Since I’m right in the middle of writing a love letter to HIMYM, I don’t feel bad admitting that last night’s episode has been my least favorite of the post-strike fare we’ve gotten so far. Admittedly some of that is because the usual dynamic of the show is currently being disrupted by the break up between Barney and Ted. That doesn’t bother me so much, as I do like hat they’re willing to take the risk of messing with a working formula for the sake of character development and growth. I like that part. It’s just that I’d like them to still nail the funny at the same time.

Stella: Well either they are purposely down playing the Stella storyline or I’m doomed to be disappointed if she turns out to be the mother. I have some fundamental issues from the storytelling point of view with the idea that she could be the mother. Like why would Future!Ted not have yet mentioned that Stella’s their mother OR why haven’t the kids interrupted to ask if it’s their mother. Surely they would recognize her in the story? She has a pretty distinctive background… a child from another man and a doctor. Plus, it feels some how irreverent that Future!Ted would have no problem telling his kids a story about the first time he has sex with their mother without acknowledging that she’s their mother (actually, I think Future!Ted should be circumspect with just how much of the story he shares when it comes to the mother). Still, at this point there had better be a good twist in the story or Stella is going to be a disappointment as the mother. I’d even accept it if, at this point in the story, Ted doesn’t know she’s destined to become his wife and that’s why he’s holding back that information from the kids. Like if they pull a switcheroo by having Ted break up with Stella, start dating someone else, only to end up back with Stella… but, again, it seems like the kids would recognize their mother in the story at this point so I’m not sure that can work in a believable way.

It should be noted, though, that I do like Sarah Chalke in the role. I like Stella and I like how well matched Ted and Stella seem. It’s just that… well, they’re boring and that’s not good!

Barney & Ted: Ted’s getting a bum rap here. I get that it doesn’t seem fair that he’s so mad at Barney and yet so accepting of Robin but I think people are lying if they claim they’d be fine if their best friend slept with one of their exes. And, really, all Ted’s anger proves to me is that he did value his friendship with Barney and was truly hurt by what Barney did. Just because people like the pairing of Robin and Barney doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be consequences for the two of them hooking up. I know it’s a testament to how much people like Barney but I sorta feel bad that Ted gets no benefit of the doubt. Even if he’s not my favorite character, I can at least identify with his motivations here. Also, I have absolute faith in the HIMYM writers. In fact, there’s some part of me that hopes that Lily brings the two back together. That’d make for some nice continuity.

Barney & Randy: Look, the names don’t even go together very nicely!! Randy was a bit much for me and I think proves the point that someone who worships at the altar of Barney just does not make for a good wingman. We need someone to balance out Barney’s kookiness. Barney and Robin make a better pairing (yes, I know, we knew that) than Barney and Randy! That said, I did enjoy all of the phone calls Barney made. The last guy was the best because that’s totally how imagine Barney will be once he gives in to the lure of love and marriage. Ha!

Of course, even when an episode of HIMYM disappoints me, I find things to love. Like the last joke. I know it probably wasn’t nearly as funny as I found it to be and yet I’m still laughing at it today. Possibly because it’s exactly the kind of joke any one in my group of friends would make.

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