Suit Up!
"How I Met Your Mother" / Dustin Rowles
With this being premiere week, and our illustrious TV Whore and his trusty sidekick, Stacey, covering a large number of network premieres over the next few weeks, I wanted to jump in and offer some full-length recognition to one of the shows that doesn’t make Seth’s TiVo cut (I think this and the brilliant “Boston Legal” are the only worthy shows that Seth doesn’t include amongst his 947 seasons passes, but then “Legal” is only brilliant while James Spader is onscreen, anyway.). Personally, I’ve tuned into “How I Met Your Mother” from episode one, but it never merited much attention until it hit its stride, sometime mid-way through the first season. I’d even threatened, for a few months, to jerk it from my TiVo’s rotation: As the character’s were finding their voice, it was a lackluster, overly traditional effort stuffed with conventional sitcom characters: doofus, idealistic straight man Ted Mosby (Josh Radner); the career-minded main love interest, Robin (Cobie Smulders); Ted’s sort of dumb roommate, Marshall (Jason Segal); Marshall’s flighty girlfriend, Lily (Alyson Hannigan); and, of course, Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) played the wacky neighbor role, here as a sleazy, corporate whoring ladies’ man who, eventually, manages to be charismatic despite himself. It was another in a long-line of “Friends” knock-offs: twenty-something white-bread New Yorkers with apartments that were clearly above their means (except for Barney) and jokes that were typically gendered. Only instead of meeting at Central Perk, this group of friends met regularly in a bar. And it was all wrapped around a somewhat flimsy premise, that Ted was narrating from the future, a future in which he was Bob Saget (poor bastard).
Initially, it was a vanilla, completely inoffensive sitcom that did its damndest to extract one or two cheap laughs per episode, a suitable counterpart to its lead-in, “Everybody Loves Raymond,” only for a younger, dating world. But, there was just enough “Wonder Years” nostalgia in my tank to keep me watching, and that patience paid off handsomely. To be sure, “HIMYM” isn’t the best show on television, nor does it even rank as the best sitcom currently on a network (I’d place it fourth, behind three of the four NBC Thursday nighters), but something happened in episode 13 of season one to make it not only one of the most watchable shows on TV, but one of the most consistently funny. I can’t place my finger on it, exactly, but during Victoria’s story arc — the wedding-cake maker who Ted dated briefly — “How I Met Your Mother” not only suddenly found its heart, but the situations became more familiar and less contrived and with that familiarity, the humor finally followed. In fact, the end of episode 13, when Ted discovers “Buttercup” in a bakery, was as touching and heartfelt — if you excuse my lame point of reference — as the prom video scene in “Friends.” After that, “Mother” became a better-than-average hybrid of three of the best sitcoms ever: “Friends,” “Wonder Years,” and “Seinfeld,” only it lacked the misanthropy of the latter. In fact, this is the show that the American version of “Coupling” wanted to be and, indeed, “The Slap Bet” — where we discover that Robin was a minor Canadian teen idol (“Every-body come and play /throw every last care away / Let’s Go to the Mall. Today!”) — rivals some of the best episodes of even “Seinfeld.” And you know what else? “How I Met Your Mother” is probably the most romantic sitcom I’ve ever seen, whether it’s dealing with Marshall and Lily’s crazy co-dependent relationship or Ted and Robin’s ill-fated courtship, which is the closest thing I’ve seen to Kevin and Winnie since the puberty stick ruined Fred Savage.
And let’s not forget Swarley — Neil Patrick Harris is “HIMYM’s” scene stealer, basically Vince Vaughn’s Swingers character for the small screen. Indeed, what looked like a silly piece of stunt-casting — hiring Doogie Howser to get a few Gen-Xers to watch — has turned into a brilliant move; the man has one joke, but 3,000 variations of it, and, thanks to NPH, they’re all flippin’ hilarious. And no matter how smooshy or sentimental the show can sometimes get, Barney always brings the caddish misogynistic levity. He really is the ultimate wingman.
Narratively speaking, the show also had one major thing going for it: From the very beginning, Saget told us that Robin would not end up being the mother of Ted’s children. And, while over the course of the last two seasons as Ted and Robin seemed more and more perfect for one another, I’ve tried to find a loophole to that assertion, the end of season two knocked me back into reality. Sadly, during the lead up to Marshall and Lily’s wedding, Robin and Ted ultimately and amicably broke up, a plot turn that felt like a stiff blow to the sternum. And the fact that you knew it was coming somehow made it all the more heartbreaking. But, it was also a brave move on the part of the show’s writers, to split apart Ross and Rachel before they devolved into, well, Ross and Rachel. And it kept us all intrigued for two full seasons, awaiting our first glimpse of the woman who Ted would eventually marry.
Which brings us, of course, to last night’s episode — the first of the third season. It picks up two weeks after Robin and Ted’s break-up, when Robin returns from Argentina with a new boyfriend, Gael (Enrique Eglesias) — the “Cadillac of rebound guys.” Doing so prompts another common sitcom cliché, though “HIMYM” always gives it new life, this time by providing a new turn of phrase to the show’s arsenal: “To win the break-up.” Ted is put into an early hole when Robin gives him the “I just want to make sure you’re okay with this” line, to which Ted counters by making out with the tattooed, bad-girl version of Mandy Moore (to steal a line from John: “That hair! Those eyes!” Those tattooes!), who convinces a drunken Ted to get a tattoo, a.k.a., a “Tramp Stamp. Ho-Tag. Ass Antlers. Panama City License Plate.” Mandy Moore’s character is also the female version of Barney, which makes her his arch-nemesis, thus providing a small look at Barney’s vulnerability and his kryptonite: Chick sport fuckers.
All in all, it was another typically awesome episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” replete with killer new terminology (Tramp Stamp!) and, as always, it mined its humor from a place that feels familiar to people of a certain age: The humiliation of their friends (such a common motif in my own life). And, of course, it ends on a nostalgic high note, suggesting that Ted and Robin will make it out of their break-up war as friends and, alas, offering the smallest glimpse of the mother of Ted’s children’s, the Woman in the Yellow Umbrella (I rewatched it six times trying to catch a peek of her actual face, to no avail). And best of all, last night’s episode ended with another nod to the slap bet (the next slap looks to take place on November 19th, the best sweeps stunt since Wayne Brady).
And what I love about this episode and “How I Met Your Mother” in general is that it’s not “event TV”; it’s a show that manages to stay under the radar just enough that expectations aren’t built particularly high (I love “The Office,” but how the hell do you top last season’s finale?). And, without those lofty expectations, “HIMYM” never disappoints. It’s simply a smart and surprisingly enjoyable 22-minutes, week in and week out.
Now, let’s go to the mall. Today!
Dustin Rowles is the publisher of Pajiba. He lives with his wife and son in Ithaca, New York. You may email him, or leave a comment below.
Pajiba Love 09/24/07 | | Eastern Promises
Comments
This show is Legen....
....wait for it....
dary
Thanks for sharing the love Dustin
Posted by: Brian at September 25, 2007 9:20 AM
Wow. It's not April Fools Day...so I don't really know what to make of this review...
Oh, and "Tramp Stamp" isn't new terminology.
Posted by: anikitty at September 25, 2007 9:28 AM
Hey, great review, and I'm totally going to check out this show. But Tramp Stamp is hardly new terminology. Been around for a few years, friend.
Posted by: Abbey Road at September 25, 2007 9:29 AM
Love this show and I found my self laughing out loud last night. Barney just does that to me. I'm glad you took the time to review it!
Posted by: jennyebnl at September 25, 2007 9:45 AM
I love this show, unabashedly. Slap bet is one of the greatest things ever. And my crush on Marshall is reaching sick levels.
Barney is so great I've even adopted his lingo. I saw awesome a bit too much.
Great review for a show with a lot of heart, wit, and humor.
Yes, I'm kind of pathetic.
Posted by: Rachael at September 25, 2007 9:46 AM
This has to be a joke. Right? It's got the same sort of tone as the glorious Sister Act review, seemingly revelling in all sorts of inane crap. Hmm.
Posted by: Thompson Twin at September 25, 2007 9:52 AM
you know, i'm more of a movie girl, but after this review i'm going to make an effort to check HIMYM out. thanks dustin!
Posted by: smash at September 25, 2007 9:56 AM
Love this show. Like you, I didn't really think much of it at first, and stopped watching season one after 2-3 episodes. Season Two was awesome, and this show has shot toward the top of my favorites list.
Posted by: DrewMG at September 25, 2007 9:58 AM
Errr...yeah...I have to agree with Anikitty and Abbey Road, "Tramp Stamp" has been around. Perhaps one can compliment the show's ability to pick up on hipster jargon, but I can just imagine the writers of this show trolling a website like "Overheard in New York" for funny punchlines. It would go something like this:
Fire Fighter #1: Whistles at lady walking by "Whoa, check out the tramp stamp on that broad over there."
Fire Fighter #2:"Looks like one of those fake tats you can get from that dollar store over on Broadway in Astoria."
Fire Fighter #1:"Ey, will you finish checking out that shiksa's tuchus? We gotta go to lunch. You want Popeyes or Red Lobster?"
Posted by: AllGussiedUp at September 25, 2007 10:24 AM
I watched one show the first season and could not stand it. I tried to watch again last night and, while NPH is mildly funny, the laugh track burns my ears and rots my brain. I just don't understand what people see in this show.
Posted by: Marianne at September 25, 2007 10:27 AM
How the hell do you figure tramp stamp is killer new terminology? Geez, I feel embarrassed for you for writing that.
Author's Note: From the review: 'It mined its humor from a place that feels familiar to people of a certain age: The humiliation of their friends (such a common motif in my own life).'" Once again, I get to experience the joys of my own humiliation -- I suppose I missed the huge, worldwide banner pronouncing the introduction of 'Tramp Stamp.' I blame Ratner, of course. -- DR
Posted by: Squarah at September 25, 2007 10:28 AM
About The Office- I didn't think they could top s2's finale... and they did. Their writers are out of this world and they'll prove it again.
Posted by: Alex B at September 25, 2007 10:47 AM
So glad you picked up the review on this show! I love HIMYM. I thought the episode in the first season where they go to the club was where it really hit its stride. That one is hilarious. And it's so nice that NPH is back, and is worth watching. It totally could have been the opposite. As for last night's show, I didn't think it was one of their best, but it had its highlights. It will get better though. It always does.
I have the nostalgia factor going for the show too. It wasn't all that long ago that me and the Mr. were the Marshall and Lily hanging out with our friends, way too often, in the bar that was a block and a half away. But apparently it was long enough ago that I too had never heard the term 'tramp stamp'. The dog, house, pregnancy, and baby took me out of the loop about four years ago. Don't feel bad Dustin, just feel old. *sigh*
Posted by: katy at September 25, 2007 10:50 AM
I hadn't heard the term "tramp stamp" until recently either. I'm glad I don't hear it often as anyone using it in my presence is liable to have their eyes scratched out.
I caught one episode of HIMYM ages ago when they were showing it on UK terrestrial. I must say it made me cringe and then got switched off. Something about laugh tracks I guess. I've been considering watching it for a while - mainly because of my giant and unreasonable crush on Jason Segal.
I may give it a go if a copy of season one somehow falls into my lap.
Posted by: Alex the Odd at September 25, 2007 11:02 AM
And they used "win the break-up" on That 70's Show when Donna had cable so everyone hung out over there instead of at Eric's. Jackie said "You are so going to win this break-up.".
It's pretty sad that I know that, but I just saw that episode last night. Hey, it was better than watching the Simpsons or South Park reruns I've seen about a thousand times. No, really, it was!
Posted by: Kt at September 25, 2007 11:03 AM
I'm just happy that my Secret Teevee Girlfriend, Alyson Hannigan, is still able to share her cuteness and charm with the world. Thanks, teevee suits!
Posted by: Soulless Merchant of Fear at September 25, 2007 11:11 AM
I rented the first season of this at the behest of a friend of mine with impeccable taste. Mid-way through the first episode I thought she was playing a prank on me (that laugh track was so jarring!). But I used my three episode rule and ended up watching the whole season in three days.
Last night's episode was awesome. I mean, "old-timey inventor?" Brilliant.
Posted by: Tori at September 25, 2007 11:38 AM
I just finished renting the 1st season, and though the laugh track still bugs the shit out of me, I have absolutely fallen in love with this show. The Pineapple episode ranks with some of the best Office episodes.
Haaaaave you met Ted?
Posted by: Julie at September 25, 2007 12:22 PM
The Barney/Price is Right Episode is what reeled me in.
Cute show- it's light & easy, which is exactly perfect for Monday nights.
Posted by: slc at September 25, 2007 12:25 PM
While Friday Night Lights and 30 Rock are both shows I've heard nothing but great glowing things about (and are thus easier to try and start watching this season), HIMYM's buzz is decidedly mixed. But this review almost makes an impassioned enough plea to get me to try an episode or two.
But that music video has absolutely hilarious. You may have enticed me just enough.
And I'd never heard of Panama City License Plate, so no harm no foul with that heinous (HEINOUS, apparently) lack of familiarity with Tramp Stamp. :-)
Posted by: Ben at September 25, 2007 1:45 PM
The title of this review made me think it was a sweet Drive Like Jehu reference. Alas, tis not.
Posted by: Gudrun at September 25, 2007 2:50 PM
I love this show, unabashedly and unapologetically. I think a large part of my love comes from the obvious affection all of the characters have for each other. Although they make fun of each other the humor never comes from a mean-spirited place and is obviously done in a loving manner. They laugh at each other's jokes, unlike other sitcoms where people spew funny jokes and no one else in the room even cracks a smile. It just makes you warm and happy!
God, that sounded twee. Sorry.
Posted by: Carrie at September 25, 2007 3:41 PM
I too love this show. It's not the best or most cutting edge sitcom out there, by a long shot, but it's great when you want something fun and easy to watch. Also? NPH is a total fox. Woof. I'll be watching forever just for that..
The laughtrack does bug me, though. I hate CBS for that.
Posted by: zenhound at September 25, 2007 4:10 PM
I am soooo embarrassed to admit this (yay internets anonimity!), but I made up a drinking game to this show. My friends and I play it sometimes when we watch a DVD or Tivo-ed episode on the weekends.
1. Drink when anyone says "Awesome"
2. Two Drinks if Barney answers a question with "Please,"
3. Drink when Barney says "Legendary"
4. A SHOT if Barney says "Suit up!"
Posted by: Megan at September 25, 2007 4:40 PM
Hmmmmmm. Not to be pointlessly contrary but HIMYM, while not a terrible show by any means, is at best mediocre. I've given this show multiple chances (I've watched at least 5 or 6 episodes over the past two seasons) and it only becomes funny when it stops being so damn FORCED. The sparkles video above is a perfect exaple of this - it's a very funny concept but the viewer is forced to extract a few amusing moments/clever ideas from a torrent of OVERKILL. Much like the truly excreable and FAR worse Scrubs, this show feels the need to underline, italicize, highlight in hot pink and badically set fire to their jokes until they can be seen from space.
Perhaps familiarity took over around episode 13 for you Dustin, but you had this thing dead to rights when you started watching it. There's the nails-on-a-fucking-chalkboard laugh track happening, stock sitcom character types that the actors only occasionally overcome and huge case of the general blahs. Sorry.
Posted by: TableTopJoe at September 25, 2007 6:26 PM
I sooooo love this show! My husband (who likes dumb sitcoms) starting watching it season 1 and I made fun of him.....caught a few minutes here and there and discovered LOVE!
So cute and so cutely funny.
We all (well, maybe not ALL) need a bit of that sometimes...Monday nights are perfect.
Thanks Dustin!
Posted by: Michelle at September 25, 2007 6:38 PM
I too just absolutely love this show and am so glad it's getting some of the praise it deserves. It's not perfect, but I can't believe people are asking if this review is a joke... watch a couple minutes of Barney screentime and you'll understand. Ole Doogie Howser is in fact brilliant in his role.
Posted by: Eva at September 25, 2007 7:48 PM
I didn't watch HIMYM when it first debuted (I was watching Kitchen Confidential instead. Whoops), but caught a few reruns this summer and am now totally invested in it. Maybe it helped that I came in after the show found its footing. In any case, Neil Patrick Harris is glorious as Barney and makes the show that much more worth watching.
Posted by: Toklas at September 25, 2007 8:33 PM
I thought the "Slutty Pumpkin" and "Pinapple Incident" episodes were incredibly funny.
Mandy Moore is a downgrade, though. This biatch can not act. Her and Gay-El ( I think that scene from last night's episode was fantastic) should run off together and get that new Tramp Stamp thing everyone is talking about.
Posted by: Julia at September 25, 2007 10:15 PM
I lurve HIMTM. It's not groundbreaking like the 3 predecesors D.R. mentioned, but it's consistently funny in a genuinely quirky (vs contrived quirky, a la that annoying person on your high school's yearbook staff) manner.
Posted by: Louise at September 25, 2007 10:53 PM
rhyming "sorry" with "tori"? fucking brilliant... I heart you Canananada x 1,000,000!!!
Posted by: Tsuru at September 26, 2007 1:38 PM
I love me some HIMYM too. It is, as others have said, light and airy and doesn't ask you to think too much, which is exactly what I need after a long day at work. And the chemistry between the five main characters is better than almost every other show out there, with The Office being a notable exception. It's such a sweet, cute, earnest show...even if this review is an early, early April Fool's joke I have no problem admitting to TiVo'ing HIMYM.
Posted by: largirl at September 26, 2007 2:39 PM
I think to "show off" the show to skeptical viewers, you should have included the whole clip when they all sit in front of the laptop watching the video. The video itself is shorter, and it shows off the characters and their relationships better. My favorite line is when Lily turns to Robin and asks, "So, I just want to be clear on this; you wanted us to go to the mall...today?"
Posted by: tinmo at September 26, 2007 3:56 PM
Actually the best live-comedy on television is It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, followed by this one here.
The rest is just crap. Pure, unmitigated, crap.
Posted by: BarbadoSlim at September 26, 2007 8:37 PM
I really hope this review isn't an early April fool's joke because I've always hated Seth a little for always dismissing HIMYM without any concrete reason. HIMYM is the best sitcom out there. Other than the Office. Or It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Posted by: jessica at September 26, 2007 10:47 PM
I will second (third? fourth?) whoever has a crush on Marshall/Jason Segel. I love him beyond the bounds of reason.
Also, I don't find NPH that funny, I think he's kind of irritating.
Posted by: red at September 27, 2007 7:40 PM