The whole episode was nearly flawless right up until Robin and Barney discussed their future. When Barney goes to the bar after letting her know they can now just be friends, actual friends instead of fake friends like they had been recently, she pauses thinking for a second, then contorts her face into the most blatant realization expression of all time. And as if that wasn’t enough, she then lets out a “huh…” spelling out exactly what she was thinking. She might as well have said “Wow, now that Barney says we should be friends, I’m again contemplating my buried feelings for him.”It was way over the top. Poor writing and poor acting. Everyone knew even as Barney was talking about the redhead at the bar that Robin was going to want to get back with him. Why was it necessary to give such an on-the-nose close-up?
It really was brilliant how the whole episode had the feel of a disciplinary hearing for Marshall, yet it turns out it was much more. How I Met Your Mother hasn’t given us a solid twist like that in quite a while and it caught me totally off guard.
It was a great development for Marshall, who may be the character who has struggled with his career identity the most over the years. Since Ted said this was such a life changing trial for Marshall, it’s very likely we’ll be seeing the Honorable Marshall Eriksen donning black robes in the near future.
Fairly soon the show will have to get Ted back in the dating game. He hasn’t even mentioned a girl since his breakup with Victoria, and it’s a bit upsetting that his usual rebound period has been neglected. At this point a rebound isn’t even necessary. He just needs to be dating someone and dating them soon, especially if we’re to meet the mother by the end of the season.
Aside from that slip-up at the end, the episode really was great. It balanced humorous moments with a bit of plot development, including all 5 characters in effective ways. Properly utilizing all the characters has been a challenge for the show this season, so it was nice to see that even though the episode was focused on Marshall, the other 4 provided a funny competition to keep the episode light.
It seems How I Met Your Mother has again found the formula to its success. Any episode focused on Marshall is going to be great, and Twelve Horny Women was no exception. Hopefully next week gives us more of the same.
Other Random Notes
- Ted again at the Renaissance Faire. I wonder what damage he did with his flail that time.
- Lily’s whistle was almost as creepy as the whistle in Kill Bill. I’d be terrified.
- It’s alright Barney, many people are late hand-bloomers.
- The gay judge was hilarious, as was Marshall’s almost slip-up when the judge said he had a wife.
- Marshall’s overly cheesy interactions with his future son were very enjoyable. Honestly though, I think little Marvin will think his dad is that wise someday.
- “It may be a few months.” “Better tell my wife I won’t be home for dinner.”
Check back next week for my thoughts on the next episode in the eighth season of How I Met Your Mother.
