th, 2009 02:10 am GMT -4

Do you happen to know the brand of olive green hoodie Stella is wearing while on the couch. The brand logo is 5 leaves inside a circle and 1 leaf is colored.
JustinDickinson | Monday, January 26th, 2009 10:44 pm GMT -4

I don't, I've been trying to figure out this brand for awhile. Not even sure how to look into it.
drh | Tuesday, July 28th, 2009 07:19 pm GMT -4

please, send to me too the guitar song!very very important!!!! (barney say: look april, i'm not a New York Yankee..ect ) thanks:)
my email: emy.md@freemail.hu
Valeria Kelly | Monday, June 28th, 2010 11:41 pm GMT -4

Asian women are cute and good mannered. they are very caring too.”,;
Taylor Lewis | Sunday, July 11th, 2010 01:30 pm GMT -4

asian women are petite and most of them are mild mannered compared to western women;~.
Terry Shears | Friday, July 30th, 2010 01:54 pm GMT -4

My wish is always that you may just compose some a lot more here about this subject , I cant wait to obtain much more wonderful juicy infos!

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