Season 4, Episode 5 “Shelter Island” Discussion
I’m going to go ahead and say it—although the 100+ comments on last week’s post might suggest I should offer disagreeing views more often—I loved this episode. It might well be the best episode of the entire series. The writing, the themes, the acting, everything that happened, how tightly edited it all was; this is up there with Drumroll, Please; Nothing Good Happens After 2am, and Slapsgiving. I loved it.
What was Good
This episode masterfully brought back so many old references. It didn’t only bring them back, it used them to wonderful dramatic effect. For instance, we should have figured out right away that Ted and Stella weren’t going to work when they missed each other’s signals via Couple-ESP. Also, as we all complained that Ted was agreeing with everything anyone pointed out to him, he didn’t agree with Robin’s argument did he?
I know people were complaining that we hadn’t heard anything about Barney’s love for Robin for awhile but what a great way to bring it back. The Beautiful Mind computations were hilarious (and looked amazing in HD.) Geri (and others) did you notice the prominent “83%”? Poor Barney, he has a Shakespearean fatal flaw…he’s a gigolo. Was Robin ever ready to bro-down or what? That’s any guy’s dream come true, let alone the Barnicle’s.
That speech Robin gave, I could write an entire post just on that. Maybe I will. Probably not. “This is not Ted Mosby”…truer words have never been spoken on the show. It’s probably a good thing she didn’t write an Intervention list. Robin seems like the new Barney, telling Ted flat-out he shouldn’t get married. Also, before the theorists put on their aluminum foil hats and start writing fan-fic on Live Journal I want to go on record—Robin’s “maybe there still is something between us” line was not a hint at future developments, I think it was a now-emotionally mature Robin realizing that her and Ted will always have some feelings for each other. Also, how precious was it that she has a romantic notion of Ted being there for her to settle down with eventually? This is a far cry from Season 1 Robin that couldn’t even say she liked Ted when he was chasing after Victoria.
Speaking of Robin, there’s a certain comedic voice and physicality she uses sometimes that I love. We saw it tonight when she said “Oh boy, what did Ted do this time?” as she slung her arm around his shoulder. The last time I remember seeing this was when she climbed into the back seat of Ted’s new car in “Chain of Screaming” with the huge ice cream cone and said—in the same voice—”Oooh, I like stories.”
The reveal that it was actually Stella who’d rekindle feelings for her ex, while alluded to and geniusly recapped in flash backs, did catch me by surprise. Poor Robin seeing that on the ferry. That was one powerful ending.
How awesome was the fake reveal of the blond kids? Startling to say the least.
What was Bad
The only single thing that bothered me even a little was the cut from the first dinner with Stella’s sister, to the bar, back to the second dinner after her fiance left her. I thought the edit was a little rough but really, I’m splitting hairs. The episode was perfect.
Favorite Moments
- I love how casually hedonistic Marshall, Lily, and Barney are in regards to booze and meat.
- While on the topic of meat, I have to remember Ted’s argument to Stella’s sister:
“I wish I could tune out that moral voice inside me that says ‘meat is murder’. I’m not as strong as you.”
“Right. You need protein.”
Good thing Barney was there… - I could watch a monkey bounce marshmallows off Robin’s head for an entire episode. Please, please put an extended cut of that on the DVD. Who got to throw those marshmallows? That’s a contest I’d have entered (and cheated to win.)
- I actually would like to watch the news on that Japanese station. “GIANT FAN!”
- I liked the call back to Marshall being a little girl about weddings.
- “At the sight of the first drunk bridesmaid you’ll have your head under her dress like an old-time photographer.”
- “Namaste here any longer than I have to.”
- I loved the call back to Marshall and Barney arguing over who is Ted’s best friend. And Lily’s disinterest in making a big deal out of it.
- Robin’s sweater was nice, but she needs to eat some of those marshmallows, girlfriend’s a little skinny. Lily, on the other hand, looked much prettier than usual.
- Old, lame, Karate-Tony seems perfect for Stella. They’ll have a nice life together in Jersey.
- “I’m a yoga instructor. Every position is available.” The recasting of Stella’s sister was probably a good choice now that we see how slutty she was.
- “You tried to make it rain.”
“I did make it rain.”
“It was a coincedence.” - The song in the end was very nice. I would’ve sworn it sounded like Wilco but turns out it is Benji Hughes – Waiting For An Invitation
Closing
Let’s not forget that besides the break up of Ted and Stella, the other big reveal was that Robin quit her job and is moving back to NYC. Will she move in with Ted now that assumably her apartment is gone and LAME are in Dowestrepla.
That’s it for my being effusive. Let’s see 100+ comments about how much you all loved it. Or tell me how wrong I am! Again!
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Courtney | October 21, 2008 @ 12:10 am
I thought this was good episode but the intervention is still top of the list for this season. I kinda had a feeling Ted and Stella was not going to work out. They never had that connection that felt real. The writer strike probably had something to do with it. It takes a lot to add a new person to a tight knit group like this. I love Robin’s speech at the end b/c she was the only one man or women enough to tell him he was wrong for getting married.
natsirt | October 21, 2008 @ 12:19 am
Definately not the best episode of the series but a good episode this season. But I disagree with your listing of the best episodes totally. I think Slapsgiving is by far the worst episode in the series.
I agree with Courtney, Intervention is still top of the list for this season.
The Stella getting back together with her ex thing was far to obvious for me. I saw that coming the second Stella mentioned not wanting him at the wedding.
The call backs to previous episodes: Ted having to correct people, zitch dog, Ted making it rain were awesome.
The most important question that this episode left unanswered is: Did Barney ride the tricycle? Does he get to wear the belt now?
Zac | October 21, 2008 @ 12:35 am
I thought this was a good episode…I also loved the call-backs to the past, especially “Zitch Dog!” I think that the writers did a pretty good job of leaving clues for us leading up this episode…I was 100% positive after last weeks episode that they wouldn’t end up tying the knot. The Robin-still-has-feelings-for-Ted thing took me by surprise…I don’t know why. But I’m one of the minority that’s still pulling for something to happen there. It’s definitely something I’ve experienced in my own personal life and the writers are always careful to display real human emotions. I’m going to agree with you JD that our little Robin is growing up before our very eyes. I am predicting that she will move in with Ted…for how long I’m not sure. I’m curious what the next major arc on the show will be and when it will begin.
JackAttack08 | October 21, 2008 @ 12:36 am
I will agree with you that this is the greatest episode in the history of the show. The acting was phenominal. The show didn’t go for cheap laughs, and for the most part it was all drama without being too hard on people who only watch for laughs.
For the first time since Dawson’s Creek ended, I actually felt emotion while watching the show. I was pissed that Stella left Ted, so bitter. I also could see where Robin was coming from, and I didn’t know how they would start that again but they did and did a great job at it.
I guess I’m hoping they’ll still reveal that Robin is the mother. I don’t know what kind of swerve, but I would say that future Ted says “well if I had told you that robin was your mother then how else would I have got you to listen?”
In a perfect world I suppose.
Ricardo | October 21, 2008 @ 12:41 am
Oh my DAMN wasn’t this episode amazing. Seriously, I felt so bad for Ted when Stella left. But then again, I knew it was coming thanks to all the foreshadowing from all the previous episodes. The acting was great and it had me cracking up for most of the episode. Come on, they brought back Zilchdog, you can’t be that. I too also thought the ending song fit accordingly.
Still, if anyone knows the song that plays in the very first episode this season when Barney is telling the waitress from the bar that he loved Robin as she was leaving the bar/restaurant, I will buy you a song on iTunes! I’m still looking for that song! All it was was guitar and piano. I’m on a mission to find this song.
J | October 21, 2008 @ 12:43 am
everything i thought… u guys say.
LEGENDARY
this is HIMYM at its best… I like how they reintroduced Robin as a possibility for Ted, even though we know shes a possibility for Barney… if he can ever get scared monogamous.
Andy | October 21, 2008 @ 12:43 am
Awesome awesome episode. I wish they had spread out the break-up into two episodes but it worked out ok. The zichdog thing cracked me up. And the Robin monologue to Ted really shocked me as well as made me wonder if she kind of already is changing her mind about marriage.
I really enjoyed this.
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 12:55 am
just finished it 30 seconds ago.
What’s that, HIMYM? Teasing Ted and Robin? You sure know how to win a boy’s heart.
Was that outrage on Robin’s face?
More thoughts later. I liked it.
daaan | October 21, 2008 @ 1:10 am
i JUST finished watching and WOW!
loved the episode! there were soo many resolved? issues with everyone, and the whole stella thing really surprised me, i mean, i knew the couple weren’t meant to be, but it didn’t think it would go down this way.
and barney and robin, i was sooo upset when robin saw the woman in barney’s bed. (needless to say, i’m a barney-robin fan)
the look in NPH’s face was priceless, as the moment of the passing letter of Stella.
I just loved the episode, although all i regret is having to wait two weeks for the next one.
And of course, the fact that HIMYM doesn’t air in Argentina, only in a special cable. (bummer)
Loove the site and the discussions!
Amy | October 21, 2008 @ 1:14 am
Hey I’m also one of the few who are holding out for a ted and robin ending!
But the plot twist definitely got me goooooooood! I knew Stella and Ted weren’t gonna make it — but I always thought that Ted would be one leaving. =X
Geri | October 21, 2008 @ 1:17 am
For now, all i’m going to say is …..
GO ROBIN!!!!!!!!!!
More later
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 1:25 am
Also, Lily should consider herself as Ted’s BFFF. Just saying, they’ve known each other for a while.
Hee | October 21, 2008 @ 1:25 am
I agree with JD 100% we just witnessed the BEST episode of HIMYM to date! This episode was beyond amazing. I am speechless at how awesome it was. You know when you are watching something that goes beyond the norm and this was it. It was so good I’m prepared to consider thinking about forgetting that the burger episode ever happened. Yeah, it was that good!
I actually hated the first 5 seconds of this ep with Stella snatching everyone’s drinks, but then suddenly I was lost in it and just blown away. Stella look amazing, I don’t know what it was. And then this episode made me like Stella and now she’s gone. Go figure.
Also RoBarn fans, I think we just witnessed the end of Robin & Barney.
April | October 21, 2008 @ 1:44 am
I thought this was a very good episode! I still liked intervention the best this season though. I wish that ted and robin would get together but the writers just put too many blocks up. In the first episode at the end ted says “and that was how i met your aunt robin.” Then they keep showing the girl with the yellow umbrella who was @ the club during the st pattys day episode. But it would be nice considering the kids look like her and ted. I also liked the callbacks to other episodes. When Barney was drawing his graph it had all kinds of throwbacks including the hot/crazy scale. I love this show and cant get enough
Ae | October 21, 2008 @ 1:48 am
Love the episode. So future Ted tells his kids not to invite an ex to your wedding. I can’t imagine Robin not being at his future wedding. I think I have to up the possibility of Robin being the mom to 50/50.
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 2:03 am
Oh yes, please let Robin be the mom.
Please please….
Dr Dre | October 21, 2008 @ 2:12 am
I think more people want to see a Robin/Ted swerve ending then you think. I have been rooting for it the whole time and will continue to do so. One of the series best episodes this week. Hope the next chapters can keep it up.
Hee | October 21, 2008 @ 2:27 am
When Robin was reading the news there was a little bunny face on top of the Japanese word for “baby” (akanbou in Japanese) and it was written in yellow.
To summarise: the word for baby written in yellow as Robin reads the news about interest rates.
I never really noticed that Robin & Ted were dating and I didn’t notice when they broke up. I hold out hope for Barney & Robin.
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 2:37 am
….how do you not “notice” the first two seasons of the show?
technically three, as they boinked on Slapsgiving.
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 2:41 am
Also, I’m pretty sure the singer from SpinDoctors has throat cancer. A special sort of throat cancer that is super rare.
Thatoneguy | October 21, 2008 @ 2:42 am
Fantastic episode. I loved Robin telling Ted to “Go back to his life.” Ever since the writers strike last season something has felt off. The show was still very solid, but something just hasn’t clicked. Ted wasn’t being Ted. Hopefully Ted takes Robin’s advice.
This is easily one of my favorite episodes. Right up there with Drumroll, Please and Nothing Good Happens After 2am in terms of moving the “story” along. This is where the show is at its best.
Kevin | October 21, 2008 @ 2:51 am
I have to give myself props for finally correctly predicting something, even if I could never have predicted the details of this amazing episode. Here’s what I wrote last week.
Kevin | October 15, 2008 @ 5:06 pm
So here’s my prediction:
Ted and Stella break up in next week’s episode.
steph | October 21, 2008 @ 3:31 am
loved loved the episode, hope i can process everything i’m thinking later (i’m on the ted/robin boat forever! but am pretty sure she’ll end up with barney)
but for now (and i know this is random)… did anyone notice that when robin was giving that speech that she wasn’t making eye contact with ted? she kept looking at his collar- it was kinda weird. i only noticed because it was so distracting! maybe it was the camera angle?
Hee | October 21, 2008 @ 3:51 am
@John Darc Ted & Robin as a couple were never any of the reasons I was tuning into HIMYM each week and they never became one of the reasons.
BTW I wonder if we’re going to see Barney physically wearing The Belt in episode 6!
neeraj | October 21, 2008 @ 4:04 am
great episode full of laughs, no gimmicks, no cheesy dialogues. barney’s code breaking was terrific….
for me best shoe himym has produced till date….
HOPING FOR EVEN BETTER
after this episode its certain that ted wont marry a girl who has a child or was married some time back ……
the mother is brunette
i’ve a feeling that they would meet in the building that he has designed at spolkan…… that’s got to have some importance….
and i know i would be the only one here who believes in anna the kick boxing instructor from ted mosbey architect episode would turn out to be the mother…….
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 4:06 am
or perhaps it was a heartfelt speech and she was feeling vulnerable.
i mean, it was awk for me.
Marcy | October 21, 2008 @ 4:46 am
O.k, my browser just “ate” my super long comment. I´m angry as hell and not in the mood to write a second long comment, so here´s the short version:
Loved the episode, it was amazing!
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 4:49 am
@Hee
but that was the whole point of Season 1!
Wingman | October 21, 2008 @ 4:53 am
regarding the non-eye-contact. I think its realistic, in having those awkward deep conversations, some people tend to keep away from making eye contact to avoid unwanted emotional reactions, like crying or something.
So many great throwbacks in the episode, and I love the way they diffused the BRo encounter with Stella’s sister coming around the corner saying, “who’s that?” Well played sir.
john darc | October 21, 2008 @ 5:17 am
@wingman
I agree. I sorta got the feeling that there were the unresolved issues between Ted and Robin. I mean, it was all
“There’s nothing between us anymore.”
“Well maybe there is!”
I sorta thought she’d recoil and say something about either how she was still into him or that there were no feelings, but she just talked about how there were residual feelings that don’t go away (as there usually are, especially with them seeing as their impetus for breaking up was no future)
George | October 21, 2008 @ 6:21 am
This episode was amazing. Possibly the best (ill have to watch over the others)
They had to kill Stella off eventually. I thought the wedding idea was interesting.
My questions are
Robin and Barney – Whats going to happen there?
Robin and Ted – EXTREME WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN THERE? Robin still interested? Get back together, move into apartment? Goat?
Amazing Episode. Loved the “best female best friend!!” With lily’s resposne “Hey…ah well”
the dude | October 21, 2008 @ 7:24 am
I’m still shocked by the ending.
It was very good, yet at the same time a sad episode. Yea, there was funny stuff. But the sad outweighed the good..
Nonetheless, still an great episode. Not sure if it’s the best so far..but pretty close..
Tim Kirschenheiter | October 21, 2008 @ 7:26 am
THE STELLIOT REED ERA IS OVER!!!!!!!!!!
I am really excited.
Though I thought the way it ended was a little overly sitcommy.
Also, it felt like one of those episodes where you had to sacrifice some laughs in order to significantly advance the plot. Which I am okay with, because it meant the end of Ted and Stelliot.
Tim Kirschenheiter | October 21, 2008 @ 7:27 am
On another note…
Robin is Ted’s best female friend???
He has known Lily for over ten years. Robin for just over three. Strange.
Maybe he still thinks Lily is a Grinch.
Chrissy | October 21, 2008 @ 7:45 am
I totally agree with Tim here above me. Finally Ted and Stella broke up! I thought this whole story was going on until the end of the season. Luckily it doesn’t.
The episode was not as hilarious as usual, which kinda makes it “meh” but the storyline makes it up. I also liked the call backs and a little bit of love-sick Barney and a bit of the old womanizer.
I thought Robin does still have some feelings for Ted but more in a protective way. I don’t know. What I believe is that she does have feelings for Barney, too. When she was felt awful and wanted to stay at Barney’s room it seemed she did not only want to distract herself from the bad day…
Ike | October 21, 2008 @ 8:00 am
Best Episode Ever? I cannot say that yet, but definitely in my top 5 with Nothing Good, Drumroll Please, Somthing Blue, and Pineapple Incident/Slapsgiving. I love the little callbacks like zitch dog because it makes this show real, because old jokes come back up between friends and outsiders have no idea why they’re funny. Robin’s speech to Ted was amazing, I was shocked by what she said and don’t know whether to believe she really was using him as a back-up or just saying what he needed to hear. I do believe she has become much more in touch with her emotions, and has realized that there was something special and while a relationship will not work out, the feelings will always be there. P.S. Robing getting in touch with her feelings hurts the chances of a permanent RoBarn hook-up
I cannot see how Robin wouldn’t be at Ted’s wedding and while there are some great theories about Robin being the mother, and I would love that, I just don’t see it happening because the kids reacted so strongly to Aunt Robin, meaning there actually is an Aunt Robin so unless Barney marries another girl named Robin then Scherbatsky is not the mother.
My favorite part has to be the ‘alternate-universe-ending’ where Stella was the mother, and the kids, and house were different. I am glad Stela is gone, I liked her in Ten Sessions (or maybe it was just romantic Ted), then stopped liking her between appearances especially in Miracles. The character just didn’t work for me, and I knew it would end, I just thought it would be Ted walking away. To have Stella run off with her ex was a nice way to get rid of her because it makes me dislike her more. The ending scene with everyone reading the letter, and Robin seeing it with her eyes was so moving. I need a week to process everything.
Confused | October 21, 2008 @ 8:55 am
Okay, I NEED HELP!!!
I have been a fan of HIMYM from the beginning. But I am lost on Barney’s “83″. Can someone please explain this to me? You will forever be my hero. Starting this weekend some friends and I will be having a HIMYM marathon. (I got them hooked, mwuhahahah!) So I want to be able to answer all their questions. I’m just so confused. And I’m usually great about picking up on things. I feel like a ditz! (Did I miss an episode?)
As for the episode, I think “Intervention” is this season’s best. But this was good for emotional development, like with the season opener. Neil going on and on about wanting to be Robin’s Boyfriend (well not really, he just wanted to hear about her day, spend all his time with her, etc… but NOT be her Boyfriend *scoff*)
I’m glad Stella is gone. I hated her. She just took the romantic out of Ted, that is what Ted is. He’s the guy that falls hopelessly in love with just about every woman he dates. (And seems to tell them, and chase their fleeting moments. Zip, Zip, Zip has to be the best episode, sorry but I love it.)
Hee | October 21, 2008 @ 8:59 am
@John Darc I didn’t mean that I literally didn’t notice, more like I figuratively didn’t notice.
Anyway after that Robin & Ted moment I also hope the writers address that again. (I’m still waiting for some decent Ted & Barney interaction). Oh and we’re supposed to believe that Robin isn’t going to be at Future Ted’s wedding (ala don’t invite your ex) Robin not wanting to be at this wedding is understandable because they only broke up a year ago, but I can’t imagine Robin not being there at Future Ted’s wedding.
And for the most conspicuous yellow-placement of the episode: Did anyone notice when Ted & Robin were having their moment they were positioned so that there was yellow between them?
PomJob | October 21, 2008 @ 9:13 am
I kept screaming at the TV that the gang needed to let Robin eat a burger during the burger hunt episode because she’s gotten too thin. Mmmm… burgers andmarshmallows!
I loved the parts about veganism. Hilarious.
ESG | October 21, 2008 @ 9:16 am
Basically if Barney wasn’t in love with Robin she would have miss the wedding and this series would be over? one thing leads to another… fate it is then. So long Stella, not gonna miss u much. love the episode great mix of comedy and emotion, more please.
Shadow | October 21, 2008 @ 9:27 am
Just thinking outside the box.
Robin isnt the mother,
But she could still be Teds wife.
Its a possibility… but I doubt it.
Dan | October 21, 2008 @ 9:27 am
I’m surprised no one mentioned the joke that the news program Robin worked at is called Tokyo Ichi. AKA Tokyo _One_. Japan’s answer to Metro News One perhaps?
As an aside, I’d also love to see an extended marshmallow pummeling scene on the DVD.
Jen | October 21, 2008 @ 9:27 am
Ok, this was a great episode, but there’s no way it can beat out episodes like Slap Bet, Game Night, or Drumroll Please for best in the entire series. I loved the BRo scenes and can’t wait to see more over the rest of the season. I’m don’t really understand why so many people are still holding out for the Ted/Robin thing to work out. There is no way the writers can pull off Robin ending up as the mother without compromising the integrity of the entire show. They were great together and I love both characters, but part of the greatness of the show is seeing Ted date lots of people. I personally thought Victoria & Ted were a much better couple and I know the writer’s will find someone with that level of chemistry to be the mother.
One of my favorite parts of this week’s episode was Barney reciting a form rejection letter to Nora. NPH cracks me up with his awesome delivery and physical acting.
Steve | October 21, 2008 @ 9:46 am
I loved the episode & the ending instantly reminded me of the ending of “Something Blue.” I loved both of these endings that even though I saw each one coming, they were still moving & touching in the execution. In my reminiscing about “Something Blue”, I jumped onto Itunes & realized that the song from the end of that episode (The 88- No One Here) has finally been released just today. I instantly downloaded it & have probably listened to it at least 4 times on my commute to work.
Thought you fellow HIMYM-ites would want to know!
Natalie | October 21, 2008 @ 9:52 am
i agree! i loved this episode!!! i kinda saw the hints that stella’s ex was probably gonna ruin the wedding…i just wasn’t sure how it would all play out
so i’m guessing that Barney got The Belt now?
david | October 21, 2008 @ 9:57 am
i can only cross my fingers for ted and robin. the speech that robin gave, gave me new hope…i’m so excited to see what comes up next! and i must be the only one that doesnt like victoria. but it was a great episode! cant decide if i like this or intervention better.
David | October 21, 2008 @ 10:24 am
Wow. I thought the episode last night was amazing (but not the best ever…or for the season). Bringing back so many jokes from past episodes, while adding a few new ones (the “namaste” line was hilarious as was the “old time photographer” line).
But did anyone else feel like the episode was rushed? I wish they would have made it 40 min to and hour in length rather than 30 minutes, so we could have time to process everything that was going on. Between Barney riding the tricycle (and deserving the belt), the Robin speach showing she is growing emotionally, and Stella leaving Ted (which was pretty obvious); I think they easily could have made it a little longer.
Either way, HIMYM season 4 seems to be getting better the further we get into the season!
Pop & Culture | October 21, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Man I needed this one.
I have really struggled with the first few episodes of this new season, but knew everything was going to be OK once Stella was gone.
I just didn’t know it was all going to be so OK so fast!
This episode was brilliant and felt like one of the all-time classics, or at least one of the definitive episodes, from this series.
Great recap. Great episode.
Scott | October 21, 2008 @ 11:28 am
i only read so many posts but i just kinda thought a few things were necessary to bring up, for starters it was great to see robin talk to ted the way she did, we havn’t heard anything about the blue french horn or ted making it rain and it was one of my favorite moments in the show.
However Ted makes a pretty huge point of saying never invite an ex to a wedding, has anyone else thought about robin being at Ted’s eventual wedding when he meets the mother? interesting how that could work
Secondly when Robin went to see barney obviously she was hurt and such similar to the way she was in the sandcastles in the sand episode, of course that episode ended up having the two sleep together, i think this may have been an clue that robin has similar feelings for barney or else she wouldn’t have gone straight to him
Thirdly i knew right from the start that stella wouldn’t stay, she didn’t flow with the rest of the show and the rest of the gang never really connected with her, but i still think its weird how with like 4 minutes left in the show, him n stella were fine, i figured since stella has been around 4 a while it would take more then 2 minutes to show them breaking up, however thats just my opinion
Overall i do love this episode and it does alot to the general plot of the show, i should add that a lot seemed to be left out because they never showed the gangs good byes 2 robin before she went 2 japan,and ted suddenly knew lucy’s father(could have been interesting when they met)
love the show, love the episode, i figured i’d start some conversations with those few facts in case no one else picked up on them
MH | October 21, 2008 @ 11:31 am
I will agree with the masses. This episode was AWESOME!
Even though I said this about last week’s episode, I think we’re seeing a return to the old days. Since Ted is once again single, we can now witness his incredible antics to make girls fall in love with him. And none of that being a jerk that Barney taught him. Works for NPH, though.
As for Robin and Ted, I’m a total fanboy and I’m still clinging on to the possibility that they end up together somehow. For any other show, I would dismiss it, but we have the best writers on TV and they could pull it off. And even if they don’t, they know they have to raise the bar to beat a Robin/Ted wedding.
I look forward to seeing how Robin living with Ted, the Goat, and everything else works itself out. It will be legendary.
Eddie | October 21, 2008 @ 11:52 am
One of the best episodes ever.
Robin is NOT too skinny, thankyouverymuch.:)
Ike | October 21, 2008 @ 11:56 am
@ Scott: It would have been cool to see some interactions between Ted and Lucy’s dad. Just remember this show never shows what happens over the summer and leaves stuff like Robin leaving out because time and importance.
Also this is Ted’s point of view, he felt they were fine, and it was fine. But something happened when Stella went to talk to Tony to leave (Thus the flashbacks). She wanted to talk to Robin bc she knew she might end up running off with her ex.
Part of me wants to know what Stella’s note says, but it may have ruined the moment at the end. And no matter what Stella is a cold hard b**** for getting so angry with Ted when he wasn’t ready for a long term commitment (beginning of Miracles) when all along she really wanted to be with her ex.
I think it would be awesome if Barney does wear the belt because then Ted may have to tell us if he did ride the tricycle!
J | October 21, 2008 @ 12:08 pm
1. Robin IS too skinny.
2. Next HIMYM is on my birthday… awesome.
3. The next episode is…
406 – Happily Ever After
While out for dinner with the gang, Ted runs into someone from his past that prompts each of them to think about how they would handle bumping into someone they’d rather forget.
The only person I can think of that would really make sense, unless its someone who hasn’t been on the show, is Victoria…
High Hoper | October 21, 2008 @ 12:14 pm
Well, JD, time to say some things…
1) this is an incredible website. thanks for keep it up!
2) yes, this was one of the best episodes ever
3) I thought the robin part would be simillar to what happened…
4) First episode that didn’t expect the end so soon
5) stella? what a b**** . She’s definitely a grinch.
MH | October 21, 2008 @ 12:18 pm
And did anyone else find that baking commercial stuffed in the commercials where she talks about Stella and Ted humorous? I don’t know if CBS was trying to be funny or sell something, but the whole idea of Dinner & A Movie made me do a humorous “wtfm8.”
It would be something if Victoria comes back…
Payel | October 21, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
I agree with the majority, it was definitely a good episode and again surely not the best one ( “Intervention” is still keeping that post).
Anyways, although the episode wasn’t that much funny. But fun is not the only thing what makes a comedy so special.
Everyone knew that Stella is not the mother and so they have to break up someday. But couldn’t imagine that the day will come so soon and so suddenly.
Robin finally read the letter for Ted’s “Stella” intervention(although there wasn’t any letter in her hand). I thought we are done with Ted-Robin thing. But it’s nice to know that Bays-Thomas is still keeping the reality alive in the show.
Barney is still choosing between “bimbos” and Robin. It was good to see his expression when Robin left seeing him busy with some girl.
After seeing these consecutive two episodes I can say that unlike season 4 is much more well planned than last season. It has a good story line, what season 3 lacked ( I am not sure whether there was any storyline at all for season 3). Looking forward to see the next episode.
Best dialogue: “I don’t wanna sound all moosy-goosy and romantic, but this weekend Robin is the only woman I am banging”
Geri | October 21, 2008 @ 1:23 pm
JD! Did I hear you correctly? Did you actually say Robin was TOO skinny? LOL! I actually missed the 83% reference, but caught the hot/crazy scale. I was probably too busy laughing at the Beautiful Mind parody and Barney’s awesomeness!
I loved this episode (I think I’ve said that about every episode besides the season premier). The MAJOR MAJOR thing I’m pleased about is that I felt like Season 2 Ted was back and that was HUGE for me. I didn’t like Season 3 Ted at all. He was boring, annoying and spineless.
Also, Robin’s character has been put on the back burner for so long (I know you’ve all seen me mention it in my recent posts) that I was happy to finally have her back and involved again. I think most of us would love to see Robin and Ted (Red? Tobin? Ro-bed? Mosbatsky?) give it another try, even if they don’t end up together in the end.
Of course Jason Segel never ceases to makes me pee my pants laughing – “Namaste here any longer than I have to”. I love him! Someone please introduce us – I’m serious.
Oh lord do I hope that the person from the past that Ted runs into in the next episode, is Victoria!
@Hee, the word baby written in yellow? That’s a pretty big red herring there! Yes i’m looking at you Bays and Thomas!
@Steve, The 88 are an awesome band! Been listening to them ever since Marshall and Lily auditioned them to be their wedding band.
@Confused, the 83% thing started off as just a random number Barney would pull out of the air when stating “statistics” to the rest of the gang. It’s now become a running joke. He’ll always find a way to reference the number 83 somewhere.
Geri | October 21, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
Sorry for taking up board space with this, but for those who don’t read Barney’s Blog (WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? LOL!) I had to post this. It’s hilarious!:
Critical Acclaim for “The Bro Code”
“This is the finest piece of literature ever written. Now will you give me my phone back, Barney?”
–Theodore M.
“This is by far the most disgusting, disparaging, stomach churning thing I’ve ever read, which means a lot if you’ve ever seen one of my husband’s grocery lists.”
–Lily A.
“You’ll howl… with delight!”
–Stephen King
“Stinson uses language like a scalpel, digging though our deepest emotional tissue to expose the very core of the human psyche.”
–Mike Tyson
“Finally! A book worth reading!”
–God
“Stinson beat me to it.”
–J.D. Salinger
“Jefferson’s out, Stinson’s in!”
–Rachel M. (President – Mount Rushmore National Preservation Society)
“An entertaining beach read.”
–Pope Benedict XVI
“Ewww.”
–Robin S.
“Out of this world!”
–Alien (creature from another planet)
“I’m sorry what?”
–Maya Angelou
“I have a hundred words for ’snowflake’ but only one word for ‘The Bro Code,’ – awesome!”
–Some Eskimo maybe
“This book makes me want to rethink my career.”
–Mark (the dude who wrote the Gospel
Confused | October 21, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
@ Geri
Thanks for that. I was so confused, I thought I had missed something somewhere. I’m usually a stickler for details, but some how that one has slipped by me. I’ll keep an eye out for them during the marathon this weekend.
María | October 21, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
I loved Robin discussion and I hated Ted for been so stupid… if he was marrying Stella, he was suppose to even notice that there was something more between her and her ex, doesn’t he?
I bet next episode Ted will be the one after Robin, and she’ll be a little hurt.
Beside that and the Barney’s show, I still prefer last episode.
Well… okay, you can do an Intervention for me…
María | October 21, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Hey Geri! That’s awesome! xD
Nick | October 21, 2008 @ 2:08 pm
“For the first time since Dawson’s Creek ended, I actually felt emotion while watching the show.” Seriously??? Dude grow a sack and never admit that you like Dawson’s Creek!!
Overall, I thought this was a good episode. I would not put it up there with “Nothing Good Happens After 2am”, but it was good to see this season going in the right direction. (the first few episodes had me scared)
Finally, Stella is moving out of the picture. At first, I was a big supporter of the Stella character, but Sarah Chalke just didn’t seem to gel with the rest of the cast.
I loved the Zitchdog call-back and the beautiful mind sequence was hilarious…Gotta love Barney and his infatuation with 83…
So, Robin quits her job and is moving back to NY. Of course, to live with Ted, now that Mashall and Lily are moved out. (ala The Goat Episode) I have a feeling that we are going to see Barney breakdown and profess his feeling for Robin. Especially now that she came to him, only to find out that Barney was preoccupied.
One question: Does Barney get “The Belt” now?
OpenCasketForTheLadies | October 21, 2008 @ 2:26 pm
I have to agree with JD and several others. Best episode of the series.
I thought the entire episode was perfect and nothing seemed out of place. Loved the Zichdog reference, ted making it rain, the best friend, ted always correcting people, “83%” and the spin doctors reference, which the show seems to be making more references to. By the end of the show I truely had goosebumps.
I can honestly say I loved every second of this episode.
OpenCasketForTheLadies | October 21, 2008 @ 2:30 pm
oh and p.s. did anyone catch that show “the big bang theory” last night? Last night was the first time I’ve seen it and may I say it ispossibly the worst show on tv, but thats not the point. They definatly had an “intervention” for one of the nerds. Come on…
JD | October 21, 2008 @ 2:44 pm
@OpenCasket I’ve always enjoyed BBT. It’s a goofy “traditional” sitcom and the actor who plays Sheldon is really fantastic. I saw last night’s episode and found it as funny as I usually do. Haven’t you ever known a nerdy guy like that?
Willton | October 21, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
Of all the call backs mentioned here, did nobody else notice the call back to Ted always correcting people, as seen in “Spoiler Alert?” After Ted corrects Tony on how Ted had already “stuck it to” Stella? I’m paraphrasing, but he later says, “Why do I always have to correct people?”
After 53 comments, nobody? Come on, people!
The Modern Gal | October 21, 2008 @ 2:51 pm
I thought the writers did a great job of tying up this plot line. The episode was much funnier/emotional than I was expecting from some of the previous episodes this season and for the first time in a while really left me craving more.
Robin’s speech was brilliant, and Cobie pulled it off perfectly. You’re right, I don’t think her saying “maybe there is still something” means she and Ted would get back together, but I think that it means Barney will have a tougher road trying to win her back if he keeps pursuing it. Glad to know she didn’t stay gone long. Is it time to revisit the goat incident yet? By the way — to anyone who says “please let Robin be the mom” — I think the fact that Ted always refers to her as “Aunt Robin” is a pretty big clue that she’s not, unless Bob Saget Ted pulls a “you see Aunt Robin is actually your mother” kind of thing, which might be extra weird.
The only thing that really bothered me with the episode was the very end with Bob Saget Ted talking to the kids. He kept telling them you should never invite/talk to your ex at your wedding, but I kept expecting a “but I’m glad I did, because I would have never met/got involved with your mother.” The fake future clip showing Stella and the kids as blondes would have been the perfect set up for that. If my dad was telling me about some woman he almost married that wasn’t my mother, I’d hope he would say something like that.
Tash | October 21, 2008 @ 3:16 pm
@OpenCasket, I totally disagree! I love the big bang theory…I love that Sheldon is the most awkward character ever…And JD- I totally know someone just like him! lol
Last nights episode though…there’s only one word for it- amazing
I loved how everything played out and how there was just hint after hint that Stella was still in love with her ex.
I really don’t think that Robin necessarily has feelings for Ted because of her speech, but I do think it’s showing that she’s starting to let down her guard a little bit. She’s finally realising that all of her friends are moving on with that part of her life and she’s not. I think going to see Barney at the end of it showed that (while he’s the definition of a man whore and she knows it) Robin knows she can go to him when she’s feeling down… Too bad Barney had to be the man slut at that particular moment *sigh*
Oh, and the ending? Blew my mindhole. Honestly, I was like: WOW. The writers made it so perfect with Ted reading the letter Stella had left as Robin is sitting on the boat back, realising that: omg, Stella is here…with her ex. How awkward would that be to see?!
Katie | October 21, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
so this episode was simply amazing. i loved that i brought back old things such as zitch dog and arguing over who is teds best friend. it was the definition of a classic how i met your mother episode. and from the very beginning before the show even started i sat there and said exactly what was going to happen, and when i did i jumped off the couch and did a celebration dance for a bit.
amazing. loved it. enough said.
Payel | October 21, 2008 @ 3:37 pm
Hey guys, can anyone tell what was the music playing whenever they were driving for shelter island? That was pretty funny type of music.
Z | October 21, 2008 @ 3:58 pm
Did anyone notice that neither ted nor stella invited their parents? They haven’t even met either side-just seems a little weird for ted, he’s usually pretty romantic and old-fashioned that way.
The breakup with stella was perfect; it would’ve been uncool for ted to have dumped her and her daughter after getting so close to them. This gave them a better ending than most of us expected.
NV | October 21, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
Loved, loved this episode. Excellent mix of comedy and the dramatic parts. And that’s what I like about the show. Others start out more comedy or dramatic, and then bring the other in messing up the story’s flow. HIMYM has kept it (as a whole series) perfectly in balance since the first episode of the first season.
As for: “I want to go on record—Robin’s “maybe there still is something between us” line was not a hint at future developments”… take that back!!!
Tbh, I waited expectedly as her words started to sound more and more of what I want to hear, and I fist-pumped that moment.
I don’t care what anyone says, I’m firmly of the view that Robin is the mother and it’ll be a twist in the end. Until I hear future-Ted say, with no vagueness, that someone else is the mother, I’m sticking to this.
Interesting pick of best episodes, but my favourites are “Something Blue” and “Slap Bet” (the most touching and the funniest, resp.). This episode pretty much is close to there in my view.
SSJ | October 21, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
Firstly, I wanna thank you for your review, they’re really really great!!!
Secondly, I 100% agree with you! Yesterdays episode was one of the best episodes ever!
new poppers | October 21, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
definitely, it wasn’t funny as the last one, but what we learnt is really worthy. I had no idea stella was still in love with another man and actually it makes me feel a little weird because i don’t think she can behave like this. nevertheless it was a great episode especially for meatlovers and japanese monkeys.
btw, i’m french and i talk a lot of himym on my blog, go see it.
http://newpoppers.blogspot.com/2008/09/daddys-home-himym-401.html
J | October 21, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
although it would have taken away from the moment, Barney should have been wearing the belt in the reading stella’s note segment at the end….
Also, mentioning next episode where Ted runs into someone from his past, considering it takes place right after halloween it may not be victoria, but the slutty pumpkin! ok, maybe im just going overboard now.
ESG | October 21, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
This wedding was doomed to fail and explode the moment they skip the bacherlors party! or was it that 99.9% of people here prayed to the God’s for Stella to drop thru a blackhole and never come back again? I’m kidding! Nah… great episode but not on par with something blue, slapsgiving and so on, I’ll put it up in the Top Ten HIMYM moments probably for the great balance of robin/jokes/callbacks/emotion/storytelling and drinks, meat and sexual innuendos thou… More Robin & monkey please!
Kevin | October 21, 2008 @ 4:58 pm
So now that Stella is officially not the mother (even though i think the vast majority were thinking that way anyway) it’s time to start speculating again who actually is the mother. What does everybody think?
Anybody still thinking that it will be that girl Ted bumped into at the bar in No Tomorrow?
Will it be someone we have seen already?
Will it be a friend of one of the regular characters?
Somebody entirely new and random?
NV | October 21, 2008 @ 4:59 pm
@ Jen | October 21, 2008 @ 9:27 am
“I’m don’t really understand why so many people are still holding out for the Ted/Robin thing to work out. There is no way the writers can pull off Robin ending up as the mother without compromising the integrity of the entire show. They were great together and I love both characters, but part of the greatness of the show is seeing Ted date lots of people.”
Can’t speak for others, but for me, it’s:
(1) I frickin love Robin, and
(2) it’s poetic in a sense. Ted falls for the girl. Chases said girl. Achieves to be with the girl. Breaks up with the girl, not because the feelings are lost, but for “compatibility” issues. Goes out with long line of girls (however many seasons), including an engagement and almost marriage. And so on.
Until Ted and Robin both realise that what they needed was right in front of them, and they had it at one time. A romantic “Odyssey” in a way.
Kevin | October 21, 2008 @ 5:11 pm
Just because Robin is not the mother doesnt mean that Ted and Robin cant have any more relapses like in Slapsgiving.
Zac | October 21, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
No one has mentioned that Sarah Chalke was signed on to be in 4 of the first 6 episodes…last night was only her 3rd appearance (Do I Know You?, I Heart NJ, and Shelter Island)…I think the next episode will give us closure on the whole situation. I wonder what will happen…
Geri | October 21, 2008 @ 5:18 pm
I’m still holding out for Wendy the waitress to be the mother. I don’t care what any of you say! LOL!
Something else came to mind for me at the end of this episode…where was Lucy? Did she stay behind with her aunt? We didn’t see her on the ferry. How mean is it to throw that poor little girl’s feelings around all over the place like that – STELLA!
ashlee | October 21, 2008 @ 5:21 pm
Yes! ted and stella finally broke up. It was inevitable and I’m glad because now we can go back back to the normal, romantic ted from season 2. But on a lower note: Poor Ted! It never clicked in me that stella could leave ted. i’ve been waiting for him to dump her,but i never comprehended that she could break up with him. But anywho, i am so excited that she’s gone!
Could there be another robin? if so, there’s still hope for robin sherbatsky and ted to get together, but that seems really far-fetched. Just thought i’d throw that out there.
robin’s speech to ted seemed very realistic. ted was in love with robin for 2 years! those feelings just can’t disappear!
i loved how they brought back zitch dog! himym classic!
the look on Barney’s face after robin left when she saw him with the other girl broke my heart! he can’t catch a break! robin looked disappointed too which must have made barney kick himself even harder! i hope he tells her how he feels. also, when barney and stella’s sister went into barney’s room i thought to myself, HE RODE THE TRICYCLE!!!!!! i hope they mention that next time:)
ted’s joke about needing protein to stella’s sister was hilarious! So was barney, lily, and marshall’s reaction to no meat and no alcohol!
i really hope that ted runs into victoria! I’m not going to say how much i love her because i did that last week, so i’m just going to say that i think it would be awesome if we get to see her again (and soon!)
btw, i hate stella even more than i already did for just leaving ted like that, leaving him a lousy note.
i thought this was an AWESOME episode that really moved the plot along. I’m dying to see what happens next time!
little barney | October 21, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
IT WAS LEGENDARY
this episode has gone into my favourite episodes list, I have waited for an episode like this since season 3.
i knew ted and stella would break up and stella would definitely not be the mother.
this episode was awesome, it kept me laughing throughout and i hope we see more episodes like this in the future.
i actually thought HIMYM was going down in the quality and originality in their show but now they are back.
ZITCH DOG !!!!
little barney | October 21, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
A message to ted
“FIND VICTORIA !!!!!”
Lynn | October 21, 2008 @ 6:38 pm
I loved this episode!!!!
I completely agree with everything you said. lol so I won’t repeat you. So great recap!! I always look forward to reading your blog after the episodes…esp. this one!
so lets make it to a 100 comments!
I can not wait to see what happens next =]
Brandon | October 21, 2008 @ 6:54 pm
This episode was AWESOME! Unrelated question, how have you not written about Barney’s new book “The Bro Code.” It’s awesome, yet sadly doesn’t follow the articles from the series! Disappointing.
J | October 21, 2008 @ 7:25 pm
the bro code is going to need its own review post…
with no new HIMYM next week… this thread is going for 200 posts!!!
Courtney | October 21, 2008 @ 8:18 pm
top 10 HIMYM episodes in no particular order
1- Game Night
2- Pineapple Incident
3- 2am
4- Ted Mosby, Architect
5- Slap Bet
6- Sweet Taste of Liberty
7- World Greatest Couple
8- The Bracket
9- How i met everyone else
10- Intervention
*Other great episodes( Mary Paralegal, Come on, Showdown,)
I think season 1 and 2 have the best episodes.
redviper | October 21, 2008 @ 8:54 pm
I never liked Stella. Always annoyed me.
But then I don’t like Ted either. They deserve each other.
Robin on the other hand should be with Barney! Thats what the show should be about.
J | October 21, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
just watched the episode where Barney and Ted compete with the Reggae bassist to see who has more game, the yoga place she goes to is called Namaste Yoga….
coincidence!
Tim | October 21, 2008 @ 9:31 pm
@J
And Barney says “Namaste” to the bassist when he pretends he is leaving the Yoga place.
So, I found it strange that Barney sorta fumbled over the word when he said it in this most recent episode.
Just a small inconsistency I noticed.
Gravity | October 21, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
Here are my top 10 in no particular order.
1. Come On
2. Nothing Good Happens After 2 A.M.
3. Drumroll, Please
4. Shelter Island
5. Swarley
6. Slapsgiving
7. Something Blue
8. The Pineapple Incident
9. The Slap Bet
10. Ten Sessions
meghana | October 21, 2008 @ 10:27 pm
ooh! almost 100 comments! nice job, jd.
for the record, i, too, loved this episode and good riddance, stella.
JD | October 21, 2008 @ 10:31 pm
@meghana nice job all of you guys! The comments are amazing me!
Tim | October 21, 2008 @ 10:44 pm
I don’t have a specific top ten in mind, but if I did, I think it would DEFINITELY include the pilot.
I am sorta surprised no one else has mentioned that one. i was hooked upon first viewing!
Ally | October 21, 2008 @ 10:47 pm
Not sure what’s all been said- don’t have time to read through all the comments right now. But I loved Barney’s board. There was 83%, the Hot-Crazy Scale, Relationship Freeway, Suit Up, Hi5, and I think a few others I can’t remember.
However, the flashbacks to Lily freaking out about her wedding bothered me. Not only are they not bothering to fix her hair for flashbacks anymore, but wasn’t her NOT freaking out a big part of the wedding episode? She was cool with everything going on, until she cracked at the last minute?
Diana | October 21, 2008 @ 11:17 pm
Um…..
Has anyone thought about the fact that, as Future Ted says “never invite an ex to your wedding” that this may mean that Robin is NOT invited to Ted and “Mother”’s wedding? OR IS SHE THE MOTHER?!?
There’s something for all of you Ted/Robin fans to cling on to.
Me, I’m all BRo all the time. It broke my heart that Barney couldn’t be the man Robin needed him to be at that point in time. AND THEN Robin saw Stella on the ferry?!? Poor Robin.
Great episode. I really enjoyed all of the callbacks and especially Barney’s board.
GG | October 21, 2008 @ 11:50 pm
What’s not to love about this episode? Classic HIMYM. Barney’s Beautiful Mind moment will go down as one of my top 10 favorite moments. And the ending was terribly sad. I’m heartbroken for Ted. (I mean, he was ready to move to NJ! lol.) I expected Ted and Stella to come to a mutual break up. But Stella leaving him for her daughter’s father? Did not see that coming. Hopefully they’ll get some closure, because I don’t think I can handle Ted’s sad face. But I’m definitely ready for some new plot developments (pregnant Lily, LAME apartment, etc). But I’m worried I probably won’t be a big fan of the season overall. I know Bays and Thomas are not doing story arcs anymore, which is something I love about HIMYM. I don’t know what I’ll make of a HIMYM that favors the sitcom (Burger episode anyone? I can’t tell you how much I disliked it for it’s pointlessness and unfunnyness) over plot…
Courtney | October 22, 2008 @ 12:38 am
oh man.. how could i forget to add Swarley to the top 10
Kevin | October 22, 2008 @ 2:25 am
I don’t really have much to say, just wanted to be #100. I guess I’ll come up with a top ten list real quick, even though i’ll probably want to change it over and over again.
1. Drumroll, Please
2. Swarley
3. Pineapple Incident
4. Okay? Awesome!
5. How I Met Everybody Else
6. Nothing Good Happens after 2AM
7. The Slutty Pumpkin
8. The Limo
9. Zip Zip Zip
10. Shelter Island
Honorable mention for the ending of Bachelor Party…that was an amazing moment in the series that made it clear why Barney was such an important part of their lives.
misha | October 22, 2008 @ 3:21 am
One thing to say: that scene with Barney looking after Robin from the hotelroom door – that was totally swwet. Plus, even if they’re not doing story arcs for now, I think that’s the beginning of Robin and Barney (or, at least, I hold out for that
)
Kayla | October 22, 2008 @ 3:28 am
Maybe you’ve see this, but if not – hillarious and worth a look: http://idioticonion.livejournal.com/14157.html Decoding Barney’s a beutiful mind moment
Luke | October 22, 2008 @ 5:22 am
I love HIMYM, the most awesome shoe ever. And this Episode had it all, i m speechless. Everything was so good, and the whole braney white bored thing had me crying for hours, 83%, the hot crazy scale, the oooohhhh moment, all of which make HIMYM the best show in TV, but to bad it not on Australian tv at the moment because it would be getting legendary ratings.
Catch ya all
Baris Unver | October 22, 2008 @ 5:48 am
OK, I saw something in this episode:
A sock monkey? Remember the Krav Maga girl?
Baris Unver | October 22, 2008 @ 5:49 am
OK, I saw something in this episode:
http://i37.tinypic.com/2l5hg4.jpg
A sock monkey? Remember the Krav Maga girl?
Floris | October 22, 2008 @ 6:04 am
This was indeed a very awesome HIMYM epsiode. I liked it a lot.
K, everybody knew that Stella wasn’t the Mom, but I thought Ted would have broke up te relationship, but Stella did that.
Robin is still looking hot, and i’m glad she is getting back to NY. And i’m looking forward to how Barney is getting Robin into bed. But we’ll find out soon, if that is ever gonna happen.
Calin | October 22, 2008 @ 7:16 am
Greetings all the way from Singapore! Been following your blog but haven’t worked up the courage to post. Haha.
I loved this episode. Nostalgic flashbacks, classic jokes (old time photographer, ‘you need protein’ etc), and Robin is back!!! I missed her terribly.
I was nearly rolling on the floor with laughter at the monkey scene.
Robin is a work of art (or should i say work of excellent story plotting). She’s goofy yet matured, she’s boyish at times (think arm slung around Ted’s shoulder) yet sophisticated (whiskey and cigars), she’s a teenage pop star, she’s beautiful, and she’s drop dead gorgeous. Her speech to Ted was mind-blowing.
I think she might be starting to outshine Barney as a supporting role. (although I love NPH very much =D). It would be fan service to get BRo together but I think they might just end up being single all the way, given their characters. Its SO weird to think of Barney as attached. Remember the couple scene with Britney Spears where they wore the same coloured sweaters and spectacles? Makes me shudder to think of that.
Ted and Robin just don’t seem to match up… they’re so different. Although Robin might be a closet romantic, given that she still treasure the ‘blue french horn’ moments with Ted.
The ending was pretty predictable, when it was shown that Stella was so hung up over ex-es coming to her wedding. It was quite obvious that she has unresolved issues with her ex-husband from the way she was saying it (before they started showing flashbacks to explain the letter she left for Ted). Poor Ted though. Although he was really cruel to Robin by brushing off her speech just like that.
And to think that two or three episodes ago when Marshall asked Stella if she was willing to pretend to like a movie she hates for the rest of her life (Star Wars), she replied ‘I do.’ I thought that was really touching. What happened man?!?!
I’ve never been too concerned with who the mother is, I’ll just watch the upcoming episodes and enjoy the ride. =)
Thanks for getting to the bottom of this post! HA
Ike | October 22, 2008 @ 7:46 am
Spoiler Alert: From Ask Ausiello
Question: Holy crap, the last episode of How I Met Your Mother was awesome. Is it safe to assume that we’ve seen the last of Sarah Chalke? — Ed
Ausiello: No it’s not safe. It’s unsafe, in fact. Her last episode airs Nov. 3.
Which is also my birthday, seeing Stella again is not a great present, but if we get to bash her then I’ll be happy
Confused | October 22, 2008 @ 8:42 am
@ Geri
I was wondering where Lucy was as well!
And some to what some other poster said: How freaking hilarous would it be if Wendy the Waitress was the mother? It would be another woman Ted & Barney shared. I think that would make for a VERY awkward dynamic.
reymond | October 22, 2008 @ 9:07 am
hi guys
has anyone else noticed that bob sagget doesnt refer to robin as aunt robin at the end of th episode?
i maybe reading too much here – but they have really gone out of their way to refer her as aunt robin for much of the show’
only to drop it at the end while she was on the ferry
Picelli | October 22, 2008 @ 9:20 am
This episode was freaking awesome! Definetly in top 10 HIMYM episodes!
I agree with everything you just posted here and I have to comment about Robin’s speech, which was 100% true about Ted over the last few episodes with Stella.
I’ve always loved Ted and Stella and always will but I gotta say that the couple wasn’t as interesting as it used to be back at season 3. After that 2 minutes date, I couldnt help but say that I’d pay the writers to have Stella as the kid’s mom. I was so happy about their relationship that every single episode I used to watch after the “Ten Sessions” I was always like “Will Stella be on this one? will they even mention her?” but season 4 begun with a weird relationship. it was not the same.. Ted was not the same. He was living in the shadow of Stella`s plans and that sucked because Ted is known to be a nice guy, a romantic one that is always searching for the woman of his life. Damn it, he stole a blue horn to his girlfriend and now all he does is do what he is told by Stella.
It would be a shame if he had got married with Stella. Thanks God the writers didn’t loose the grip and gave us a good episode with a great speech about this new odd Ted.
I’m sad there won’t be no Sarah Chalke anymore but I’m so damn glad, for a while, she’s been part of the cast. One of the best special guests the show could ever have, I’d say. AND I REALLY HOPE WE CAN SEE A LOT OF SARAH CHALKE MOMENTS ON NEXT DVD, GOT IT??? =D lol
anyway, nice episode. looking foward to the next.
Picelli | October 22, 2008 @ 9:21 am
..PS. sorry bout my poor english =P
Hee | October 22, 2008 @ 9:32 am
@Confused. A lot of the combinations of the numbers 8/3 like 83% that Barney uses appear in his blog. So if you read his blog and watch the show it’s a much stronger joke than if you just watch the show.
Is the problem that Robin’s too skinny? or rather that Cobie Smulders has easily lost 22 lbs (10kgs) or more since Season 1? I think it’s human nature to be concerned when someone who is already slim looses a lot of weight.
Confused | October 22, 2008 @ 10:00 am
Alyson in PREGNANT!!!!
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20234874,00.html
Confused | October 22, 2008 @ 10:09 am
@ Hee
Thanks. I’ll see if I can find hte archives of his blog. I actually didn’t know until I picked up a copy of the bro-code that his blog was real. I feel like a failure as a fan.
And I too noticed how skinny Cobie is getting. Sarah Chalke is REALLY skinny as well.
Hee | October 22, 2008 @ 10:15 am
@ Confused Barney’s Blog Archives: http://www.legen-waitforit.com/barney/
Confused | October 22, 2008 @ 10:22 am
@ Hee
Thanks! Something to do at work today… I mean *shifty eyes*
Just read that Alyson was pregnant at People’s website.
LilyIsPregnant | October 22, 2008 @ 11:29 am
Actress Alyson Hannigan is pregnant, her rep Megan Moss tells PEOPLE exclusively. The How I Met Your Mother star, 34, and her husband, actor Alexis Denisof, 42, will welcome their first child this spring.
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20234874,00.html
J | October 22, 2008 @ 1:20 pm
talk about what an actress will do for a role…. lol
john darc | October 22, 2008 @ 1:39 pm
oh man, this is gonna throw a wrench into any plot they already have planned. and they aren’t going to be able to hide it behind boxes.
J | October 22, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
@john darc
actually i think it fits into the plan perfectly, she cant be that far along now, and i think theyre about 10 episodes ahead filming… it should work out perfectly…
J | October 22, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
ps. actually im not sure ifit was himym or another show that was 10 episodes ahead… but still
Rachael | October 22, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
I’m assuming that Alyson probably informed the writers before they informed the press. I wonder if they’ll write it in. It wouldn’t be too hard to cover it in this show, I think. You wouldn’t see it any time she’s sitting at MacLaren’s and Ted’s apartment, at least, has furniture set up in such a way that she could be hidden.
I’m kind of hoping they don’t write it in. I never like baby additions on shows because either there’s too much baby, which I find uninteresting, or else they recognize that babies aren’t great TV and you never see the baby and the parents look very odd for constantly ditching the kid.
Cos | October 22, 2008 @ 2:29 pm
They’ll definitely write it in. Didn’t you notice that in the “flash forward” to a year later in “Intervention” Lily didn’t drink the scotch? She’s pregnant.
Canadian Wingman | October 22, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
WOW! This episode was exceptional! I think JD is bang on in saying that it is one of the best written and well-done episodes in HIMYM history. Sure there have been funnier, whackier episodes but nothing with this much UMPH! Awesome!
One of the best parts of HIMYM is the re-watchability. I have all 3 seasons on DVD and watch all consistently (yeah I know, I see people like that on the subway and I just wanna shout “get a life people”). Re-watching this episode (through LEGAL means) was the best part. It has a very “Fight Club-esque” feeling to it, almost the “how did I not see this coming?” type of feeling.
Great nostalgic references as well. I told my friend not to let his baby’s momma watch this episode!
Payel | October 22, 2008 @ 3:57 pm
Hey you guys must have heard it already-Alyson Hannigan is practically pregnant. It will be a great time for Lily to have a baby.
I heard in 407 Lily and Marshal will consider having a baby, when they will see her friend with her little daughter. But again I also heard that Ted’s sex-change has something to do with Stella’s lesbianism what doesn’t seem to be true after seeing last episode.
rhea | October 22, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
Alyson Hannigan is pregnant!!
JD | October 22, 2008 @ 4:32 pm
Thanks for the heads up guys! I’ve been conducting group testing all day and was away from the internet. It’s posted now though:
http://have-you-met-ted.com/2008/a-lame-baby/
Tye | October 22, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Great Episode.
I didn’t start watching the show till last month, and for one week crammed all 4 seasons viewing session. It’s truly an amazing show with great characters.
Personally I’ve always liked Robin and Ted together, fantastic chemistry on screen. So I hope it’s leading to hope that she is someway the mother but realistically I doubt that anyway that she is the mom or even with Ted at the end.
Zitch dog reference was hilarious,
Can’t wait till the next episode.
TheMix | October 22, 2008 @ 5:30 pm
mwahahaha!!! My plan is all falling into place.
Robin will bear Ted’s children, but they will divorce and he will re-marry.
I’ll slap bet anyone on this site on it.
It’s gonna be awesome.
J.D. – though I loved the episode, I wouldn’t quite name it the best of the series. I still think that the best of the series was probably either Slapsgiving or Nothing Good Happens After 2am. But this is top 5 for sure. It’s probably right on par with Slutty Pumpkin in my mind.
I think everyone generally loves episodes like this because they reach into the characters’ psyches and work them out verbally as opposed to minuscule actions that we may or may not see play out on a general basis and that people turn into something perhaps larger than it really is. I loved Robin so goddamn much in this episode. I just wanted to sit her down and propose to her right there. I’ve been having discussions with people lately about relationships and whatnot, and here’s how it relates to HIMYM….I think ultimately, Ted is looking for a girl that challenges him. And as well he should be. He’s a bright, witty, fairly handsome bro that just gets shafted all of the time. He’s always correcting people, but you can see he wants to be corrected. He’s gone for two women that obviously didn’t want to be involved with him in the beginning and took it on as something that needed to happen. Stella didn’t challenge him really. The only challenge was her child, the rest was just concessions. Victoria didn’t challenge him in any way, shape, or form. Robin’s been the only one that gave him a consistent look at what he can be, both present and future tense. And I think ultimately that’s going to be the deciding factor on how the mother is chosen. That’s the only reason I think Robin will come back (and so will Ted for that matter)….and I’ll be upset if they write someone in that doesn’t make Ted be everything he obviously is.
Jason
Payel | October 22, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
I gotta add something……If someone is going to be a mother, then Ted will have spend more than a season to make her say yes. And he will have to wrok harder than he did for Robin. Otherwise that girl can not be special. I mean even if she becomes special to Ted, she can’t be to us.
palla89 | October 22, 2008 @ 6:22 pm
really wonderful episode…. one of the best
thank you for all your episodes reviews, i love them 
by an Italian himym’s fan
Jennifer | October 23, 2008 @ 2:45 am
I think it is safe to assume that Robin can be at Ted’s “real” wedding if she is married before Ted. Just something to consider…
Fernando | October 23, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
I have to disagree again. I did not like the episode enough to put in the top 10, for sure. I beleive this episode has set up a legendary episode for next week. It will be…
J | October 23, 2008 @ 1:22 pm
Robin is not the mother…. I still think that Ted can end up with Robin and have children with someone else, kind of the opposite of what themix said.
Meagan | October 23, 2008 @ 1:50 pm
Con – I thought the episode was a little rushed, too. All of a sudden the wedding was off and Stella was gone.
Other than that – perf! I literally screamed with glee when they played Zinchdog (or whatever) in the car.
I desperately hope Robin and Ted end up together. But it’s true, I don’t think she can end up the mother without compromising the integrity of the show (i.e. Dallas dream sequence!). Maybe Ted has kids, gets divorced and will end with telling the kids he’s really in love with Aunt Robin and they’re going to be together? I don’t want Ted to have to have a broken family…but for Robin…might be worth it.
I skimmed the comments, so not sure if anyone else caught this. Last season at the very end of Ted’s birthday episode (no, I don’t know the official name) when the goat is in the bathroom, he says something to the effect of the goat was eating Robin’s washcloth, oh wait, Robin wasn’t living there for my 30th birthday, the goat was at my 31st. Meaning (to me at least) Robin would be living in that apartment for Ted’s birthday this season. I think she moves there when she comes back to NYC.
And this is coming from the biggest Scrubs fan out there where I adore Sarah Chalke as Elliott Reed, but I HATED her on this show. I didn’t like her personality, her life, or her with Ted at all. I was SO happy to see her run with HIMYM would be ending early this season, so I knew they couldn’t end up together.
Can’t WAIT for next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
saya | October 23, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
i know you all will hate me for this but…
Jason Jones (Stella’s ex) is hot.
Well to me anyway… If it was a physical, shallow choice, I would go for him over Ted! (Karate vs. Not being able to go to the gym due to lack of iPod juice?)
jbrindger | October 23, 2008 @ 5:34 pm
This came from Monday’s episode thanks to my Fiance. What are your thoughts sports fans.
http://www.fanzak.com/fzrants/Don__t_Invite_Your_Ex_to_Your_Wedding
Emily | October 23, 2008 @ 7:46 pm
Hi everyone! I have never posted here before, but I wanted to weigh in with my opinions. First of all, I also enjoyed this episode. I knew that Ted and Stella would break up, but I thought it would be Ted doing the dumping- having it be Stella was a good twist. It was interesting to see one of “our” people being a part of someone else’s story (Ted is the “other man”). I am a Barney/Robin and have been since the very beginning (though I can’t say that I didn’t enjoy Ted/Robin for the fun season it was). Earlier someone mentioned (I can’t remember the name now, sorry!) that they didn’t want to see Barney attached because of the way he was in the horrible Britney episode. I think that Barney/Robin would not be like that at all– that would be OOC for both of them. Basically, I think that they would act the same way they do now, just with romantic privileges. Well, I’ve rambled on enough for now. Looking forward to the next episode!
Emily | October 23, 2008 @ 7:48 pm
edit: sorry I meant to say I was a Barney/Robin fan– not a Barney/Robin LOL
P.S. NPH slays me with the looks he keeps giving.
Jen | October 23, 2008 @ 11:42 pm
@saya – I think he’s hot too. I’m a huge fan of him on the Daily Show and was excited to see him on HIMYM.
Payel | October 24, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
He might be hot and all….But I still think they could have chosen Zach Braff for Tony’s role. That could finish something unfinished.
Andy | October 24, 2008 @ 5:00 pm
Love Jason’s comment – Ted is definitely in need of someone who will challenge him.
And Come On is my all time favorite HIMYM episode and probably my favorite episode of any TV show ever, I’m kind of surprised at the lack of love for it on these top 10 lists. I remember after the season 1 DVD came out I probably watched it 5 or 6 times in about two weeks because I kept being overwhelmed by its awesomeness.
OpenCasketForTheLadies | October 26, 2008 @ 2:39 pm
@andy- i just watched Come On and I agree it’s def up there with my favourites
Ike | October 27, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
I know this may not get read now, but here’s all the references I saw rewatching online during Barney’s beautiful mind sequence: fish are like women, relationships are like freeways, gin tonic, suit with an up arrow, 83%, hot-crazy scale, du^1 2f^6 (do you want to have sex) a chemical formula equals ohohoh, a pie chart of robins responses the square root of 4761=69. There may be a few more I missed but it’s full of awesome details.
Payel | October 27, 2008 @ 5:29 pm
Hey Ike, you gotta see the decoding too. I don’t know whether you’ve seen it already, in case you haven’t just check it out-
http://idioticonion.livejournal.com/14157.html
RiC_aRd0_ | October 27, 2008 @ 8:03 pm
I loved this episode! It was all perfectly synchronized!
Since Lily’s expression “you’ll be under her skirt like an old photographer”, to the ending (perfect song!!), passing by the Robing and the monkey scene
Btw, is it just me or Barney is one of the luckiest bastards in the world?
RiC_aRd0_ | October 27, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
I meant to say “the Robin and monkey’s scene”
RiC_aRd0_ | October 27, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
I won’t do a top10 episodes, because thanks to my fish memory and the fact that I’ve watched the first three seasons in a glance, I don’t remember some episodes’ names but I can say I loved:
“Shelter Island”, “Come on”, Slapsgiving, LAME’s wedding, Trip to Atlantic City, The one about the burger and the one about the matching company…
Off-topic: is there a HIMYM OST ?
RiC_aRd0_ | October 27, 2008 @ 8:48 pm
matchmaking* (sorry :-$)
Jan | October 29, 2008 @ 10:19 am
I am watching from germany (never ran into victoria btw) this episode was just awesome from the beginning to the end.
This is great writing , awesome acting – this is just hammergeil!
Why did himym have a break this week?
Ae | October 29, 2008 @ 12:34 pm
Hey, just notice this, I was watching the 3rd season DVD set and Ted tells us exactly how it’s going to end with Stella in the Platinum Rule before we even met her.
Jan | October 31, 2008 @ 12:45 pm
@Ae you are absolutely right about that. wow, why didn`t I notice that?!