People really do stupid things in preparation for a big storm. There’s one extreme – where I come from, it’s colloquially known as the “Hurricane Party.” Then there’s the opposite, those that are a little too prepared (I’d argue that the proper level of preparation lies somewhere in between, lest you don’t get stuck pushing your Jeep through a four-hour line for gas … not that that’s happened to me). This week’s How I Met Your Mother proves that there is such thing as too much preparation, especially when it is Classic Schmosby.
I could talk about the entirety of this episode — how the idea of Marshall boogie boarding on a plastic garbage can top is ridiculous, or how Ted’s move to throw Barney under the bus for the sake of a hot woman is showing some growth into Stinson-esque territories, or even Marshall’s freaky obsession with being mauled by a bear. I could do those things, and waste your time, but there are really only two things you want to talk about, right?
The Slap Bet revisited
You had to know that the only thing that was going to save Barney from the Ducky Tie would somehow involve the Slap Bet. His trying to leverage one additional slap to get out of the bet was, ironically, exactly how the scoreboard looked at the end of the night. Minus, obviously, the two slaps that Marshall negotiated into the deal, and then immediately utilized. The Slap Bet has played itself out pretty well over the years (Though, Deb is right, Slapsgiving 2 kinda sucked), and this is just another chapter in a great long-running joke.
Barney and Robin kiss
I’d love to say that this gives credence to my theory that Barney and Robin will end up together, but, technically, it just lends credence to the idea that there will be conflict and mystery in whom Barney ends up marrying this season. And, we already know that there will be conflict, so this did little to advance the story. What the kiss (and the moment with Barney and Robin on the stoop discussing her father) did accomplish, however, was to give people like me — who believe in Barney and Robin — another reminder of how well they do work together. Despite the last iteration of their relationship’s massive failure, they are comedic gold together … and more than a little sweet.
Notes & Quotes
This was such a good episode, reminded me of the early seasons. Barney reality-turned fantasies to tempt Marshall were so spot on and even Kevin didn’t look awkward like in other episodes. A total home-run. And ofc the kiss at the end!
Barney how could you part with the ducky tie for a measly 3 slaps? I thought you were better than this.
Long live the ducky tie https://www.zazzle.com/yellow_rubber_duck_tie-151811463674761902?rf=238079761057472150