Season 5, Episode 14: The Perfect Week Discussion

Here we go, I decided to squeeze this in tonight both because I love you all and also so I can spend all of tomorrow dedicated to Lost’s return.

0:56

It looks like we’re back to a Barney episode this week. Doesn’t bother me, I like the Barney-centric stories.

1:17

Love the shirt!

1:55

“See that hottie over there nursing a Black Russian? She’s about to chase that with a White American. Up top!” The genius thing about Barney is that even though he’s slippery and dirty and manipulatively takes advantage of women, he put such effort and vigor into it you have to love him. He really does transcend the game.

3:25

Cook Poo is not the best fake name, and I know a thing or two about fake names. Check these out (say them out loud for full effect):

Shea Vercleen
Adolf Oloverbush
Jack Knopf
Neal Downeneater
Drew Peacock
Barry McCockener

Take that network TV!

4:25

Charlene!

4:47

First Victoria reference in a looong time. Foreshadowing? Nah, I doubt it. But I bet it made a bunch of you go “SQUEE!”

5:16

Our toothbrush? That is kind of gross. I don’t know why. You make out with someone, you share glasses, eat off their fork at dinner, you might even use their soap or shampoo. But there is something verboten about sharing a tooth brush.

5:52

I often wonder what the name of the episode might mean. For some reason I had a feeling tonight’s was going to be on the same page as Ten Sessions or Double Date: “The Perfect Week” would be in reference to some girl Ted had started dating. I was ready to see him feed her marinara off a wooden spoon while she sat on the counter. Never did I suspect it was a reference to Barney’s own twisted version of A Perfect Game. This dude takes Sport Fucking to a whole new level.

7:00

This premise is sort of wonderful. I like when they just have fun with an episode.

8:11

I’m wondering how many people are going to think the toothbrush side plot is stupid. It’s making me LOL quite a bit.

9:34

“You can lick my hand as long as you want” Marshall and Lily are adorable. Big little-kids both of them.

10:19

I love Ted calling for plays and Barney shaking them off. This might be the most silly fun in an episode since Spoiler Alert.

12:18

“Gitty-what-up!” Did anyone else think about BadHorse from Dr. Horrible? When the truth comes out I’m not sure that should count. Also, how does Barney have time to go all the way to Staten Island for lunch?

13:05

These Poo jokes are really funny. This from the guy who can rattle off a half dozen dirty fake names.

16:41

Say what you will about Robin but I finally figured it out. She’s the distillation of every desperate girl. Just like Barney is the ultimate ladies man, Marshall is the perfect spouse, and Ted is the hopeless Romantic, Robin is every lonely girl. Think about it, you probably have known at least one. Self-sabotaging, confused about what they want and willing to settle for just about anything yet some how still perennially single. Robin is representing a very real demographic and doing it well.

19:05

Love to see the team effort.

20:34

I wonder, with episodes like this, if we the audience are supposed to forget that these are all stories Ted tells his kids. If we should forgo asking the question and just enjoy the ride. It’s nice that they recognize this thought of mine. Thanks dudes.

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65 Comments to “Season 5, Episode 14: The Perfect Week Discussion”

  1.  Face | February 1, 2010 @ 10:42 pm

    First time, long time.

    I liked it. It was really funny and the pacing was better. We’re truly back to things being “Awesome” (and back to hearing people actually use that word).

    Some Marshall and Lilly quirkyness was also welcome. Sharing a toothbrush? Sharing TED’S toothbrush? Fantastic.

    I’m excited for next week.

  2.  Brody | February 1, 2010 @ 10:42 pm

    I’m kind of hoping that tonights episode is a bait and switch like sexless inkeeper was, in that the episode title refers to the subplot rather than the main plot of the episode. even im tired of the barney episodes, unless of course its an evenly divided episode…that would be splendid

    btw, why does next weeks episode title exited you JD?

  3.  John Darc | February 1, 2010 @ 10:59 pm

    Wow, a Victoria name drop. Fan service!

    Also, Nick Swisher totally has a girlfriend. It’s Joanna Garcia, aka Ted’s perfect girl.

  4.  Brody | February 1, 2010 @ 11:05 pm

    just finished the episode!

    i really enjoyed it, everything felt evenly spread out and the jokes were extremely funny this week

  5.  andrew | February 2, 2010 @ 12:07 am

    I laughed more in this episode than any in recent memory. As a baseball fan, I loved the analogy to “the perfect game.” It was a lot of fun to watch. The jokes were good, and the sharing-of-the-toothbrush joke got better and better. Good job!

  6.  Kelly G | February 2, 2010 @ 12:11 am

    I loved the baseball references. They were fantastic.

    I don’t know why people don’t like the Barney storylines. He’s my favorite character. NPH can do whatever he wants and I’d still love it.

    I’m glad they explained who Swisher was because I had no idea seeing as how I’m a Mets fan.

  7.  BGeo | February 2, 2010 @ 12:14 am

    I thought this was one of the best episodes in a long time. So many funny references, that would go unnoticed if you didn’t pay attention (the hamburglar).

    Really funny how sports brought everyone together, but I really liked the format… Barney talking to Jim Nance was hilarious and I really liked the baseball reference

  8.  BGeo | February 2, 2010 @ 12:17 am

    btw… totally want a “barney stinson perfect week” hat

  9.  JD | February 2, 2010 @ 1:21 am

    Recap is posted!

  10.  ev. mosby | February 2, 2010 @ 2:19 am

    Doesn’t anyone else think it’s weird that they share a toothbrush because I think in one of the episodes where LAME got stuck in Ted’s bathroom, they were using their own toothbrushes. Maybe I was wrong.

  11.  Jenn- GCWOK Approved | February 2, 2010 @ 3:21 am

    Wow, I was surprised to see the F bomb in the recap! Not loving that, but otherwise great recap.
    I also liked how they addressed the fact that Ted is telling his kids these highly innappropriate stories- that made me laugh. Can you imagine hearing things like that about your parent, especially at their age?! Haha, I would be scarred for life.
    Also I love that Barney imagines himself being interviewed when he’s nervous. “Who’s the narcissist with severe attachment disorders NOW, Dr. Grossbard?!”

  12.  sweet haircut | February 2, 2010 @ 4:15 am

    Baseball HIMYM = My favorite episode of all the time

    Also,
    Lilly wasn’t annoying
    Robin was her cocky old self and hilarious
    Marshall ran with the “poo” joke like the guys usually do
    Ted was an awesome bro
    And Barney was awesome as usual

    Best “random” episode (having no meaning to the plot) since the best burger in new york.

    Hopefully this is the turnaround of this season..

  13.  sweet haircut | February 2, 2010 @ 4:16 am

    *all time

  14.  Colin | February 2, 2010 @ 4:29 am

    Loved Barney closing the freezer door only to find Lily waiting for him. Lily has gone so Lisa Simpson, that her preachiness really has become a threat that they all fear. And I love it.

    Now, all we need to do is get back on track with Ted and we’re good. But considering we’re going to have a season 7, I guess they have to stretch things.

  15.  Rainy | February 2, 2010 @ 6:33 am

    This episode is really cute! I kind of like the sub plot of everybody more than the perfect week thing, but it’s really nice seeing them working together to help Barney get a perfect week. And I also agree, this season, after her break-up with Barney, Robin seems to be desperate. Though, I kind of think it’s funny & next episode seems to has a solution for this one!

  16.  Ari | February 2, 2010 @ 9:56 am

    @jenn – me too re: the f bomb!

    I thought it was a cute ep, made me laugh and definitely watch a second viewing.

    For the recap… it seemed a bit short, or was it just me? I miss the old recaps!

  17.  anon | February 2, 2010 @ 10:27 am

    anyone else recognize that song when ted is calling plays for barney is from major league?

  18.  Jazzer | February 2, 2010 @ 10:45 am

    Ah, finally, after weeks of wainting, and boredom, HIMYM is finally back. Comments are good so far, so I’m downloading the episode, will post thoughts later.

  19.  Geoff | February 2, 2010 @ 11:08 am

    @anon – That’s just what I was going to post. The song from “Major League” playing behind Ted calling plays and Barney shaking them off was an awesome yet subtle reference and perfect for the episode’s theme.

  20.  Starney Binson | February 2, 2010 @ 11:17 am

    Ted… Which one of these girls looks the dumbest?

  21.  ZSL | February 2, 2010 @ 11:19 am

    First time commenting. I’m may be in the minority, but I liked Robin WAY better when she showed more complexity instead of being (paraphrasing) the distillation of desperate. I liked the Robin who was going to interview for a job in Japan, who wanted to be a serious journalist- the one who broke up with Ted, basically- instead of just accepting her fate as lead on an unwatched morning news show where she’s a drinking game.
    I’m not saying Cobie doesn’t do a fantastic job either way- she does, she’s wonderfully talented. But I liked old Robin better, I thought she was way hotter, and I think Cobie’s ability is being wasted playing a caricature.

  22.  Canadianwingman | February 2, 2010 @ 11:19 am

    I thought this episode was great. The last three episodes have really had the pacing, funny/silly humour and great writing of earlier seasons. This has been a major turning point in this year for me. I think when this show really shines is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

    I loved all the baseball references, even the Jim Nantz cameo was fantastic, Nantzie boy was really good. The way this episode worked was just perfect, I loved the pacing especially, there were just so many good things about it. Great episode, I am looking forward to finishing off this season!

  23.  Jazzer | February 2, 2010 @ 12:00 pm

    Saw the episode. Well, not as good as I hoped it to be. I didnt have my hopes up, but some parts are just, lame. The toothbrush thing was chewed out like, a million times before, and it wasn’t even executed like it should’ve, the Cook Poo thing is absolutely the same, even though it was good at some moments.

    And the last part with the NY Yankee was so, so, bad. I mean, the show isn’t going on the wrong route, but some episodes can just be, a waste of time and a bad mixture of ideas.

  24.  Josh | February 2, 2010 @ 12:22 pm

    Speaking of the song from Major League II, anyone know the name of it?

  25.  Toby | February 2, 2010 @ 12:29 pm

    I liked the episode a lot, but I couldn’t come up with a clever facebook status for it (usually they jump out at me). I ended up grossing people out and talking about the tooth brushing thing, which btw was disgusting!

    In a way this felt like The Bracket (using a sports reference to talk about Barney’s sex life) but the Bracket was a lot better. I did like seeing vulnerable Barney who was scared he was getting fired, and using picking up women as a way to ameliorate his feelings.

    I hear what you are saying J.D. about Robin being the typical lonely girl, and it really bothers me. She used to be a confident fun person, and now she is just getting ridiculous.

  26.  Toby | February 2, 2010 @ 12:40 pm

    BTW to quote my friend “aren’t they all Barney centered episodes!”

  27.  aaron | February 2, 2010 @ 12:41 pm

    my favorite moment all night is when Jim Nantz kicks his chair because of the jinx. That was just classic.

    Also, the song was Pennant Fever and it’s from Major League 1… but probably in all 3. I linked it in my recap but it’s not available in digital format. Here it is on youtube though:

  28.  Picelli | February 2, 2010 @ 1:23 pm

    yeah! BadHorse! LOL
    Good episode. A filler one, but still a great episode!

  29.  Thomas | February 2, 2010 @ 4:28 pm

    Three real enjoyable episodes in a row, let’s hope they keep this up. I loved the imaginary interview in Barney’s head and the whole sport thing they had going on. Poor Cook Poo though! I hope Ted made it up to her somehow.

  30.  Colin | February 2, 2010 @ 5:20 pm

    Oh, and another thing.

    In season three, Marshall was unemployed and looking for the best burger in New York. And Lily insists on helping him find it.

    Last night, Barney is about to get fired and is trying to have the perfect record. But Lily insists on stopping him.

    Boo.

  31.  Toby | February 2, 2010 @ 5:28 pm

    Yeah, but she tried to help him at the end.

  32.  Matt | February 2, 2010 @ 10:55 pm

    Long time, first time..

    As a baseball fan I thought this episode was awesome, without a doubt my favorite episode of this season. Props to Jim Nantz. I thought he was hilarious throughout the entire episode. I also loved the scene when Marshall used the performance enhancing drugs. I hate swisher, by the way. Nothing against him personally, but I’m from Minnesota and him, along with every other person that ever wore the Yankee pinstripes, seems to destroy the Twins any time they play. Also, on that note, this recent NFC Championship game that the Vikings lost stings more than the 1999 NFC Championship game for a healthy portion of Minnesotans. I would love to see that worked in some time in the future after the grieving process has passed.

    It seems to me like a large majority of people here are feeling like the season is starting to come around. I have been pretty satisfied with this season as a whole. It seems like everyone wants to be a critic. Well whatever the case is I’m glad to say I’m getting just as much enjoyment out of this season as any other.

    Lastly, I would also like to point out that I liked the old recap format better.

  33.  Purple Giraffe | February 3, 2010 @ 12:53 am

    @Matt I’m sure you’re a good person and all but I just have to take a moment to say that it is only fitting for Favre to throw a game-ending interception for the Vikes in the NFC championship after he did that same nonsense to my beloved Packers two years ago on my 18th birthday. and I may have jumped up and down and screamed and laughed for several minutes when the Vikes lost.

    regarding this episode, I thought it was great. It was funny throughout. and the sharing the toothbrush thing is waayyy nasty. Just eww.

  34.  Steve | February 3, 2010 @ 10:58 am

    Indeed, in Season 1’s episode Zip, Zip, Zip-Marshall and Lilly are shown brushing their teeth with their own toothbrushes. I hate continuity errors.

  35.  Adam A | February 3, 2010 @ 12:18 pm

    I think It’s time to drop this format of writing. (When you put down the time of everything funny).

  36.  Trevormac98 | February 3, 2010 @ 1:20 pm

    I agree Purple Giraffe. That loss two years ago was heart breaking. Packers definitely did right thing in keeping Rodgers.

    As for the episode, very funny. Just because Nick Swisher has a GF doesnt mean women wont flock to him where he goes.

    I agree with JD about Robin. I was thinking very similiar. As for the F bomb, no biggie to me. Use the words that best describe what you want to say, this wasnt in business but a blog.

    Jim Nantz was great and the flashback of kids is hilarious, especially since oldest one is on Wizards of Waverly place and a lot older looking.

    Keep it up JD, love the reviews. I did like the older ones better though.

  37.  A Mother's Thoughts | February 3, 2010 @ 2:34 pm

    Love this show, and I love it even more that you do a play by play, I know where to come now when I miss an episode!!

    Lynn

  38.  A Mother's Thoughts | February 3, 2010 @ 2:35 pm

    Love this show, and I love it even more that you do a play by play, I know where to come now when I miss an episode!! Yeah!

    Lynn

  39.  Purple Giraffe | February 3, 2010 @ 2:45 pm

    @Trevormac98 Good to know there is another Packers fan on here!! and yes, Rodgers is THE TRUTH!

  40.  Derek | February 3, 2010 @ 7:47 pm

    I love the note on the heater (10:08): Be wary of strong drink. It can make you shoot at bill collectors… and miss.

  41.  stefany | February 3, 2010 @ 11:19 pm

    i wasn’t impressed by this episode. i like the premise of the perfect week but i thought the execution was a little sloppy. we didn’t really see barney working any tough schemes to get the girls, which is usually the best part . the toothbrush stuff was funny but much too trivial for driving a whole subplot (although the reveal of Robin also using it was hilarious). and the cook poo thing was just sad. i felt like the episode was a lost opportunity for Ted to struggle with teaching and for Marshall and Lily to hit a rough patch (I thought Jenkins was gonna cause them some trouble but they copped out of that too). Robin is just annoying now, when did she turn into such an attention whore? She’s a long way from being an occasional Woo Girl.

    What bothered me the most was that Barney didn’t get fired. It didn’t feel like a real threat at any point in the eps and I was disappointed that they didn’t take a risk and give Barney some real conflict.

  42.  JT | February 4, 2010 @ 12:46 am

    Stefany – I totally I agree with you on a lot of what you said (although Cook Pu, I still thought was awesome). I kinda wanted to see Barney get fired, and was starting imagining how it might have thrown off the plot (i.e. with his interest in Robin), but it didn’t happen. Barney’s perfectionism has predictability flaws.

    Although I enjoyed and laughed through the episode, I thought there were some fallacies that made my enjoyment incomplete.

    All the use of Barney lately reminds me of an error made on ye-olde sitcoms like “Good Times” or “Family Matters” where the funny character (Dynomite JJ and Urkel, respectively) started to be overused in plots and cast members (along with the audience) started to leave. Although Barney’s an intelligent guy compared to those two, I hope that the HIMYM writers don’t overuse a good actor/character to the same point.

  43.  High Hoper | February 4, 2010 @ 7:17 am

    Well, I liked the episode, BUT… (there’s always a ‘but’)

    I think Alyson Hannigan is really pretty this season. For every season till this one, Robin would seem prettier than Lily, but this season, Lily’s full of win.

    The main plot of the episode kept me watching interestingly, I liked it. (although I have to recognize I didn’t know the interviewer). The 7 days / 7 girls / 0 rejections was very well done (although I would have liked they show us some Barnacle tricks (snowball collection? really? AWESOME)

    The toothbrush thing seemed forced to me. We saw in Zip zip zip (1×14) that they’re toothbrushing with two different toothbrushes. Also, wouldn’t they change that toothbrush for that amount of years? wouldn’t they realize?

    cook po? it was funny the first time, but when I watched the episode for a second time, only the “here” ‘answer’ made it for me.

    Overall, I really liked it, and it is the first episode that I openly like in the last episodes. Great work.

    One thing I wonder is: we have 10 episodes left till season finale. Anyone guesses what they’re gonna do? It’s pretty remarkable that Tony’s movie will have a great role in the finale, but how? Also, have I heard anywhere that Thomas (and/or) Bays have expressed that they want a 8-season run?

  44.  lulz | February 4, 2010 @ 11:17 am

    i change my toothbrush like every 3 months, and they were using it for years? now THAT is gross to me, not the thing that they shared it.

  45.  Toby | February 4, 2010 @ 11:24 am

    I am sure they weren’t using the SAME toothbrush for years, but they changed the one they shared every few months.

    BTw, speaking of lack of continuity, don’t you think it is weird that they mentioned Ted and Robin and Ted and Victoria when speaking about couple friends. In the Sexless Innkeeper it seemed that Ted had no idea about Marshall and Lily’s couples night shananagans.

    As a single female I find the whole portrayal of lonely Robin incredibly offensive. I can’t even tell you how many bad dates I went on where I prayed the guy didn’t call. I was happy when we mutually decided not to go out ever again. I feel like they are portraying single girls in their late 20’s or early 30’s to be these pathetic creatures, and I find that a bit offensive. The only thing I can come up with to make myself feel better is that she is acting like a nut job as a reaction to loosing Barney.

  46.  Bro | February 4, 2010 @ 12:32 pm

    Really enjoyed the episode. I was hoping that at the end, when Barney has the possibility of loosing the perfect week, that Robyn would have stepped up and helped him complete it. Then they’d get back together.

  47.  Toby | February 4, 2010 @ 12:44 pm

    @Bro I thought that to, but because of the impending Don/Robin relationship I figured that wouldn’t happen

  48.  High Hoper | February 4, 2010 @ 1:52 pm

    Oh, and the best moment of the episode, for me, when Marshall said

    Ted and Victoria.

    Oh god, I want her back!!!!

  49.  bagga | February 4, 2010 @ 4:07 pm

    This episode was nothing special…

  50.  Jazzer | February 4, 2010 @ 7:33 pm

    @High Hoper: Oh Ted, or poor delusional Ted… HIMYM got picked up for Season 6. =] We’re a year away from the season finale.

  51.  High Hoper | February 4, 2010 @ 8:11 pm

    @jazzer

    I know! The original plan was 7-season run, but I read a few years ago that if possible they will make a 8-season run.

  52.  Zach | February 7, 2010 @ 7:08 pm

    Just realized this. I was curious why Jim Nantz would be on a sitcom. Then today I saw that Nantz is calling the Super Bowl. On CBS. You guys think CBS was trying to expose their broadcaster to a wider audience a week before he calls what should be the most watched Super Bowl of all time?

  53.  Toby | February 8, 2010 @ 12:48 pm

    Did people see the Barney Stinson Ad at the superbowl yesterday?

  54.  Purple Giraffe | February 8, 2010 @ 1:03 pm

    YES! I was like “BARNEEEEEEYYYY!!”

  55.  Toby | February 8, 2010 @ 1:07 pm

    I know! Best part of the superbowl!!!!

  56.  Spencer | February 8, 2010 @ 1:48 pm

    Yup, the phone number was 1-877-987-6401

  57.  Purple Giraffe | February 8, 2010 @ 2:04 pm

    @toby That was amazing. But my favorite part of the Super Bowl was Drew Brees holding his baby son after they won. That was just too precious. But Barney was a very close second. And the Betty White Snickers commercial was definitely the third best part. :)

  58.  Toby | February 8, 2010 @ 4:03 pm

    @ Purple Giraffe- agreed that was very sweet!

    I also enjoyed the Who halftime show.

  59.  Purple Giraffe | February 8, 2010 @ 4:34 pm

    @Starney Binson, there is no need to be a dick.

    and

    @Toby I also enjoyed The Who. A lot of people are complaining that ever since the Janet Jackson incident there haven’t been halftime shows that appeal to younger audiences, but I have been impressed with most of the haltime entertainment for the past few years and I’m only 20. Apparently I’m not the best representative of my age group. Lol

  60.  Toby | February 8, 2010 @ 4:40 pm

    @Purple Giraffe, I think the fact that bands like the Who can can appeal to all age demographics just solidify that they are in fact “classic.” I am not that much older than you are, but I always loved calssic rock in my early 20’s.

  61.  Purple Giraffe | February 8, 2010 @ 5:21 pm

    @Toby I love classic rock too, and I agree about The Who being classics but I’ve just heard a lot of people complain about them and I think it’s ridiculous.

  62.  kul3mb | February 9, 2010 @ 5:13 am

    @purple giraffe and toby,

    GET A ROOM!! ;) im just playing.

  63.  Toby | February 9, 2010 @ 12:14 pm

    I would, but I am not a cougar!

  64.  gusti | February 10, 2010 @ 3:30 am

    Im happy to see other people picked up on the two toothbrush scene in season 1 episode 14, it bugged me when watching the perfect week. Loved it otherwise!

  65.  Richard | February 18, 2010 @ 11:12 am

    I have a question.
    What does the news reporter say after Lilly repeats “Perfect week” so many times
    he starts with “you know there are two things you dont do. First…bla bla…can anyone give me the o-tone. OR just tell me what ginks??? means :)

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