Season 4, Episode 22: Right Place Right Time Discussion
Tonight future Ted returned to a favorite theme of his—fate vs choice. Episodes like Lucky Penny were built around this. This episode was centered around a single event that will change Ted’s life. Based on the huge amount of comments already it’s clear you guys weren’t a fan of the reveal. I’ll get back to that later. First, let’s talk about the episode as a whole.
The Good
I love Ted’s “I will raise this child with you” jump when Robin says she’s pregnant. Classic Ted, although a little new-Ted came through when he stated he’d need to see other girls.
Bro’s Life magazine—notice it was page 83. The fact that Barney went out with a model/Maxim girl reminds me of my friend in college who said it’d be hard to date a girl who was in magazines like that because if you were ever in a fight or feeling like things were stuck, you’d be inundated with ridiculously hot pictures of her. It’s like Ted says “Of course she’s the one. You have to marry those, her.” Also, reader poll: Is 200 too many?
“This is a pie chart describing my favorite bars. And this is a bar graph describing my favorite pies.” I love the C plot with Marshall making charts for everything. Mostly because we used to do that kind of thing at my old job. My favorite chart we made: names that look normal written down but sound dirty when said out loud. Yeah, I’m looking at you Drew Peacock. And an intervention? This episode has it all.
Also, was the woman in the graphics department Lady from Scrubs?
The Bad
Like I said, this episode has it all and that makes it a little all over the place. That’s not really a bad thing, but it wasn’t as tight as episodes usually are. We had Ted doubling back on a story that we really just wanted to see the end of. We had side plots with Robin and Marshall and Barney. Barney’s side plot had multiple twists, and ended with more RoBarn. There were hints at the mother and a return of the yellow umbrella. It was like a Wednesday night dinner of leftovers where it’s all great food, but each dish was better when it was just on its own.
Also, I miss Lily. Even without her too they didn’t give Robin a ton to do.
Favorite Moments
- “Hey”
“What’s so good about it?” - “From where?”
“Well that’s a gross question” - “Thanks a lot Robin! Now I’m going to have to find another place in New York that serves bagels.”
- “Marshall, knowing how important this is to me do you think Lily would even consider, I’d do all the work”
“I will end your life.” - “Looking over the names in this list I’m not sensing a lot of ethnic diversity. He should really look at that in himself.”
- “And like many of the ladies in that magazine sexy has two X’s and one Y” <– cleverest joke of the show
- I like that Marshall uses “dead cat bounce”, it’s my favorite finance term.
Barney’s better-than-it-should-be line of the week
“Matthew Panning, the stud of Port Richmond middle school.”
Closing
What was so bad about Stella? If it was some random woman, it wouldn’t have had any impact. Sure, if it was Victoria it would’ve been cool but I don’t see that happening. Stella we have a history with and know what her and Ted have been through. That makes it a bigger what-if. We know she isn’t the mom, so what does this chance encounter mean? It’s a big setup and I’m excited to see where it’s going. Everyone is saying her appearance was a tease but if this meeting with Stella leads to the mom, it’ll be important. Don’t get hung up on the end game. Ted’s life is a journey, not a destination.
And don’t worry, I doubt Stella and Ted are going to get back together. She’s just going to help him along the path.
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Clint | May 5, 2009 @ 4:10 am
Absolutely nowhere does it even imply that Stella is in fact the mother; in fact the series has explicitly said that the children would be different if she were the mother. This is just another step in the series of things that has to happen before he 'became the person he had to be' to meet her.
Zach | May 5, 2009 @ 4:16 am
The lady from the graphics shop was definitely Lady from Scrubs. Which, in hindsight, provided a little foreshadowing… one Scrubs character precedes another in Stella. Although I know it's fleeting, I really enjoy the union of my two favorite shows. Now if they could find a way to work J.D. into HIMYM,,,,,
Ashley | May 5, 2009 @ 4:17 am
All the callbacks had me grinning like an idiot.
I'm also excited to see where this will lead, where step Stella represents.
The little hint of RoBarn at the end made me happy too
Brian | May 5, 2009 @ 4:27 am
I like that they brought Stella back. Every major relationship that Ted's had has brought him to the next one. Victoria –> Robin –> Stella. I'm excited to see where Stella leads him.
koverby | May 5, 2009 @ 4:29 am
I believe, with the plot of the next episode, in which a man who has wronged ted in the past tries to get him to a job, that stella is necessary. just a prediction, but perhaps her husband, who took stella back from ted, tries to get ted a job which may eventually in some way or another lead to ted meeting the mother.
Young Flanagan | May 5, 2009 @ 4:34 am
Am I the only one that doesn't see the big deal about Victoria? I see her like (the late) Mark Fidrych. Sure he had a helluva rookie year, but his elbow trouble (her cake scholarship in Germany) just covered for the fact that maybe he didn't have the stuff to have a sustainable career.
Just because something ended quickly due to outside circumstances, doesn't mean it wouldn't have ended anyway.
I really think Victoria's purpose in the show was to delay Robin and Ted from getting together.
Joe | May 5, 2009 @ 4:36 am
I understand everything that has been said above, however, everyone who watched this episode said to themselves when they saw the wench known as Stella appear, 'WTF!?!?!?!" Everyone's first impression had to have been the same. Why? We all know why, but, as the writers above me have so sufficiently stated, it should serve a purpose.
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 4:40 am
I disagree. I always liked Stella. Plus I expected it to be her since the beginning.
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 4:53 am
Joe, I deleted your comment because it was off topic and mean. Be nice! If you want to express your sentiment again, do so more politely.
Everyone else, back to the episode!
GeL | May 5, 2009 @ 4:58 am
Oh gawd I hope it's not Stella! I'm sure it isn't…but i would be completely disgruntled if she jacks Ted again….
B-T-W…I never could (or wanted to) see the whole BRo thing happen…but yeah…after tonight, i can totally see it and absolutely would love to see it happen I so much like Robin and Barney together…it makes sense.
alice | May 5, 2009 @ 5:05 am
I loved it when barney said "and be smooth don't do nothing roughly" fav line of the show tonight
Zac | May 5, 2009 @ 5:46 am
Tonight had another one of my favorite quotes coming from Older Ted, the 1st being stated in "Something Blue" at the end right before Ted joins Barney for a cigar; "I think for the most part, if you're really honest with yourself about what you want out of life, life gives it to you." Then tonight he said, "The great moments of your life won't necessarily be the things you do, they'll also be the things that happen to you…" It's words like these that are a small part of the reason of why this is my favorite show on television. Learning these life lessons along the way will probably come in handy later on in life.
Irishyouglad | May 5, 2009 @ 7:30 am
Marshall references 'Cecilia' when talking about the charts. Who the hell is that? Am I forgetting someone?
I never liked Stella. I really hope she is only on for another episode or two.
When I heard that Robin was revealing a pregnancy and Stella was returning; I thought I heard Arthur Fonzarellis motorboat starting up.
Chowder | May 5, 2009 @ 8:31 am
yes! who the hell is cecilia!? is it an american joke?
Herbert | May 5, 2009 @ 8:49 am
200 women is nice, but slightly wtf! this episode i really enjoyed it. I noticed that with robin vomiting it might have to do with the pregnancy that Colbie has. It was cool to see Barney give up the sexcapades of his life. But what bothers me is that in the episode from season 1, where Barney's "love video" to Shannon, where we see how barney became barney, which is to me a contradiction to what Barney explains as the way he is. But, besides that it was another cool way of seeing how he is. Also liked Barney's interpretation of the one! Classic. I feel this episode was more focused on Barney n Ted, but mostly Ted. It was good to see Stella again she was a good character but in the end man what a b****. After reading some of the comments above, i started to believe that maybe she wanted to see Ted for an architecture problem, or it might be Stella wants Ted to meet one of her friends that would suit Ted. However, wasn't the original problem with Stella and whats his name again… that he wouldnt commit, so there migh be something. I think the next two episodes should be focused more on the RoBarn/BRo, because it is the major plot of this season. It would be nice to see in the last episode where Barney gives it his all and just says 'i love you' to Robin somewhat at the beginning of the episode and the whole episode is like Robin getting the grips on what has happen and shares her feelings.
Herbert | May 5, 2009 @ 8:49 am
just realised my comment was long
neeraj | May 5, 2009 @ 9:22 am
stella is not the mom, if you remember
S03 GOAT EPISODE episode, lily mentions about stella over the phone to barney, and then refers to the goat, so goat happened on ted's 31st b'day so stella was also there on ted's 31st b'day, and barney and robin are going to hook up again………
bria | May 5, 2009 @ 9:31 am
Didn't Bays and Thomas say in an interview a couple months back that the end of this season would start to focus back on Ted's journey to find the mother, but we probably wouldn't meet her this season. Even when they unveiled Stella in this episode, I knew she isn't the mother. They said that in Shelter Island. Also, he got the yellow umbrella after "the Platinum Rule" in which he meets Stella. But yeah, I do believe that Stella will somehow introduce, or maybe just lead, Ted to finding the mother. After all, the pilot started with meeting Robin. Had he not dated Robin, he wouldn't have gotten the butterfly tramp stamp that lead him to Stella. So where will Stella lead him?
Jackie_O78 | May 5, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Here's my theory…In the episode "No tomorrow" Ted bumps into a girl briefly and says excuse me or sorry..in this episode he get the yellow umbrella and he also mentions the mother was there that night,. In another episode, I can't remember which one, when Ted is first trying to court Stella, Stella tells him she hasn't been out except one St. Patricks day at a bar with some friends. Maybe the girl Ted bumped into was one of Stella's friends that she sets Ted up with later.
Just a thought.
Oh and Cecila…is a reference to a Simon and Garfunkel song called Cecila. "Cecila you're breaking my heart, you're shaking my confidence daily."
Major Buzzkill | May 5, 2009 @ 10:05 am
This was a cool ep (loved the kind of Run Lola Run thing going on with Ted). Totally shocked to see Stella. I know she's not the mom, but I had no idea she was going to reappear and still help Ted along, so yeah. Wow.
There were some nice things about the ep (charts! fish list returns!).. but there sure was some wonky continuity, man. Some of it can be explained. I don't think it's weird that 12 year old Barney had this dream, then gave it up, then picked it up again. It makes sense. What is kind of strange is Marshall saying Barney's been sexually active for 16 years. Where did he get that number from? Barney lost his virginity at 23 and is now 34… odd.
olivia | May 5, 2009 @ 10:06 am
OH i agree with jackie about the chick ted bumps into in the 'no tomorrow' episode on st patty's night!! dark hair, she was apparently at that same st patty's day party, he found her yellow umbrella the next day, and its SO NOT STELLAAA!!!
Froggy212 | May 5, 2009 @ 10:12 am
thanks for the info Jackie_078 i was wondering about the cecila reference.
seismo | May 5, 2009 @ 10:53 am
where can i find english subtitles for this episode? please gimme the link. TIA.
Ike | May 5, 2009 @ 11:20 am
Wow I was hooked as soon as Robin mentioned rain. I have always believed that the earliest we will meet the mother is 3 or 4 eps from the finale. Yet as soon as that sequence started I was excited. My neighbors must think I'm crazy because I kept screaming at Ted to get to the story of the lady on the street.
I love the intervention, and Barney's finishing one goal (he should be tested and get therapy) and starting another (Robin). Good episode, I laughed, but seeing Stella was a total buzzkill. I just will remind myself that she somehow leads Ted to the mother.
PS JD why'd you bring Victoria up, now that would have been a payoff.
Aman | May 5, 2009 @ 11:35 am
Dont you get it? Homeless guy –> Orange = Apple –>iPod =) Tada!!
une.heure.bondée. | May 5, 2009 @ 11:43 am
I feel like such a sap, but I can't help but love Ted's hugging montage. That left be with a big grin on my face.
Law00 | May 5, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
Cecillia is a Paul Simon song. The venn diagram is from the first two lines of the chorus of the song:
"Cecilia, you're breaking my heart,
You're shaking my confidence daily."
Esther Greenwood | May 5, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
I agree. When we were introduced to Stella, it was revealed that she was at the same party as the mother and Ted were at, though I don't think Ted knew either of them at the time (was it St. Patty's day or NYE?). It was the episode that Ted took the yellow umbrella. I totally think Stella knows the mother and introduces him to her. That's why I wasn't upset by the reveal.
jason | May 5, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Bays and Thomas, by revealing stella, you’ve broken my heart, you’ve shaken my confidence…but I think u knew that would happen, and that’s why I love this show. Your playing with us!
Ayah | May 5, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
You have a point here! I thought about the s.3 goat,too (and re-watched it right awah) the characters mentionned are here, the aproximately same situation can happen again with Barney and Robin… Hope we still get surprises (I don't doubt that).
Also, long time no Slap!
Liz | May 5, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
It's a reference to a Simon and Garfunkel song
steve | May 5, 2009 @ 3:38 pm
Where is lily?
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
She's out for a couple weeks because of the pregnancy. She'll be back for the finale.
Smooty | May 5, 2009 @ 3:42 pm
Yahoo is incorrectly stating that they revealed the Mother last night… In their daily recap (which is linked on the front page), they talk about how the mother was finally revealed after four seasons, and then they show Stella…. Stupid yahoo…they're gonna confuse casual viewers with this.
BSMOOTH | May 5, 2009 @ 3:47 pm
Just saw this as well… Frank Nicotero, how could you???
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
Yeah, that's really irresponsible reporting.
GoForBarney | May 5, 2009 @ 3:56 pm
Yes, 200 is too many :-X At the very least, keeping track is wrong.
Yes, I believe the charts lady was, in fact, Lady from Scrubs.
Speaking of Scrubs, while I'm rooting wholeheartedly for JD and Elliot, Stella was a big disappointment in this episode of HIMYM. I'm sure it'll be explained in the next episodes, and I have faith that the two of them won't end up together, but still… I think the high point of Stella and Ted was their first date (the quick one). Classic Ted. But leaving him at the alter puts her pretty low in my book.
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 3:57 pm
Could I get a link to the yahoo article reporting that? I want to see it.
BSMOOTH | May 5, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
http://primetime.tv.yahoo.com/
BSMOOTH | May 5, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
The part is about 1 minute and 20 seconds into the video. Frank needs to give that five bucks back.
GoForBarney | May 5, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
P.S. Marshall + Fish joke callback = awesome; Marshal + charts = Legendary
And I also love the name of Robin's show (don't make fun, I just noticed): "Come On, Get Up New York" (as opposed "Good Morning America").
GoForBarney | May 5, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
P.S. Marshall + fish joke callback = awesome; Marshall + charts = Legendary
And I also love the name of Robin's show (I just noticed): "Come On, Get Up New York" (as opposed "Good Morning America").
DaveR | May 5, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
Yeah, I haven't read all the comments yet, so maybe it's mentioned later, but I loved the Intervention callback! An LOL moment for me.
KJO | May 5, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
I would say that if you get to the point where it is hard to keep track of them all then that is too much.
Sign girl is definitely Lady 100%
I used to root for JD and Elliot, but for some reason I feel like theyve lost some chemistry over the years. The whole thing with the dudemeister and JD having a kid with another woman is totally weird. I still watch the show, but it was definitely worlds better in the earlier seasons.
I read the teaser a while back that he was supposed to run into an ex-girlfriend, but totally forgot about that when I was watching the episode. Like most of you, I was disappointed with the Stella reveal, but could change my mind about it if it leads to a very important and interesting chain of events.
George | May 5, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
Maybe Stella sets Ted up? That would be kinda shit but it is a theroy
DaveR | May 5, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Wow! That's ridiculous.
Suzy | May 5, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
Cecilia is the name of a Simon and Garfunkel song:
Celia, youre breaking my heart
Youre shaking my confidence daily
Oh, Cecilia, Im down on my knees
Im begging you please to come home
Come on home
imar0ckstar | May 5, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Good point! Although it was my impression that the whole episode took place in real time on Ted's 30th and everythign was exactly like they said except for the goat. The goat was the only thing that was meant for the 31st birthday. I could be wrong though..we all could be because they are making it up as they go…
Actually they are probably reading our comments and stealing our story lines as we speak!
T.I.P. | May 5, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
I liked all the callbacks. They made this a special episode, together with the comeback of Stella of course. I was jumping up and down from excitement from the moment Robin states Ted better takes an umbrella with him.
About Stella: Though I like Stella and the fact she's back in the show, cause you just know she will eventually lead Ted to the mother, I didn't like the look in her eyes at all.
It's like her eyes are saying " I'm sorry I left you, Ted. Will you please get back with me? ". And I know it's not gonna happen cause Ted made that pretty clear in ' Happily Ever After ' but it still bothers me.
Did anyone else notice that look in her eyes? Or am I imagining things?
I think Jackie_O78's comment is the most likely to happen and neeraj's comment made ALOT of sense to me. I never thought about the goat-story that way.
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
I saw the look too but more of a \”I can't believe what I did to this great guy\” than \”I want to get back with him.\” Perhaps she feels a personal need to find him a wife since that's something she stole from him?
Westfall | May 5, 2009 @ 6:21 pm
I think her look is that of someone who abandoned a guy just before their wedding and is meeting him for the first time since then. Funny thing is, when Ted ran into her the first time he hid under a table like a wimp while she, being the one at fault in the whole marriage debacle, actually goes to talk to him. Stella:1 – Ted:0. … Of course being left at the altar trumps this result.
Yohanan23 | May 5, 2009 @ 6:46 pm
I really loved this episode, and somehow I didn't feel that shocked when I saw Stella. Why? Because, somehow I knew that she was coming back. Now, I dont know if I'm the only one noticing this, but season3 and season4 finale are exactly the same!! Think: Barney ends up with a romantic look at Robin, and Ted finds Stella! Another thing, maybe the mother was at Ted/Stella wedding, since she's (probably) Stella's friend, and maybe she appeared, really smoothly just like at St. Patrick.
P.S : Well thought Jackie O.
T.I.P. | May 5, 2009 @ 7:10 pm
Yeah, that makes more sense.
But I don't think she wants to find him a wife because she stole that from him.
And if that is what happens I would be very disappointed in the writers.
Diss_slacker | May 5, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Did anyone else not like the characterization of the homeless guy? I don't think it's cool or funny to make fun of the mental illness-homelessness correlation. And I think HIYM is way better than that.
Adam A | May 5, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
The "Ted’s life is a journey, not a destination" was nice man.
JustinDickinson | May 5, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
I think it's more a continuing portrayal of NYC as a character on the show. We've got this guy who fits in with Korean Elvis, the \”your search is over\” street barker/hustler, Regis, etc. It's all part of the tapestry of the city in which the show takes place.
Ws4jb | May 5, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
come on, it was Homer Simpson……
Westfall | May 5, 2009 @ 4:53 pm
As i started to see the episode and got to the end of the teaser, i just said to myself: "NO, they're not gonna… No…". As i recall it they made it look as if Stella is the Mother, she even wears the same clothes(or at least close enough, as i recall) as the woman with the yellow umbrella. But then it dawned on me, the yellow umbrella… it was never said it belonged to the Mother. We have been told that the umbrella is part of the story but never that it was her umbrella. Maybe it is Stellas, left behind in the club in St. Pattys night, when she left early with her friends among wich is the Mother. Sorry if i'm not making much sense, too many thoughts and theories in my mind right now… any way, Stella is not the Mother but she'll lead Ted to her.
BGeo | May 5, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
I was pretty surprised in the inital fourm of this episode of the response it got. I got the feeling that many people didn't like this episode, which shocked me because I loved it!
Unfortunatly I knew going into this episode that Stella would be back, so I realized that the girl under the umbrella would be her. I like that it was her. We all know she isn't the mother, and it was nice to see her back because something awesome is going to happen to Ted because of it.
Favourite parts:
-Marshall's stand up routine about fish. So funny, and I loved the call back.
-The Charts Marshall makes, and the fact that they have an intervention due to the over use
-Barney running into Ted/Robin's appartment telling Ted to look up Robin Sherbotsky Morning Show Vomit.
-The Cecila venn diagram (really clever)
-Bro's Life Magazine
-and ofcourse the new Rival Company to Apple's iPod, the Orange
Great to see the recap up last night JD!
BTW 200 is too many for anyone but Barney
John Darc | May 5, 2009 @ 9:45 pm
People are so quick to jump to conclusions.
Fizz | May 5, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
Its a Simon and Garfunkle Song "Cecilia".
It's a classic.
Another Sarah | May 5, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
I wanted to write the exact same thing!!!
I really like how much JD seems to be into the show and his writing is awesome too.
And if nobody before me said it,yes, that woman in the department is Lady from Scrubs.
But I have to say,the more people watch the show,the more people complain about it.I find that really annoying.I mean,of course,everyone's allowed to have their one opinions and stuff,but I think that Bays and Thomas ALWAYS did a great job and that some people should relax a little bit more because whoever will be the mother,she sure will be legendary.
JD Byte | May 5, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
At the risk of sounding like a douche for not reading all of YOUR comments so I can get this off my mind, I believe that the reason that they made it Stella is because she is going to be joining the show as a character that, like Wendy the Waitress, appears when needed, but with a bigger role. In the end, it might also be Stells who introduces Ted to the MOM, using that old standby "Haaaaaaaave you met Ted?"
Oh, and check out the blog I JUST started last month at http://americanaudacity5.b;ogspot.com. It's just something I'm doing as a way to work out my political thoughts
Diss_slacker | May 5, 2009 @ 10:07 pm
the link doesn't work. could you try again?
DaveR | May 5, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
Yeah .. you're a sap! haha
Actually, normally I'd be all over a scene like that, but I found it really strange and awkward this time.
JD Byte | May 5, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Sorry, my link had a typo, it's http://americanaudacity5.blogspot.com.
DaveR | May 5, 2009 @ 10:18 pm
I like this theory. We're pretty certain they've never said the yellow umbrella belonged to the mother?
I need to watch the DVDs again.
T.I.P. | May 5, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
I'm not completely sure you realise this but this episode wasn't the season4 finale.
There's 2 more episodes coming up we'll be able to enjoy in the next 2 weeks.
steve | May 5, 2009 @ 11:14 pm
Sarah Chalke is clearly playing Stella's twin sister Cecilia in this episode, and not Stella herself. God it's so OBVIOUS!
Good episode, although I think that Cecilia is a bit of a red herring for us fans but I'm still disappointed that she was not mentioned in your review.
Yohanan23 | May 5, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
That would be pretty sweet.
But isnt this the S Finale? Can JD tell us? I really thought it was :
Leigh | May 5, 2009 @ 11:33 pm
Is there an actual character named Cecilia? I thought it was just a one-off.
And JD, you're right. The 'two x'es and one y' joke was BRILLIANT. As a high school biology teacher, I giggled my little nerd heart out.
For those who don't know: if a male has XXY as his sex chromosomes (instead of XYX), he has Klinefelter Syndrome. He will have more feminine characteristics – will look not feminine, but not altogether male either. A clever joke at these 'female' bodybuilders. Heeheehee.
DrillSgt | May 5, 2009 @ 11:42 pm
Cecilia is a song:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecilia_(song)
JustinDickinson | May 6, 2009 @ 12:28 am
Nope, two more episodes.
shlomo | May 5, 2009 @ 8:32 pm
What I love about this show is that after every episode I have to go back and watch past shows to check details.
OhEmGee | May 6, 2009 @ 1:42 am
Stella CAN'T be the mother. Why do people even think that?
I loved this episode, especially the intervention and the charts. It was great, I haven't seen an episode like this in a while.
Victoria would have been a good ending too, but I didn't see it happening at all. I was kind of hoping it would be someone random like Trudy or someone (I don't really think she coults as 'an old flame' though, which is how the DVR summary described the episode), but I figured it would be Stella.
And the yellow umbrella…loved it.
Jackie, that theory makes sense, but at the end of the episode I thought he said he didn't see the mother there, and that was a good thing becuase she probably wouldn't have liked him. So…I guess it depends on what 'meeting' qualifies as.
Leigh | May 6, 2009 @ 1:53 am
My bad – that should ready "(instead of XY)", not "(instead of XYX)"
YankeeGirl | May 6, 2009 @ 1:56 am
Ok…so…here's what we knowI
If Ted had not met ROBIN, and fallen in love with her, then he wouldn't of been SO upset when they broke up…
SO upset in fact that he went and got drunk and got a butterfly tramp stamp…
which was removed by STELLA.
STELLA then in terms will hopefully introduce him to the mother.
So in reality, it all makes sense that the story started with meeting Robin, if they would have started at season 3 for example, with "Kids I had just gone through a bad break up." It wouldn't work! This way, we get the back story to WHY Ted felt the need to go get drunk and get that tatoo.
The world makes sense.
Bruna | May 6, 2009 @ 2:58 am
Yes! I agree with this idea that tries to explain why is Ted telling such a long story to his kids… I think in the end… he would just have to explain the presence of Robin and Stella in his kids life… so he told the WHOLE story…
And ya! I´m quite convinced that the Mother is actually Stella´s friend, and I also think Stella saw the umbrella and thought was her friend, got closer, and then she saw that it was Ted !!!
2 other things:
1* Loved Barney´s story…. now i´m quite convinced of RoBarn … Will Robin ride the barnicle again in the last episode?
2* Did you guys noticed that Trudy (just because someone talked about her before here) is Winnie of "The Wonder Years"? I just got so shocked when i realized it…
Duy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:02 am
About Marshall's Venn diagram about 'Cecilia': this is clearly a reference to the Simon & Garfunkel song. The song chorus is "Celia, you're breaking my heart. You're shaking my confidence daily." Actually, I laughed at that joke/reference more than any other part of the episode. I like my Simon & Garfunkel.
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:14 am
I don't think Victoria is the mother either.. I was just disgusted that the writer's brought a "favorite" back with Stella. Partially because I didn't like her for a majority of her eps. Love Sarah Chalke… hated Stella. She just wasn't it for me. And I was glad to have her gone.
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:18 am
Maybe he'll just say "falafel"
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:19 am
I knew we weren't going to see the mother.. I dunno what I was expecting. A friend of the mother… or a giant cliffhanger. Or or, I dunno.
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:22 am
Ha. Nice catch.
I wonder if the writer's ever counted on a group of fans as obsessed as we are… nitpicking everything
""salutes" Major Buzzkill
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:28 am
No, Old Ted says, I've told you the short story of how I met your mother you know the thing with your Your mom's yellow umbrella cue scene of umbrella rolling down the street).
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 3:37 am
I love this show, I know Stella has a purpose, I just am bummed about the reveal. I guess I have a personal issue::Sigh:: Stella…
But I loved every other minute of the episode. I look forward to next week, I can't wait to see Lily again for the season finale.
My heart is all Marshall…. his signs cracked me up. He is such a dork but I loooove him
alexa | May 6, 2009 @ 3:48 am
the cecilia reference was my favorite part of the show – the part that REALLY made me laugh out loud.
AshBakesCakes | May 6, 2009 @ 7:18 am
I'd just like to say, that bringing Stella into it was cheap. If it had been Victoria, it would have been epic. That's my thought on the subject. It just seems like the easy way out of past girlfriends. And I think in terms of memorability, the only other choice could have been Victoria. It would have been fun if it had been a girl from just one episode, like Cathy (Spoiler Alert) or TRUDY FOR GOODNESS SAKE BRING HER BACK, but I really feel cheated on with the creativity level of the writers. If that makes any sense.
In short, Stella = Easy way out. Boooo.
Also, I think 200 is WAY too many. Even for Barney. I don't get why people say he should need more. No one, even fictional, should be sleeping with that many people. Are we so jaded that today that 200 is a LOW number?
Also-Also, Jason Segel had me laughing all through this episode (like every single ep) but this one might be my favorite Marshall-plot. C-plot or not, it stole the show for me. I also need him to make my babies. This is Tru-Facts and is important.
Whoa. Novel-length comment.
JustinDickinson | May 6, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
What made Stella the \”east way out\”?
Giorgio | May 6, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
I didn't understand when Marshall talks with Ted at phone and he said "I need my charts, Jack!".
Who's Jack?
Westfall | May 6, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
Jack is Ted. In this context Jack has the same meaning as pal, dude or man. In this case is a bit more enfatic, probably going as far as being a short for Jackass. Any posters from the States can confirm this?
Rudolf | May 6, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Um, did anyone notice that on TV.com's guide to the episodes of HIMYM
http://www.tv.com/how-i-met-your-mother/the-leap/...
there is this listing under GUEST STARS:
Christine Bennett Scott – Tracey (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2320532/)
Does that mean something?
Westfall | May 6, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
As i was just reviewing this episode i noticed that the big Stella reveal is not at the end of the episode but right in the beginning. Check the teaser as Ted reaches the Xing, they shift to a wide shot of the street with the traffic light in the foreground and Ted in the Xing in the background, with a news-stand behind him. As the sound of thunder is heard, Stella turns around with her umbrella still closed. Its just a split second but you can see its her. Since you're focused on Ted in the Xing, you don't see her until you're looking for her. Well done. (says it again slowly) … well… done…
Beth Perullo | May 6, 2009 @ 5:57 pm
I just found this website last week, and I love how it makes watching HIMYM an event. I wonder how Alicia Silverstone feels about all the air time Sarah Chaulke is getting? Remember, she was originally cast as Stella, but didn't want to be on a show with Brittney Spears b/c Brittney was getting a lot of bad press at the time. Apparently, Alicia thought it would be bad for her career…hmm, can we say "Alicia who?"
Maria | May 6, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
I liked the ep, thought Stella appearing made me scream "NOOO" out loud. She makes me feel somehow uncomfortable, don't know why. Seems I'm not the only one.
Loved Marshall's charts and Barneys plot. I love it how he is so convinced that the 12-year old boy didn't lie to him. Clever way to work Barney out from the real tacky "womanizer"-role maybe ready to some more searious BRo-love.
I also loved how unbelievable the building is that Ted is designing.
Almost waited to see THE boots again when he was talking about the building wtih those customers/trying to design it.
In general (heh) I think this was very good episode, it had a certain HIMYM atmosphere in it and they got in awfully lot of stuff in just 20 minutes without the feeling of rushing.
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
I would love Marshall to make my babies to. He is my favorite fictional TV character, so loyal, so loving ::sigh:: I think only Mr. Darcy tops him.
Amy | May 6, 2009 @ 6:04 pm
Yeah, I would agree that he is prob using it as a coin term. And also that its likely short for JackA.
Yohanan23 | May 6, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
Well that's just AWESOME
I really felt sad when i saw the episode ending… But, there will be like 4 more seasons right? Because Jason (Marshall) said he was connected to the show for 4 more years
JustinDickinson | May 6, 2009 @ 7:27 pm
Yes, all the cast has contracts that extend four more years but that doesn't guarantee there'll be four more seasons. Just that if there are more seasons, the cast has to be in them. I'm betting we'll see at least 6 seasons though.
Yohanan23 | May 6, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
oh ok. just 1 more thing: i don't remember hearing that fish joke. its a callback from when?
Westfall | May 6, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
Oops, i had forgotten that. Some other poster wrote something that had me thinking for a while, that Stella only went up to Ted because she saw the umbrella and thought it was her friend. But now i don't think so, not only wasn't Ted hidden by the umbrella but the look on Stellas face wasn't one of surprise. But she might know the mother or, from all the statments by "old" Ted that his life was changed that day, she'll be part of something big that is coming.
Westfall | May 6, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
"You're a big sustainable growth." Barney kicks ass. ROFL with that one.
Westfall | May 6, 2009 @ 8:57 pm
Marshal's stand-up comedy routine in "Old King Clancy"
NemDam | May 6, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
Guys, the mother is gonna be revealed – or at least indicated- through the last episode of season 4 ''The Leap''! I'm sure you are all familiar with the Tracey theory! Well, there is a characted in that episode that goes by the name Tracey! The writers are going to address directly to her! Peace out Hombres!
Blake | May 6, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
Ok I'm not new to the show or site or anything, and I'm probably just drawing a blank, but I don't think I know what the Tracey theory is you're talking about. Can anyone fill me in?
Aaron | May 6, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
They already did.
Amy | May 7, 2009 @ 2:37 am
Hey. In the Thanksgiving episode "Belly Full of Turkey" when Ted and Robin try to volunteer and end up going to the Strip Club. At the end of the episode a stripper hits on Ted, she says her name, and then she says "My real name is Trac(e)y."
Long story short, a lot of people think that the Mother's name is Tracey because Ted tells them that "that's how I met your mother" and then the kids freeeeak out.
Hope this helps
Amy | May 7, 2009 @ 2:39 am
So random, I just saw a Behinds the Scenes and it seems that good ol Tony is with Stella on the streetcorner…. oooo tricky tricky. I AM SO INTERESTED HOW THIS WILL PLAY OUT.
NemDam | May 7, 2009 @ 7:34 am
Guys, Stella's part is not as important as Tony's. He is gonna help Ted get a job and eventually a life! But he will, most likely, fail! Peace out Hombres!
NemDam | May 7, 2009 @ 8:53 am
Guys, Stella's part is not as important as Tony's! He is feeling guilty about Ted's misery, so he will try to help him find a job and a life! But, most likely, he fails! Thank you Amy for explaining the Tracy theory! I'll be back with more spicy details about the last two episodes! Peace out Hombres!
Herbert | May 7, 2009 @ 10:14 am
man not that episode again where he is about to say im in love with robin but says tacos
JustinDickinson | May 7, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
Do not post spoilers here. They'll be removed.
blarg | May 7, 2009 @ 11:29 pm
haha, J.D. and Turk could be sitting at the table next to them at McLarens!!
DaveR | May 8, 2009 @ 3:46 am
I was just coming over to post this. Of course, someone beat me to it! Also looks like there's some sort of dream/fantasy sequence with a 'French Stella'. Is it Monday yet?!?!
anon9631 | May 8, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
Why does everyone LOVE Victoria so much? She was in a couple of episodes and then gone. She served her purpose. Now Stella needs to serve hers. I just don't get the Victoria longing!
billqs | May 8, 2009 @ 9:00 pm
Victoria was hot in a wholesome kinda way, and seemed to have great chemistry with Ted. She also wasn't on the show long enough for there to really be revealed any "downsides" to her character (unless you count the overaffectionate we're in a new relationship behavior that both she and Ted were exhibiting.)
billqs | May 8, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
As for Stella being the reveal…
While I love Sarah Chalke as an actress and comedienne, I'm not really down with Stella after "Shelter Island." I think a lot of HIMYM fans are very protective of the characters, especially Ted.
Bro200 | May 8, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
Ok so one theory, the girl Ted bumped into in the episode 'No Tomorrow' could be the mother – she was there, he saw her but they didn't 'meet'… why else have him bump into someone and have a pause.. there was no puropse to it other than to setup a future flash back….
Second theory, the mother's name could be Tracey as future Ted joked to his kids in the episode 'Belly Full of Turkey' that the stripper named Tracey was their mother – and since they know their own mother's name and were shocked when he said this, their mother's name must also be Tracey otherwise they wouldnt have believed him for that split second….you would suppose….
…the problem…in no tomorrow the actress he bumps into is Nicole Muirbrook-Wagner… and listed on TV.com as the actrees in the finale episode playing Tracey…Christine Bennett Scott… so you'd assume one of these two common theories is a dud as it doesn't tie up?….thoughts?…
NemDam | May 9, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
The girl at St. Patty's day was NOT the mother! Although there is a possibility that TRACEY is NOT the mother!
Daniel | May 11, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
Did anyone else notice that when Robin said she was pregnant Barney ran out of the room and I don't think we saw him again in the episode except in flashbacks ( I think his part of the story was before Robins because Ted said go back a couple of days for her bit and Barney said his 200th was in next weeks magazine.) I just think it might come to something next week.
Mike | May 12, 2009 @ 1:18 am
What was the tune when Ted and Stella were in the car at the end? Anyone know?