HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER "Coming Back" In the End

Article first published as HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER "Coming Back" In the End on TheTVKing.

CBS's How I Met Your Mother started as a fantastic, hilarious comedy, then devolved into dumb repetition, before bouncing somewhat back by adding a thick emotional layer over the handful of laughs. With the show's ninth and final season upon us, all designated to take place over a single weekend, it seems a big risk that could go either way. Given the track record, despite the past few year's decent delivery, confidence is not high such a move can be pulled off.

However, with last night's two installments, "The Locket" and "Coming Back," it's sure off to a great start.

These episodes are not exactly designed as a two-parter, but don't really stand-alone, either. As the long tale begins to wind up, it seems How I Met Your Mother gets more meandering and less linear, which is actually perfectly fine. We know Ted (Josh Radnor) is at the place where he meets The Mother (Cristin Milioti); the end is in sight. Now, tone is more important than definition.

Thank goodness How I Met Your Mother doesn't make us wait the entire year in order to see Ted and The Mother together. Having them this close, already in the same place, it would be annoying to have them continuously narrowly miss one another. Yet, we also know they can't actually meet until the end of the weekend, most likely the series finale. The show solves this frustration by giving us a glimpse of the two of them one year later in "Coming Back."

Their first scene is positively electric. For anyone who wondered what kind of girl would finally satisfy Ted and still be likable to the viewer, The Mother is it. Perfect casting and writing come together and suddenly the whole effort seems worth it. One small moment glimpsed, and Ted and The Mother seem like they've been destined to be together their entire life. Knowing this, and getting the reward of witnessing it, makes the waiting not hurt so much.

I'm getting ahead of myself, though, because that is the at the end of the hour. First, Lily (Alyson Hannigan) meets The Mother. One thing I've wondered is how this stranger will fit in with the so-well-established gang that makes up the principal cast. The show solves this, too, by first having her meet and befriend Lily. They aren't quite perfectly matched as pals, but they are good enough, The Mother managing to calm Lily down, giving her a valuable skill set to be included in the cast.

Lily needs calmed for two reasons. One, Ted has played her so he can get to Farhampton alone. This is a tricky bit of twist that feels totally in character with Ted, since Lily assumes Ted will try giving Robin (Cobie Smulders) "The Locket," which could reawaken old feelings. We do get a glimpse of Ted crazily flying to L.A. to find it, but don't actually see if he did or not. Hopefully, this will be covered in a later episode, perhaps with return guest appearances by Sarah Chalke and Jason Jones. But it's likely Ted has it.

What may be slightly confusing is that Ted doesn't given Robin "The Locket" yet, instead presenting her with a picture of their group from season one (the one at the end of the show's theme song). Why does Ted need to ditch Lily if that's all he's giving Robin? Logic says he has "The Locket" and has not made up his mind, possibly intending to give it to Robin, then thinking better of it. His "of course"s are not sincere, and there's more to this coming. I'm glad it's being held for now, though, as we need something hanging over the next few weeks, and this does that well.

The second reason for Lily's distress is that she misses her family, but we'll get to that story in a minute.

Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin's thread starts out less than equal to those of Lily and Ted, beginning with an unnecessary incest scare in Ranjit's (Marshall Manesh) limo in "The Locket." I mean, Ranjit isn't unnecessary, but finding out that the bride and groom share a cousin is. However, it's made up for when Barney drops the "wait for it" from the word "legendary," culminating an arc nine years in the making for him.

Thankfully, "Coming Back" gives the pair something better, having to deal with James' (Wayne Brady) divorce. See, there's a Stinson curse, which we amusingly see cast on Brady and Harris in period-ish costumes back in 1807 Russia, and James' marriage is the only thing that makes Barney believe in lasting love. Robin doesn't want Barney to find out about the split, afraid he may break off their own ceremony, but when a drunk Lily does spill the beans, Barney remains calm, telling Robin she is now why he believes, and doesn't need anyone else.

While Robin and Barney have always possessed a strong chemistry, it isn't until last year, continued in these two episodes, that we see what really makes them work as a couple. They have changed one another in a very profound way, and the depth of their love is incredibly touching. "Coming Back" proves once and for all that this wedding should happen, which makes the anticipation of the impending nuptials all the sweeter.

Finally, we have Marshall (Jason Segel) running into all sorts of obstacles trying to get back to New York before Lily finds out he has been offered a judgeship, wanting to tell her himself. Most of his problems involve a fellow traveler (Sherri Shepherd, 30 Rock). This subplot is the one that works least of all, despite Shepherd being funny, because it wraps up too easily, sort of ruining the rivalry that has been building for an hour. Marshall puts his faith in the woman and she comes through for him, contrary to everything we've seen from her up to this point. It would have been preferable for Marshall to find a different mode of transportation and run into her again along the way. But honestly, as disappointing as the climax is, it doesn't detract too much from the overall enjoyment of the episodes, which are mostly quite good.

Other highlights of "The Locket" and "Coming Back" include: a wonderful turn by Roger Bart (Revenge) as a desk clerk; Ted saying to The Mother "Hey Beautiful," which is the name of the show's theme song; The Mother's cookies' moniker being Lily's catchphrase; and Barney's anniversary gift for James. All of these combine to make the first two episodes special, promising more goodness to come over the rest of the season. These little things are part of what made the show so good in the first place, and it's nice to see them well served now.

How I Met Your Mother's final season airs Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

How I Met Your Mother turns "The Final Page"

CBS's How I Met Your Mother has begun their wrap up, getting two major characters together in this week's hour-long installment, "The Final Page." Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) has been dating Patrice (Ellen D. Williams), and when he is ready to propose after only a few weeks, he tells only Ted (Josh Radnor). Ted can't stand to let Robin (Cobie Smulders) sit idly by, knowing she is still in love with Barney, and so drives her to the site of the proposal to interrupt. But when Robin gets there, she learns it has all been an elaborate scheme by Barney to win her, and she accepts his ring.

Robin is upset with Barney at first, and she should be. He lies and manipulates her. At the same time, after How I Met Your Mother has already played so much with the two of them as a couple, any engagement has to be big. Thus, such a master plan, or something like it, has to come about, lest fans be disappointed by too small a gesture. Plus, Barney's earnestness and sincerity is enough to win Robin over, and earn his forgiveness from her and the viewers. This is a gambit played for true love, pure and simple, not just for sex, and the makes it all right.

What is more interesting to me in the whole scenario is that Barney really sells his relationship with Patrice enough for Robin to believe it. We know that he is ready to be done with games and settle down; this has been obvious for awhile. But to see Barney with a woman like Patrice, so far against his type, and to actually have a character believe he's being authentic, without seeming dumb for thinking so, is a difficult thing to do. "The Over-Correction" stuff last week makes it feel plausible. Though there is always a nagging doubt that the whole thing is fake, considering the way in which it is presented, one can't blame Robin for being fooled.

That, and how well Barney knows his friends is sweet. There are steps in his scheme that allow for everyone else to be who they are, butting in where they shouldn't. He also gives Ted the opportunity not to give up on Robin, and to keep her for himself, a friend move, rather than entrapment, not wanting to spoil Ted's happiness if Robin is still who he wants. These additions add to the successful execution, and are vital to the overall genius of the writing.

Now, after a teary and brilliant roof scene, Barney and Robin are engaged. This fundamentally changes their characters going forward, and begins building towards their wedding, which we've been glimpsing for a couple of years, mostly at the beginning and ends of seasons. This is going to shift the dynamic of the group, and really give the series some steam as it heads into those last stories of them finally and fully becoming adults.

Will How I Met Your Mother end this spring or next? No official announcement has been made, but it's very likely to be one of those two possibilities. Does the show have another whole year left in it? Should they wind things down sooner? I guess that's something we'll have to wait to find out. If it is bowing out this May, we need to hurry up and get to the wedding, though, because the series cannot end the moment Ted meets the mother. After eight seasons of set up, there has to be at least a little more.

So How I Met Your Mother definitely gets the drama right, as it has been doing for awhile now, but the comedy is still uneven. "The Final Page" has both hilarious moments, and terrible ones. Back in the day, the jokes landed solid week after week. It's a shame that this is not the case anymore. It's a good thing they have the emotional heft to keep their fans engaged.

The best comedy part of "The Final Page" is the jinx. Setting up an elaborate back story that doesn't allow Barney to talk, his friends make him squirm, and then he gets revenge, is very funny. It's the type of classic stuff that attracted many viewers in the early days of the series. There are a number of scenes in this story that really work.

I only wish the plot would have extended into the second half, at least with some resolution to Barney jinxing Lily (Alyson Hannigan) and Marshall (Jason Segel). However, one cut scene could have adequately tied it up, so it's not completely necessary.

I also enjoy the recurring characters, like Ranjit (Marshall Manesh), Patrice, and Sandy (Alexis Denisof). I love that Hannigan's husband, Denisof, appears steadily on the series. I also really like seeing Hannigan reunited with her Buffy the Vampire Slayer character's beau, Seth Green, who plays Lily and Marshall's college friend. These are bits of nostalgia that play on the audience's emotions, and even if they are a bit gimmicky, we don't care.

Not so great is the other junk tossed in. The pit metaphor didn't work very well, and I loathed the Lily-and-Marshall-away-from-Marvin stuff. Them dropping down and crying in the middle of a fancy party is stupid and unacceptable. These characters, and the actors who play them, deserve better than this. We know that the writers can be smarter. Look at the jinx!

Overall, though, "The Final Page" is a special and memorable event in the larger arc of the show. I can't wait to see where the events of this episode will lead!

How I Met Your Mother returns to CBS Mondays at 8 p.m. ET in January.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter!

Article first posted on TheTVKing

How I Met Your Mother says "Challenge Accepted"

     CBS's How I Met Your Mother closes the sixth season with a twist and a mystery in "Challenge Accepted." The wedding framework story, which has popped up several times throughout this year, is revealed to be Barney's (Neil Patrick Harris) ceremony, though the bride is still, as yet, unknown. Signs point to either Robin (Cobie Smulders) or Nora (Nazanin Boniadi). Back in the present, Ted (Josh Radnor) considers giving his relationship with Zoey (Jennifer Morrison) another shot, while Lily's (Alyson Hannigan) food poisoning turns out to be pregnancy, a bit of good news at the end of a very hard year for Marshall (Jason Segel). And Ranjit (Marshall Manesh) makes another cameo.

         To learn that Barney will soon be getting married is a shocker, to say the least. Although the seeds of maturation have been planted and have started to take root in the perennial bachelor, as season six concludes, he is a far cry away from monogamy. Barney has tried to be with one woman a couple of times in the last couple of years, and it hasn't taken. This, despite the fact that Barney's girlfriends, Robin and Nora, have both been near perfect for him. In the past, it has been shown that Barney was once a romantic. Season seven will likely bring a return to that old Barney, though a transformation back will never be fully complete.

     While Barney has a long way to go, he is nothing if not determined when he puts his mind to something. By uttering "Challenge Accepted" after reuniting with Nora, Barney is saying that he is ready to try a relationship again, and this time, he is determined to make it work. That phrase cements the character of Barney as turning a corner, as he does not lightly embark on such challenges. He generally only accepts them if great amusement or reward can be gained. Romance is not a source of amusement for him, despite his derision towards the concept, so the latter is more likely.

     The question is, will it be Robin or Nora that tames Barney? Nora is most likely, based on a survey of where the characters currently are. But Robin gives Barney a longing look at the end of "Challenge Accepted," and fans have been rooting for the couple for quite awhile. It appears that season seven is set up to be a back and forth between the two women for Barney's affections, ending with one of them walking him down the aisle. Robin still has growing to do herself if she wants to win, but after her serious pairing earlier in the season, she can probably bridge the gap between single Robin and Mrs. Robin. -son. See what I did there?

     If Ted and Robin tie the knot, that leaves Ted the sole single member of the group. How I Met Your Mother begins with Lily and Marshall's engagement, spurring Ted to seek a woman of his own. It has already been revealed that Ted will meet his children's mother at Barney's wedding. This takes a little of the sting off, as looking at the group from the outside, Ted has always been much more suited to marriage than either Barney or Robin. For either one of them, or perhaps both, to get married before him will be very painful to Ted. Unless he already has a potential mate in the pipeline, which the show says he soon will.

     The mystery of the mother has been kept up for six full seasons on How I Met Your Mother, with varying degrees of success over time. With two more seasons ordered, it may elicit groans to learn the mother's identity will be kept under wraps for at least another year. As excruciating as the wait has been, if the series were to announce the mother will be revealed in next year's season finale, it would take a lot of the pressure off. A smart move would be to begin casting early, and end next season with a big reveal, allowing at least one season of courtship to be in the docket.

     To do otherwise would be a mistake. How I Met Your Mother has floundered when comedy and premise is stretched too thin. A restoration has begun in season six, far superior to season five, because an emotional maturity is settling over the group as they actually begin to move forward with their lives. Ted is stuck, and cannot move on, until he meets the mother. As such, logically it is time for that to happen. Since the wedding is already pinpointed as the date he will do so, and the wedding is still awhile away, the creative team should begin pushing the show in that direction. Such a development could earn the series its strongest season yet.

     A large part of the rejuvenation of season six can be credited to Marshall, who is worrying about his career, still grieving the sudden loss of his father a few months ago, and frustrated with his wife's inability to get pregnant. Not that he blames her, but he really wishes it would happen already. One of those obstacles is hurdled in the final moments of "Challenge Accepted." While predictable from early on in the episode, it is no less satisfying to see the Eriksens celebrate their joyous news. They deserve a break.

     As to what is next for Marshall and Lily, obviously Marshall needs a job. Lily's Kindergarten teacher pay will not support a family alone. Marshall so far has had to balance the need for serious income versus his passion to save the world. It would be a sad step backwards if Marshall is forced to return to the corporate world after all that he has been through. But is there an environmental lawyer job with a decent salary realistically available in today's economic climate? That is up to the writers of the show to figure out.


     With an early pick up for two more seasons, How I Met Your Mother will definitely be back next fall on CBS.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Current Season Reviews.

     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 - "Challenge Accepted" on Blogcritics.