The TV Chick

I realize I have missed a few episode reviews of How I Met Your Mother, but I promise, I am back on board. This week’s episode “Rough Patch,” centered around Robin and Barney getting a little too comfortable in their relationship and going through, well you guessed it, a rough patch. This was one of those classic HIMYM episodes where I may not have laughed out loud every single second, but there were some incredibly sweet and brilliant moments.

First and foremost, when Barney gave up his porn collection. The porn titles were amazing, especially “Archi-Sex-Ture,” which of course Ted selected. Barney’s message to Ted was hilarious (“I knew you’d pick this one”), and I love how Lily and Marshall secretly wanted the porn. And then, there was Alan Thicke. His guest appearance was wonderful, if not mostly for the end of it which I will talk about later. Lily tries to orchestrate Robin and Barney’s breakup (because well, she’s good at that), and Alan Thicke plays into her master plan. I really enjoyed when they are all in a station wagon stake out and Alan Thicke pulls the “I’m Alan Thicke” card. But the most brilliant moment of them all came at the very end. The gang mentions how Robin and Alan Thicke worked together on Sandcastles in the Sand, and Alan mentions that they also worked together on a failed Variety show. The look on Barney’s face was classic. Now this might have been a little throw away line at the end, but it leaves the door open for — in the words of Barney Stinson — awesomeness. Lest we forget how amazing “Let’s Go To The Mall” and “Sandcastles in the Sand” really were. Songs (and moments) like those is where HIMYM sets itself apart from every other show on TV. The songs are creative and hilarious, and really catchy. And I think we know what’s coming next…another song, perhaps? Or even just another throwback to Robin’s years as a famous Canadian teen sensation.

And not only that, but I hear the Thanksgiving show is called “Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap,” so I know that there is some great stuff that is forthcoming. I love HIMYM, and even with episodes like this that just center around Barney wearing a fat suit, I still really enjoy it. I look forward to Barney Stinson being back on the prowl, and I can’t wait to see this variety show.