Fortunately, Ted’s plot is good enough to somewhat save the episode. It’s great watching him try to be a detective, and it’s actually quite a well-thought out mystery, at least as far as those on network sitcoms go. Billy Zabka’s prominence this season has been a welcome addition, and it’s hilarious to watch the oppression he’s dealt with over the years (and a bit sad as well). The only thing that would’ve made Ted and Billy’s side of the episode better would’ve been more involvement by Lily, who is abnormally absent in this episode.
With the majority of the run-time focused on Barney’s daddy issues, this episode flops pretty flat. Thankfully, it looks like next week’s episode will take place away from the wedding weekend, so hopefully it’ll be another quality outing for How I Met Your Mother, because this week is definitely not.
Other Random Notes
- “I’m not one of those sloppy punk calligraphers who’s in it for glory over craft.”
- Good ol’ Minnesota Marshall. Can’t drive 67 in a 65. That would be against the law.
- Ranjit would make a wonderful serial killer.
- “I’ve noticed the vintage antique gilded Victorian frames too, I’m not blind.”
- How many bottles of Glen McKenna are they going to destroy?
- I want to know who recorded that R&B version of Bang, Bang, A-Bangety Bang. Also, where can I download it?
- The Pineapple Incident! Someone has to crack that case!
- As lame as most of Barney’s plot is, the suicide note he wrote is absolutely hilarious. And disturbingly dark.
Be sure to check back next week for a review on the next episode of How I Met Your Mother.