HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 22: Something Blue

Summary

Following their wedding, Marshall and Lily try to get some food, but they are unable to get anything except the strawberries that come in their champagne. Lily gets drunk, and the two leave in their limo driven by Ranjit. They stop at a fast food restaurant for burgers, and when Lily throws up, the guy at the register calls Lily Marshall's wife for the first time.

Meanwhile Ted and Robin tell Barney the story of their one year anniversary. They went to the restaurant where Ted stole the Blue French Horn. A glass of champagne with an engagement ring is sent to their table by mistake, and Robin reacts poorly. This causes the two of them to argue over where their relationship is heading. They are also aprehended by the the restaurant owners, and have to return the Blue French Horn. The two sleep together after deciding they want to move to Argentina and have children. They then remember how their plan to move in together failed, and realize they don't really want the same things. They break up.

In the present Ted and Barney get back together as Bros.


Notes

This is the Season 2 Finale, and like the Season 1 Finale it has both a break up, and a new relationship. In this case, Ted and Robin break up, while Ted and Barney begin their new bro-relationship. This breakup actually happened two during the episode Showdown, but we are only informed of the backstory of the marinara sauce on their clothes now. This episode also mentions that Robin would eventually live in Morocco, Greace, Russia, and even spend a short time in Tokyo. This short time is seen in Season 4 Episode 5: Shelter Island.

Review

A heart wrenching episode. Its in this episode, when they finally realize that they can't be together that I'm actually most supportive of the Ted/Robin relationship. But the breakup made sense, the two wanted different things. And I like that it didn't involve some sort of horrible fight that would end their friendship. I also love seeing Drunk Lily. She's always funny. Most importantly, I love that Barney and Ted are back together. And the cliffhanger after legend wait for it....


Ranking

9.5 out of 10


...is awesome

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Come On!" vs. "Something Blue"

These two episodes both have that same bittersweet feeling that leaves everyone wanting more. I've said previously that I think the first four seasons of HIMYM keep getting better and better, but I'm not sure the same thing can be said for the season finales. I loved Something Blue. Even though I'm not a Ted/Robin fan, I've shed tears for them. Its heartbreaking to see two such awesome characters break up, even though I know its right. Most of the time I would go with the sad episode over the happy episode, because I kind of prefer tragedy or bittersweet endings to mere happy endings.  But I still prefer the awesome way Ted and Robin got together. Ted making it rain is so iconic to the whole show. His romantic optimism is what makes me love him as a character. And the Marshall/Lily breakup provided that bittersweet feeling that I love so much. The Season 1 finale was a perfect episode of television, and it simply can't be beat. And it also gets a bonus point.

Winner: Season 1 Episode 22:  Come On!



Scoreboard

Season 1: 11

Season 2: 13

HIMYM Episode Review: Season 2 Episode 21: Something Borrowed

Summary

Its finally the day of the big wedding, and everything goes horribly wrong. Marshall's hair ends up getting frosted, and he attempts to fix it by shaving his head. He leaves to get some air where he runs into Lily who is smoking, because nothing is the way she wanted and her ex-boyfriend Scooter has come to the wedding to ruin it. Ted finally suggests the two get married outside, with Barney officiating. Lily gets a hat for Marshall to wear, and a guy plays an acoustic guitar.

Notes

We get the story behind Marshall wearing a hat,  ascene we saw earlier in the Showdown episode. This episode also seems to rip off Friends by having Barney officiate the wedding, just like Joey did, but I guess we have to forgive it from stealing from one of the other great sitcoms.

Review

Very funny. I love how the wedding falls apart, only to become the small intimate ceremony Lily and Marshall always wanted. I really don't have much to say about this episode. It was nice to see these two finally tie the knot. We've been waiting for this episode since the pilot. At the same time it kind of ends the dramatic tension of whether these two actually will end up together. Still it was delightful to see, and wonderful to see Barney get all choked up about it.

Ranking
9 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Milk" vs. "Something Borrowed"

Well, I enjoyed Milk. This judgement is not meant to disparage Milk. But come on. Something Borrowed has Lily and Marshall finally get married. Too big an event, and it was done too well for me to not give it the win.

Winner: Season 2 Episode 21

Scoreboard

Season 1: 9

Season 2: 13

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 20: Showdown

Summary

The gang makes fun of the Marshall and Lily for being co-dependant, so the two decide to spend a week sleeping apart. Ted tries to work on a Best Man speech, but Marshall rejects all his ideas for not being appropriate. Meanwhile Lily has lost weight, and is too skinny for her wedding dress. Robin tries to get her to eat and put back on the weight

Ted ends up finding the perfect topic for his Best Man speech when he finds out that Marshall has been sneaking out to see Lily, and the two ate enough so she gained the weight.

Meanwhile Barney goes on the Price is Right, and tells the gang that he believes that Bob Barker is his father. He goes on and wins a ton of prizes for Marshall and Lily, but he ends up not telling Bob that he thinks they're related.

Notes
This begins the short Final Phase of Season 2. Ted and Robin break up in this episode, although we don't see it. Instead we simply see them enter the apartment covered in marinara sauce. They decide to hold out on talking about their breakup until after Marshall and Lily get married. We're also introduced to Barney's suspiscion that Bob Barker is his father, although its clear at the end of the episode that he secretly knows the truth. This humorous plot will open up to a much larger plot of Barney finding out who his real father is much later in the series. Finally we get a flashforward into the wedding from the next episode, showing that Marshall will be wearing a hat during the wedding for a reason that will be explained later.

Review
A very gimicky episode, with Barney going on the Price is Right. Yet they tied the gimmick in with an important aspect to Barney's character, the fact that he doesn't know who his real father is. I also like that Ted and Robin are secretly broken up, although obviously I didn't know they were at this point the first time I watched the episode. Lily having to eat is kind of funny, and I find it adorable to see how codependent Marshall and Lily are on each other. They're such a cute couple. Also, its hilarious to me that Barney gave most of his prizes to Lily and Marshall. He really is a good friend, at least at times, and its wonderful to see him doing something nice for a change.

Ranking
8.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Mary the Paralegal" vs. "Showdown"

How to judge this one? I'm writing this quite some time after my initial experience of watching these episodes, so its hard to really quantitavely judge the level of enjoyment I got out of these two episodes. I do remember thinking that Barney's believe that Bob Barker was his father was pretty funny, and Ted's possible Best Man speeches always make laugh. However, Mary the Paralegal had the first ever telepathic conversation on the show. And it had Ted telling a paralegal that she was a hooker. And it had Alexis Denisof. And it had Buffy references. Yeah, it had a lot of stuff. I think that quantity alone means I have to go with Mary. Barney would definitely agree! Haha, that's a reference to a future episode. I don't really know why I'm making it here.

Winner: Season 1 Episode 20: Marry the Paralegal

Scoreboard

Season 1: 9

Season 2: 12

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 19: Bachelor Party

Summary

The gang prepares for Marshall's bachelor party and Lily's wedding shower. Although Ted has planned a fun night for the bachelor party, Barney hijacks the event by hiring a stripper, and then getting them kicked out of their hotel.

Robin meanwhile gives Lily a gag gift, of a dildo. However, Lily's party guests are older women and children, so it ends up being really awkward, although everyone ends up laughing.

Marshall considers de-inviting Barney to the wedding, when Lily reveals that Barney was actually the one who bought her a plane ticket to return to New York, and that he had been stealing women from Marshall so the two would end up getting back together. Marshall decides to make Barney his co-Best Man with Ted.

Notes

Barney going to San Francisco must have taken place during the first episode of the season. He also references stealing girls from Marshall, which he did in the second episode of the season. Brad and Stewart also show up in this episode, as Marshall's other male friends. In this episode, Barney is also made co-best man with Ted. A lot of people compare HIMYM to Friends, and I feel like the whole Ted vs. Barney for best man plot is kind of a ripoff of the way Friends handled it.

Review

A funny episode showing the two sides of the pre-Wedding celebration. I like that Marshall parties with friends, while Lily parties with old women family members mostly. The dildo joke was pretty funny, although quite a bit more risque then usual. HIMYM definitely has a dirty side to it. I think my favorite part of the episode actually was Lily revealing that Barney went to San Francisco and buying her a ticket back home. Barney's character is kind of always in danger of becoming unlikeable, and I feel its gestures like this that prevent Barney from seeming completely irredeemable.

Ranking
8 out of 10

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Best Prom Ever" vs. "Bachelor Party"

I'm not really sure about this one. I don't think there's nescessarily a right answer. Both episodes were good, although not incredible. I think Best Prom Ever was interesting because it really examine Lily and her feeling insecure about getting married. Here, the focus is actually on Barney. The Gang asks a question, that anyone hanging out with Barney will often ask themselves. Why am I friends with this guy? The writers do a good job of showing why The Gang asks this question, Barney does some awful things. But what's even better is that they always make sure that The Gang is able to answer the question. Barney is their friend, and although he is insecure and puts up a front of pure evil, deep down he has a good heart.

Winner: Season 2 Episode 19: Bachelor Party

Scoreboard

Season 1: 8

Season 2: 12

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 18: Moving Day

Summary
Ted prepares to move into Robin's apartment, while Barney tries to stop them from advancing their relationship. In the end Barney simply steals a moving truck with all of Ted's stuff. Ted attempts to move his one remaining box into Robin's apartment, but this does not go over well, and when Barney calls to get Ted to come hang out with him in exchange for his truck, Ted eagerly goes to meet him, while Robin enjoys her seemingly last day alone in the apartment.

Ted has fun with Barney, but when Barney points out that Ted isn't ready to move in with Robin, he angrily leaves. He gets back to the apartment, but Robin is clearly uncomfortable with Ted living in her apartment. Ted however realizes that Barney has hid the truck behind the bar, as a place to take women to after picking them up.

Ted gets his truck back, but decides not to move in with Robin. He returns to Lily and Marshall who have had trouble living alone without Ted, and eagerly accept him back.

Notes
Apparently Barney can drive now, as he drives away Ted's truck, to at least the back of the bar. We also get the beginning of the end for Phase two, as Ted and Robin's relationship is unable to progress any further. Barney continues to show how uncomfortable he is with Ted seemingly abandoning him. He acts out and tries to win Ted back, and while this attempt is unsuccesful here, it will set up the season finale when they "Get together" as bros.

Review
I enjoy this episode. Everyone tries to move forward, except for Barney who tries to hold everyone together with him. It's a lot like Intervention, in Season 4. Interestingly this episode ends with Barney basically winning, as none of the characters are able to progress. I like the way that Ted and Robin's relationship ends by simply running out of places to go. They remain together here, but they won't be able to progress with their relationship, and that will spell its inevitable doom. As for Marshall and Lily, their inability to live without Ted is something they will need to get over. I actually feel like the writers were kind of setting up a plot with that, but they never return to the issue. When Marshall and Lily do move out, they seem to have no problems. I'm really spoiling stuff here, but that's what I feel like this episode was, a look to things to come. Of course it was funny, and Barney is loveable as always as he attempts to hold his friends in place with him.

Ranking
8 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Nothing Good Happens after 2 Am" vs. "Moving Day"

Again, I think the writers like to line up similar episodes from different seasons at the same time. Here we have Moving Day which is about Ted and Robin unable to advance their relationship. What happened in Nothing Good Happens after 2 Am? Ted and Robin were unable to advance their relationship. The reasons though are very different. In Season One, Ted made a mistake that caused the relationship to stall. Here, there isn't really a mistake made, the two just aren't meant to be with each other. I'd probably go with Nothing Good Happens, if I was judging purely on the Ted/Robin stories, but it's close. I look to the other characters for help, and find that the answer becomes obvious. Barney, Lily, and Marshall all have clear objective in Moving Day. Barney in particular is really funny, and pretty much tips the scales on his own.

Winner: Season 2 Episode 18: Moving Day

Scoreboard

Season 1: 8

Season 2: 11

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 17: Arrivederci, Fiero

Summary

On the way to putting 200,000 miles on his Fiero, Marshall's car breaks down. He takes it to the shop to be fixed while everyone retells their favorite stories about the old car. Ted and Marshall became best friends during the 100 K Fiasco, of Fieroasco, where they got snowed in together. Lily and Robin became best friends, when they spilled food in Marshall's car and made it look like a hobo threw up in it. Barney sort of learned to drive in the Fiero.

In the end, Marshall realizes he has to scrap the Fiero, even though it was all he was holding on to as he begins to sell out.

Notes
This is the end of the Fiero in official chronology, however it will appear in flashbacks. We see how Ted and Marshall became best friends, and what solidified Lily and Robin's friendship. We also find out Barney doesn't know how to drive. However, either he later learns how, or this is retconned by the next episode.

Review
I love that this story is told through various flashbacks. I just love seeing past Marshall and Ted. And I love the song that plays throughout. I also like that Barney doesn't know how to drive, and I dislike the fact that they later retconned this. It was a nice little quirk that made sense. And it's always fun to see Barney fail. My favorite part of the whole episode was actually the Robin and Lily part, where they reference Pulp Fiction while cleaning up Marshall's car. Well crafted joke involving the chopsticks replacing the cuban cigars. Well done writers.

Ranking
9 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Life Among the Gorrillas" vs. "Arrivederci, Fiero"

Both Marshall episodes. Sometimes I wonder if the writers try to line up the seasons so that at the same number episode the same character is featured, or the same type of character arc is shown. Idle curiosity I guess. Season 1 and Season 2 both are pretty much equal at this point, because by this point Season 1 had found its stride. Life Among the Gorillas was pretty good, and set up a very nice two parter. Fiero on the otherhand breaks up what would seem like a natural two parter in Stuff and Moving Day. I feel like the writers like to throw sort of "filler" episodes in between the bigger arcs. Maybe just to take up time and fill out the season. And maybe to take the opportunity for humor when we're expecting drama. And maybe just to piss us off. However I'm anything but pissed. Fiero was a delightful episode. Kudos to a good Marshall episode, where Barney didn't steal the show. I feel like the writers sometimes rely on Barney too often. The other characters are just as funny when used properly.

Winner
Season 2 Episode 17: Arrivederci Fiero

Scoreboard

Season 1: 8

Season 2: 10

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 16: Stuff

Summary
Ted and Robin deal with the issue of them having things from previous relationships. Ted's apartment is full of stuff from other relationships, and Robin's dogs were given to her by ex-boyfriends. They both ask each other to give their stuff away, but while Ted is forced by the group to comply, the group rules in Robin's favor in keeping her dogs. However they really bother Robin, so she decides to give her dogs away anyways.

Meanwhile Lily invites the gang to a play she's in. Barney is rude about going, and after the show tells Lily it was horrible, which it appears to have been. Lily is angry, and says that friends go to each other's plays and say nice things about them. Barney responds by putting on his own one man play where repeatedly says "moist" because it bothers Lily. Lily finally calls it off, but Barney wants them to stay to watch the horrible show because he worked hard on it.

Ted and Robin return to his apartment, and Robin finds out that Ted actually didn't give up his stuff. The two fight for a long time, until they decide to move in together.

Marshall uses the Second Slap on Barney during his show.

Notes
Marshall uses the second of five slaps accorded to him from the episode Slap Bet. Robin and Ted also decide out of the blue to move in together. This decision, coupled by the fact that they end up being unable to really live together as a couple leads to them breaking up. You can probably call this foreshadowing of the fact that them moving in together won't work, since they arrive at the decision following a huge fight.

Review
Back in high school, I invited my friends to my plays all the time. I hope they weren't as bad as Lily's play, although frankly that looked to be quite fun. I loved the fact that Barney responded to Lily's challenge by writing his own play. The adversarial relationship between the two makes for a very fun dynamic that is very different then the relationships between the other characters. Barney's play was fun to see, and actually surprisingly insightful into his feelings, as he is the lost robot looking for love. I also feel kind of sad about losing Robin's dogs as I think they were a fun part of the show, but I guess Josh Radnor was allergic to them, so we didn't really get to interact with them very much. The idea of Ted and Robin fighting until they decide to move in with each other, makes me laugh every time I see it, because it's so random. But what I think is happening is that they're stuck in their relationship, because they love each other and don't want to break up, but deep down they both know that they're not right for each other. The decision to move in together is them pushing forward on their relationship. Finally I love that Lily doesn't like the word "moist". That's totally random.

Ranking
9 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Cupcake" vs. "Stuff"

Barney's one man play really decided this one for me. Both Cupcake and Stuff deal with a relationship issue, and both end sort of happily but with foreshadowing of bad things to come. I think I prefer Ted and Robin's plot to Ted and Victoria's a little, but it is awfully close. Cupcake included the beginning of Marshall selling out which was fun to watch, and probably more important to the character then the Barney-Lily-Marshall plot in Stuff. But this is the one time where I gotta go with comedy over character insight. Besides there was some character insight in Barney's lost robot looking for love routine. But really I have to give the win to Stuff because it features the Second Slap. Great inside joke properly executed wins the day.

Winner
Season 2 Episode 16: Stuff

Scoreboard

Season 1: 8

Season 2: 9

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 15: Lucky Penny

Summary
Ted and Robin race through the airport to try to make a flight to Chicago so that Ted can interview for his dream job. But they're too late, and Ted and Robin argue over whose fault is.

They first decide that its Barney's fault, because months earlier he ran in the NY city marathon without training to prove that he could. This resulted in his legs giving out on the subway, and Ted had to go rescue Barney. Ted jumped a turnstile, and was fined, and had a court date resulting in him missing his flight.

Then they decide that it was actually Robin's fault, because Barney only ran the marathon because Marshall had injured his foot, because Robin walked in on him in the bathroom.

However, Robin argues that it was actually Lily's fault, because she ended up walking in on Marshall because Lily kept her up all night waiting for a wedding dress store to open, and she went to Ted's apartment to sleep.

Ted realizes however that this can all be traced back to him, since they discovered the wedding dress store was having a sale because him and Robin went to buy hot dogs with the money Ted got from a lucky penny he found.

Ted misses his flight, but it turns out the job he wanted would have been transferred to Chicago, and if he had gotten it he might not have met the mother.

Notes
In this episode we get a flashforward to Ted marrying the mother, with Barney and Marshall as his groomsmen. We don't see Robin or Lily, so we have no idea what part they will play in the wedding, or what their relationship with the mother. But Ted does say that if he had moved to Chicago he never would have met the mother. Sine he had already met Robin, it stands to reason that she is NOT the Mother. This is more evidence to refute Ted/Robin fans, but they'll never learn. Also I'm pretty sure that Ted first mentioned finding that penny, back in the second episode of the season. The writers are paying off a very minor plot that most of us never really  noticed or cared about. Kudos to them. Also this episode flashes back to Marshall and Lily being together as he trains for the marathon. The timeline on this is very sketchy, as they were probably broken up at this point, but maybe it works. Maybe....

Review
An episode built around non-linear story telling. Its sort of a Memento type episode. Sort of. Not really. Anyways, the idea of Barney running the marathon without training is really funny. He is so awesome. Yet as per usual, his awesomeness has consequences as his legs give out and he is forced to ride the subway. Barney lives life to the fullest, which means he experiences the highest of highs but also the lowest of lows. I also like that even when Ted and Robin are together, the writers keep you interested in finding out who the real mother is. They aren't allowing viewers to simply devote themselves to Ted/Robin, they show that Ted/Robin isn't meant to last. I am sort of annoyed by the timeline issues though. I feel like the writers ignore continuity too often. They're better on this show then in others, but it still annoys me, because I want them to be as close  to perfect as possible. I guess its just something we have to deal with. Continuity won't be perfect, but the show is better in my opinion when it strives to make it perfect. It allows for inside jokes and references to really land with fans. On the plus side this episode was pretty funny, and I always enjoy when they use non-linear methods of telling a story. It's a classic HIMYM move.

Ranking
8 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Game Night" vs. "Lucky Penny"

I'm starting to worry that Season 2 might not win this episode comparison. I've always considered the first 4 Seasons of HIMYM to be rising in quality, with each season better then the previous one. But that might not be the case, using the pure Episode vs. Episode comparison. Season 2 is definitely funnier, and the acting is spot on, while in Season 1 there was a learning curve. But Season 1 had way more incredible revelations. Game Night is a great example of that. In Game Night we get the story of how Barney became Barney, and are introduced to his past self Granola Barney. Other parts of this episode were lacking, but Barney's story was so good in this episode, I don't care. Game Night is really the definitive Barney episode. Anyone who wants to understand Barney's character, and all Barney/Robin fans who want to see him be able to make a commitment, should look to this episode to understand more about him. He was an innocent, who had his heart ripped out, and thus transformed himself into the Darth Vader of Barney we know today. Game Night also introduced us to Marshall being great at games. Both of these things are great character quirks that helped me fall in love with HIMYM to begin with. Lucky Penny was a good episode, and I enjoyed the way it was told, but it just can't compete.

Winner: Season 1 Episode 15: Game Night

Scoreboard

Season 1: 8

Season 2: 8

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 14: Monday Night Football

Summary

Future Ted tells his kids about how his favorite holiday was Super Bowl Sunday. In the present day, the gang prepares to celebrate their Super Bowl, when they are informed that a bartender at McClarens named Mark died. Although the gang doesn't remember Mark, they agree to go to his funeral instead of watching the super bowl, because they don't want to piss of Carl.

The gang tivos the game, and agree not to find out the score of the game so they can all enjoy it the next day. However this proves to be tricky as Robin is a News Anchor, Ted has to pick up chicken wings from a sports bar, Barney has a gambling problem, and Lily and Marshall have to deal with kids trying to tell them the score.

In the end everyone but Ted finds out the score, but Barney ends up ruining it for him too. Despite this, the gang decides to watch and enjoy the Super Bowl anyways.

Notes
Something I just got was that this episode was called Monday Night Football, because it happened on the night after Superbowl Sunday, thus being Monday Night, but Monday Night Football is also a different thing altogether. It's sort of a double entendre. Haha, and now everyone probably thinks I'm dumb for pointing that out. Anyways when Future Ted discusses previous Holidays he had talked about, and it flashes back to previous scenes from Belly Full of Turkey, Slutty Pumpkin, and How Lily Stole Christmas. This episode also shows how Barney developed his gambling addiction, damnit Marshall! Also the kid in Lily's kindergarten class shows up again later in the series, when Robin dates his dad in Season 3.

Review
A very fun sitcom plot, and it lead to everyone having a storline focused on the single plot of trying to avoid finding out the super bowl score. I particularly enjoyed Ted's Sensory Deprivator 5000! That's a cool device, and I wish they sold that in stores. Marshall shooting juice onto the kid's pants to make it look like he had wet himself was also juvenile and hilarious! I love seeing Marshall interact with kids, as he is such a big kid himself. We also get more Barney dealing with his gambling addiction, which is always fun to watch. My personal favorite part of the episode was when they had all the flashbacks to previous super bowls. I love seeing the gang develop their traditions, because we know that these are things that will stay with them all the way to Future Ted's time. I feel like a lot of us can relate to this. We all have traditions among our friends and family, and there's usually a story to how these traditions developed. That's what this episode is, and it's enjoyable to watch, because I just love seeing the history of this group whose friendship goes on to last for decades.

Ranking
8 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs Season 2: "Zip, Zip, Zip" vs. "Monday Night Football"

Okay this is kind of a close one. As a Barney/Robin fan my heart is obviously with Zip, Zip, Zip, but apart from that I would probably say Monday Night Football is the better episode. So the question is, do I care more about pure quality of the HIMYM episodes, or whether my Barney/Robin agenda is furthered? I'm going to sideline that issue by taking a direct look at both episodes. Do both of them have humor? Yes, although Monday Night Football is the funnier episode. Do both of them have character development. Monday Night Football doesn't really, so Zip, Zip, Zip wins that point by furthering Ted and Victoria's relationship, Barney and Robin's relationship, and by pushing Marshall and Lily's relationship further. Monday Night Football has the inside joke of Barney's gambling addiction, but I feel it's unfair to make inside jokes a category when Season 1 was the one who had to establish so many inside jokes. What anyone reading this has probably realized by now, is that I'm making excuses for what I'm about to do next.

Winner: Season 1 Episode 14: Zip, Zip, Zip.

Scoreboard

Season 1: 7

Season 2: 8

HIMYM Episode Review: Season 2 Episode 13 : Columns

Summary
Ted deals with being a boss, and his former boss turned employee being insubordinate. He resolves to fire Hammond, but can't due to it being his birthday, and later the two seemingly make up when Ted finds out Hammond is living in the office. Ted allows Hammond to stay with him, but Hammond continues to be an ass. Ted fires Hammond, who has a heart attack. Ted's employees are resentful at Ted, until he comes up with Margarita Fridays to placate them.

Meanwhile the gang finds a painting of a nude Marshall and make fun of him. Barney however asks Lily to paint him, and he gives her enough money to pay for her honeymoon. Lily however, paints him with a "Ken doll."

Notes
Bryan Cranston plays Hammond again in this episode. I really like him as an actor. He was in Malcolm in the Middle, and Breaking Bad, both are excellent shows. We also get an explanation for why Lily was painting Marshall nude, that doesn't fit with later continuity.

Review
A funny episode, and it's nice to see Ted having his work drama.Him struggling to deal with Hammond, and Hammond acting like a douche was the highlight of the episode.  I thought the episode was okay, but it didn't overwhelm me. The Barney plot was pretty par for the course, of him trying to live up to his self proclaimed "legendary" status. Fun to see, and I felt like he was in character here, but he wasn't shining so to speak. We get a flashback to College Marshall and Lily, but it was just to setup a joke. I prefer when the joke is the actual flashback, because they were hilarious when they were in college. I also don't feel like Robin really had a story in this episode. HIMYM works best when everyone in the episode has a plot, and a character motivation.

Ranking
6 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season One vs. Season Two: "Drumroll, Please" vs. "Columns"

Columns is an average HIMYM episode, that was very funny, but nothing out of the oridinary. Drumroll, Please was an episode that was very sweet, fun to watch, and used some clever non linear storytelling. It also ended with a very dramatic and romantic kiss. There's a reason most movies end with a kissing scene, it's a great way to end an episode. Columns was probably the funnier episode, but I prefer Drumroll, Please for the cute and sappy nature of the episode.

Winner: Season 1 Episode 13: Drumroll, Please

Scoreboard

Season 1: 6

Season 2: 8

Quick Note on my Blog's length

If you want a summary of each episode, go to Wiikipedia. I include a fairly short summary just to remind readers of the episode I'm talking about and what happens in it.

Also, I'm doing a blog for each episode, but there are obviously some episodes I have more to say about then others. The main reason I'm writing this Blog is to score the HIMYM episodes in my mind, and compare the episodes from various seasons. What I write is mostly just the reasoning behind the scores and comparisons and is not all comprehensive.

I would love to argue over my scores and comparisons with anyone who has different opinions. Maybe I'll even change my opinion...

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 12: First Time in New York

Summary
Robin finds herself falling more and more in love with Ted. She finally decides to tell him she loves him, but she has trouble because it's her first time telling a guy she loves him.

Meanwhile Robin's sister comes to visit, and the gang takes her to the Empire State Building. She has decided to loser her virginity with her boyfriend Kyle, but Robin tries to stop this. The gang all recount their "first times." Lily and Marshall were in college, and had originally planned to wait, but couldn't. Robin had sex with her high school boyfriend, only to discover he was gay. She says that he only "sorta" had sex with her, which leads Lily to guiltily claim that doesn't count, since she had a similar experience with Scooter. This causes Marshall to be jealous. The gang leaves in anger, and Robin's sister still plans to sleep with Kyle.

However, Robin's sister comes back and claims the reason was because of Ted's story. He supposedly lied about being in love with a girl to have sex, and then borrowed 20 bucks from her only to never call again. Robin is doubtful however, and Ted admits that the story was actually the other way around. She finally feels comfortable enough to tell him that she loves him.

The gang finally goes to the Empire State building, and Marshall admits that being in the lobby hadn't counted, thus agreeing with Lily's earlier point.

Throughout all of this Barney lies about his own first time, only to finally admit it was when he was 23, and with his mother's friend Rhonda.

Notes
We get to hear everyone's "first time" story, including Marshall and Lily's which was alluded to in the pilot. Barney's "first" Rhonda will also make an appearance later in the series.

Review
A delightful episode, even if it is Ted/Robin related. They've gone as far as they're going to go however, and their relationship will hit a dead end later. But about this episode, I just enjoyed that we got to see more about each character, and get a lovely "Love You" story. It's kind of cliche for a character to struggle saying "I love you" but it's also classic. I also like meeting Robin's sister. The relatives really help fill out the cast of minor characters and make the show feel more real.  Barney's lies about his first time was also funny, and Ted being an architecture nerd is enjoyable to watch.

Ranking
9 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "The Wedding" vs. "First Time in New York"

This is probably the hardest contest to date. These two episodes are very different and it's hard to judge them against each other. They're about the same in enjoyability, but for different reasons. The Wedding is a little bit funnier with regards to Ted and Claudia's reactions, but The First Time in New York was a more character driven episode that provided insight into our characters. Another factor in this is that I have a bias that I've always considered Season 2 to be the superior season, but the Episode comparisons have been very close. Part of me wants to give First Time in New York the win just for that reason, but that wouldn't be ethical. So I'll give the win to First Time in New York for another reason. Because the main argument comes down to comedy vs. character, and if this was another sitcom or if I was another blogger Comedy would win. But HIMYM is not my favorite television show on the air, just because it's funny, though it is. I love HIMYM for the characters, and so First Time in New York, which provides more character insight gets the win here.

Winner: Season 2 Episode 12: First Time in New York

Scoreboard

Season 1: 5

Season 2: 8

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 10: Single Stamina

I accidentally filed How Lily Stole Christmas as the 10th episode of the season. Sorry for any confusion.

Summary
Barney tries to get his friends to hang out with him, but they are too couply, and just want to lie around. He calls in his gay black brother (Wayne Brady) to show them how it's done. However he finds out that his brother is getting married, which pisses him off until he finds out that his brother is going to have a baby. He becomes Uncle Barney, and is happy to not be alone.

Notes
A flashback to the future shows Ted and Robin staying out late, showing that they now have Single Stamina since they've broken up in the future. We also get to find out Barney has a brother,  who will be a recurring character throughout the series. This episode marks the epitome of the Second Phase of Season Two for me. There are two couples in the show, and everyone except Barney is outside of the dating scene. This can grow tiresome, and this episode pokes fun at that very fact.

Review
A really enjoyable episode. I love seeing Barney vulnerable here. His friends have become so couply, and in doing so they have seemingly abandoned him. However when he is happy, just to become an uncle, it is clear that all his previous attacks on his friends and brother's relationships was just about him feeling alone. As for everyone else in the group, they all act boring, but surprisingly them acting boring is actually very entertaining to watch. I also loved Marshall's rant about not being able to order "fruity" drinks. And really, the fruity drinks are far tastier then the "manly" ones.

Ranking
7.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2. "The Pinapple Incident" vs. "Single Stamina"

Pineapple Incident has to win here, although Single Stamina is good, Pineapple Incident is better. It's one of the classic HIMYM episodes, that I think of when I consider how good HIMYM is. It's iconic to the whole series. And even now, we still don't know what the hell was up with that pineapple.


Winner: Season 1 Episode 10: The Pineapple Incident

Scoreboard

Season 1: 4

Season 2: 7

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 11: How Lily Stole Christmas

Summary
The gang prepares to celebrate Christmas together. The apartment is decorated, and Marshall is super excited about it, but he leaves to go to the library to finish a paper. Lily and Ted find their old answering machine, and they listen to a message from when Lily and Marshall were broken up. Ted called Lily a "grinch" however Future Ted reveals he didn't really call Lily a grinch, he called her something much worse.

Lily gets pissed off and makes off with all of the Christmas decorations to her apartment. Ted tries to apologize, but she doesn't accept his apology, and Ted eventually gives up and goes and has Christmas with his religious cousin.

Meanwhile Robin takes care of Barney while he is sick.

Eventually Marshall returns to the apartment and reveals he spent the entire afternoon tracking down an Easy Bake Oven to give to Lily, based on Ted's suggestion. Lily is moved, and the gang goes to get Ted, to celebrate Christmas together as a gang.

Notes
This is the first Christmas they celebrate together as the gang. In many ways the five of them act as their own little family, which fits with the theme of the show. Friends are family. Robin taking care of Barney also fits with this theme, and also shows some great interactions between the two. Barney/Robin fans often note this episode in the middle of Ted and Robin's relationship as foreshadowing of Barney and Robin getting together. We also get to see College Ted, Lily, and Marshall, who are all stoners. Future Ted refers to the bad word he said as "grinch" which is one of many examples of Future Ted using euphemisms when talking about the past. Finally we get a running gang of Barney describing himself as being awesome, and when he's sick or sad or something he stops being that and just is awesome instead.

Review
There are parts of this episode I love. The Barney and Robin parts in particular make me smile every time I see them, mostly because I'm a Barney/Robin fan. Other parts just seem to be kind of a cliche. It's a christmas episode, and the plot isn't particularily original. I enjoy the holiday spirit of the episode, but it's only about an average HIMYM episode in my opinion.

Ranking
5 out of 10.

Season Comparion between Season One and Two: "The Limo" vs. "How Lily Stole Christmas"

Everything is relative. In HIMYM, the words "good" or "excellent" refer to how an episode relates to the average HIMYM episode.  However the average HIMYM episode is already "excellent" and even a "poor" episode in HIMYM terms refers to a "good" episode of television. I just wanted to remind everyone of that, because I'm sometimes very critical of episodes. How Lily Stole Christmas was "mediocre" in HIMYM terms, but I would still prefer watching it to most other tv shows. And I have, several times. But while I do enjoy How Lily Stole Christmas, in HIMYM terms it was mediocre. The Limo on the other hand was awesome. It didn't need a holiday gimmick to be awesome either.

Winner
Season 1 Episode 11: The Limo

Scoreboard

Season 1: 5

Season 2: 7

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 9: Slap Bet

Summary
The gang discusses their feelings on disclosing things in relationships. When it becomes clear that Robin is keeping a secret, Barney and Marshall make a slap bet on what it is. Marshall bets that Robin was married, which she tells Ted she was. Marshall slaps Barney, but later discovers that Robin was lying about.

Ted confronts Robin on her lie, and the two get into a huge argument. The rest of the gang comes over and Barney shows them the beginning of what appears to be a porno starring Robin. Thinking he won the bet, Barney slaps Marshall.

However it turns out that instead Robin is a Canadian Pop Star named Robin Sparkles! We get a music video and Lily the Slap Bet Commisioner rules that Marshall gets 5 slaps on Barney to be dispensed whenever he wants. Marshall uses the First Slap.

Notes
This episode begins two extremely important arcs. The first is the intro of Robin Sparkles, a recurring past version of Robin that will dominate the few episodes she's in, and most importantly will dominate our hearts. It also introduces the Slap Bet of Barney and Marshall, and we get the first of 5 life altering slaps.

Review
This episode...it's...the greatest thing ever.

Ranking
10 out of 10. Plus a Bonus Point.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Belly Full of Turkey" vs. "Slap Bet"

So a mediocre HIMYM episode vs....The Greatest Thing Ever! Not only does Season 2 get the win, but it also gets a bonus point. I'm continually blown away by how awesome Slap Bet is.

Winner
Season 2 Episode 9: Slap Bet

Scoreboard

Season 1: 3

Season 2: 7

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 8: Atlantic City

Summary
Marshall and Lily are back together, but after considering how hard it would be to face Marshall's family after calling off the wedding before, the two decide to elope in Atlantic City. They gather the gang and head off.

While in Atlantic City, Lily goes off to get a boquet while Robin gets a Bridesmaid outfit that isn't hotter then Lily's outfit, and the guys "get a veil" but actually go gamble and to a strip club. They meet back having finished their tasks, and Robin has bought a bikini shirt which Ted is attracted too. Unfortunately Marshall and Lily have to wait three days before they can get married, but they don't want to so they go to get a judge. They go to the judge, who is about to allow them to get married, until Barney yells out that Marshall and Lily recently broke up, and Ted and Robin hooked up in the closet.

The gang realizes the only way they can get married is to pay a ship captain to get them married. Barney gets them the money by revealing that he has a gambling addiction, and he gets into a game where he earns them the money with a little help from Marshall.

Lily and Marshall end up getting married for only twelve seconds, because they realize they want to get married in front of all their family and friends.

Notes
 Lily and Marshall are back together, and they jump back into their engagement. They get married for 12 seconds, in the first of three actual weddings they have in the season. This is also the second of many weddings we see in the show. Weddings are a common motif in the show, and I feel like the writers are trying to keep them around to keep Ted thinking about getting married. This episode also serves as the beginning of Phase Two of Season Two. Marshall and Lily's story in Phase two is all about them getting married, and the different obstacles that stand in their way. Meanwhile Ted and Robin's relationship seems to have hope, as Robin admits she's not totally against married. However I think we all know that its doomed to fail, espescially since Lily and Marshall are back together, and having everyone in the show being in a couple seems like a bad idea.

Review
This was a great episode. Two things in particular stick out. Barney's gambling problem is the first. I love this new character trait for Barney, and it's one that makes sense for him. He's a person who does thing in excess and who enjoys luxury and money. It's also extremely funny to watch. The other great thing of note is the jokes about New Jersey. Although they don't dwell upon it in this episode, this will be a running gag. This was a classic HIMYM in perfect formula. Everybody has a motivation, and they all make sense and are fun to watch.

Ranking
9 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "The Duel" vs. "Atlantic City"

A lot of people consider Season 2 of HIMYM to be the best season. I disagree having seen later seasons, but it is episodes like Atlantic City that show me why they would think that. It has the perfect formula that HIMYM uses perfectly. By the perfect formula, I mean that each of the characters has a motivation in this episode. Lily and Marshall want to avoid the awkwardness of dealing with their families, Robin wants to support them, Ted wants to look at Robin's Shirt Boobs, and Barney wants to gamble. Each of these reasons make sense (Robin's shirt is sexy) and each are funny to watch. When HIMYM follows this formula it is impossible to beat. The Duel was a good episode, and it had a cool swordfight, but it wasn't quite up to the level of Atlantic City.

Winner
Season 2 Episode 8: Atlantic City

Scoreboard

Season 1: 3

Season 2: 5

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 7: Swarley

Summary
The show starts with the guys hanging out at a coffee shop, which they agree is lame. Marhall is attracted to a one of the barristas, and he gets her phone number to ask her out. Meanwhile Barney discovers that they miswrote his name on the cup as Swarley.

Everyone spends the rest of the episode calling Barney Swarley.

Meanwhile Marshall goes out with the coffee chick, only to find out from Ted and Barney that she has crazy eyes. He grows suspiscious when she calls him to tell him she's being stalked by a hunchback. However their date is interrupted by Lily, who crazily stalked her. Marshall realizes that Lily was the stalking hunchback. He doesn't care though, as he loves her and they get back together.

Barney walks into the bar, and they play the Cheers theme song.

Notes
Phase One of Season Two is over, as Marshall and Lily are back together. Phase Two has two couples, Marshall/Lily, and Ted/Robin.  It actually goes on for quite a while. This episode also pays homage to two classic sticoms, Friends and Cheers.

Review
An amazing episode. I'm glad to see Lily and Marshall get back together, and I think the way the writers did it was brilliant. All the Swarles jokes were also very funny. My favorite was Swarhili. I also loved the references to Friends and Cheers as HIMYM has always seemed like a hybrid of those two shows.  My only concern with this episode is that everyone's too couply now. It puts a big burden on the writers to make both relationships remain fun and exciting.

Ranking
9 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Matchmaker" vs. "Swarley"

Well Matchmaker was a lot funnier this last time around. The cockamouse was very amusing, and that episode did establish Marshall and Lily's belief in the supernatural. But Matchmaker was not as good as Swarley. Swarley really had everything. Some great story development, some funny effects with the crazy eyes, and most importantly an awesome new nickname for Barney.

Winner
Season 2 Episode 7: Swarley

Scoreboard

Season 1: 3

Season 2: 4

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 6: Aldrin Justice

Summary
Lily has returned from San Francisco and she struggles to find her dream job. In the meantime she works as a waitress at a hawaiian restaurant, but quits from how embarrasing it is. Ted offers her a job as office secretary at his firm in the meantime.

Meanwhile Barney tries to seduce Marshall's Law Professor, a "cougar" in order to help Marshall get better grades. He sleeps with her, but his performance is graded "C-" He tries again, but to no avail, so he prepares himself for a final sexual showdown.

Meanwhile Lily decides to punish Ted's Boss Hammond Druthers, by stealing his boss' ball, similar to taking away children's toys back at her kindergarten class.  Ted fires her in order to avoid Druthers retaliating and firing the rest of their co-workers.

Ted, however is inspired by Lily to stand up for himself, and when Druthers pitches his idea for the building in Spokane, Ted steps in with an alternative to the penis building. His building is chosen, and the gang celebrates his success. He offers Lily her job back, but she instead chooses to go back to teaching kindergarten.

The gang visits the hospital to find that Barney has thrown out his hip, but he's earned a "B+".

Notes
We get Barney's definition of a "cougar" one of many phrases Barney uses as part of his Single's Slang. Lily finally decides that being a kindergarten teacher is what she actually wants to do with her life. Ted is made project manager.

Review
A Lily Centered episode. Although I do like mixing it up with Lily episodes, I didn't love this episode. It was okay, but the Barney plot seemed kind of cliche' and wasn't up to Barney's usual standard of awesomeness. The Lily plot itself was actually funnier, but I just didn't love the formula of this episode.

Ranking
5.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Slutty Pumpkin" vs. "Aldrin Justice"

I just did not love Aldrin Justice very much. I liked Lily's story, and I liked that they mixed up the show by having a Lily story, but the Barney side seemed cliche and crass. This is a side effect of having a character whose plot is often cliche and crass, but usually Barney makes his plot good regardless. Here he does not. On the other hand Slutty Pumpkin was a great episode that had Barney stealing the show while still allowing Ted and Robin to have their nice moments, and letting Marshall and Lily have some funny bits. Slutty Pumpkin was well rounded and hilarious, while Aldrin Justice was just a changeup episode. Plus, Slutty Pumpkin had the Top Gun entrance. It wins right there.

Winner
Season 1 Episode 6: Slutty Pumpkin

Scoreboard

Season 1: 3

Season 2: 3

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 5: The World's Greatest Couple

Summary
Ted and Robin see Lily's new apartment which is horrible. They suggest that Lily moves in with Barney for a while. She does so, but he complains that she might change the way he lives. He explains that his apartment is made for singles. He has only one pillow, one towel, no food, and he has his porn out in the open.

Meanwhile Marshall tries to do couply things with his friend Brad. Things turn awkward however, and he has to break up with Brad.

Lily ends up changing Barney's apartment, and the two spend the night snuggling but not having sex. He is furious, and kicks her out, although he agrees to furnish her apartment.

Review
Not a ton happening in this episode, but it was pretty funny. I love Barney's apartment with a passion. I don't really have much to say other then this episode was simple and a lot of fun.

Ranking
8.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Okay? Awesome!" vs. "The World's Greatest Couple"

This is a close one. I love what they did in Okay? Awesome! with the club scene. It was very funny. It was also nice to see some tension with Marshall and Lily fearing growing up. In a lot of ways Okay? Awesome! was classic HIMYM. The World's Greatest Couple however is even funnier, and we get more insight into Barney's way of life. Plus we get some classic Ted/Robin making fun of Marshall. That's also pretty classic. So what I'm saying is that both of these episodes are classic. But The World's Greatest Couple has a storm trooper, so it wins.

Winner

Season 2 Episode 5: Okay? Awesome!

Scoreboard

Season 1: 2

Season 2: 3



HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 4: Ted Mosby, Architect

Summary
Ted and Robin have their first fight after Robin gets tired of listening to Ted's boring work stories and also says Field of Dreams is boring. Barney tells Ted that his being an architect is a turn on for women, and Ted realizes this is right when he talks to a girl at a bar.

Robin goes to the bar to apologize only to hear that "Ted Mosby, the Architect" has caused quite a scene. She jealously follows "Ted's" trail to a party and then to a club, and finally to a girl's apartment, only to find out that "Ted" is really Barney.

Robin realizes she needs to put more work into her relationship, and goes to find Ted working. The two make up and Ted shows her the alternative plans he's made for a building that his boss has designed to look like a giant penis. Robin is the first person to see Ted's plans, and Future Ted reveals that his plans are used to build the skyscraper in Spokane.

Notes
This building in Spokane is mentioned for the first time in this episode. It will play an important part in Ted's life for the rest of the season. Throughout the episode, we see "Ted Mosby" as Ted, only to later retroactively learn this is Barney. This is a clever device, although unfortunately Ted/Robin fans have inferred that this device explains how "Robin" isn't really Robin, even though that doesn't make any sense. Ted/Robin fans as always are quite apt to believe any crazy theory to support their beloved relationship. This episode is a good one for Ted/Robin fans though, as despite having their first fight, Robin develops a lot in this episode. I feel like the theme of this season is both Ted and Robin growing through their relationship. Ted becomes more pragmatic, while Robin as seen here becomes better at being in a couple. At the lawyer party we get to meet Brad, Marshall's lawyer friend who will appear sporadically throughout the rest of the series. Finally the girl Barney hooks up with as Ted will make a comeback later...

Review
A really good episode here to get Season 2 moving. Robin and Ted's fight was pretty funny, and I loved the guys and girls having different reactions to it. It's cute to see Ted and Robin together, and dealing with their relationship. The writers know that this is the season for them to be together, so they decided to make their story fun to watch, and it is. I love the lawyer party, and am glad to see Brad. HIMYM's recurring characters are awesome and they make the show more enjoyable to long time fans. I also like seeing Lily regret not being with Marshall, those two should get back together soon...My favorite part of the episode was the note Barney left for the girl. Dear Resident...that was awesome.

Ranking
8.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs 2: "The Return of the Shirt" vs "Ted Mosby, Architect"

Well this is an awesome matchup for Season 2. In The Return of the Shirt we got an episode that while good for normal television, was mediocre for HIMYM. Ted Mosby, Architect on the other hand was an awesome episode. It was funnier, and used some tricky story telling techniques. It also told a more compelling relationship story. The audience cares about Ted and Robin, while Ted and Natalie was just a one episode throwaway plot (although it will be referenced again later in typical HIMYM awesomeness.) Still I prefer the funny episode with a more compelling character story, and more Barney being awesome.

Winner

Season 2 Episode 4: Ted Mosby, Architect.

Scoreboard

Season 1: 2

Season 2: 2

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 3: Brunch

Summary
The story of Ted's parents coming to have Brunch with the gang is told in three parts.

The first part shows Lily and Marshall trying to get along after their breakup. When Marshall claims that they're like brother and sister, Lily gets angry and shows up to  lunch wearing a dress that reveals her boobs. Marshall responds by showing off his calves. The two are both turned on and have sex in the bathroom during brunch.

In Barney's part, Barney strives to impress Ted's parents. He hangs out with Ted's dad who hooks up with Wendy the waitress, which shocks Ted who thinks his dad mus be cheating on his mom.

In Robin's part, Robin strives to impress Ted's parents as well. She prepares to answer questions about getting married and having kids, but Ted's mom seems uninterested in these things. Robin confronts Virginia on the issue.

The stories interlap and Ted learns that his parents are divorced. He is shocked, espescially when they tell him the reason they didn't work out is because they were much like Ted and Robin in their relationship.

Notes
Marshall and Lily hookup, and clearly still have feelings for each other. They agree to spend some time apart though, and will rarely be on screen together in the next few episodes. Ted's parents also outline why their relationship didn't work and their reasons apply to Ted/Robin as well. Ted like his father was a romantic while Robin and his mother were more pragmatic and both knew they didn't really want to be in a serious relationship. These are important things that will help lead to the breakup of Ted/Robin. Ted also vows in this episode to tell the whole story of how he meets his kids' mother, thus explaining why he is telling this story in the future. Barney trying to impress Ted's parents, espescially his mom will be a recurring gag later in the series.

Review
A good episode, and I like the use of multiple stories. It's a classical HIMYM device. Barney trying to impress Ted's parents was also pretty funny. I like that even in episodes where Ted and Robin seem happy together, we get hints that all is not well. It allows us to remain a little detached from the relationship although it's still great to see them together. Marshall and Lily arguing is also funny, and I enjoy this episode as one of the few times where the couple is every really antagonistic towards each other.

Ranking
8 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "Liberty Bell" vs "Brunch"

This is one of those where sentimentality wins the day. The two episodes are about equal, but Liberty Bell was the episode that introduced us to legendary, and legend wait for it dary! Simply too awesome to deny. Liberty Bell was also a serious introduction to the Barney character, while Brunch was just a funny situation. I'm a sucker for character insight. Although Brunch is a very good episode, and stronger then many season 1 episodes, Liberty Bell isn't one of them.

Winner

Season 1 Episode 3: Liberty Bell

Score

Season 1: 2

Season 2: 1

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 2: The Scorpion and the Toad

Summary
After Marshall checks out Robin's ass, Barney decides he's ready to hit the dating scene. He takes Marshall out to pick out girls numerous times, but each time he ends up stealing a girl away from Marshall.

Meanwhile Lily is back from San Francisco. She meets up with Ted and Robin, and although she puts on a brave front she eventually cracks after missing out on an apartment. She confesses her summer was awful, and she wants Marshall back.

Lily pleads for Marshall to take her back but he rejects her. However, in order to help make things up to him she sabatoges Barney from trying to hook up with a set of twins.

Notes
Barney reveals his talent at magic, as he steals several women from Marshall. In real life Neil Patrick Harris is a member of the Magician's Guild. Although Barney is seemingly acting selfishly here, we'll later find out differently. Meanwhile, Lily is back from San Francisco now, but she and Marshall aren't back together, instead they will wearily try to be just friends for a while.

Review
I liked the Barney/Marshall side of the story, but found the Lily part to be kind of annoying. I dislike that she only realized it was a huge mistake because things didn't go well. It would have been better if she had just missed Marshall in my opinion. But I do love Barney using magic to steal chicks from Marshall. I thought hungover Ted, Lily, and Robin was pretty funny, with Robin still being drunk the morning after. The show is focusing on the Marshall/Lily drama which is good for now, but I don't like seeing them broken up. It hurts.

Ranking
6.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 1 vs. Season 2: "The Purple Giraffe" vs "The Scorpion and the Toad"

I may be judging The Scorpion and the Toad harsher then I would if it was a Season 1 episode, but there's no doubt that this episode is not as good as the Purple Giraffe. The second episode of the first season was an even better introduction to the show then the pilot, and introduced the awesomeness of the word "casual." In season two we get an episode that serves to move the plot along, but while half of it was very funny the other was a little off. Perhaps if the entire episode was as good as the Barney and Marshall part this would be a closer race, but as it is it's no real contest.

Winner: Season 1 Episode 2: The Purple Giraffe.

Score: S-1: 1        S-2: 1

HIMYM Episode Reviews: Season 2 Episode 1: Where Were We?

Summary
Ted and Robin are together at last, while Marshall and Lily have broken up. Future Ted talks about how the first two months of a relationship starting and ending are similar because they are always in bed, never wearing pants, and annoying.

Ted, Barney, and Robin try to help Marshall get over his depression by taking him to a strip club (Barney) a baseball game (Ted) and finally to a shooting range (Robin.)

Marshall's depression continues and he goes to confront Lily who has seemingly returned to New York. Ted snaps and tells him he's not ready. Marshall goes anyways only to find out that Lily isn't back, but her identity was stolen.

Marshall finally gets over the breakup after months of pain, and making a batch of pancakes to get his life back to normal. Lily returns to New York but does not meet up with the gang in the bar.

Notes
The show uses a cold open before the credits for the first time, which they will continue to do for the rest of the series. Lily spends the summer is San Francisco, and it is the first time she and Marshall have been broken up in nearly ten years. While Season 1 had Six Phases that I talked about, Season 2 only really has 3. The First Phase begins here with Marshall and Lily broken up and Robin and Ted happily together. This forces the single Barney and Marshall to interact more, as Marshall has to fill in for the now coupled up Ted. This season also references Robin being a gun enthusiast which will be a running joke throughout the series. We also see Barney's favorite Strip Club, the Lusty Leopard. Lily is seen only in flashbacks in this episode until the end.

Review
A great episode, that has a lot going on. The writers kind of went kitchen sink style here, with a lot of different gags that were pretty big. Some of them kind of missed the mark, as I'm not a huge fan of the strip club scenes, I think they are kind of cliche' for Barney's character, but many other parts were funny. My favorite money was when Ted took Marshall to a baseball game and he threw his hot dog at the couple in the kiss cam. I also loved Barney and all of his pantomime suicides when he is around his friends. It's good stuff. Ted and Robin look good together, they have a lot of chemistry, and I feel sorry for Ted/Robin fans who are still being strung along by the writers in this season. It's nice to see that the show can work with Ted in a relationship though.

Ranking
8.5 out of 10.

Season Comparison: Season 2 vs. Season 1: "Where Were We?" vs "The Pilot"
One of the main reasons I'm writing this blog is to sort through my feelings on which season of HIMYM is the best. I'm not sure what the best way to do this is, but let's start with a straight up episode comparison. Warning! I won't nescessarily judge these episodes based strictly on my rankings. Episodes from certain seasons are judged differently, and some episodes have more sentimental value. The Pilot is one such episode, and so I judge the pilot higher then my ranking suggests. That makes this a close matchup between the Pilot and the Season 2 premier. In Where Were We, the character were definitely more set then in Season 1, but in Season 2 we got the story of the events that started it all. It's a tough decision, but I think Where Were We has to be judged as the better episode. I still laugh when I watch this episode, while I enjoy the pilot simply because of the nostalgia.

Winner: Season 2 Episode 1: Where Were We?