I was very critical of season 9, but this episode surprised me pleasantly. The reason is that I think that HIMYM is at its best when it is a feel good show. It's not a great comedy, it's a terrible drama, but it is a fine feel good show. This episode has a very good tone. To my surprise, they have stayed away from the overly pathetic tone they have taken so many times and have managed to get just the right amount of bittersweet. The episode does get a bit too sappy during Ted and mother's scenes, but it is bearable. As always Neil Patrick Harris' acting is great - the way he so effortlessly portrays Barney's hatred for Gary Blauman is fantastic.
This episode was such a pleasant surprise in a terrible season that I'm not overly put off by the obvious continuity mistake - Gary Blauman is supposed to be dead; Barney said so in season 5. But then again, the writers and producers of this show have proved numerous times that they are absolutely terrible at continuity.
This episode was such a pleasant surprise in a terrible season that I'm not overly put off by the obvious continuity mistake - Gary Blauman is supposed to be dead; Barney said so in season 5. But then again, the writers and producers of this show have proved numerous times that they are absolutely terrible at continuity.