Season 5, Episode 11: Last Cigarette Ever Recap
Look at me, on time with a recap. It’s a Christmas miracle!
What Was Good
I remember when I found out that my mom used to smoke cigarettes. As a small child this melted my brain. It’s amazing how easy right and wrong is when you’re young. There was a moment in college where my roommate and I decided to start smoking. We turned off daytime TNT and bought a pack of Parliaments, the green box. We smoked regularly for about 8 months and then I got bored and quit. He couldn’t and still smokes today while I’ve started and stopped a half dozen times, usually in direct relation to working somewhere where smoking is the only way to take a break.
Is it bold to do an episode about cigarette smoking in this day and age? Did I just use the term “in this day and age”? I thought smoking was verboten on all forms of media unless you’re a terrorist or French. Here we see it not only as an affectation, but as a social benefit in the job world.
What Was Bad
While I enjoyed it, this was still just an entire episode about smoking. Also, the show is almost definitely sponsored by Tim Hortons, did you see the bin into which they were throwing their buts?
Favorite Moments
- I like Robin’s layered raincoat.
- I like Bob Odenkirk on the show. His character is zany but I dig it.
- Lily looks good in this episode. I don’t want to sound crass but with all the babies our heroines are quite…vivacious lately.
- I love the depiction of the smoky bar. When I first turned 21 you could still smoke in bars in MA and that’s not too far off from what it was like.
- Barney’s list of when he smokes is great. I’m a huge fan of making long, meandering, nonsense lists.
- Lily does not sound sexy with a deep voice
- We’ve never seen Ted’s stairs before. I always wondered how many flights up his place was.
- Marshall’s been doing a lot of time traveling lately. What paradox does he cause by showing young Marshall a picture of Lily that early? Finally, a reason he never dated anyone else!
- The co-anchor’s mug lighting up when she threw in the cigarette was a nice touch
Closing
This is weird. Nothing about this episode is important. It could’ve occurred at any time. It’s the opposite of last week’s in so many ways. Yet, I don’t hate it. It’s quirky and odd and held my interest. I’m the first to say every week doesn’t have to be a crescendo, I just wish all the fallow episodes were as pleasantly enjoyable as this one. Call me crazy but that last voiceover about when all of the characters’ last cigarettes happened was quite touching.
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Brody | December 15, 2009 @ 2:59 am
Most people complain about season 5 and its seemingly random episodes. but ive loved the immensely.
Liberty Bell Licker | December 15, 2009 @ 3:05 am
The episode was certainly strange, but funny enough to be a standalone. The ending brought a tear to my eye…older Ted’s musings just have that effect on me.
katie90 | December 15, 2009 @ 3:38 am
ok; i’m only six minutes in the episode. like the tone overall, not so over-the-top as a couple of the last ones, but two things do bother me: the talk marshall and lily had about peer pressure (in life among the gorillas, i guess?) where she goes ’so, what do you say when they try to pressure you to smoke?” and he answers ‘only when i’m drunk’. and the other thing is that i’ve seen the whole smoking shebang on friends before. with chandler going out of his way to hide his smoking and monica finding out about it anyway. even the scene with the perfume-spraying in his mouth and the gagging was done in friends before.. meh
Patrick | December 15, 2009 @ 3:40 am
I think there were two important aspects of this episode that set it up for the future.
1) The footage of the kids was new. At least it looked new. I could be wrong on this but it definitely seemed like footage we hadn’t seen before. To me, this suggests that they required a new reaction shot of some sort or some reason to bother bringing back the same kids as before when they had stock footage that was perfectly fine.
2) it gives us a nice little timeline to start expecting certain major events in the characters’ lives.
I also found this episode particularly funny, though why I really couldn’t say. It was just a lot of fun quirky stuff.
katie90 | December 15, 2009 @ 3:58 am
ok i loooooved the outlook about their last cigarettes with marshall’s son and stuff
yet again they’ve managed to totally block robin and barney out of the future. it’s like they wanna leave their futures completely open but i think it’s sad cause it separates them from the core group. and robin’s coat was awesome. oh and the constant reminder of the passing of mcrib was great 
other than that..well..totally watchable episode but wouldn’t miss it if i never got to see it again
katie90 | December 15, 2009 @ 4:04 am
oh and also, when lily started speaking in her smoker’s voice i was like ’she sounds like that weird gay dude from independence day’ and what can i say..it’s him, harvey fierstein
they couldn’t have found anyone with a crazier smoker-sounding voice
TheMix | December 15, 2009 @ 4:28 am
It took the post, and 6 comments to mention Lily’s smoker voice and Harvey Fierstein?
Terrible. I’m disappointed in all of you.
On another note….I loved this episode for the simple reason, as J.D. mentioned, that it was an episode that didn’t have an inextricably blatant link to the overall theme, but was still comedically wonderful. Maybe it’s the 3 beers, but this was the hardest I’ve laughed at one of those sorts of episodes in quite some time. There are shows that make their stake on them concerning nothing (Seinfeld). There are shows that have no definable storyline and don’t want to be about nothing and suck because of it (2 and a Half Men). There are shows that have basic plotlines that are based generally on week to week situations (see most sit-coms). And there are shows that have serpentine plotlines and make their stake on them that still do beautifully when they have to take a break every now and again to remind us that some things in life just don’t have anything to do with the big events in our lives, but are still important and often hilarious
Just a thought,
Jason
KJO | December 15, 2009 @ 4:37 am
As a non-smoker who has barely touched the stuff in his whole life, I found this pretty hard to relate to. The episode probably was a lot more enjoyable for smokers or former smokers, as is evidenced by JDs wrapup.
Addie | December 15, 2009 @ 4:49 am
I may just be naive, but I just saw the Timmies coffecan ashtray as another little nod to Robin’s being Canadian. Canadians will go to wacky lengths to get Timmies in foreign lands, at least in new york it’s pretty easy to acquire. Korea also has Tim Hortons, though theirs serves alcohol.
Liberty Bell Licker | December 15, 2009 @ 4:58 am
I’m pretty sure the clip of the kids saying “What?!” is the same one from the pilot. They just showed it three or four times in this episode. Anybody else think so?
TheMix | December 15, 2009 @ 5:01 am
I know so. J.D.’s stated in recaps a ways back that since the actual kids were growing so fast, they had to tape reactions, etc. beforehand and re-use footage as needed.
High Hoper | December 15, 2009 @ 5:31 am
Just comment to tell I have watched tonight’s episode. As I hate a lot smoking (I’ve never done it and I will never do), I found the episode funny. Not season 1or2 funny. Just funny.
That’s what I wrote yesterday. I watched the episode again and I did not like it at the same level. Definitely, we need a saviour of the season now. Half the season has gone now, and you can tell is the worst first-11-episodes of any season.
Jazzer | December 15, 2009 @ 5:39 am
I’m kinda dissapointed. I mean, it’s not bad, but I expected more. Even though the description for the episode was pretty weak, they could have used more with the 22min the episode lasts.
I somehow feel we’re getting closer to the mother, and Marshall’s son? The last part was really touching, and to be honest, I don’t want a baby in the show. It always ruins it. they should not go that way.
I really don’t know what to expect. Btw, I was really suprised when I saw that JD actually posted on time, kudos for that.
Christmas present I guess.
Things I loved? Marshall beating the sh*t out of his 13 year-ol’ self.
I couldn’t relate to this episode, mainly because I never smoked.
Rainy | December 15, 2009 @ 6:20 am
I really like this episode too. It’s not really connected to other episode, (except the Robin dating Don thingy), but it really make me feel good watching. And the ending was really nice too! I just can’t wait for the time they stop smoking!!
Steve | December 15, 2009 @ 6:57 am
I thought this one was great. Smoking is one of those societal quirks that we have…the biggest “WTF?” moment coming from our anti-smoking, smoking president, so I think that it was certainly fitting for the time we live in. After the intro, where Marshall’s habit was revealed, I was pretty certain that all of them would be smoking at some point in the episode…
I never have smoked, probably never will, and most of my family had quit (or died) by the time I was old enough to buy a pack. But I’ve worked with people who jump on and fall off the wagon, gone on smoke breaks with co-workers, and see one of my best friends smoking more and more as he spends more time in the Navy. I think this is definitely a relevant episode.
BTW episode 11 is almost always a fluff episode in the season (even The Platinum Rule gave us nothing to work on until a few months later), but this one was a little more special.
Geez did all of the actors really smoke that much for this one episode?
Anyways I don’t care what all y’all say, I thought this one was good – maybe not super-funny, but good.
Tove | December 15, 2009 @ 7:18 am
I like how there’s an HIMYM-episode for almost everything now. I’ve always felt like OK Awesome is a perfect description of clubbing, and although I’ve never smoked, I think this ep was a good description of smoking.
I think it was good, and it lead to some things. The last voice-over was nice, I really hope for a LaMe-baby soon (please give them some stories!), and we got to see more of Don, although he seemed like quite the douche.
We’ll have to wait for some time for the 100th now, but oh, I hope that will be a good one.
Thomas | December 15, 2009 @ 8:02 am
Thanks for the recap! I agree, not a spectacular episode but an enjoyable one nonetheless. I liked Marshall kicking the crap out of his young self and Ted and Barney in the smokey bar. I live in England and I remember just how noticeable it was when our smoking ban came into place, as a non-smoker I was pretty pleased.
Future Ted’s voice-over at the end was certainly a nice touch. It was one of the few times we’ve heard Barney referenced beyond the present storylines. Makes me wonder if they’re going to kill him off at some point!
Fabio | December 15, 2009 @ 8:36 am
Totally agree with KJO. I hate smoking. And seeing the characters that i love smoking was a little bit off.. except for Robin who we’ve already seen a million times before
Aside from that, it was a quite funny episode as a standalone, but as JD said, it had no effect on the story whatsoever.
About the last voiceover…i don’t know if it was the line….or just the effect that Bob Saget’s voice has on me….. but it really touched me.
Thanks for the recap JD!
Happy holidays everybody!
Fati | December 15, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Does anybody know what was the song in the end of the episode?
Thanks!
Purple Giraffe | December 15, 2009 @ 10:57 am
I really liked this episode. It was funny and while it didn’t have a whole lot to do with the overall story, the foreshadowing at the end was lovely and literally made me say “Aawww!”
Also Marshall beating up his 13 yo self was awesome! I sometimes wish I could hit my 13 yo self.
camante | December 15, 2009 @ 11:21 am
The song at the end is Cigarettes and Chocolate Milk by Rufus Wainwright! Great end song…
Dandolion | December 15, 2009 @ 11:40 am
@Steve
They had everything from real Cigarettes, to Herbal cigarettes, to Prop cigarettes that contain powder that looks like smoke if the cigarette is blown through. That all depended on each actor’s preference. I have never smoked and spent my whole life trying to get my family members to stop. So I had trouble relating as well. It definitely had some funny and touching moments. Things like the list of who quit when always make me cry.
Fati | December 15, 2009 @ 11:50 am
camante, thank you!
osumarko | December 15, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
In Okay Awesome Ted mentions that they lived on the 3rd floor.
b | December 15, 2009 @ 12:24 pm
@Liberty Bell Licker
Just checked, it’s not the same “what?!” shot, it’s all new.
JD | December 15, 2009 @ 12:31 pm
I doubt that the kid footage is new as in, they went back and shot more. It might be new to us, but it was filmed years ago. The kids are too old now.
Thinking more about Don, he just made me miss Sandy Rivers, that dude rocked. It’s a testament to the show’s declining quality that a gem character like Sandy Rivers could go more or less unnoticed when he was on but if he was to pop up now it’d be amazing.
Fritz | December 15, 2009 @ 12:34 pm
i have to say, i didn’t really like this episode, it was boring because it all has been about smoking and i don’t smoke.
he’s a real guy 
a) because it’s illegel in germany to buy cigarettes under 18
b) my father would kill me
c) all the other reasons
anyways:
i loved Robins co-host
and i loved Lillis smoker-voice and of course the summer in Minnesota but thats it what i liked about this episode.
But i don’T really think they said, what happend to Marshalls new boss, when he collapsed on the roof. If I’m wrong tell me please
I think it was a good idea to make an episode about smoking in general. Smoking is a serious problem which increases the risk of heart-attacs blahblahblah… so that’s it i guess
Fröhliche Weihnachten und Guten Rutsch ins neue Jahr
Fitz
p.s. why did the author of the entry use the word verboten “I thought smoking was verboten on all…” it sounds funny for me as a german
Kat | December 15, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
I LOVED last nights episode. I had me laughing the whole time. Lilly’s smoking voice was hilarious and the end voice over was a perfect ending. The only thing that bothered me was the McRib references because the McRib IS back… i blame McDonald’s for that one.
Sometimes I think HIMYM could benefit from a LOST-esque schedule. Plan to end the show in 3 years and use those 3 seasons to work towards the end… whether the end be meeting the mother or continuing on past the meeting.
aaron | December 15, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
@JD…the smoking bar scene was great:
Ted: I think that girl is smiling at me.
Barney: That’s a chair but yea dude, hit that.
I did like the episode. The bad was that the whole episode centered around a taboo like smoking the entire time…mainly because I hate smoking, but it still had a lot of laughs and left us with some at least interesting info. I do wonder if the quit smoking dates are in any way important. Obviously ,Lily’s and Marshall have to do with their kids and there is a lot of leeway there since no dates are thrown out. Ted’s is simply to still imply the mother is a central part of the story. But Robin and Barney’s…just curious.
The footage of the kids, it seemed new to us but obviously it was shot a lot earlier. The scenery around them looks different…or maybe it’s just camera angle and bad memory.
JT | December 15, 2009 @ 1:17 pm
I liked this episode. It was clever, continuously played on itself (e.g. Marshall’s numerous visits to his 13 year old self) and although standalone, I think they threw some vague hints of the future at us (like no dates for Marshall, Lily, and Ted to quit smoking) and making us hate Don like none other. I think the writers are working with our emotions on Don/Robin early for a reason. I think we’re out of the swamp and the show is getting back on its own feet.
Not to mention, any episode with ratings that supports HIMYMs success for renewal (3.9 18-49 / 10.22 million viewers, a season high!) shows they must be doing something right.
Sara | December 15, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
This was a dumb episode. I can’t stand to watch people smoke, and I cringed the whole way through. It’s like watching somebody injure themselves on purpose, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. However, I liked how they portrayed the bad effects of smoking. I wonder how many in the cast actually smoke in real life?
I spotted the Tim Horton’s can, but noticed they blocked out the “Tim Horton’s” name when they were using it as an ash can at the end. I’m sure the company doesn’t want to be associated with smoking, though it was pretty obvious where the can came from.
redviper | December 15, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
Greatest episode EVER!
This is exactly how smokers are made to feel. Like an oppressed minority. Everyone is always coming down on smokers even though smoking is the greatest thing in the world!
BRB having my last cigarette ever.
luce | December 15, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
That felt so real and so sweet. Especially the moment when they were sitting on the roof at sunrise.
we can all celebrate. carter & bay hasn’t lost their touch!!!
mayank | December 15, 2009 @ 2:19 pm
The end really made me cry…such touchy present and future refrences of Ted are just amazing…I’m a non-smoker my self but i have seen my friends take up smoking uder stress and its really hard to quit..The whole filming plot is so outstanding
Hats off to the writers..I love everthing about this show
bro | December 15, 2009 @ 2:46 pm
Great episode. Best line: “What do you got, dinosaur arms? They’re right here.” Marshall is hilarious
Peter | December 15, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
Seriously….come on.
Toby | December 15, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Nice Recap J.D!
The footage of the kids is definitely not new. I feel like I have seen that What before, plus I saw the daughter recently on something, and she looked a lot older.
I thought the episode was funny, but nothing substantial. Like I said on the other forum I do not like Don, and I do not understand where they are going with this.
Tash- I also love a lot of Robin’s clothing, but can not afford to get most of them either because I am sure they are all designer labels.
Jenn- I hear what you were saying about the morality thing with the smoking, but honestly I can’t get upset everytime they do something that I think is immoral! I had a big issue with the threesome episode, but hey what can u do about it.
Kat | December 15, 2009 @ 4:09 pm
the HIMYM producers were getting so many question about Robin’s Trench Coat they took to their twitter (@HIMYMprod) to announce that it is from Burberry… and its $1,600. yikes! super beautiful coat though! http://us.burberry.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3606395&cp=3146777.3771324.3771332&parentPage=family
Spencer | December 15, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
I forget, what was Barney’s last cigarette ever again?
Toby | December 15, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
Yeah, all of these clothing is designer- even Ted’s crappy wardrobe. I used to lust after Rachel’s clothing on Friends, but it was also all designer stuff that I could afford maybe in my dreams!
BTW it is good to see that they all still have jobs; I was getting concerned.
Cw | December 15, 2009 @ 4:34 pm
hm hm…. not sure anybody hasn’t said this yet, but don’t the co-host of seattle and cedar rapids look like robin and lily?
TheMix | December 15, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
@ sara “this was a dumb episode. i can’t stand to watch people smoke, and i cringed the whole way through. it’s like watching somebody injure themselves on purpose, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. however, i liked how they portrayed the bad effects of smoking. i wonder how many in the cast actually smoke in real life?”
Well it’s good to know you aren’t biased at all….
Some of the judgement of the episode based on whether or not people like smoking kind of bothers me. Before I had even had one I wasn’t even that bad, and I HATED that my dad smoked. The references aren’t that hard to get necessarily, and just because you dislike smoking doesn’t mean you have to dislike a character or a person…in fact, I’d call that rather shallow. Whether or not people would like to think so, smokers are kind of a, not oppressed, but certainly looked down upon minority…which is terrible. For some people it’s a habit that’s breakable. For some it’s an unbreakable addiction. For some it’s a non-regular release. Everyone not named Robin on the show, I’d put into that last category….which I don’t think is that bad. Disliking an episode because it contains something you dislike seems a bit off to me. I certainly wouldn’t like a friend of mine sitting me through an unbearable multi-hour one-man play where he said my most hated word for far too long, shot water at me, and danced like a robot…..all to prove a point. But I love the episode.
Just a thought,
Jason
BGeo | December 15, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
I too miss sandy rivers.
This was a weird episode as JD pointed out. For nothing happening (except we know LAME have at least one son), it worked.
I liked the Tim Horton’s tin on the roof. I’ve seen that a lot, being from Canada.
**JD, didn’t we know that Ted lives on the 3rd floor? Marshall and Lily jump out the window, and Ted carries a beer up three flights of stairs for Lily.
Merry christmas eveyone
taryn | December 15, 2009 @ 7:58 pm
this episode was definitely odd, but i loved it. as a smoker, it holds a special place in my heart. groups can easily be split into smokers and non-smokers, and if ever the entire group starts, it feels impossible to start.
and the voice over at the end was quite touching.
Neil Young Fan | December 15, 2009 @ 8:52 pm
I liked the episode. Nothing really propelling about it (other than how Hot Robin Looked smoking outside in that jacket), but Once again I have to remain the optimist. Everyone is complaining about how 1 dimensional Robin’s Storyline has been of late, Boom, they respond with Don, who I thought was rather funny. Kind of a poor man’s Luke Wilson doing the News. I think he’s got huge potential for more laughs, and I can definitely see Him and Ted and Marshall getting along (probably not Barney though). The “dibs on his Office” line by Barney made me miss his old office and also realized we haven’t seen a new one. Time for a new work plotline perhaps?
I still maintain that the show is on track, and I think that after the christmas break we’re in for some seriously good arcs with Robin/Don, Ted/students, Barney/women and LAME with a possible expanding family. The groundwork has been laid out, now time to see it all unfold!
Another sunny disposition from Rainy Vancouver….
adri | December 15, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
I really liked this episode. It was really funny..i laughed out loud a few times, but Im bad at remembering the parts. I will watch it again and realize exactly where I laughed. I hope the next episodes are this funny and good.
Jenn- GCWOK Approved | December 15, 2009 @ 11:20 pm
Kat- I totally agree about the LOST-esque schedule. Knowing how many seasons it would be on would them to be able to pace themselves so that they don’t have to just keep coming up with filler episodes. Although on the other hand, I like to tell myself it will be on for like 15 years.
JD- completely agree about Sandy Rivers and the quality of the show.
I don’t care about the rest of their horrible morals QUITE as much as the smoking because… at least they can’t kill you? I don’t know. I just thought it was different. Regarding who would have used what on cigarettes, I know Alyson Hannigan was on an interview with Bonnie Hunt and she talked about how Jason smokes in real life and she hates it when she has to kiss him. So there’s one for each.
I am excited for the episodes after the break as well. They have a lot of potential material just waiting to be used!
While the footage of the kids was new to us, there’s no way it could actually be new because I saw the boy the other day on a Disney show… I think Wizards of Waverly place? and he looked much much older.
I don’t know if anyone saw my last comment because it was on the post before this, so I wanted to say this part again about Don: I’m guessing the writers thought that since they already told us they would be dating, that they could play with the story line? But seriously. Tighty whities at work and they expect me to believe Robin would hit that? I don’t think so!!
Jenn- GCWOK Approved | December 15, 2009 @ 11:22 pm
P.S. It is using ALL of my will-power not to look up spoilers on the 100th episode! I mean we already know a lot, right? That’s what I keep telling myelf…..
Geoff | December 15, 2009 @ 11:36 pm
Not that anyone cares but the image on the “Get Up Cedar Rapids” morning show set was actually a modified image of Des Moines, IA.
I blogged about it: http://geoffreyhwood.squarespace.com/w2ym/2009/12/15/cedar-rapids-des-moines-and-cbss-how-i-met-your-mother.html
Yep, I’m that guy.
apsutter | December 16, 2009 @ 1:57 am
I loved this episode!! I love when HIMYM does these eps that look like throw-aways because there about nothing but thats what real life is all about!! Big stuff happens like marriage and babies and break-ups but most of the time is in-between time. Also, I WANT ROBINS COAT!! Someone needs to find out where its from and tell me!! I also liked that dress she wore towards the end with the blue on the bust. Lily’s deep voice was soooo funny and she used it so appropriately. My favorite part was the end voice-over it made me a lil teary-eyed. Those kind of moments make this my favorite show
Steve | December 16, 2009 @ 5:18 am
Jason – good call. I agree with you completely and I’ve never lit up. Sometimes I think people who are outright disgusted by smokers and cigarettes are just…petty, maybe to the point of conceited. Maybe you needed to go to college for a week or so to see the world outside of the idealized, anti-smoking environment that we are used to in high school…
I can pinpoint when I “grew up” in this regard: 1) going to Europe and sitting in all that smoke, coming back, and feeling nostalgic when going outside walking through a cloud of it, and 2) seeing intelligent, competent classmates and co-workers light up less than a minute after class. Is it really so hard to believe that the five HIMYM characters would be off-and-on smokers? I find it harder to believe that they WOUDLN’T be.
Nonblonde | December 16, 2009 @ 6:10 am
I haven’t laughed this much at an HIMYM episode since… Well, it’s been a while..
I enjoyed this episode immensly, besides being funny and touching in a way I’ve missed these season, it felt as if the writers focused a little bit on everyone , even though it was a Robin-episode… I didn’t miss anybody, and it didn’t feel as if anyone had better gags than the others (even though marshall is hilarious, Barney makes me pee a little and Lily’s smoke-voice was the funniest thing this ep)!
And I was just thinking, about the smoking: is it really that much of a taboo in america? I read your posts and it seems as if those that don’t smoke are strongly against it, almost taking it as an insult to see others smoke.. So out of curiosity, is it really that bad?
Needless to say I guess, I live in Europe and it’s not such a big deal: to each one their own, as we say, and most people around here smoke – at least when drunk!
But now I’ve got to go, all the “watching my favourite characters puff like chimneys” made me want to go out and… stand there by myself for 5 minutes…
redviper | December 16, 2009 @ 9:24 am
@nonblonde Its pretty bad for smokers especially in the northeast and west coast. Portland even had an entire block where you aren’t even allowed to smoke on the street.
Plus its quite annoying how everyone feels its their duty to warn you away from smoking when you are enjoying one outside. “Oh did you know its bad for your health?” is something I have heard way too often.
Nonblonde | December 16, 2009 @ 10:38 am
@redviper: Haha, that sounds terrible! In my country it’s more common to be healthy by eating right and and excercising: one prefers to lay off chips and pizza than to stop smoking really… From what I hear about americas problems with obesity maybe they should straighten up some other of their priorities as well
Toby | December 16, 2009 @ 11:18 am
@ Jason and Steve. I definitely agree with you. I don’t think that it is so outrageous that they had an episode about smoking, and that they all smoke. The have spoken about smoking pot throughout the season and I don’t see anyone getting up in arms about that; which is just as unhealthy not to mention illegal. I smoked for about a minute in college and am not a big fan of it myself, but I don’t see the harm in doing an episode about it. Especially because they highlighted what was bad about smoking, and not that it is a cool thing to do.
Granted, personally I am not a big fan of smoking, and get really annoyed in New York when people are smoking outside because I breath in the fumes, and I would want to kiss a guy who smoked, but watching people do it on tv doesn’t bother me.
Toby | December 16, 2009 @ 11:20 am
ooop, I meant I WOULDN’T want to kiss a guy who smoked! (Sorry I type way to fast)
Anoop | December 16, 2009 @ 11:52 am
Hi all,
First of all I smoke and I’m not proud of it. What they are trying to portray is that, anybody can be a victim of smoking and it is always possible to come out of it. It depends on the choices we make.
Initially a positive out-look is given, which surprised me a lot. Later the consequences are shown really well. For instance, change of Lily’s voice, Ted finding it difficult to climb the stairs, lots of coughing, etc which speaks of the reality.
Lastly, the main motive behind any series would be to educate and create an awareness in the masses. Though this episode didn’t move the story, I believe they managed to get in the less pros and more cons of smoking. Thus making the masses aware of the facts.
Rebecca | December 16, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
I liked how Robin stood up to Don and remained serious about her job and her ambitions. And when she was on the edge, about to give in, the fact that her friends were there for her just in time was very sweet.
The fact that they all got up after that to go smoke a cigarette, and that Robin, too, had bought a pack on her way home, was extremely disappointing to me.
However, the ending narration was touching – I was glad to hear that everyone would, indeed, stop smoking eventually, even if it took a life-changing experience for it to happen. I was also happy to hear about Lilly and Marshall’s son, and of course, Ted’s future wife.
After watching the episode, I found myself thinking, “I can’t believe I had to go through all of that choking and coughing for this ending…” I would like to think that the writers intended this to be an anti-smoking episode, and that they didn’t think up that whole story just so that they could tell us that Ted stopped smoking when he met his wife. It was funny at first, but I think it was dragged out a bit far.
In short, I think that the message was good, but the method was so-so.
Toby | December 16, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
I am in agreement Rebecca, I thought the end was sweet and touching, and it was nice to see all her friends being there for her; and that they watched her show finally!
Rebecca | December 16, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
Just to clarify the ending of my previous post, I thought the ending narration was really nice, but I felt it was a small prize for what I had to go through to get it.
Nonblonde | December 16, 2009 @ 4:22 pm
WOW, people REALLY don’t approve of smoking in a america.. I’m sorry for bringing it up again but this is quite fascinating: talk about different cultures!
Toby | December 16, 2009 @ 4:24 pm
So true!! I saw such a difference this summer when I was in Spain between American and European culture in many areas. Smoking is definitely one of them. I was floored that people could smoke in restaurants and bars etc……
R2 Sweet Tooth | December 16, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
@Libery Bell Licker, b and everyone else who posted about the children footage saying “What”?
The clip is definately from Pilot, an exclamation from the children when future Ted tells how he said “I think I’m in love with you” to Robin on his first date.
Just to clear that out.
Toby | December 16, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
It wasn’t from the pilot; they were wearing different clothing in the pilot
Jazzer | December 16, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
Wow, the ending really touched me. Weird. Amazing show, no matter what. Can’t wait for THE 100th ep.
Andre | December 16, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
Toby
i checked it, it’s the exact same clothes
Ranelle | December 17, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
The comments around here are definitely more positive! And I agree with them. I really enjoyed this ep. It felt a lot like classic himym… a lot of scenes with the group together, nothing over-the-top. To be honest, a large reason of why I enjoyed it is because I sort of relate. I’m one of those people who has one or two cigarettes then thinks that if I have a 3rd I’ll get addicted, like Marshall lol. I guess it started when I went to Europe a couple of years ago… I used to think it was disgusting, then I smoked there… and started again a bit with some friends last summer. I’m never buying a pack again though! I don’t plan on ever being a smoker.
Scoundrel | December 17, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
As it’s my first official post, it’s going to be long. I hope someone will read it since it’s been a while since episode 11 came out.
When I heard that there’s going to be an episode with the entire cast smoking cigarettes, I was terrified. Everyone who knows me know that I’m against smoking. I really don’t understand smokers, especially young ones, and especially with all the awareness and warnings.
But despite all that this episode made me laugh quite hard, for my surprise. Robin smoking while eating cereal/brushing teeth was hilarious! What’s up with Marshall’s time-traveling?
The ending was touching (great background song BTW), and quite informative. I guess it means that Barney’s last cigarette will be a long time after the series events (unless they plan on having 12 seasons). Robin’s last cigarette is somewhere in the end of season 8. Does the dates actually mean anything?
So the season is starting to look better (although for my opinion it’s not so bad so far either). I’m still looking forward for a story for LAME, and hopefully a baby son (but without any big change in the others’ lives, it would be a little weird).
Things to look forward to in this season:
* Robin Sparkles variety show, co-starring Alan Thicke.
* The gang spotting Ted and Barny’s lookalikes.
* Tony’s movie, “The Wedding Bride” (“more on that later”, and according to the website it’s “coming out” at March 2010, at the end of this season).
*Lily and Marshall’s first child?
And since I don’t know where else to put it – does anybody heard of the doormat theory? I had a HIMYM marathon during this week (This week is actually the Hanukkah holiday break here in Israel) and I’ve re-watched the entire series, and the ending of “Game Night” (1×15) really surprised me.
For those who don’t remember, Ted threw up on Robin’s doormat after his date with her. The last scene of that episode shows robin smiling over her new custom made Scherbatsky doormat that someone gave her as a present, and we assumed it was Ted.
But according to the way the ending monologue was edited, it seems like Barney bought it to her, and that the writers already decided that Barney and Robin are going to be together (“Of course not every secret was told that night… but that’s getting ahead of the story.”) I looked it up on the web and I’m not the first one to think about it. Watch that episode again and you’ll see it makes sense. It makes me think that RoBarn is not over, and I hope so.
(And again, sorry for any grammatical errors, I’m not a native speaker)
Jenn- GCWOK Approved | December 18, 2009 @ 2:33 am
I love how people are judging my personality based on some opinions.
Scoundrel, those were very interesting insights and I want to rewatch that episode now! That thought never occurred to me!
Colin | December 18, 2009 @ 6:15 am
My friend mentioned this, and it’s an interesting theory on her part. At the end, future Ted says Marshall quit smoking after HIS son was born. He did not say Marshall quit smoking after THEIR son was born. So now my friend thinks Marshall may ultimately have a child, but not with Lily.
Thoughts?
Scoundrel | December 18, 2009 @ 6:43 am
@Colin
I thought about it too, but it is very unlikely that Marshall will have a child with another woman. If you remember, when Marshall fantasize about other women he first needs to kill Lily off so it wouldn’t count as cheating on her (and even then he needs to wait an “appropriate number of years”). So unless they’re getting a divorce, I really don’t see another scenario.
Nonblonde | December 18, 2009 @ 6:43 am
@Colin
That would totally suck! Besides I don’t really think it’s true either: we know by the many references to the future that Lily and Marshall will remain together for years years to come, so for the theory to be true, Marshall’s son must be like.. illegitimate and the result of an affair? Naah that doesn’t even sound like Marshall and Lily would NEVER take that kind of crap from him! And to make that one work with the rest the writers have to come up with HUGE, unlikely spin and if it comes to that point I don’t even want to hear it…!
Toby | December 18, 2009 @ 8:26 am
Jenn, what do you mean?
I am sure that didn’t mean anything. I feel like some men get very posessive over their sons so maybe that is all future Ted meant. He also didn’t say the minute they started trying to get pregnant.
qui_ca | December 18, 2009 @ 8:52 am
@Sara – I agree with you 100%! I really couldn’t relate to this episode at all. Most of the time I can find the sweet and endearing aspects of this show even though I honestly can’t relate to a lot of the choices they make, but this one… it just didn’t work for me either! Thanks for making me feel not so alone on that one!
Clyde | December 18, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
@Toby
Wrong. The most one would have to be concerned about healthwise with smoking marajuana is chronic bronchitis unless one has the potential for addiction (being a carrier or homogygous recessive for one of the 400 genes responsible for adddiction). If one is an addict, then the high of marajuana will only last for so long before they find something else that will give the same stimulation, whether that something else is alcohol, speed, coke or heroin. The dangers of cigarette smoking however are well documented and you don’t need me to tell you what consequences are.
lulz | December 19, 2009 @ 6:51 am
well i read all 75 comments and i still don’t know why JD is using the word “verboten” in this recap, is it an usual word in the english language?
(i’m german so it’s very confusing for me :p)
Fritz | December 19, 2009 @ 7:08 am
@ lulz:
das gleiche gilt für mich
qui_ca | December 19, 2009 @ 9:17 am
@Lulz and @Fritz – Yeah, we do use that sometimes. Along with ‘Gesundheit’ if someone sneezes.
I’m trying to think of others – wunderbar and Wunderkind (astonishingly enough) come up as well. Doppelganger is also popular for some reason.But we know they’re not English. I guess it just adds a little something special. Viel Glueck beim Englischlernen! 
(And see, you can count some words in your own language as new English vocab, hehe!)
lulz | December 19, 2009 @ 9:30 am
oh yea i wondered about doppelganger too in that one episode..
thanks
Fritz | December 19, 2009 @ 9:33 am
@ qui_ca
but i have to say, it wasn’t the first time i recognized it. while watching scrubs, himym and other shows i heart some words that sounded familiar to me but i didn’t really care enough to do some research 
thanks for the little overview of german words in the american english
Ardan | December 19, 2009 @ 10:21 am
I think , this episode was knd of boring.It should have included some actions.
qui_ca | December 19, 2009 @ 10:53 am
No problem. And hey, check it out! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_German_expressions_in_English
In the meantime, out of curiosity, what did you think of Heidi Klum’s German phrase for ‘the yips’? (I know it was a long time ago, but I’m trying to make sure the site owner knows we’re trying to stay HIMYM-related…)
Fritz | December 19, 2009 @ 11:43 am
thank you
yeah that was kinda funny, but she talks so fast, i didn’t really get it. It was something with “Ach du meine Güte, gar nichts klapp mehr … ” the rest i didn’t get
in english it is like: “Oh my gosh, nothing seems to work anymore…”
katie90 | December 19, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
i think it’s “ach du meine güte, gar nichts klappt mehr, aber so überhaupt gar nichts mehr”. so, inkeeping with fritz’ translation, that would be “Oh my gosh, nothing seems to work anymore, nothing at all”
qui_ca | December 19, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Right, I know what she says, I was just wondering how it came off to a German audience.
We anglos are overly-focused on how long words can be in German sometimes, so I wonder how that joke would translate, so to speak…especially since Germans know good and well it wasn’t one word! 
SundaeQueen | December 20, 2009 @ 3:13 am
For anyone looking for Robin’s coat from last episode, I wrote a blog post about it here, with several similar looking ones that I found: http://laundryonsundaes.wordpress.com/2009/12/20/pretty-layers-and-tieres/
Fritz | December 20, 2009 @ 6:45 am
das stimmt, irgendwie sind das relativ viele Leute aus Deutschland, die HIMYM schauen
yup that’s right, it seems like there are at least three people from Germany watching HIMYM
Jen Jen | December 20, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
You know, i just watched the pilot the other day for fun and i realized that the kids “WHAT!?” was exactly like in the pilot and they were wearing the same clothes in the last cigarette ever as the did in the pilot. it’s not new footage, its really old footage
Toby | December 21, 2009 @ 1:52 am
So I just want to say that my birthday was on Saturday, and 7 of my friends chipped in and bought me all four seasons of HIMYM!!!
Fabio | December 21, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
well said Jason, well said…
WangYue | December 22, 2009 @ 10:24 am
??????????????
I love it!
Zara Femme | December 22, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
I also got all four seasons of HIMYM on dvd. It’s constantly playing whenever I’m home! Great gift idea
Toby | December 22, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
yeah, it made me really really happy. I mean I sort of asked for it like 3 months ago, but I didn’t think they would really do it
.
T.I.P. | December 24, 2009 @ 7:03 am
While there were a few funny and touching parts, I didn’t like the episode as a whole. The himym-bunch kind of disappointed me.
Eddie | December 29, 2009 @ 7:43 am
@Jason:
It’s not shallow to dislike someone for smoking. It’s akin to finding out someone is into scat eating.
For people like me, it can make someone ugly.
Jenn- GCWOK Approved | December 31, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
I mostly meant that people are being judged as a whole based on their opinions from people like Steve who said that people who are disgusted by smoking are “petty,” “conceited,” and “haven’t gone to college.” Whatever that means. And Jason, who basically said those people are “shallow” and “oppressive.” I’m sorry people feel that way, but smoking is a huge turn-off to me and it’s not because I’m close-minded or under-educated…. it just makes me gag.
Katie | January 12, 2010 @ 5:27 pm
I think this episode is really important actually. It epitomizes on the fact that Ted is not a reliable narrator. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that he’s telling a story to his kids and that you can’t trust and analyze every little thing Bob Saget says. If the whole gang have been smokers for the past 5 seasons, there has to other little details we’re missing as well.
DCN | January 12, 2010 @ 10:53 pm
I felt this was one of the worst episodes of the series. I find smoking a huge turn-off, and now we’re told all the characters are smokers. You can’t understand my disappointment.
Eileen | February 19, 2010 @ 3:45 am
Honestly: most people I know are smokers or smoke occasionally. And I come from a very typical situation, not dissimilar to those of the HIMYM clan: people who meet for a drink at the local pub, mostly single guys and girls who enjoy a good night out. And where I’m from (Melbourne, Australia), most people my age, in my sector of society, smoke. It just what we do when we go out.
That said, nobody ever smokes inside. People my age barely knew pubs and clubs before the no smoking rule came in. It seems foreign to me.
I really enjoyed the episode (and the coat XD) and NOT just because I’m a smoker. Though I can entirely relate, and I’m so glad someone finally listed the taboo. It just makes so much sense that they smoke!!