Before this week the mother was merely a flat character, a humanization of a fantasy list of Ted's but this week she really came to life. I really grew to love her over the course of this episode, she's such a earnest and kind woman. Maybe it's unrealistic that in 8 years she only dated one other guy, but as an audience we must remember that it's also only twenty minutes. If we showed Ted's whole story in twenty minutes he'd be a real man-slut. She gave just the right impression upon me. This episode tied in all of our favourite crossovers from the series in such a concise and fitting way. And that second-to-last scene of hers, talking to Max out on the porch; I really forgot Ted existed, I just wanted her to be happy. I can't wait to see Ted and the mother together now, but not for Ted's sake, despite the fact that I've been following his story for nine years, I really want to see the mother find someone she'll be happy with.
Best episode in a long time.
Best episode in a long time.