HIMYM

[jlh]

Let's go two weeks back, to "Murtaugh." I think that in the realm of "non-plot" episodes, this one was pretty good—better than the hamburger episode anyway.

I admit, I like the sitcom form, and one of the things about sitcoms is that they can be very meta, very self-aware, especially post-Seinfeld—and HIMYM is as much post-Seinfeld as it is post-Friends. I really didn't mind the enactments of the cop-movie cliches between Barney and the laser tag guy—it was funny and spot-on.

And of course, I love Ted being a "duke", and Robin thinking that Ted and Barney's relationship is hilarious, and "Huzzah!" and everyone ultimately deciding to act their age.

I felt the same about Marshall's weird coaching assignment. After all, Marshall seems really mild-mannered, but he graduated from Columbia Law and is fairly successful in a corporate job at GNB, so you know there's a killer in there someplace. And everything we've seen about his brothers leads us to him having that attitude about competition—never mind the whole thing about never wanting to get into a fight. It's like he's David Banner or something, just barely keeping the Hulk under control. I love that about Marshall.

I also love shout outs to Teen Wolf.

As for this week's "Mosbius Designs"—I'd read in an interview that Alyson had to shoot all her scenes for the last five episodes at once, and even her long fight with Ted in "The Front Porch" took a long time to shoot because she would get tired and need to rest. So, cute device to explain her absence, and as director Pamela Fryman said in the interview, it gives them a chance to explore Marshall and Barney's friendship, though they do feel the show doesn't work as well without all five.

One thing I loved was Ted's reaction to Robin sleeping with his intern, which was mostly annoyance. I also love that Robin actually called Ted a douche. And I loved how scared Ted was, because omg of course he was scared, and of course pretty much all of his acting like a douche is a cover for his insecurities—which, I think, is what he has in common with Barney and not with Marshall, as Barney also covers up his insecurities with bluster and ridiculousness. And Robin's weird fetish for men who control when she goes to the bathroom … will not be further explored by me, but is fodder for some very kinky Robin/Barney fic, as I'm sure Barney would be only too happy to take advantage.

But my god, Marshall and Barney. Sports guy! (I used to share an office with our sports guy. He is still that. He's also one of the funniest people I've ever met. And those sports guys are as geeky, if not geekier, than any SFF fanboy.) Hiring the intern to help out Barney! Confirming what we all knew, that Lily had told Marshall about Barney's love for Robin weeks ago! So Robin is the only one who doesn't know, and it's clear that something or another will happen before the end of the season.

A quick note on Fantasy Guy: I am excited that he is black, that he's some sort of permanent cosplayer, and that Ted (and therefore Barney) has hung out with him and would vouch for him. Wish I knew him.

Thoughts?

Comments

[annearchy.livejournal.com]

Two excellent episodes. Ted's pretentiousness shows in the name of his firm, Mosbius Designs. I think he thinks it will impress potential clients, but it will probably only generate some eyerolls from other architects. Loved all the Barney/Marshall stuff. And it's really getting difficult to cover up Cobie's tummy.

[shakespearechic.livejournal.com]

I am really loving this season's episodes!

Also, they covered Alyson's pregnancy a lot more - always behind tables and such - not so much Colbie's!