Has it already been a year since How I Met Your Mother killed off Marvin Eriksen? On some level, it feels like we’ve been living with the explorations of father and sons/daughters relationships for some time now, but when you think back to the episode that really kicked things off, it doesn’t seem like it was that long ago.
It seems that the only times I truly connect with Marshall’s storylines are when they focus on his father. I was really touched by his desire to tailgate at his father’s grave. There’s something about how sports can connect people, creating a bond that lives forever. Marshall may have wanted that perfect day, a private moment shared just with his father; but the lesson that he learned is that sometimes it is more important to share those moments.
I especially enjoyed Lily’s story as well (and you guys know how infrequently that occurs). The moment that her father showed up at her door went a long way into redeeming him in Lily’s eyes, as well as the audience. I’m not sure I’m looking forward to more Chris Elliott, but I’m all for giving Lily more to do than just be Marshall’s sidekick.
So Puzzles the Bar was a dream that was finally realized. I loved the lifespan of the bar, and how it deteriorated exactly the way you’d expect an establishment run by Ted and Barney would. Infusing Kevin and Doug into the mix made for some fun times – but really, Doug … why were the hats wet?
I think I’ve finally found a role that I don’t like Alexis Densiof in. Sandy Rivers was great when he first appeared on HIMYM, but has slowly deteriorated into something solidly unfunny. Unfortunately, considering that Robin is finally getting back in front of the camera, I’m sure we are in for more of the drunken sex-addict.
Puzzles Theme Song Lyrics
Puzzles is a place where people go
To feel like they belong
Gonna take advantage of dumb drunk girls
No we’re not
Bro?
That would be wrong
A place where wit and wisdom bloom
A place to bang chicks in Ted’s room
Not gonna happen
We’ll talk about it
At Puzzles we all fit together
On the sunny days
Or stormy weather
So pull up a chair
And sit for a spell
With laughter to share
And stories to tell
Puzzles is a place where everyone feels at home
And we bang chicks in Ted’s room
Notes & Quotes
The werewolves line was my favorite part of the episode, especially since it was said to Alyson Hannigan, who as Willow dated a werewolf on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.