Back from an unexpected break, and, as some of you might have expected, after that great, great (but not greatest – that would be Rams-Titans) Super Bowl yesterday, I’ll do this, for the final time, Monday Morning Quarterback style.
Stand Tall New York, it possimpible
In this time, when we just innaugarated a new president, and illegal immigration, and what to do with these “aliens” was a hot button issue on the campaign trail, getting a semi-poignant toned episode about Robin needing a job or risk deportation was quite well timed. This show, more than maybe any other sitcom on TV these days, brings in outisde influences and current events better than any other. They did this with the economic crisis before. They also mixed in using the internet for resumes, which is actually a real thing. Although ones I have seen are less song oriented. Anyway, let’s get to the episode. It was pretty much like Santonio Holmes catch last night, it was tippy-toeing to greatness.
I loved the ‘duplicity’ (Barney word, Barney word) style of the episode. The Barney/Robin storyline was hilarious. There was little Barney loves Robin overarching feel to the story, which made it better. We all have to remember that they are friends at heart, and the do want to help each other. Barney may have had ulterior motives, but I got the sense they made him hide that which was a great call. We really haven’t ever seen those two interact as just friends, just hanging out, since “Zip, Zip, Zip” in season one, and it was good to get another glimpse at this particular example of the great chemistry between the cast members. The other bit was quite well done as well. The “Special Skills” (as the episode was originally regarded), were great. I’m sad we never really got to see a flashback of “White Thunder” but in any case, seeing college Lily and Marshall, and hearing good ‘ol pretentious Ted was worth the price of admission. This episode was really, really well done and in the moment. Also, this was the most “ensemble”-ey episode maybe ever, as all five cast members seemed like equals.
Joke of the Week
“So tell me, Marshall, is it easier to dance when you don’t have external genitalia” – Ted to Marshall in the Dancer’s Hip bit.
There was a lot of competition this week, which will be discussed later in the 10 things.
Enjoying/Aggravating Alyson Hannigan Fashion Note of the Week
I want Alyson Hannigan on screen as much as anyone, but she’s showing quite a bit now, and since they are not writing it in, they need to hide her more. They are showing the belly too much in normal view. The hot dog belly was a thing of brilliance, but the loose clothes they are using otherwise are not loose enough.
4 Things I Think (Can’t do 10, there might be some copyright infringement possibilities)
- The Marshall dancing was easily one of the funniest extended called-back bits in the show history. First it was the joke of the week, then it was the “Lady Hips” and the “vaginal reconstruction.” It was brilliant, it was Kurt Warner in the fourth quarter. It was one of the most ingenious, funniest insult comedy routines they have done. Even the Marshall admitting that he “dances ‘medium'” to Lily was hilarious, as he did it in a “honey, there is something you need to know…… there’s a mistress” type way.
- Barney’s video resume was awesome. I loved the first he’s pretending to be English then he is Scottish, then he is singing, with Awesome Avalanches and cheetahs. It may have been one of the best special effects usage since the Svens and the Dinosaur building.
- I also really enjoyed the loud whisperers, especially the really soft guy, who sounded alot like when Jim Gaffigan does his subconcious voice. I know acting and delivering the news is more diffucult than most believe, but I never would have expected reading lottery numbers was such a tough go.
- They need to do an all flashback episode when Marshall, Lily and Ted were all in college. Pretentious Ted is good times. The Mr. X was perfect, perfect characterization of Ted. Also, quasi-Goth ALternative Lily, and chubby Marshall needs to be explored more.
What I like next week, and I don’t Mean Aly Hannigan
I like the possibility of seeing the Stinson family (Barney may have another significant other).
