How I Met Your Mother Review: “The End of the Aisle” (Season 9, Episode 22)

There’s also a great scene between Marshall and Lily where they come up with new vows. It’s funny and it’s heartfelt, finding the balance that this show has made its fans off of. There are few better couples in the history of TV than them and that scene shows yet again why they really have the dream. Their main arc was already wrapped up for this season, but this episode is a nice plus for the legacy of the couple. It’s quality writing and was a great decision to find time for that scene.

The wedding itself isn’t quite as good as what I may have hoped for. It’s a little too sappy for what’s left of this relationship, but having Ted narrate it at least explains the sentimentality of the situation. It works much better as a dad telling his kids that love is the best thing we do than it would’ve coming from either Barney or Robin.

Next week there’ll be a two-part episode for the series finale. Despite all the ups and downs of the last few years, on the whole How I Met Your Mother is still one of the better sitcoms around. It may have been bumped down a notch with these last two seasons, but Ted’s story is still a compelling and heartfelt one and when the show has kept those moments humorous (like they did tonight) it’s a wholly enjoyable experience. The finale will have a lot to do with how the show is viewed as far as its legacy, but these last couple episodes leading up to it have me hopeful for an awesome conclusion.

Other Random Notes

• Suicide note? Hey-o!
• There are few better bards than Lionel Richie.
• I understand Marshall’s pain at a series of great puns that aren’t appreciated. I laughed, Marshall.
• I’ll admit, I never realized Barney’s initials are BS.
• The wedding chapel seems a little too traditional for Barney and Robin. I was hoping for something a bit cooler.
• Chicken Pot Pie to the tune of Live And Let Die. That would be phenomenal.
• The final slap!
• And a ring bear! That’s really was all I hoped for out of this season. Though it would’ve been great to see the flower gorilla.