Season 4, Episode 14: The Possimpible Discussion
Hey guys, I’ll catch the episode as soon as I can but wanted to give you a place to discuss what went on. I have an idea, as I’ve spoken to some people who filled me in with some details, that tonight promises to be awesome. Come visit the blog right after the episode is over, there’ll be something here I think you’ll like.
Ok, it took a little while but I’m back with the recap. Since it’s late I wrote a little extra based on all your comments.
A lot’s been said about the one-off episodes. This definitely felt like one, at least in the jokes and the plot devices (Jason, you’re right, technically it showed how Robin staid in NY but also note she was never endanger of leaving before this episode.) But for me, watching it late on Wednesday after a really hectic couple weeks, a one-off was exactly what I wanted. It’s still the same characters we love, and it’s funnier than almost anything else out there because of its proven pedigree. Sometimes you need a one off, and when you do, you can do worse than How I Met Your Mother.
That being said, I really enjoyed this episode. I like when they’re all a little mean to each other. They did it in Spoiler Alert and they do it again here. It works.
The Good
The game Barney played with the lottery numbers is inspired and just the right amount of mean. I think that’s probably the type of banter that goes on with Bays and Thomas. I know it’s how my friends and i talk. These jokes feel real.
Looks like the writers have been following the weather reports. It’s cold enough here lately that even Canadians need jackets.
I hadn’t watched the episode till tonight but I’ve known about the Dr. X stuff since Sunday. I loved the concept—Ted is totally the kind of guy who’d host a pseudo-political college radio show. I was wondering how it’d be brought up though. They nailed it. I love Marshall and Lily making fun of him.
I actually like the ‘what to put on your resume’ discussion. I know I’ve had similar conversations with my friends and it’s kind of refreshing to see a TV plot that isn’t about romance or drinking or dysfunctional families. It’s a realistic topic, and not one easily played for laughs, so I give the writers credit for making an episode about how to sell yourself to employers funny and endearing.
One thing this show does well is the round-robin style ridicule of one of the characters weaknesses or flaws. I also love that Lily isn’t afraid to crack jokes about Marshall.
Barney has a green-screen seamless, two professional camcorders, and full light setup in his apartment? Yeah, that makes sense actually.
Say what you will about Barney but all that sleeping around and corporate ballyhoo has made him someone who gets things done. I love the swagger with which he reveals he got Robin a new job.
You want to know why Neil Patrick Harris is the man? Look at how he hugs Robin the second time. Hand on head stroking hair and smile. That’s the hug of a man in love. Subtle, but really nice detail.
The Bad
Not even Cobie Smulders can make a pants suit look good. For shame.
The deportation thing seemed a little dramatic. What’s the opposite of a deus ex machina? When unnecessary conflict is introduced out of no where? The actor’s all played it well, but it’s the same reason you don’t really get scared during the first perilous action scene in a movie. Just as much as you know Bond isn’t about to die, you know Robin won’t be going anywhere.
I think “Barney Stinson: That Guy’s Awesome” was a much better title. I see where they were going with Possimpible, but it isn’t as good.
Favorite Moments
- “I am way past my dating prisoners phase. Hello, I’m not 19 any more.” The more I learn about Robin the more I’m sickly fascinated with that list she ran through of her past partners when her and Ted first started dating.
- “Are you interviewing yourself?” I love the wavering accents. Grooming the horse. That’s fantastic.
- “That’s what corporate America wants. People who seem like bold risk takers but don’t actually do anything. Actually doing things gets you fired.” One of the foreign readers mentioned this is the perception of America in their country and I believe it, it’s sadly not that far from the truth in a lot of cases. Especially the making up words thing, that happens all the time.
- “Lily I have something to tell you. I dance more than you know.” God I love Jason Segel.
“Why are you dancing so much and why don’t I know about it?” Hannigan holds her own as well. - I really like the lottery number audition guys. The whispering one is fantastic.
- “Vaginal rejuvination surgery?”
“You know who didn’t do a lot of operating on vaginas in college? Dr. X!”
Nobody cracks jokes the way best friends crack jokes. - I liked the hot dog eating contest as the explanation for Hannigan’s pregnancy. I think it was clever, meta, and it worked.
- “Why is no one coming to my happenings?”
Closing
One of the nicer things about waiting to write my recap is that it gives me a chance to see what you all felt about the episode, an opinion I take into account when writing my recap. This week there was great division between those who like to see the story stay true to form and title, progressing toward the goal of meeting the mother. There is the other camp which are fans of the show in general and enjoy any episode so long as it’s new.
I am somewhere in between. Yes, the thing that made me fall in love with the show was the story, Ted’s quest to find his future wife. It spoke to the romantic in me at the time the first season aired. It’s an easy metaphor so I’ll use it even if it is cliche: the show, for me (and I’d guess a lot of you) is like a relationship. You meet this person, and they’re everything that’s great with the world. Not without their flaws, but they more then make up for it with heart and the connection you forge is immediate, deep, and everlasting.
As time goes by, you fall into a routine. It’s not so new, but it hasn’t gotten tired. This ’second season’ of your relationship is a highlight. It’s comfortable but there’s still some secrets to discover and adventures to share.
Then you move into the third season, as it were, and things are still good, but the colors are a little less rich, everything feels a little subdued. There are moments of pure joy that remind you of what you saw in the very beginning, but there are also duller moments. Not unhappy, but just moments of coexistence.
It’s at this point you have to wonder if your history is coloring your judgement of the current situation. Have things dried and become bland? Or is it still wonderful, and you have merely built up the beginning, the past, so much that it’s become an ideal, a secret you keep? If that’s the case, you do yourself and the relationship a disservice to compare each new day with this ideal. When the edges of memories begin to fade, and only the positive remains, it’s an uneven match to expect the harsh, crystal clear reality of tomorrow to compare.
Just something to keep in mind before we start hating, or defending, or generally throwing a fit. Why do we love the show? Why did we? Why will we?
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High Hoper | February 3, 2009 @ 4:43 am
Amazing. They've done it again. One of the worst episodes ever.
If burger is the worst for me, and sock is the second worse, now this possimpible is the second worst of all time.
Oh my god. I can't believe that it was gonna go so bad, really. Bays, Thomas: leave the stand-alones. Now, before you RUIN THE SHOW. Maybe you have a larger audience nowadays due to standalones, but the quality of the show has decreased A LOT. Please, come back to what made HIMYM the best sitcom.
I'm not asking for season 1 or 2, even 3.. I'm asking for what we all want: ted and his true-love-journey. This is killing slowly the show. I do not want 3 seasons more this way till they say "ok, let's make ted meet the mother". Please, please, please: you've had fan with the standalones, you have a larger audience, but I prefered the magic of the quality this show's always had, and not the mediocre jokes and scripts nowadays. For the first time, 2-in-a-row that I do not like at all.
Once again: Bad move.
High Hoper | February 3, 2009 @ 4:44 am
And by the way… The thing we commented about Lily and the hot dogs… LAAAAAAAAAME! Did not work at all.
Andrew | February 3, 2009 @ 5:31 am
Oh, come on! The thing with Lily and the hot dogs totally worked, in the exagarrated way this show works — keep in mind, the jumping from the third story window, Robin's crazy backflip in "I Heart New Jersey." It's an embellishment, a "big fish" story, and in that context, it works. I can imagine my own dad telling me a story and saying something like, "and your uncle ate so many hot dogs that day that his belly looked pregnant!"
And Barney. That guy is awesome.
JustinDickinson | February 3, 2009 @ 5:59 am
i have to respectufully disagree with you man, i'm not saying you're wrong but i for one am glad to see some more of the meandering of the story. we can't have Ted focused on his quest 24/7.
hope it comes back around for you though.
T-nationer | February 3, 2009 @ 6:13 am
High Hoper, just stop watching the damn show if you hate it and its creators/stars so much.
And leave the site while you're at it, you're bumming us all out.
JustinDickinson | February 3, 2009 @ 6:21 am
You don't have to leave High Hoper, maybe just find something positive about the recent episodes? What about the other four cast members, their stuff no good for you too?
JustinDickinson | February 3, 2009 @ 6:21 am
You don't have to leave High Hoper, maybe just find something positive about the recent episodes? What about the other four cast members, their stuff no good for you too?
ZZZ | February 3, 2009 @ 6:57 am
some people just look for any reason to turn against a show after it starts gaining in popularity
syd | February 3, 2009 @ 7:05 am
i dont hate it like high hoper did, but i also think this was one of the weakest episodes this season. maybe it has a bit to do with the stand alone thing, but i cant explain why. i felt the same watching the best burger and that episode where they all hide under a table.
the wierd
thing is, i thought that the ted dj thing was genius, but it didnt worked so well. i had more fun checking out mysterious dr x's website than watching the jokes on the show. the same with marshall dance thing! they could have explored this so well, it could have been so funny but it wasn't. and i looove robin, and you could see cobie was doing her best, but the jokes at the beginning weren't that funny.
i liked bits of barney's video… the song was awesome, but parts of it were borderline (bad) slapstick. i also liked how they're slowly and believably building bonds between barney and robin. but that's about it.
i'm not with high hopes on this idea that we should focus on seeing "ted and his true-love-journey" oh god, please no. but i thought the writing was weak this week.
it's just my opinion, but well, i just checked and i didnt thought much of the 2 other episodes this guy wrote…
- Everything Must Go (2008)
- I'm Not That Guy (2007)
Rudolf | February 3, 2009 @ 7:42 am
Didn't like it. IMHO It is a bit too disconnected. It does not really work well as a standalone either! suddenly the video resume is finished, and suddenly robin got a job! seems really impossible to me.
HIMYM_NLBlog | February 3, 2009 @ 10:10 am
When i read all this comments, i have to ask myself the question have i saw the same episode. Because i loved it.
The highlights were for me:
- The barney movie (video resume), that was nice
- the radio show of Mr.X was hilarious
And that even besides the nice lottery girl joke, the dancing hip, and the new words of Barney, and the end of Mr. X. I was laughing out loud all the time.
une.heure.bondée. | February 3, 2009 @ 11:07 am
I liked it! It had me laughing out loud throughout.
JustinDickinson | February 3, 2009 @ 12:06 pm
lets not turn against high hoper, he's been here a long time and is entitled to his opinions. if you disagree, say why, don't be a hater.
GoForBarney | February 3, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Admittedly, not EVERY viewer is going to like any given episode. But, to be honest, how else could they deal with Hannigan's pregnancy? (I'll be curious to see her belly in the next episode as well)
I agree with Justin; although this may not have directly contributed to how Ted met his kids' mother, but it's still a life story. Wouldn't you want your dad to tell you a story about how your "aunt" almost got deported? I know I would.
High Hoper | February 3, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
I LOVE THIS SHOW. The thing that I really love it is that I cannot understand why if the show has been the best for me the last 3 seasons, this 4th season is so irregular. I loved woo, naked man and shelter island as 3 of the best episodes ever. But I can say that I don't like some things nowadays and I do it.
If you don't like what I say, I can't do anything. I just talk by myself.
Leaving the site? No, buddy, I love the show.
High Hoper | February 3, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
Also, I want to say it once again:
I loved this show from the beginning. It's my favourite sitcom of all time. And I love it. I cannot hate this show, really, I love it. But, when I do not like something, I say it. You can see my comments in another episode reviews to testify it.
It's sad that people say I hate this show. Really sad.
What is wrong if I comment on something I don't like? Really, tell me. I read everyone's opinions, and the ones that I don't like or I don't agree, I don't get that angry or pissed about it. I respect everyone opinions and I do hope the same to my opinions. So, am I allowed to express myself? Or do I have to shut up and stop writing when I do not like something to keep the main opinion as it is?
JustinDickinson | February 3, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Say whatever you want buddy, don't worry about the haters.
Mazilla | February 3, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
Honestly guys…I think this was one of the best this season… totally funny from start to finish. barney's resume was legendary…. the new words… Mr.X … lol
great episode
dckatiebug | February 3, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
Hopper, maybe what folks are objecting to is the histrionic tone.
For me, the first seasons have been the consistently most entertaining. Sure, during the first half of the first season the cast was still jelling, I liked some episodes better than others, etc., but I don't think that I hated a single episode among the first 44.
Seasons 3 and 4 have been wildly uneven. There have been several episodes that I actively hated ("We're Not From Here," "No Tomorrow," "The Best Burger in New York") and episodes that I've loved ("The Bracket," "Ten Sessions," "The Naked Man," "The Fight") but mostly, there's been a lot of meh. (Though of course there was a lot of meh in the first two seasons also.)
"The Possimpible" was pretty meh for me. There was a lot to like (Barney's video resume, the continuation of RoBarn, the dancer's hip jokes) but also some missed opportunities (where was Robin's video resume? and no Marshall dancing? I know, I should just rewatch Okay Awesome). It wasn't legendary, it wasn't terrible, but was a solidly entertaining half hour.
High Hoper | February 3, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
Thank you for your support, buddy!
BGeo | February 3, 2009 @ 8:06 pm
I also have to wonder if High Hoper even likes HIMYM. Regardless I liked this episode, but didn't love it. I thought it was funny how college Lily and Marshall made fun of "Dr.X". College Ted was a tool. I like how they incorporated Jason's basketball high school basketball facts. I once read he was the only one on his high school team who could dunk. This episode wasn't the greatest, but I felt it did have some HIMYM emotion to it. Sure it had nothing about Ted's quest for the Mother, but that would be a pretty monumental event in his life
Ike | February 3, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Mediocre episode. Disappointing really because they had some good things to work with.
What I liked: Barney preparing to purpose to Robin and Marshall using his lawyer skills. The song from the video resume (How can you not hire someone with that?). A few good jokes about Marshall's injury. Barney's job reveal to the gang. RoBarn's hugs at the end
What I didn't like: The editing killed the pace. The Dr. X thing could have been 10 times better (see the website) The deportation threat (sure it's realistic, but I just realized every sitcom seems to use it. At least they stayed away for a weird marriage.) Marshall wouldn't ballet he'd break out the robot we need to see more robot! And would anyone actually put any of these things in their resume???
Overall it was the lack of direction I see where they were trying to go (as we get older we must stop celebrating stupid accomplishments from our youth), but a lot of little stories loosely connected with no satisfying conclusion to the plot is bad.
BGeo | February 3, 2009 @ 9:58 pm
I forgot to add a congratulations to Colbie, who announced that she is engaged to Taran Killam.
TheMix | February 3, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
I was going to be a little more harsh in relation to some of the earlier comments, but I'll tone it down, because everyone is allowed their own opinion.
However, my problem with the comments made by High Hoper and syd is the premise that this was somehow a stand alone episode. I disagree ENTIRELY with that notion. The majority of the episode, however backwards it may have been, is focused on keeping Robin in NYC…..and not only that, but giving Robin a reason to be closer to Barney and see a different side to him. It may not have been apparent until the last minute of the episode, but it's definitely there. It certainly contributes to the overall arc of the show….it just doesn't focus on Ted.
Ohh, and btw, there is NEVER anything lame about being able to eat 33 hot dogs.
-Jason
syd | February 4, 2009 @ 12:22 am
ok maybe it's not a stand alone episode. still, the writing was weak, read my other points. im not being irrational here, i even mentioned the barney and robin thing, which i loved. i just think, and it seems it's not just me as other people have said the same, that there were many wasted opportunities in this episode. the jokes just weren't that funny.
BTW, i am enjoying season 4, i even think it's better than s3. but there were a few crappy episodes like the best burger, i heart nj and happily ever after. this one wasn't that bad, but it was a mediocre episode.
oh and ps. i liked the hot dog belly thing, i think it worked.
High Hoper | February 4, 2009 @ 12:36 am
Obviously you have not read everything I wrote.
I do love himym. Have nothing else to say.
JustinDickinson | February 4, 2009 @ 12:51 am
Let's talk about the episode, not each other. Sound good?
JustinDickinson | February 4, 2009 @ 12:51 am
Let's talk about the episode, not each other. Sound good?
ZZZ | February 4, 2009 @ 2:37 am
i'd like to offer my apologies to high hoper
i come from a music community where oftentimes its considered "cool"
to start bashing a band once they gain in popularity, often undeservedly and it kinda ticks me off
i thought thats what high hoper was doing here, based off his first post, and i overreacted.
i now he he was not, so i take back my earlier comments
Chowder | February 4, 2009 @ 3:47 am
Dude I think you went into the episode thinking it was going to be crap, which was evident on your previous posts, hence it was crap for you. It was a funny episode, not the greatest, but funny still. Get over yourself man, it didnt please you so what, the show is not going downhill.
Chowder | February 4, 2009 @ 3:48 am
agreed with T-nationer. High hoper you are kinda a buzz kill.
Amy | February 4, 2009 @ 4:30 am
I think something that people don't realize as well is when you first find a show you are just feeling it out, getting to know it, and waiting to see what happens. We have all known the characters for 3 and a half seasons now – we want certain things to happen now. We begin to hope for certain playouts and endings and that can sometimes lead to disappointment.
I always try to keep that in mind when I judge each episode. It may not have progressed how I built it up in my head – but its not my story – so how did it do overall.
Amy | February 4, 2009 @ 4:30 am
Thanks JD! I agree!! I hate when forums turn to people ragging on each other. Way to keep the peace
JustinDickinson | February 4, 2009 @ 4:32 am
Guys, stop picking on individuals here. So he didn't like the episode. Talk about the reasons why you disagree, don't just attack the commenter. That's not very awesome.
There are a lot of new people commenting on this episode, which is great, welcome! But this is a classy blog and we don't lambast each other the way people are wont to do online. Share your opinions, comment on someone else's, but let's not be dicks, shall we?
JustinDickinson | February 4, 2009 @ 4:48 am
This has always been a classy blog. I hope to keep it that way.
The Dope Show | February 4, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Sup guys. great episode. for those of you who missed the episode you can watch it online here.
http://watchhowimetyourmother.com/season-4-episod...
Wolfgang Returns | February 4, 2009 @ 8:37 am
I'm almost completely agree with High Hoper. The show has been decreasing little by little its quality. Yes, there are lots of gags really good, but… All of you: do you remember the show's name? "HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER"… Well… It has taken 3 moths and a half and we don't know where it's going the plot.
Some people can say that it is the real life of Ted and guys life. Sometimes there isn't any important, only daily life situations. Yeah, there is the real sense of "SitCom", but… HIMYM is/was NOT a typical sitcom – almost, it stared in an original way. That was what maked it so special.
I laughted with Barney's possimposible video and the final scene of Barney and Robin, when you can see how Barney's stop himself to be a 'good boy'. But nothing interesting occur to the life of this guys… Yes, I'm refering to oldder episodes. Really, where does it go?
Whacko | February 4, 2009 @ 9:23 am
I guess we're one of the few who really liked it.
- Barneys video resume was awesome. classic himym style.
- Lilly's fat belly from the contest. Legendary. Knowing she really is pregnant, made it funnier for me to see that they used that fact. And I can imagine it would just be funny for people who don't know that.
I wish they had shown robin's resume aswell though.
westfall | February 4, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Is it just me or does Cobbie look a little chubbier in the face?
westfall | February 4, 2009 @ 11:25 am
I stand by your post.
westfall | February 4, 2009 @ 11:40 am
I liked it.
I always love it when they show pretensious college Ted, thinking he's all soffisticated and suave while everyone else thinks he's just lame.
The way Marshal and Lilly kept heckling the radio show was hilarious.
Marshals "basketball injury" wasn't bad and the whole hotdog scene with Lilly wasn't as over-the-top as i thought it would be.
As for Barney's resume… ROFL, that guy really thinks the world of himself. And i almost died when Marshal suggested Robin could marry someone to escape deportation and … you saw what Barney did… gold.
westfall | February 4, 2009 @ 11:41 am
The only thing i felt strange about was the resolution… Barney just gets Robin a job? I mean, the fact he kept turning offers down was a nice build up but i thought, after he told her he had gotten her the job, that future Ted would step in and tell us there was something else behind it, like Barney calling a marker or buying a TV station just to get her a job… well, maybe not something so over-the-top, but you get what i mean. His envolvment to be more personal and commited that just sending her video out.
BTW, they should have shown us that video… Robin in an amazon costume? With Barney's directorial skills, i think that video would have everyone ROFL.
Sophia | February 4, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
loved it.
loved: mr. x….damn teds a douche
hated: noooothin
missed: robins video resume
bruna | February 4, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
The photo of Barney with american flag behind him, and all the video stuff was great. Is just what I think "corporative america" wants and spreads all over Latin American about "how to become succesfull" and stuff. TO seem AWESOME, just seem somehting… But I really didn´t like the many interruptions Ted made. I think it could be only "is that you interviewing yourself?", and not is that you singing?… Or maybe only the audio comments..
The other conflicts of the screen play were really bad developed. The conflicts itself were great, but they developed it in a very "poor" way! The tension when Marshall tells Lily that "he dances more than she knows" was great, but the scene of marshall falling in his office dancing was unnecessary…
And Dr X is much better on the web site than in the show, as someone said before in this wall… I read the web site first, and then saw the show… I expected a lot more of Dr X in the show ! (I just love NERD and pseudo-intelectual TED)…
And We should see Robin´s video! I REALLY WANNA SEE IT!
Izzy | February 4, 2009 @ 8:29 pm
Hey, I was wondering when you were going to catch/write up a recap? I'm very interested to see what you have to say about it
JustinDickinson | February 4, 2009 @ 8:38 pm
Tonight!
High Hoper | February 4, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Just to end this fight over the topic: I never meant to start this kind of thing. I'm embarrased for the thing, I just wanted to tell how I felt about the episode, nothing more.
Thank you for keeping peace here, many admins of forums may learn from you.
In addition, I gotta say I've watched it again, and I think the same but this time I liked a bit some things. The thing is that, since 'sock', which I openly said I didn't like, it came 'woo', 'naked man', fight, little minnesota and benefits, and I loved them, specially Benefits, I found it very good, "classic himym" as we say here. But as I love and know the show, from here to the end of the season I (high) hope that everything's going better and better. At least, the end of season 3 I found it perfect, except for everything must go. I rewatched Miracles today and, oh god, it's one of the best episodes ever. I get chills every time with the final sequence in Kittie Fun Land.
Izzy | February 4, 2009 @ 9:29 pm
Awesome! Haha, I do love your blog!
BGeo | February 4, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
No Hard feelings. Didn't mean to attack you. My bad
JustinDickinson | February 5, 2009 @ 6:43 am
Hey everybody, I wrote the recap. It's right here on this page. I ranted a bit in the end.
MTC | February 5, 2009 @ 8:20 am
I have to agree with those who didn't care for this episode. It just wasn't funny to me, and I've been disappointed with most of season 4. I love the show, but it just feels like it's getting stale.
Gravity | February 5, 2009 @ 8:37 am
I love the show for the characters and the writing, all of which remain spot on. I honestly couldn't care less about finding the mother. As far as I'm concerned, they could go the whole series never bringing it up again until he meets and marries her in the last episode. Extreme? Maybe, but that just shows how interested I am in that aspect. I just like seeing the lives of all the characters play out as they do, I'm far more intrigued by what happens with The Goat then I am with the mother.
John Darc | February 5, 2009 @ 7:12 am
I saw a Lifetime ad with the cast of HIMYM promoting HIMYM on Lifetime. Judging by the wardrobe, they filmed the bit during "The Possimpible".
edit: Anyone notice Robin didn't have any makeup on during most of this episode?
Westfall | February 5, 2009 @ 11:27 am
About where the show is headed:
Yes, the show is named "How I Met Your Mother" and yes, it has straied a bit from it. But lets understand one thing: All they had to begin the show with was a title and the premise that came with it ("a love story told in reverse") and 5 main characters we didn't know or cared about (yet). To start the ball rolling they had to present us those characters in the light of the titles premise, a guy searching for "the one" with the "help" of his friends.
As we followed that story we began to care for them and their stories.
Once that was done they could start straing from the premise and show us more about these peoples lives than just Ted's path to meeting "the mother".
Westfall | February 5, 2009 @ 11:28 am
(Part 2)
I can only speak for myself but, as much as i loved the first season, if it had kept the same focus, i would have lost interest. I like knowing the small events that happen in their lives and although we all want to know who the mother is, that is just the driving force of the show, the "excuse" for future Ted to sit his kids down and tell them his story.
When i tell someone a story i start focused on the topic but eventually i start drifting in and out, telling small details that, even if not central to it, will had to the major picture.
The fact they do that on the show only makes it better and feel real.
Those that don't agree are entitled to their oppinion, as are those that do.
Whatever you think, remember. It's all future Ted's fault. Him and his bad memory.
Westfall | February 5, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Yeah! Missy haunts my dreams! Although right now i really want to see "The Stinsons" I'm sure that episode won't be anything short from LEGENDARY,
Baris Unver | February 5, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
Guys, did you see the stuff when Marshall, Ted and Lily were editing their resumés? Lily speaks Italian and proficient in Photoshop, Quark and Java? Awesome!
DarkeSword | February 5, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
No, he's a Major Buzzkill.
TheNakedMan | February 5, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Wow… there's nothing wrong with Standalones… I loved Burger, The Invervention, The Naked Man… all excellent stand-alones, and while this episode wasn't their best… it still beat tuning in to see a repeat… plus Barney's almost proposal was a classic moment… plus this is all building towards the inevitable Barney-Robin pairing that will happen, so its not completely out of the serial vein
That being said, it is awfully odd that Ted/Lily didn't give him a knowing glance when he saves the day…
Furthermore… what are the odds that Lily's kept Barney's feelings a secret from Marshall?
Westfall | February 5, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
yeah, fun stuff. Ted as a lifeguard… LOL… Zero casualties!
Westfall | February 5, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
I don't know how that moment has gotten almost no atention from the posters, including Master JD. When i saw Barney get down on one knee just to rapidly get up when Marshal says there wouldn't be enough time to go through with it… i was totally convinced he would do it… if that would keep her around. And the final hug… i cried a bit… Bro style. i.e. NOT openly weeping.
NPH Rulz
Westfall | February 5, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
I don't know how that moment has gotten almost no atention from the posters, including Master JD. When i saw Barney get down on one knee just to rapidly get up when Marshal says there wouldn't be enough time to go through with it… i was totally convinced he would do it… if that would keep her around. And the final hug… i cried a bit… Bro style. i.e. NOT openly weeping.
NPH Rulz
natsirt | February 5, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
I agree, it seemed a little forced and out of place in an otherwise decent one-off episode.
JustinDickinson | February 5, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
I kind of thought the get down on one knee thing was lame. I didn't even notice it the first time.
Jendricio | February 5, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
Have to agree here. Where are Ted's kids listening to the Story. By now, I would often gotten up and left… that guy doesn't get to the point. More than that, he does not even drop any hints anymore.
I love the characters of the show and like the stories around them. But it's like mainstream-success is sucking blood out of the original-lively-storyline.
Even as a Standalones-Viewer I would ask myself "what the heck has this title to do with the show?"
EV23 | February 5, 2009 @ 4:51 pm
I don't believe this is a stand alone episode as it speaks to the robin-barney storyline. Remember, if Robin were to leave to Canada, she would've never appeared on Ted's kid's drawings. I understand the impatience with a lot of fans of the show, but you have to keep in mind that a lot of chain events need to occur before Ted meets the other. Think of the show as the episode of "Lucky Penny" where a chain of events led to Ted not getting the job in Chicago that eventually will lead him to meet the mother. The writer's must have realized that the show is not only about how Ted met the mother, but also about how the gang evolved into the present day (year 2030). I think when we look back when the show ends, we'll realize that all these "one off" episodes made sense in the big picture.
P.S. Has anyone noticed how Barney does not get mentioned in the present in the year 2030? We see Marshall and Lily in several future scenes, Robin appear's in the kid's drawings, yet we never hear a mention of present day Barney.
Gravity | February 5, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
I'd agree under normal circumstances, but like most cases, NPH sold it so well.
Courtney | February 5, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
With the RoBarn storyline in place, I've just kind of assumed that there's no present-day mention of them because they don't want to give away how their story ends up – either they get married or they never do. Future Ted talks about Future LAME (never bringing up just Future Marshall or just Future Lily) because we kind of know how their story ends, but they don't really want to give anything away with Future Barney and Robin.
Esther Greenwood | February 5, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
*salutes* Major Buzzkill
waterfloor | February 5, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
I was going to chime in but you said everything I was going to say. So, um. WORD.
As for your question, J.D.– I first starting watching HIMYM in the 2nd season– LOVED IT– went back to watch the first season which… annoyed the crap out of me. Had I not fallen in love with the characters, I probably would not have been able to make it through! I'm sure there is a better way to say this but I love the show for it's ensemble more than the overall arch of Ted meeting the Mother. I think they should use the title for that episode as THE title for the show: "How I Met Your Mother… and How I Met Everyone Else" (HIMYMAHIMEE?)
Mr X | February 5, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
I enjoyed this show, and don't mind at all about the "stand alone shows". Every episode this season I've thoroughly enjoyed, and I hope this show is on for at least 3 more seasons.
I laughed consistently at everything that was happening. A very good episode.
LynnLegendary | February 5, 2009 @ 8:29 pm
I agree with JD, I didnt think this episode was lame at all…. and Ted is still on his journey… we can't be given hints and secrets every episode…. This show is explaining Ted's and he's friends' lives at the same time. I think its ok to have these kinds of episodes. I think theyre still hilarious and the writing is really clever. And maybe its because I believe we'll be given the hints of Ted finding who the mother is. I respect everyone's opionons, I just think some views are being a little harsh. =/
AnnF | February 5, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
I was disappointed that we didn't get to see Robin's video. I would have liked to see what he came up with.
AnnF | February 5, 2009 @ 10:20 pm
I think my favorite moment of the episode is when Marshall brings up marriage and you see Barney drop to one knee.
Subtle but perfect for continuity of the RoBarn story.
TheMix | February 5, 2009 @ 11:44 pm
With the closing you read my mind J.D….even though we differ on where we've ended up on how much we still love the show, but we're close.
I've loved the show since it began. I still die laughing nearly every week that I watch the show….and that's what's keeping me interested. I want to get back into the Ted searching for the Mother thing, but at the same time, we can't have Huge plot curves all the time. I'm quite alright with a number of "one offs" in a row simply for the fact that that's what life is like. It isn't all just action, danger, love, adventure, etc. That's probably why I don't watch Lost. So I can understand C&C making a conscious decision to prolong the show's viability via the one-offs.
Look at it like this. There are generally two different ways a show can go in relation to how it treats a long arcing love story. 1. The Friends/Scrubs route. Have the main characters fall in and out of love with each other nearly every season. OR 2. Have the main characters just keep dating other people, constantly (not like Ted….Ted's having fun).
HIMYM is neither. I like it. Ted's having a good time. Barney and Robin are working through things. And Marshall and Lily just keep everyone on their own two feet.
-Jason
BGeo | February 6, 2009 @ 1:11 am
With Laura Prepon being added to the cast for 5 episodes, we are sure to have a few episodes related to each other. However I like these "one-offs", all be it I like Seinfeld, where 95%+ were one offs. In my opinion the writing is still as strong as it was in season 1, with regards to the way the plot has moved.
That being said, I would love to see Josh Radnor and Jason Segel write an episode. Josh said on Craig Ferguson that he was writing a screen play, and with the success of FSM, I think it would be a legendary "one-off" episode (Itwould be a lot of work for the two of them though, so I won't expect it).
Blog Spotlight: Season 4, Episode 14: The Possimpible Discussion - HIMYM | February 6, 2009 @ 4:31 am
[...] Ok, it took a little while but I’m back with the HIMYM recap. Since it’s late I wrote a little extra based on all your comments. Read More [...]
Mat | February 7, 2009 @ 1:24 am
Shes pregnant too. I read that in a recent TV Guide.
Serenichi | February 7, 2009 @ 4:24 am
Haha the computer stuff makes her sound like the nerd she was on Buffy. (I just started watching the first season.
perfumeaddict | February 7, 2009 @ 7:59 am
heya JD love your blog as always. HIMYM has become to me more like the life stories of each character instead of the quest for the Mother. and I like it that way. in fact i'm sorta hoping that they won't reveal the mother so soon so i can know more about lily, marshall, robin and barney. ted always talks about himself so that's a given.
i loved the possimpible. i think barney's video resume totally made my day. now its time for robin's to be shown.
Westfall | February 7, 2009 @ 7:00 pm
FSM was the best picture of its genre to come along in a long time. ROFL stuff, all the way. I still have nightmares with Jason Segel's full frontal nudity but the laughs i got out of it were worth it. I tip my hat to Mr. Segel for that script.
Courtney Anthony | February 7, 2009 @ 8:04 pm
I thought this episode was really funny. i would have love to see robin's video. Maybe the video will show up in a random episode. I like stand alone episodes because the kids already know the short story about how Ted met his future wife. I think everything he is telling us is coming together like a puzzle to reveal the big prize, AKA the mother. I have faith in the writing staff to come up with a brilliant way to show us his wife. The rating are good right now, so I'm happy we are going get another season or 2 out of this great show.
BGeo | February 8, 2009 @ 5:58 pm
I totally agree. Such a well written script
Hot, hot science, and recap day. « Girl Watches Television | February 9, 2009 @ 4:13 am
[...] at Have You Met Ted? has a recap of Possimpible. There is much discussion going on over there about whether or not the one shot episodess suck or [...]
Baris Unver | February 10, 2009 @ 12:26 am
Guys, look what I've found:
http://barneysvideoresume.com/images/
It has PSD files… and TGA files… also.
chinese_himym_f | February 11, 2009 @ 7:12 am
guys this blog is awesome?
consider those two pregenat ladies, i dont expect too much plot in this season, no matter what other people say,i think this show is totally a plot catastrophy for any playwright.just thinking about it. in this show ted's kids are alway like 16or17(in 2030) but those two actor and actress are growing every year! what can we do if something super cool come into those writer's mind?ignore the plot bug?
and also, those two ladies big belly are growing every day. and it seens there is no way those two are pregenat in the show, if you have to say that lily suddenly what a kid or robin accidentally got preganet with "whatever who he is"'s baby .it is almost for certain that this show is not worthwatching.
but i still love those five NYer's life,but for a fan of this show, i think it's time to lower our expectation. at least in this season's later episode.
Amy | February 12, 2009 @ 2:34 am
Well the writers have already said they pre-recorded a ton of information of the kids that can be used in later shows and seasons so they'll be the same age.
In addition – writers are pretty creative, that's why they are writers. I think we can still expect some good stuff.
But then again I usually have a soft spot in my heart for every episode. No matter how much the other people complain.
Amy | February 12, 2009 @ 2:35 am
Is anyone else really sad that we haven't had a new episode two weeks in a row…..
Westfall | February 12, 2009 @ 11:43 am
If the info in "wikipaedia" (ae – get it? LOL) is correct, we have a long wait ahead. The posted airdate for episode 15, "The Stinsons" is March 2nd. Anyone can verify that? Any official reason for a 1 month pause? I'm guessing they're focused on filming the rest of the episodes as fast as possible before Allison and Cobbie's tummys size start being an issue. That would probably get post-production as a 2nd priority. But this is just my guess. What do you guys think?
JustinDickinson | February 12, 2009 @ 1:33 pm
check the homepage dude, there's a new post about this
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