Season 5, Episode 8: The Playbook Recap
Finally here!
This episode is proof that the show is just more fun when Barney is being the trashy caricature of misogyny we know and love. He once said Lily was evil, manipulating everyone on puppet strings. Looks like he has some dark powers as well.
What Was Good
I liked the 50s era how-to quality of this episode, especially in terms of the Materhorn gambit. Barney is fantastic.
I like this Ted. He wants to be in a relationship as much as ever, but he’s not being naive about it. He’s also not quite bitter, though he’s circling that drain in a believable and funny way.
I really enjoyed the girl on which Barney performed The Scuba Diver. She was cute and played along with the group (harmonizing on “hell no”). She had the tiny-head-with-lots-of-hair thing. That’s a good thing. Watch for it, it’s a thing.
I liked the subplot of Robin meeting someone now that she’s not looking (which is true, btw). Ted shoving chicken fingers into his mouth is awesome. I want to try that. I can’t remember the last time I ate a chicken finger.
The beautiful thing about Barney is that you don’t have to try so hard to hook up with hot girls. He gives a new meaning to dating for sport. Scams like the Lorenzo von Matterhorn take way more effort to pull off than someone who didn’t fancy themselves a tryst connoisseur would be willing to put in. I like the easy ones though. I might try out SNASA sometime.
Also, the Matterhorn flim-flam demonstrates the writers love for fake web sites. It’s kind of a problem. A hilarious problem. I never thought you could work link equity and SEO optimization into getting laid. Oh, the possibilities.
Yet again this show is perfect for me. Ask anyone I know and they’ll tell you how fascinated I am by social psychology. Hoodwinks like the “he’s not coming” fit right into the wiley world of emotional manipulation. Editor’s note: I do not emotionally manipulate, but I’m fascinated by the many possibilities.
What Was Bad
Robin is back to not doing too much. There’s something off about both her and Lily this season and I can’t put my finger on it.
From the word go I knew what the outcome to the Scuba Diver bamboozle would be. Was I supposed to?
Favorite Moments
- I really liked the musical cues this episode used. The tinkling piano (I think, who knows) was great
- MILSWANCA!
- I love the synonym list of tricks from the book.
- When Barney says “give the the business” did it remind anyone else of the Show me your Genitals guy?
- Robin where’s your playbook?
Right here, a two volume set.
It’s a good read - What was with the way Lily and Barney were saying “You sumofabitch”?
- Segel has very little to do but what he has is gold. When he’s not finding frozen waffles he’s checking his email, btw.
- A man walking in swim fins is always funny.
Closing
While I have been busy, the last couple weeks’ episodes just haven’t really done it for me. This episode was better, and I enjoyed it, but it’s still not up to its full potential. There’s something off about the plots and the way the stories roll out. The entire car scene in The Rough Patch was emblematic of something gone awry. In another season this would’ve been hilarious but the timing or the blocking or something just wasn’t right.
BTW, this week’s episode is downloading now and the title alone makes me squeal with joy.
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High Hoper | November 23, 2009 @ 10:42 pm
A good episode that can be resumed with three words:
SUCK IT , LILY!!!!
katie90 | November 23, 2009 @ 10:51 pm
glad you’re back, JD! just don’t hold your breath for slapsgiving 2.
Meister | November 23, 2009 @ 11:48 pm
Ah, having a recap again is awesome. Nice to have you back, JD.
I don’t know what was with the way they said “you sumofabitch” but my friend and I have been saying it all week and seeing if anyone notices.
Can’t wait to read your take on tonight’s episode.
BGeo | November 24, 2009 @ 12:27 am
I saw two videos of jason singing (opening for maroon5 and swell season) and they both are amongst the funniest things i have seen all year. The playbook was awesome and will be waiting its paper back release.
Joben | November 24, 2009 @ 12:57 am
Is it just me, or is Jason Segel getting…fatter? Lol. I could care less, but I’m curious if it’s the actor himself, or it’s just something done for the character?
KR | November 24, 2009 @ 1:21 am
Joben: it’s a Segel thing, not a character thing. I mean, it’s a sitcom, they’re not gonna ask him to gain weight for a joke or something.
Welcome back, JD! I agree with this wholeheartedly:
“There’s something off about the plots and the way the stories roll out.”
I think this season has really suffered because they haven’t done anything with Ted. Sure, the dude can be a bit of a drag sometimes, but he’s the main character- and season 5 has mostly consisted of Saget Ted narrating the wacky adventures of his four friends, especially Barney/Robin, while Ted himself…sits around. And does nothing. Ultimately Ted is the heart of the show, and they’ve been ignoring him, so the show has suffered. It definitely feels like their jokes are getting cheaper/broader/more predictable overall.
Fabio | November 24, 2009 @ 7:03 am
Welcome back, JD!
donof | November 24, 2009 @ 7:08 am
they were saying sonofabitch like Van Matter Horn would say it.
Ashley | November 24, 2009 @ 11:14 am
I agree that without much focus on Ted the show is suffering a little bit. But at the end of the day even when it is not at its best HIMYM is still one of the funniest shows on tv.
Glad to have you back JD, I always looks forward to your recaps.
kay vee | November 24, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
I agree with KR – the writers haven’t given Ted anything to do. When the season first started, I was so pumped that we’d be catching glimpses of the mother @ the college, but that subplot has been as dead as a door nail (door knob? I don’t use this cliche a lot). I like seeing Ted in love.
francisco | November 24, 2009 @ 1:53 pm
This one was was great! Loved it! Barney/Neil rocked on this one! I agree on how predictable it was but, nonetheless, awesome.
Can´t say welcome back because I’m new here, but very good recap indeed.
Zach | November 24, 2009 @ 3:08 pm
Personally, I like repetitiveness in jokes. Even if I see the puncline coming, it still makes me laugh. Also, what’s with the formatting? I’m writing in CAPS!
vahid | November 28, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
so far, best epidsode in this season, just ted’s story about meeting the mother hasnt been the main point.
WordAddict | November 30, 2009 @ 4:27 am
Am I the only one who thought Claire fitted in SO well with the gang?! I think she deserves to come back – she didn’t come off as a typical dumb blonde (she only went out with Barney after they all egged her on)…I’d love to see coming back to the show….
Ardan | December 19, 2009 @ 10:23 am
The Ledeng’s comeback