"Sunrise" On Final Day of HIMYM

Article first published as "Sunrise" On Final Day of HIMYM on TheTVKing.

CBS's How I Met Your Mother has reached the final day of its three-day final season, meaning we're in the last third of the last year of the show. This week's installment, "Sunrise," resolved a few lingering issues between the main characters, and despite revealing that none of them are getting a realistic amount of sleep to actually function and enjoy the wedding day, it also nicely, if unevenly, sets up the concluding arcs.

Ted (Josh Radnor) has always been in love with Robin (Cobie Smulders). That's been a major plot of the show, and this last season would ring false if it didn't pay tribute to that, even as Ted serves as the Best Man for Robin's wedding to Barney (Neil Patrick Harris). The two don't need to end up together, but Ted must finally let Robin go.

This really has to happen before Ted meets The Mother (Cristin Milioti). Otherwise, his commitment to her wouldn't feel right, just replacing his feelings for Robin with those for someone else. Ted must be in a place where is open to meeting a soul mate. For most of the show, he has not been because of Robin.

And letting go is exactly what happens. Ted makes peace with the fact that he'll never be with Robin. The metaphor with the balloon is a little hokey, but it accomplishes what How I Met Your Mother needs to do. Ted and Robin are now firmly friends, never to be anything more. It's sad, but it's also a necessary, important step to take for both of them, one Robin kind of did awhile ago, and now Ted can follow in. This story is very well done and emotionally fulfilling.

As Ted confesses his feelings anew, thankfully in a way that doesn't sound like he's asking Robin to call off the ceremony, we flashback to Ted's recent activities, allowing guest spots for a few memorable exes including Stella (Sarah Chalke), Victoria (Ashley Williams), and Jeanette (Abby Elliott). It's gratifying to revisit those faces in a natural way, woven with a tale in which Ted is almost crazy enough to try to win Robin back, and then is convinced not to. Though, I do wish Zoe (Jennifer Morrison) had been a part of it, certainly the biggest relationship neglected here, perhaps because of Morrison's lack of availability.

The three girls aren't the only returning guest stars in "Sunrise." As Marshall (Jason Segel) argues with two imaginary versions of Lily (Alyson Hannigan), his deceased father, Marvin (Bill Fagerbakke), appears to off his two cents. I do feel like Marvin is underutilized in this episode. It may have played better had only Marvin been present, instead of the two Lilys, though it's reasonable to include Lily because she is a main character who would otherwise have sat the episode out and because Marshall's problem is with Lily. Still, having Marvin deliver a couple of lines, as resonant as they might be, isn't enough use for him.

"Sunrise" resolves in Lily returning and agreeing to stay in New York. This feels cheap. Perhaps because Marshall doesn't have the argument with the real Lily and we don't get her side of the fight, or perhaps because this seems like Lily is giving up her dream for Marshall, but this doesn't sit right.


It's interesting that Marshall brings up Lily fleeing to San Francisco as they fight about their future. This is something he should long have gotten over, and it's certainly well past a fair time to bring it up. But if he is still holding on to that incident, he needs to deal with it. "Sunrise" isn't clear about if he does or not. I assume this is supposed to balance the scales when Lily agrees not to go to Italy, but instead, it feels like their relationship is crumbling and surely a breeding ground for resentment. Not a great episode for them.

In order to keep Barney in the half hour, he has a strange side story where he basically sleepwalks drunkenly down the road and passes on his wisdom to two young boys, getting Tim Gun (himself) to suit them up. This seems like a perfect story for Barney, but the way in which it plays out rings a bit hollow. I'd rather Barney have made a conscious decision to ensure the survival of his player legacy, or come to an understanding that it should die. This is fun fluff that doesn't quite hit its mark.

"Sunrise" has some things going for it, such as the strong Robin / Ted bits, but it also doesn't live up to the best emotional heft of How I Met Your Mother. Will that continue in this last batch of installments, or will it find its way to a triumphant end?

How I Met Your Mother airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

How I Met Your Mother goes "Tailgating"

     CBS's How I Met Your Mother celebrates New Year's with "Tailgating." After the holiday, Marshall (Jason Segel) visit his father, Marvin's (Bill Fagerbakke), grave to tailgate a Vikings game and tell the story of the most recent New Year's Eve he and his friends celebrated. Lily's (Alyson Hannigan) dad (Chris Elliott) has an unexpected reaction upon learning of his daughter's pregnancy. Ted (Josh Radnor), Barney (Neil Patrick Harris), and Kevin (Kal Penn) open a bar in the apartment. Robin (Cobie Smulders) gets back on the air while covering for a drunk, disgraced, Sandy (Alexis Denisof). And Marshall learns to honor his dad's spirit of generosity.

     The framework story, at first, seems unnecessary. Just because the episode airs a couple of days past New Year's Eve doesn't mean that the night needs to be told in flashback. However, upon further reflection, Marshall's story with his dad fits into the larger themes of the episode. There's a parallel between Marshall and Lily's fathers, and how they react or would react to a grandchildren. There's an element, like in Robin's story, of Marshall realizing his proper place in life. Marshall also acts stupidly, like Ted and Barney, by trying to hog his father, when, really, it honors Marvin more to share what he has with others. Thus, it works.

     Lily's dad, Mickey, is a strange one. But he does show up when he needs to. With Lily's life falling into place so nicely, it's no wonder that she looks back upon her disappointing childhood as something she'd rather forget. It also ruins her ability to believe, as Marshall discovers when telling her of cool enigmas he thinks might be true, and that he can't wait to share with their child. Assuming that her father has not changed, and cannot be counted on, she doesn't even tell Mickey about her pregnancy until Marshall pushes her. But it's a good thing he does, because Mickey has gotten Lily's message. He needs to step up, and step up he does, driving all night to deliver a stuffed bear. He may still have trouble expressing himself, as evidenced by the phone call, but he will be a better grandpa than he was a dad.  Which is a good thing, since the baby's other grandfather will not be around to do the same.

     Side note, anyone else catch that Mickey is selling a boxed game called Slap Bet, an inside joke for HIMYM fans? But how is that played?

     There is a healthy layer of emotion hanging over the story in "Tailgating" that shows How I Met Your Mother's maturation. It is still a comedy, shown amply in the non-Lily and Marshall plots. But finding heart and growth is what is rejuvenating the series after it has slide into a rut for a year or two. It's how How I Met Your Mother needs to move forward, and sets up a more moving ending than may have been expected at the outset. This is a furthering of the strategy beginning last year to make the series get "more real," and it's working.

     Robin's bit is geared a little more towards comedy, in that Sandy acts in a ridiculous manner. But there is also an undercurrent of her most recent story, dealing with the news that she can never have children. Robin always puts her career before family, but learning that family is not an option is still a hard blow to take. Before, it was a choice, and now it's not. She, surprisingly, does not instantly redouble her efforts in her job, demonstrating a healthy attitude of dealing with her problems, rather than avoiding them. Encouraged by Kevin, and with few other choices, she bravely takes back to the air, setting the stage for the next step in her career. It's a great moment, one very fulfilling for Robin as a character.

     Barney and Ted's time in "Tailgating" is much less serious, providing the light touch the sitcom wants to, and should, hang on to. They go back to an earlier, alcohol infused dream to own a bar. Of course, they go about it in very different ways, with Barney wanting to have lots of sex in Ted's room, and Ted seeking intellectual discussion. They do agree that a theme song is needed. The bar doesn't work, because, let's face it, bars just don't flow that way. Instead, the patrons trash the place, and the clueless proprietors have to keep raising the drink prices--something they vowed not to do--just to break even. It's a reality check that ends their fun little experiment gone wrong.

     Interestingly, after a couple of false starts, Kevin just falls into place as Ted and Barney's bitch in "Tailgating," which is, admittedly, the only way to really break into this heavily co-dependent group. An outsider cannot come in and shake things up without turning off the main characters. But one who happily goes along with whatever they choose to do is welcome, and through this, Kevin begins to make himself a part of the whole. It's unclear if it will last, but he's the first significant other in a long time that seems to have a real chance to join. He judges the friends a little, but mostly silently, and without trying too hard to change anything. And he's good for Robin, encouraging and supportive, without being too pushy.

     Overall, "Tailgating" is not a super memorable episode that will go down as one of the How I Met Your Mother greats. But it's also not a disappointment, furthering several stories, and holding up relatively well throughout. It captures a lot of the trends working for the show right now, and delivers an interesting plot. As such, it is a fine "standard" episode between the big event weeks, which will surely happen in February sweeps.

     Watch How I Met Your Mother Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy How I Met Your Mother DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: How I Met Your Mother - "Tailgating" on Blogcritics.

How I Met Your Mother meets "Noretta"

     This week's How I Met Your Mother, "Noretta," delves into the chemistry of relationships. James (Wayne Brady) comes to visit, and is grossed out by just how much his brother Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) girlfriend, Nora (Nazanin Boniadi), is like their mother, Loretta (Frances Conroy, Six Feet Under, American Horror Story). Kevin (Kal Penn) says this is perfectly normal, that people often end up with spouses who have similarities to their parents. Suddenly, the whole group begins seeing their significant other this way, and all sexual attraction dissipates.

     Is this true? Do people really end up with their parents? It's certainly possible. Kids imitate the adults in their lives. Watching their parents interact shapes much of who they are, and it's what they grow up thinking of as normal. So, of course, they would seek out a similar person, so that they can have a similar relationship as their parents do. Even if the parents get don't along, it's still what the child is used to, which is why there are negative repeating patterns as well as positive. Luckily, in this series, and in the case of these characters, those qualities are overwhelmingly positive. Obviously, this does not hold true for everyone, or society would be stagnant, but it's a valid trend, and one worth noting.

     The conceit is great because it gives How I Met Your Mother the chance to bring back some of the wonderful performers who play the characters' parents, and all in one episode. Besides Loretta, there is Ted's (Josh Radnor) mother, Virginia (Christine Rose, Heroes), Lily's (Alyson Hannigan) father, Mickey (Chris Elliott, Everybody Loves Raymond, Eagleheart), a glimpse of Kevin's unseen-before mom, and best of all, the return of Marshall's (Jason Segel) deceased father, Marvin (Bill Fagerbakke, SpongeBob SquarePants, Coach). Robin's (Cobie Smulders) father, Robin Sr. (Ray Wise, Reaper, 24) sits this one out, but that's OK, because he appears in last week's episode. Each of these actors are great in various roles, and having them together in one episode is a wealth of riches.

     It should be noted that Fagerbakke's return, the subject of much sorrow and grief last season, is done in a lightly comedic way. There are no tears or sadness accompanying it, and that's a good thing. Marshall has really begun to move on with his life, something he needs to do.

     Hilarity ensues when the characters have to play opposite their parents in sexual situations. The elder performers give it their all, fully committing to the scene, leaving their "children" to shrink back in disgust. It's equal parts disturbing and funny. Perhaps the best gag, though, comes as Marshall and Lily both get the complex at the same time. This leads to Marvin and Mickey on screen together, leaning in for a kiss. It's not sexy, but it will have viewers roaring with laughter. Thank goodness the camera stops before it happens! To show that would turn into pure silliness, and ruin the moment.

     Of course, because this is a point that hits home with a lot of people, it would be uncool of How I Met Your Mother to leave viewers hanging without resolution. Thus, it's left to Barney to say that his mom is the coolest person he knows, and that any similarity between Nora and Loretta is wonderful. This is a healthy, mature attitude to take. Nora and Loretta don't look alike, so there's no conflict there. All Barney is saying is, you love your parents; why not pick someone who shares their best qualities? And he's right. One doesn't want someone exactly like one's parents, but it's impossible to imitate their relationship without a partner who is looking for the same things as you. Thus, it works on a number of levels.

     In "Noretta," Barney is looking forward to finally having sex with Nora. He's been patient, something unusual for the character, but necessary for the growth he is experiencing, and the level of effort he puts into the relationship. Because How I Met Your Mother is a sitcom, zany events pop up to try to derail his sexy night with his girl. Barney pushes through, as he always does. What's unusual here is that Barney isn't just pushing through for the sex, as he has numerous times before. Instead, there are real emotions present, and care for Nora in his actions. Which is why, despite everything, it appears that things work out in the end for the couple. Love wins the day, and can overcome anything. A nice message leaving viewers feeling good.

     "Noretta" is significant because there is a real focus on where Ted stands in the group. The entire theme of How I Met Your Mother involves Ted finding his future children's mother. Yet, at this point in season seven, he is the only one currently single. Lily and Marshall have been together since well before the series begins. But with commitment-phobic Barney and Robin now getting serious with Nora and Kevin, respectively, it reminds Ted just how much he is failing in this mission. He may very well end up being the last one left alone. It's not his fault, it's just the way the characters have developed.

     It's true that Ted is not in the right place in his life to settle down for most of the series thus far. As much as he wants a partner, he isn't emotionally ready. He goes through a series of mistakes, has trouble finding himself, and ends up acting like a jerk many times. This isn't the right attitude to have when finding the woman of one's dreams. But now Ted is turning things around, and finally getting to the soul of who he is. He is satisfied professionally, and not desperate but open to love. It's in this state that he is ready to meet the mother, and hopefully he soon will. How I Met Your Mother will be running at least through the spring of 2013, but the mystery cannot be stretched out that long. It's time to end it.

     Kevin is still an enigma in terms of how he fits into the group. He's rapidly getting past the creepy stage, which starts because he is Robin's therapist when they meet. But he can't help that encounter, and he's moved past it. He is correct in his criticisms of the codependent group, but that also makes him more of an outsider. The central characters aren't likely to change their behavior, so he either needs to get with the program and join in, as Nora does to some degree, or move on, as so many others have. What points to the former possibility is that he does make effort, such as this week when he pretends to be a Weird Al (who cameos a 1980s version of himself) fan to make Ted happy. It's a generous, compassionate move that bodes well for Kevin. 

     How I Met Your Mother is back on the right track, so for fans who gave up on it during the rocky last couple of years, it's time to come back. Watch How I Met Your Mother Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

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     To buy How I Met Your Mother DVDs or streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: How I Met Your Mother - "Noretta" on Blogcritics.

How I Met Your Mother - "Bad News"

For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.


     CBS's How I Met Your Mother has suffered majorly from its peak. After last season's particularly bad year, the creative team promised to give us a better one this year. They have sometimes, but not always, succeeded. As much as I love Jennifer Morrison from her days on House, as well as Kyle MacLachlan's turn as Morrison's character's husband, the entire Zoey arc has been disappointing. The chemistry between Zoey and Ted (Josh Radnor) is just not there. While I have advocated in past reviews for the show to please just wrap things up while they have some dignity left, Zoey is not the note to go out on.

     This week's episode, "Bad News", was a pleasant surprise. Not because of the humor, which was a little shaky. I think I was pleased that they found Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) doppelganger just so that story would be over. And did we really need Marshall's (Jason Segel) parents talking to him through the bathroom door as he tried to provide a DNA sample to a cup? If you haven't been watching the show, Marshall is not a pervert. He was just getting his man-stuff tested as part of his effort to conceive a baby with his wife. But the emotional punch at the end sold the episode as one of the most memorable in awhile.

     For sharp-eyed viewers, there was an unexplained, unmentioned countdown throughout the episode. It started with the number '50' prominently displayed in the opening shot, and smaller numbers appeared sporadically, in descending order, as the episode played out. Taking the episode's title into consideration, you may have thought that the fertility doctor telling Marshall that he was sterile was the bad news, but the countdown hadn't completed yet, so of course it was Barney in disguise, not the real doctor. No, the numbers stopped when Lily (Alyson Hannigan) broke the news to her husband that his father (Bill Fagerbakke: Coach, SpongeBob SquarePants) had just died of a heart attack.

     I had wondered why Marshall's father, who we had seen only a couple of times before, was being featured so often this season, including in this episode with his wife (Suzie Plakson), and now it had become clear. In an interview with TVLine, series co-creator Carter Bays stated that the death was just the beginning of a new arc for Marshall and Lily. Surely, Marshall's father never getting to see his grandkids will be a blow. Marshall and his father were so close, and the death unexpected and too early, that the ramifications for the show's best character will obviously be many. It was a hell of an ending, and of the quality that does the show proud.

     Lest you think all of "Bad News" was depressing, I was pleasantly surprised at the return of Robin's (Cobie Smulders) old co-anchor, Sandy Rivers (Alexis Denisof). Played by Hannigan's real-life sweetie, Rivers is obnoxious, but he's funny. And he dredged up all of Robin's embarrassing past in front of her new co-workers at her first, real, serious job. It was delightful.

     How I Met Your Mother airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. on CBS.

Article first published as TV Review: How I Met Your Mother - "Bad News" on Blogcritics.

SpongeBob SquarePants "Mystery With a Twistery"

     Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants is a beloved classic at this point. It has been on the air since 1999, and — though it doesn't run regular seasons — is into its eighth batch. This coming Thursday will see the eighth episode in this eighth season, entitled "Mystery With a Twistery." It is the first new episode in over a month, and should prove delightful.

     The main plot arc concerns Mr. Krabs (voiced by Clancy Brown), tired of fending off the scheming of arch-enemy, Plankton (Mr. Lawrence), sending his Krabby Patty recipe to a far-away safe deposit box for safekeeping. Of course, he needs a look at the ingredients almost as soon as it's gone, so he sends SpongeBob (Tom Kenny) and Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) to retrieve it. Plankton follows them, bent on stealing the key to the box, and the secret recipe.

     I wouldn't dream of spoiling the obvious ending, or most of the fun it takes getting there. I can, however, drop a few hints. The episode features two characters are aren't who they appear to be, a retirement home built strangely at the end of a train track, a not-so-fun way for Mr. Krabs to spend his life savings, and reveals that Patrick can repeatedly run faster than a locomotive speeding out of control.

     SpongeBob still teems with unexplainable going-ons, and I wonder how the rules of gravity and land physics can possibly apply under water. However, for a series whose ocean-dwelling sponge looks like the kitchen variety, the rest falls in as part of the charm. SpongeBob may be over a decade old, but he can still deliver the charm and humor of a much younger cleaning implement.

     Advertised as a very special mystery episode, "Mystery With a Twistery" premieres this Thursday at 8pm on Nickelodeon.


For frequent mini-reviews and occasional tv news, follow Jerome on Twitter.

Article first published as TV Preview: SpongeBob SquarePants - "Mystery With a Twistery" on Blogcritics.