Last week, Victoria dropped some knowledge on Ted: he hasn’t been able to manage a serious relationship because he’s not yet over Robin. So, instead of following up to see how Ted is processing that information, it is completely ignored this week (which, actually makes sense). Robin, though, is still dealing with her own relationship drama. And those violent tendencies that seem to pop up from time to time.
Scherbatsky’s conversation with court appointed Doctor Kevin is pretty indicative of the status of her relationship with Barney. Instead of just coming out and telling the doc the story of the assault, she over-shares about Ted, Marshall, Lily and Barney (I’m wondering now if she taught that particular skill to Narrator Ted, or the other way around). Her story now is like a locomotive train, hurtling down the tracks towards Nora … and we can’t help but rubberneck.
It is kind of impressive that Barney is going through the motions of changing his lifestyle. During his previous lasting relationship (not-so-ironically with Robin), he didn’t bother to turn off these BDSs. Granted that is more likely because the writers hadn’t yet come up with “Bimbo Delivery Systems,” but I think you get my gist. Barney is making an effort, the effort in fact, that indicates that he is planning on settling down.
What to say about Team Baby … unlike Marshall, I don’t feel bad for Ted. While it isn’t like Marshall and Lily haven’t over-included him in their romantic moments, a friend has to know where the line is. Ted has proved time and time again that he’s clueless in that regard. He’s also ignoring Victoria’s advice; this episode contained nary a mention of his favorite wedding cake baker. Frankly, I don’t agree with Victoria (or the writers, I guess). Other than the beginning of Robin and Barney’s relationship, I don’t think she’s had much of an impact on Ted’s relationship troubles. Despite my disagreement, Ted is eventually going to come to the realization that he’s got to deal with something with Robin before he can truly move on.
Something else for you to think about: Sandy and Nora went on the trip to cover the G-8 Summit. She magically decided to come back early. Despite How I Met Your Mother’s obsession for using the regular cast’s spouses as often as possible, I don’t think you bring in Alexis Denisof for a one-off scene like that unless it was going to be relevant down the road. Let’s stick a pin in that particular story so we can come back to it later.
Notes & Quotes