The How I Met Your Mother Blog

You guys are right, I’ve been late with recaps and it’s not fair. Starting next week, recaps will be posted every Tuesday morning, barring any technical difficulties (read: file hasn’t downloaded.) OK, now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on.

This episode was solid. Funny, enough characterization to satisfy the High Hopers out there while still being singularly funny. It’s a great build up for the end of the season, which frankly I can’t wait for.

We all have times in our lives when we look around and realize we aren’t where we thought we would be. Whether that means we’re settling for the wrong people in relationships because we’re unhappy with ourselves or if it means we’re stuck professionally out of a fear of failure, it’s these moments of perspective that can give us the clarity needed to get back on track. This was the situation Ted and Robin found themselves in throughout Mosbius Designs.

Was Marshall stuck too? He might have been, had he not been able to become a “guy” at work. Focusing on what has come to be one of my favorite side plot lines, the episode followed Marshall and Barney through their Adventures in Corporate America. And Lily? Well she doesn’t like sandwich-spread sodomy humor (prude.)[casttv d7wuji1]

What Was Good

The fact that they told that joke proves the show continues to push the envelope. Granted the question half of the joke was pedestrian but the punch line is not at all safe for primetime. I love the Internet, without which this kind of gag wouldn’t have been possible. Also, I don’t think that implies Lily will be gone for four episodes.

I really love the allegorical storytelling of the corporate world through Barney and Marshall. It makes sense too. These stories are not only being told years later by adult Ted but are second hand at that. Ultimate distrust of the narrator. For the record, I’m half food guy and half “your mom joke” guy in my office. Missing from this break down (though probably not present in Barney’s office) is “indie music distribution guy”.

The PJ actor does a good job. He’s funny and works his scenes without hamming it up or detracting from the rhythm of the main actors. Love that he bought Ted flowers.

“I mentored a young fellow once, even made him my wingman. Then one day he hired an assistant to work ten feet from his bedroom who, get this, isn’t a hot chick proving he never listened to a word I said. And do you know that young man’s name? I don’t remember because he is dead to me!” I love the offense Barney took to PJ being a guy. And boy can NPH work through pages of a script all on his own.

The Robin sleeping with PJ stuff is great. Not only does the show play up the “slutty girl” cliche for great laughs but does it in a real, character driven way. We feel bad for Robin and her disappointment and confusion with her current situation. She’s still a woo girl, but hopefully that will all change.

I like Barney’s quick back and forth, on and off ranting when it comes to talking about Robin. One quality of Barney that never gets discussed is his inability to lie. It’s admirable, if not hurtful from time to time. Watching him struggle with his own truths is delightful. Notice that when he tells Marshall about Robin he’s not wearing a tie? Continuing the vulnerable, exposed theme we’ve seen in the past when he’s discussing his feelings.

“What if I don’t think about the books?” I didn’t notice in the credits but was Aaron Sorkin a guest writer this week? Listen to the timbre change in Ted’s voice when he says he’s losing the staring contest with his phone. Nice little detail there.

What Was Bad

While well handled, I miss Lily.

I thought the bit with Marshall freaking out about money in the street didn’t work for me. In theory it was funny but the “the baby’s on to me” thing didn’t work for me. Damn fine suit though Mr. Eriksen.

Favorite Moments

• Robin looks great. Like really beautiful.
• “Who am I kidding? Felts back in the ball game.” This line would fall flat were it not for Radnor’s skills
• “Oh, I have that thing that makes me a guy. Maybe a guy and a half.” This episode isn’t holding back.
• I love the guy vomiting—and still high fiving—during the YouTube guy sequence.
• “Hey Ted, this table just told me you’re a douche”
• “I know a good stretch for that guy”
  “Downward facing FIRED”
• I love Fantasy Guy and, for some reason, Cuddle Club guy
• “Hey PJ, I actually have an architectural question for you. How does Ted’s ass taste?”
  “I wouldn’t know, but I assume it tastes like genius.”
• “And of course he’s going to sleep with her, look at her, she’s the greatest woman on the planet”
• “A hot guy telling you when you can and can’t pee, that’s the dream.”
• That was the worst breakup ever. Cobie is awesome.
• NPH’s turn from “that’s so sweet” to “let’s be clear” is awesome.
• “Marshall, you’re no Lily. Lily is a diabolical puppet master subtlety manipulating everyone around her to get exactly what she wants.” – good move from Marshall hiring PJ to do the fantasy league.
• The ninja in the end was a great substitute for no epilogue scene.

Closing

So Marshall knows about Barney’s feelings. We already knew that right? We at least assumed it since LAME tell each other everything. I like how understated Marshall was to hear the news. The conversation felt real and authentic. How cute is it that LAME sits together so BRo can share a booth?

See you here first thing Tuesday morning for the next recap.

PS. Charlene Amoia has a fan page on Facebook now. Show your support and add her right this minute. She only has a few fans now. Let’s see how high we can get her numbers. Tell your friends