Season 4, Episode 12: Benefits Discussion

Do men and women need sex to coexist? Or is is more about sex holding together a bad fit? Is sex merely a safety pin that, if removed, causes the ill-fitting garment to bust at the seams, causing the ignored frustration and anger to spill out? Without this stop-gap, are all the other annoyances made clear?

The whole “sex instead of fighting” thing sounds like a good idea but. Well, I can’t think of a but.

The Good

Fare warning: I talk a lot about clothes in this review for some reason. NYC must be rubbing off on me.

Ted and Robin got to keep R2 Sweet tooth. And Marshall didn’t take a sword. Wierd.

Great jump cut after Ted jokes about them having sex. Notice how this “4:30″ camera angle into Ted’s bed is only used after or before he’s about to have sex? See “The Return of the Shirt” as he demonstrates some moves he learned from Esquire. It’s the same isometric angle in which they’d shoot Robin’s bed. Going forward it shall be known as the “Sex Angle”.

Scratch that, it was Marshall and Lily’s old room. Nice touch, maybe too many memories in Ted’s room? “Sex Angle” stays though.

Segel looks sharp with the shorter hair. About time. Also, he doesn’t wear nearly as nice a suit as Barney. This one’s got Men’s Warehouse written all over it.

I love Cobie’s face in this shot. Perfect.

I’ve got some sort of rare plaid-fever lately. I love it. Look at that sweater. It’s Awf-some. Ted’s, not so much.

However, of all the people on the show, I’d take Ted’s wardrobe. I’ll now join the masses chanting ‘where do I get that’ regarding Ted’s blazer here. Love it. This willie wonka number, however, he can keep:

This is the same face Lily always makes when pointing out the existence of Barney’s feelings to him. See also: World’s Greatest Couple and Do I Know You. Other facial ticks: Robin’s open mouth stare of accusation when called out on something. Marshall’s self conscious happy-walk (like when he was on the 9th floor.)

I knew Barney wasn’t going to be at a psychiatrist but was hoping for a good reveal. Lily’s kindergarten class was perfect.

Kardashian is both the hottest of the reality stars that appeared and read her lines the best. She even had to quote Billy S and she did it sexily and not like a remedial 9th grade English class reading out loud.

The Bad

WHERE THE F IS WENDY

Favorite Moments

  • “Hey that was fun last night.”
    “Word. That was a good one.”
    I love Robin. White chicks that talk street are adorable.
    Even better: “I’m taking out the triz-ash.”
  • I wasn’t sure about the war-sex jokes but “Mrs. Gorbachev, take down those pants” was inspired.
  • “Deal” from Marshall was perhaps the best Segel entrance in the history of the show.
  • “We’re just having sex so we don’t fight anymore.” Maybe I’ll get to say that someday.
  • “Oh please, that’s like telling the Fonz to be cool.” This just minutes after she makes fun of Ted for making untimely Revenge of the Nerds pop culture references.
  • If there ever was a girl to have casual sex with, it’s Robin. That ‘peace was achieved’ high five was legit.
  • “Are you OK?”
    “Yeah, why do you ask?”
    “Well, for one thing you’re openly weaping.” What a great joke, and it was pretty much a throw away.
  • Love the “Private Thing” call back. I always thought that was kind of cute.
  • “Want me to see if the waitress has any giant sugar cubes for that high horse of yours?” Love it. Totally earned the high five.These guys high five a lot. I like it. I’m bringing it back with my friends. In season one it used to only be Barney.
  • “She used all my stamps so, long story short, the postman rang twice.” It must be great to be a writer for this show.
  • “So last night Robin left a pizza box out on the floor so we had sex three times.”
    “Sure.”
    “Then this morning, we kissed.”
    “Whoa, that’s weird.”

    For the record, I totally paused the show to order a pizza after that. Cowabunga.

  • I love that when girls get together to vent they drink red wine. It’s classy.
  • “That’s not how you spell it.”
    “Come on Lily, nobody likes a Ted.”

    BTW, in that scene Hannigan is looking a little bustier than usual. Preggers!

  • “There’s only one thing to do. You have to stop sleeping together please.”
  • “Super hot lady who why wife keeps telling me why you’re famous but I keep forgetting.” There’s that modern HIMYM man that I mentioned we all saw in The Fight.

Vocab of the Week

I think I’m going to use “Jamming on Scherbatsky” as a euphemism for sex in my own life. That’s awesome.

Closing

I’d have been a lot less worried if I knew the reality stars were just there to serve as Harry Potter style talking magazine covers. It’s ironic, in a way, that the magazines whose cover’s they grace are being associate with dropping a deuce. This was meaningful: they could’ve gotten Scoble to appear cheap but nobody reads Fast Company I guess, not even while you’re indisposed. (Har-har tech world joke.)

Marshall really needs to get an iPhone: video, music, and games in your pocket? Renders a magazine unnecessary when you’re reading a magazine. May I also say, reading a magazine at work is stigma-free if you fold it in half and stick in in the back of your pants behind your suit coat. Or, so I hear.

The most important thing I learned tonight is the realization that our kids will never know the pleasure that comes from smashing a big CRT television. Smash a Plasma? What fun is that?

“He’s all like…”
“I love you”
“Exactly. He’s not like you…”

HEARTBREAKING. Damn, ghetto talk and Canadian-ness aside, Scherbatsky’s got it going on if two guys profess their love to her at inopportune moments.

When Ted sees Barney very interested in Robin at the end and Barney sees Ted seeing? That’s called a ‘bro-nod’ and it’s awesome. One of the best things about being a guy. Do girls have that? I doubt it since you all secretly hate each other.
XOXO
JD

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In Episode Discussion, Season 4, Show Analysis @ 13/01/2009 | By JD
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98 Comments to “Season 4, Episode 12: Benefits Discussion”

  1.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 2:34 am

    I think it's a very American thing to take a grave and serious political/social situation and reduce it to a quick, witty turn-of-a-phrase. No harm intended, just a way to cope. I wouldn't get hung up on subliminal messaging or ulterior motives.

  2.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 2:37 am

    I don't think it's that secret. Though don't get me wrong, I despise that show.

  3.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 2:38 am

    It was intentional, and I knew you eagle-eye readers would catch the joke.

  4.  Picelli@Brazil | January 14, 2009 @ 2:39 am

    “Deal” from Marshall was perhaps the best Segel entrance in the history of the show. – his face after that was the real big joke in that scene =P and the best ending, I`ve gotta mention here, is the Light Saber!

    It was such a great episode! I loved the Barney+tvs sequence and they was it was edited.
    The best thing in the show is when all plots of the episode are all linked and this Benefits is the proof.
    Sorry Barney, but Scherbatsky is my fav character from this season one.

  5.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 2:41 am

    *salutes* "Major step"

    Dropping a big D is definitely taboo a bit. Some people are brazen with it but I think especially in the work place it's not something you want to advertise. This was a little hyperbolic, but it's a common theme with which most people can identify.

  6.  KJO | January 14, 2009 @ 3:39 am

    I don't know if many people saw it on the last board since it was one of the last comments, so I'd like to say again how this episode is very reminiscent of the Seinfeld episode "The Deal" in which Jerry and Elaine explore the friends with benefits scenario.

    Hey JD, I knew about the way the reality star thing was going to go down and really wanted to tell you to stop freaking out, but I figured I'd let u see it for yourself. It looks like you came to a similar feeling about the way it worked out as I did.

    PS I think that's more of an argyle than a plaid.

  7.  G.G. | January 14, 2009 @ 4:51 am

    All the Barney/Robin stuff broke my heart.

    The war jokes wouldn't have been as funny, but the Madeline Alrbright callback made them hilarious.

    Barney: I said, "Madeline, every single international conflict essentially boils down to sexual tension." LOL.

  8.  Derek | January 14, 2009 @ 4:54 am

    I really liked this episode. especially Barney when he tries not to crack down in front of the gang. and the smashing of TV. great anger output.

  9.  natalie | January 14, 2009 @ 5:13 am

    This episode was great! Since Colbie Smulders is pregnant in real life-I wonder if they're going to make her become pregnant after having sex with Ted..

  10.  matt | January 14, 2009 @ 5:20 am

    Can anyone tell me the name of the very last song played in this episode? The one played while everyone is back in the bar and Barney hangs on Robins lips? Thanks.

  11.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 5:30 am

    The song was identified in the comments in the previous post. Check there. I forget.

  12.  Amy | January 14, 2009 @ 5:41 am

    Wendy was on a commercial! I recognized her immediately! But I miss her AND CARL. Where is Carl? Where is Wendy? Give me my MacLaren's cast!

  13.  matt | January 14, 2009 @ 5:45 am

    thanks a lot!

  14.  roland | January 14, 2009 @ 5:53 am

    "Love the “Private Thing” call back. I always thought that was kind of cute. " – totally!

    That was a great review JD! And my heart really did break for Barney, he pretty much confesses his love for Robin THREE times out loud (second one turned into tacos hehe) ..how great was NPH in this episode? I swear in the last apartment scene I thought Robin was going to call him out on it, right til she said "its Ted".

    "“Deal” from Marshall was perhaps the best Segel entrance in the history of the show. "
    Haha I literally jumped at that one!! I like how the b-plot so nicely fit into the main storyline, even though it was something as weak as reading a magazine at work!

  15.  Nininha | January 14, 2009 @ 5:55 am

    I know that HIMYM future is BArney and Robin´s relationship. But I have to confess that I really wanted to see scenes of Robin and Ted like the one in Ted´s almost weeding with Stella, when Robin tells him that there might still have feelings for each other… I don´t know… maybe I just identify with Robin´s girl- that- has- commitment- issues label. But In the episode "First Time in New York", she just told Ted that he was the only guy who she said "I love you" to. He tells her she was a "I love you prude", and she replies saying that he is a "I love you slut"! And I think Ted does not have feelings or hope for Robin anymore. But I think that Robin might have. I guess I just would like to see an episode with a litlle (just a little) of Robin and Ted expressing their feelings… I don´t want to see them together anymore or anything like that… but I think I need to see a scene like that before Robin and Barney´s thing starts to work out.

  16.  snowflakes | January 14, 2009 @ 6:03 am

    is barney going to be the hippie barney on 'the game' episode???? that was barney in looove! I´d like it… it wouldn´t be awsssfful1
    And would be niceee to see Josh Radnor having a BEARD AGAIN! He was really cute with it

  17.  Alyssa | January 14, 2009 @ 6:27 am

    Ahh!! Poor, poor Barney! So now basically everyone except for Robin knows, because there is no way Lily can keep this from Marshall (she can't keep a secret, remember?).

    And girls do have something like that bro-nod, but its more of a glance/half-smile thing. Bro-nod was a nice moment though.

  18.  John Darc | January 14, 2009 @ 6:41 am

    Robin says "word" and adds "iz" to words? I do that! *Stars! They're just like us!

  19.  macdawson | January 14, 2009 @ 6:41 am

    awesome kick start for 2009. In the preview post some people said that they were afraid the whole "Barney in love with Robin" situation would turn Barney into a wuss like what hapened to Joey from Frinds when he fell in love with Rachel. I don't think that will happen. We did get to see Barney in a very emotional moment but the way he dealt with his frustration the whole episode was totaly in character. I mean, buying a TV just so he can smash it… ROFL. The only Barney/Joey thing in this episode is the fact that Barney steal the teddy bear from Lilly's class much like Joey claimed to have stolen his stuffed penguin Hugsy from a kid in the park. I think the writing staff on HIMYM has proven they are up to the challenge to make something unique with this show. And their trial of fire is coming with whatever episode will bring us the events that transpired with Missy, the goat. We've been waiting a long time for that one. Hope they pull that one off in an awesome way

  20.  Amy | January 14, 2009 @ 6:43 am

    Actually, I thought for a minute it was her too. Luckily for us it wasn't :)

  21.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 6:47 am

    Yeah, I was actually thinking that when Marshall went to tell Barney about reading a magazine at work he was actually going to let on that he knew about Barney and Robin. I'm shocked Lily hasn't spilled the beans.

  22.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 6:48 am

    Haha awesome.

  23.  Ray Huang | January 14, 2009 @ 6:49 am

    I remember the glorious feeling when I discovered the the entire two floors above our office were vacated by a company. I didn't have a walk of shame gauntlet, but still the comfort of reading a magazine in complete uninterrupted peace … turning the pages as loud you want. And it was always so clean. It was my very own executive lounge.

  24.  Courtney | January 14, 2009 @ 6:52 am

    I wept openly at this episode, Barney-style. The end was just so sweet and heartbreaking. I'm in love with tacos, too, Barney.

  25.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 6:55 am

    Did you guys notice the correlation they drew between Barney and Robin by him saying “I love tacos”? It was a motif that matched Robin's “Hey Ted, Falafel” from First Time in New York. Both of these characters struggle with intimacy in similar ways.

  26.  Cait | January 14, 2009 @ 7:08 am

    "When Ted sees Barney very interested in Robin at the end and Barney sees Ted seeing? That’s called a ‘bro-nod’ and it’s awesome. One of the best things about being a guy. Do girls have that?"

    Girls most certainly do have that. We also refrain from making fun of one another when someone's making an idiot of themselves infront of said "Robin" substitute. We just smile and nod and make a note to laugh and tease later.

    And, side note–did anyone notice the bits of "eco-friendly" product placement sneaking in to a few senes?

    Where Robin and Lily are talking over wine, there's a SIGG on the table behind Robin, and when Barney's cleaning the apartment and talking to Ted, he's spraying a bottle of 7th Generation (and he was spraying it, label-facing-camera for, like, a solid 15 seconds.) I thought it was a little strange, but kind of cool that they're sneaking that in there.

  27.  Courtney | January 14, 2009 @ 7:09 am

    I've noticed a long-running theme of love and food, ie: Marshall and Victoria's cake. There's other examples, but I was drunk when I came up with this earth-shattering revelation, so I'd need to be back in that state to express myself. Unfortunately, this is frowned upon in my place of business.

  28.  SSJ | January 14, 2009 @ 7:10 am

    I didn't like thie episode… This 'friends with benefits' thing is stupid. Completely unrealistic… I don't buy it, and this isn't the first show which came up with 'benefits' idea (for example 'One Tree Hill' – Lucas and Brooke).

    Besides this FwB thing episode was great. I loved 'Private Thing' and Marshall's "reading magazine". Totally HIMYM style, Segel is amazing :D .

  29.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 7:11 am

    In my building it's not uncommon for someone to be on a business call while they read a magazine. They'll reference the fact they're reading a magazine too. It's weird.

  30.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 7:14 am

    Can't you run out for a quick conference call?

  31.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 7:16 am

    Umm, Friends with Benefits isn't a sitcom invention, it's a real thing. Unrealistic? You've never done that/known some to do that? It's common on sitcoms because it's a (bad) idea that most people try out at some point. Scrubs did it too.

  32.  John Darc | January 14, 2009 @ 7:28 am

    The best excuse I've heard as to why Ted hasn't and (according to general upcoming episode synopses) will not do anything to push Barney to Robin is a quote from "Zip Zip Zip". "A bro doesn't tell a mutual bro that a third bro has a crush on him".

    As for Marshall, I thought that scene was going to lead to a reveal that he knew, since he was so smug.

  33.  SSJ | January 14, 2009 @ 7:32 am

    I haven't said that Friends with Benefits is a sitcom invention. To me it's unbelievable (in negative way)… I don't know anyone who has done that and I'm gonna try this either. I just can't understand it, you know? But maybe it's cause I'm not living in the US. In Poland we don't have that kind of thing…

  34.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 7:38 am

    It's quite prevalent in the US. We've all tried it at least once. It just sounds like such a good idea…

  35.  Courtney | January 14, 2009 @ 8:18 am

    [to be said in Saget's voice] But it wasn't.

  36.  Courtney | January 14, 2009 @ 8:20 am

    This was supposed to be a reply to Justin's "It just sounds like such a good idea…" reply. Epic fail. Tragic really.

  37.  TheNakedMan | January 14, 2009 @ 8:23 am

    BEST REVEAL EVER – Ranjeet's – "signal" – The Pilot

    DON"T EVERY QUESTION THAT AGAIN!

  38.  Tyler | January 14, 2009 @ 8:23 am

    …and if handled correctly, it is a pretty good idea.

  39.  TheNakedMan | January 14, 2009 @ 8:23 am

    BEST REVEAL EVER – Ranjeet's – "signal" – The Pilot

    DON"T EVER QUESTION THAT AGAIN!

  40.  kogoryo | January 14, 2009 @ 8:28 am

    As much as I love HIMYM, after the long break and eagerly awaiting the new episode, I was slightly disappointed. The setup for the FWB seemed weak. Suddenly Robin's a slob? We've seem plenty of shots of Robin's apartment in Brooklyn and it's never been anything but super neat and tidy. And remember how pissed off she got with Male Girl and his hippie friends? During Season 2, Robin had spent most of her time at Ted and Marshall's apartment anyways. These "problems" would have come up long before. The whole thing seemed contrived.
    The other thing that bothered me was how nothing seemed to carry forward from the conclusion of the Stella debacle. It seemed obvious in those episodes that Robin still had a thing for Ted. Maybe Ted's past it, but Robin's blase attitude to the FWB seemed forced as well.
    Marshall's bathroom reading dilemma was decent. I wasn't thrilled by the guest appearances, but I knew that going in.
    Ahh well… Still the best comedy on TV by far.

  41.  kogoryo | January 14, 2009 @ 8:29 am

    As much as I love HIMYM, after the long break and as much as I had been eagerly awaiting the new episode, I was slightly disappointed. The setup for the FWB seemed weak. Suddenly Robin's a slob? We've seem plenty of shots of Robin's apartment in Brooklyn and it's never been anything but super neat and tidy. And remember how pissed off she got with Male Girl and his hippie friends? During Season 2, Robin had spent most of her time at Ted and Marshall's apartment anyways. These "problems" would have come up long before. The whole thing seemed contrived.
    The other thing that bothered me was how nothing seemed to carry forward from the conclusion of the Stella debacle. It seemed obvious in those episodes that Robin still had a thing for Ted. Maybe Ted's past it, but Robin's blase attitude to the FWB seemed forced as well.
    Marshall's bathroom reading dilemma was decent. I wasn't thrilled by the guest appearances, but I knew that going in.
    Ahh well… Still the best comedy on TV by far.

  42.  HIMYM_NLBlog | January 14, 2009 @ 8:32 am

    We in Holland also do that. But that unfortunately doesn't include me. But it's sounds great doesn't it? No more fights, and instead of that sex.

  43.  Chris | January 14, 2009 @ 8:36 am

    Only read "the bad" and totally agree with you…WENDY, PLEASE BE ON THE SHOW EVERY EPISODE FROM NOW TILL ETERNITY…:-)

  44.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 8:39 am

    I got it. I love that use of future knowledge as foreshadowing in the show. Love, love, love it.

  45.  Baris Unver | January 14, 2009 @ 8:42 am

    OK, some of you might not take my thoughts kindly, but I have to state a fact that bothers me the most: The "Gaza strippers" joke.

    I like political humor but this is something different, this is humor with tiny, subliminal political message. In the very first episode of HIMYM, Barney was talking about Lebanese girls – when Israel was kinda in war with Lebanon. And now this, solving the international conflict with humiliating sexual dances of Gaza women.

    I wonder if the writers of HIMYM has ever seen Gaza. There's no electricity, no food, and now because of Israel's new holocaust plans, there's nearly NO SHELTER there. But hey, there's nothing easier than covering up the terrorism of Israel with some beloved character in a beautiful sitcom, right?

    I still love the show and I'm not boycotting it (yet) because I'm not that dumb to take the subliminal political messages and I can enjoy the rest of the show. But this has to stop since it harms the awesomeness of HIMYM.

  46.  John Darc | January 14, 2009 @ 9:10 am

    "I don't strip because I have to. I strip because I'M GOOD AT IT!"

    I don't see any Africans or Russians complaining. It's a television show, and it's BARNEY. He's allowed to be despicable.

  47.  TheNakedMan | January 14, 2009 @ 10:18 am

    BEST REVEAL EVER – Ranjeet's – "signal" – The Pilot

    How is this even up for debate?

  48.  John Darc | January 14, 2009 @ 10:32 am

    Robin is more independent, and does seem like the person who would leave the trash out or drink all the milk, cause she's used to it being all hers.

    Remember, she didn't like the way Ted was when they tried to move in together either.

  49.  JustinDickinson | January 14, 2009 @ 10:38 am

    And the whole point was that she'd always done all that but Ted never noticed because they were having sex.

  50.  Anirudh | January 14, 2009 @ 10:55 am

    is the XoXO a secret reference to Gossip girl? :p

  51.  BGeo | January 14, 2009 @ 11:44 am

    Loved this episode, but that has been a recurring theme this season.

    Great review JD. Nothing to complain about at all in this episode.

    The idea of friends with benefits reminded me of "the deal" from Seinfeld, as already mentioned, which I enjoyed.

    I am a fan of Seinfeld, and it seems that HIMYM is following Seinfeld's attempt to become a part of popular culture, by creating episodes that are easily relatable to everyone's life. "Reading a magazine" is definitely one of them. Reading a magazine a work is awesome. Nothing like getting paid to "read"

    NPH was hilarious in this episode… "Reading a magazine means masturbating, right?"

    Great use of the "celebrities". Couldn't have done it any better.

  52.  clearwater | January 14, 2009 @ 11:47 am

    I didn't take the war/sex jokes too seriously, so I didn't find them offensive, but I can see how one would considering the latest events in Gaza. Either way…I didn't find them that funny, I only laughed because of the wonderful callback to Barney sleeping with Madeleine Albright.

  53.  Imène. | January 14, 2009 @ 11:49 am

    Loved the fact Ted was almost kinda of happy that Barney finally has feelings and that he does what he has to do in order not to be in the way.
    I always like to feel some kind of "true friendship" between those two.
    And that look at their booth. Well that was nicE.

  54.  BGeo | January 14, 2009 @ 11:53 am

    Ted: "We can use sex to spice up, otherwise dull activities"
    Robin: "Like folding laundry"

    Seems tidy to me

  55.  clearwater | January 14, 2009 @ 11:57 am

    JD, great recap! I laughed out loud at both the Willy Wonka comment (so true) and the whole "girls secretly all hate each other anyway" thing at the end (not true at all! but as a girl I guess I'm biased). Also laughed at you spelling "weird" as "wierd" considering Robin's line this week. If that was intentional, huge pat on the back to you, dude. :)

  56.  HIMYM_NLBlog | January 14, 2009 @ 12:14 pm

    Benefits is a good start for HIMYM in 2009. The episode does explain the relations between Ted, Barney en Robin. The Robin and Ted thing is never gonna happen again, they are friends, nothing more and nothing less. And now does not only Lily knows about the feelings of Barney but also Ted. That is a "Major" step, and now Ted can help Barney to get Robin. And i can't wait till the moment that will happen.
    The vulnerable side of Barney was great. How he reacted to the story's of Ted and Robin having sex.
    I also have a question to the American HIMYM watchers. The "Magazine" story of Marshall was a pretty solid story and it was nice how they put it. But the "magazine" meant having "a number two, You know a big one" on the toilet. Is it such a taboo to talk about is and to call it reading "a magazine" or was it just an very good idea of the writers?

  57.  Goddy | January 14, 2009 @ 12:50 pm

    Isn't that girl looking exactly like Britney Spears when they sit in the bar? About 8 minutes in the show…

  58.  safety pin « Unencumbered Numbered Words | January 14, 2009 @ 2:38 pm

    [...] January 14, 2009 in Uncategorized inspired by Have You Met Ted’s blog post about Season 4, Episode 12: Benefits. [...]

  59.  Amy | January 15, 2009 @ 1:00 am

    I got what you meant. Only sort of fail. Haha. :)

    But yea… its not a good idea… someone always gets hurt.

  60.  LynnLegendary | January 15, 2009 @ 3:58 am

    I really liked this episode! My heart just broke when Robin said it can't work out with friends… and then Barney's face….. =[
    but it is not over! lol I've really grown now to the idea of them being perfect for one another.
    And I totally loved the "triz-ash" line, and will probably be saying it more often.

  61.  natalie | January 15, 2009 @ 4:35 am

    i know this is late–i'm following you on twitter
    mine is: ncswim881
    by the way–this blog is awesome!

  62.  Anirudh | January 15, 2009 @ 2:11 pm

    a great episode overall, but i do hope that they show glimpses of the mother from time to time…..like they did in the third season opener and " no tomorrow" ! those bits are the best!
    oh, and i like a total maniac, check out this blog/site after every episode!
    kudos to you! ( internet high five,anyone? ;) ) :)

  63.  Nanda | January 15, 2009 @ 2:45 pm

    I agree with you on the issue, but this episode was probably filmed before this latest event even happened. If the script had been written after the bombing of Gaza it would have been in really bad taste, but even though I still cringed when I heard it it was only a joke that was probably written when Gaza wasn't front page news

  64.  Ian K | January 15, 2009 @ 3:30 pm

    Neil Patrick Harris did an excellent job with his faux-happiness for Ted "hittin' that" and the discomfort with the situation. Great job as always.

    The Marshall subplot didn't really work for me. I felt it was an attempt to mimic a Seinfeld plot about a topic without actually using the term. The episode "The Contest" comes to mind, where they don't use the word masturbation at all. Was it coincidence that Barney said that in this episode?

    The conclusion to that plot was weak. Marshall just gained the confidence to read a magazine at work? Eh..

    The last line of the episode got me thinking more than I should. Is it foreshadowing to a future relationship between Robin and Barney that went sour? Or was it just a happy conclusion that Ted and Robin remained friends?

  65.  tina turner | January 15, 2009 @ 4:08 pm

    I think Robin just keeps saying that doesn´t work out with friends, cause she doesn´t want to get envolved, specially with Ted!
    So, I think she´ll be a LOT scared when discovers that Barney is in love with her… It might take a while for them to have something.. but I think that what she said means "No TED in the future at all"! And maybe "some Barney in the following episodes".

  66.  tina t. | January 15, 2009 @ 4:09 pm

    Ahhh and Neil Patrick is just really incredible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And also is Segel´s line "DEAL"! Even though my favorite character is ROBIN SPARCKLES!!!!!

  67.  Mothership | January 15, 2009 @ 5:00 pm

    I got to watch 3 episodes of himym in one night. Once I figured out what channel lifetime is on. Took me a week…

    Iphones suck and using on in the bathroom is disgusting. Really has to be something you are throwing away right after if you must… Steve job dies apple dies. Obama endorses blackberry that's the only change for good.

    I think the lessons to be learned here:

    Don't fall in love with you friends conquests.
    Don't sleep with your roommate.
    But FWB is the best thing ever.

    Do girls have that? Yes, Girls use their eyes…..

  68.  Baris Unver | January 15, 2009 @ 7:35 pm

    Assuming that you live in America, it's perfectly normal that Gaza isn't front page news :) . As one of the closest countries to Palestine, Turkey's newspapers take this "international conflict" seriously.

    I think all the world should take this seriously. I don't want to make any kind of propoganda here against Israel, but Israel has been bullying Palestine since the early 1900s and they are probably the first and only terrorist organization which could be formed as a country.

    Apart from all the Jewish brothers and sisters of mine, Zionism is the one and only problem in the Middle East and I'm not comfortable about showing the problem as Muslim nation(s) in the TV shows – especially my favourite one, How I Met Your Mother.

  69.  sonia | January 15, 2009 @ 8:38 pm

    I was a just reading some old posts in this site, and just started to think about something…
    Ted always talks to his future kids about THEIR MOM. But, it doesn´t mean that the mother of his children will be married with him in 2030!
    I always thought why Ted´s history was sooo long to their kids about how he met their mother and I thought that he must be leading this conversation somewhere.. And I always thought it was really weird that he just talked about AUNT RObin so much, and how he was always in love with her… SO. My guess is:
    Ted is telling their kids, that he is going to get married with aunt Robin! And just trying to explain to them that he was always in love with her and why things didn´t work out between them when they were younger….
    I don´t know.. it seems a very weird idea… But I think it would be cool to happened in the last episode of the show…
    Is too crazy think that???

  70.  JustinDickinson | January 15, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

    A lot of people think that. It's a nice idea, but I think it's just that we all can't get over him and Robin not being together.

  71.  Ike | January 16, 2009 @ 12:09 am

    Ahhh one of the numerous how Ted and Robin end up together theories. I've read many and don't buy into any. Their chemistry is great, and they had an amazing run, but it's over. Plus go back watch Belly Full of Turkey, my money is on their mom being named Tracy. That being said I have full faith in the writers and whatever the outcome I think we all will be happy.

  72.  macdawson | January 16, 2009 @ 3:36 am

    I think we should take that for what it is, an easy joke from a narcisist womanizer (don't get me wrong, i love Barney).Come on, the name Gaza Strip is just beging for that joke, within the context of the conversation Barney and Ted were having, from a character like Barney. I agree, the timing is bad, because of the current situation but i think it is just a case of bad timing. But even if it wasn't, if there is one thing this joke wouldn't be is subliminal. political, maybe but it would be as subliminal as someone shouting in your ear.

  73.  cal | January 16, 2009 @ 5:03 am

    no mention about barney's confession? best heartbreaking moment in my opinion…

  74.  richard | January 16, 2009 @ 6:58 am

    Whats the name of the very last song played in this episode? i can't find it the comments…can anyone tell me???
    tnx.

  75.  macdawson | January 16, 2009 @ 2:37 pm

    don't know if anyone has posted this but how did Marshal get into the appartment the 2nd time? They took his key after Lilly blabed so how did he get in to catch them the 2nd time? Maybe he has a 2nd key or Lilly still had hers. I know it'd not that important but its one of those things that you don't notice until you notice them and then thats all you see.

  76.  macdawson | January 16, 2009 @ 2:42 pm

    actually the conclusion of that plot is Barney revealing he had a bathroom in his office all along and he could have spared Marshal all the trouble. ROFL.
    "SON OF A …" indeed.

  77.  macdawson | January 16, 2009 @ 2:48 pm

    this is sort of a callback to "Spoiler Alert". Funny thing is, Robin's flaw in Teds eyes in that episode was that she kept using the word "literally" in every sentence. Maybe because his flaw is that he is always correcting others. He's so busy doing that that he didn't care she was a slob then.
    Robin's "no one likes a Ted" was a huge nod to that.

  78.  HaiL | January 16, 2009 @ 3:08 pm

    Great review JD loved it, very insightful. This episode was prob my favourite so far becuase im a bit of a romantic and Barny's unrequited love was so great, in both writing and acting!

  79.  ATk | January 16, 2009 @ 6:48 pm

    There's nothing unrealistic about it. It's completely another issue if it is a good idea and is it maintainable (almost always no and no). I really doubt you know everyone in Poland too.

  80.  Memoh | January 16, 2009 @ 10:10 pm

    Omg! What is going on with Ted? I mean where is that romantic guy from the first season? He is turning into Barney, and Barney is turning into Ted…

    Gazza strippers? I felt really really awful that they didnt cut that part out. I m not sure if you are following the news lately, but over a million of innocent people (children, babies, mothers, etc.) are left there to be exterminated by Israil army. This is totally my opinion though, maybe the episode had been shot before the war (actually we cant call it war since only one side has an army, let's say "Israil's Holocaust") but i thought producers would have been more conscious. Because this shows that the writers or the producers clarify one point and that point is " THEY DONT CARE ABOUT PEOPLE IN GAZZE". They should have cut that part out. ____

    Dont get me wrong, i mean i still love the show, and i know it is just a comedy show but still we can't just ignore this human stain to make great jokes for the audience, can we?

  81.  mary | January 16, 2009 @ 11:30 pm

    hi.. what was the title of the song? hehe thanks.

  82.  Aida | January 17, 2009 @ 3:12 am

    I didn't really enjoy this episode. It was kind of cringe-worthy to see Barney so in love with Robin (I know I know, this is the direction of the show; I just don't want it to happen) and Marshall talking about having trouble taking a dump. Just hide the damn magazine in a jacket and go to the bathroom. The reality tv stars were another vomit-inducing thing. They weren't hilarious, just awkward. And Lily (I know Alyson is pregnant) looks like she's going to puke in her scenes — she just looks off. Barney throwing tvs was funny, and the interaction between Robin and Ted hooking up was funny. But I was just overly disappointed with this episode.

    And dude, your reviews I usually like but this one — where you talked about clothes randomly a lot more, was weird.

  83.  Shoco | January 17, 2009 @ 5:23 pm

    'cause Iran isn't a problem in the middle east? and could you please refer me to the textbook in which they say the jews were shooting the nazis with hundereds of rockets. you know, the kind they let their kids and innocent civilans sleep on. guess i missed that one.

    Remeber when the whole Hiedi-Pratt-Kim-The-Hills press started? it was way before anything happened in Gaza (well, anything that made the news). it's an innocent joke. and if you don't like a TV show making a reference to a problem of the Muslim nation(s), it must be really hard for you to watch TV. even HIMYM, with the labanese girls, Ranjit, the selling of a woman to an arab man and many other innocent jokes / references. I still haven't seen anyone start a protest because the robbers Robin held at gunpoint in "The Naked Men" were Russain.

    TV might be an escapism, but it's not a bubble that doesn't aknowledge that big ball of earth we're living on.

  84.  Amy | January 17, 2009 @ 11:39 pm

    But she lost her yellow umbrella at the St Pattys Day party… so now we have no way of identifying her :(

  85.  Amy | January 17, 2009 @ 11:42 pm

    Hahah, that ending was classic. I also don't think Ted and Robin can be together… I wish people would move on. Ted is a die hard romantic… and when he finds the one, that's it… He will love her forever and ever.

  86.  Amy | January 17, 2009 @ 11:43 pm

    No more wishing. Can't remember who its by but if you go to benefits preview the name and artist are listed. In addition JD linked a version of it.

  87.  Amy | January 17, 2009 @ 11:45 pm

    I noticed and I assume lily still had her key. They moved back and forth so much so it would make sense.

    The way people enter in this show I think they all have keys. Ha. Remember when Barney snagged a key and let them record the porn wait for it ography.

  88.  Clyde | January 18, 2009 @ 7:44 pm

    "WHERE THE F IS WENDY"

    WHERE THE F IS CARL? That is the more valid question.

  89.  Nanda | January 18, 2009 @ 11:04 pm

    Merhaba :)
    Anyway, what I meant was that it wasn't front page news then because the script was probably written before the Israeli attack ever happened. Where I live it has been front page news all along and luckily most people understand and sympathize with the palestinian people. I think that the only good thing that has come out of this attack is more awareness of their situation

  90.  macdawson | January 19, 2009 @ 3:32 pm

    yeah! When he says i love you to Robin… come on, here's a guy who's only goal in life is to be awesome and score with chicks and is tottaly unprepared for what he's feeling, the way NPH delivered that line… it hit home. I didn't openly weep but i cried a river inside. Heartbreaking moment indeed. And that song was, as usual, just right. Hope Thomas and Bays bring their "A game" to this plot. If they spoil Barney, then i'll really cry. Ted may be the heart of HIMYM but Barney is its soul.

  91.  macdawson | January 19, 2009 @ 3:34 pm

    Hayley Taylor is the singer. Been playing it over and over, sad but catchy song.

  92.  Whacko | January 20, 2009 @ 3:43 pm

    yeah the TV thing was awesome! Buying a new TV, and making a well informed decision on which tv to buy. That was just hilarious.

  93.  Ben Dover | January 21, 2009 @ 10:20 pm

    can anyone tell me the name of the song that played right at the end of this episode it started playing in the apt. and then continued at the end when they were sitting in the bar

  94.  JustinDickinson | January 21, 2009 @ 10:34 pm

    Read the comments on this post and on the previous and its listed.

  95.  Ben Dover | January 22, 2009 @ 5:16 pm

    I guess im just blind i cant find it………..o well………..

  96.  Ben Dover | January 23, 2009 @ 11:34 pm

    never mind found the song was looking on the wrong page……..i guess its ok to tell jokes here…..2 gay guys went into a bar and they went to sit down and one said to the other can i push your stool in for you………..hehe………

  97.  Rob | January 24, 2009 @ 12:52 pm

    does anybody know what the song is called when ted asks barney if he's in love with robin?

  98.  businessopportunityaffiliateprogramaholic | August 29, 2009 @ 6:58 am

    Hi, I was trying to find information about heart attack in Google and end up in this informative site.

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