Ok, so this is the start of a little project I have in my head. I am going to do a short review of every episode of one of my favorite sitcoms How I Met Your Mother and keep track of some relevant statistics and continuity. I am writing with the knowledge of up to episode 506 so spoilers be warned if you have decided to come 5 years late to the party.
Review: As a pilot, this episode still impresses me with how well it established the universe of the show. Our main character, 2005 Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor), is looking for the eponymous mother of the children we are introduced to in the year 2030. 2005 Ted's search intensifies as his loveable best friend Marshall (Jason Segel) proposes to his longtime and only girlfriend Lilly (Allison Hannigan). Good friend, and happily single, Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) tells Ted that there is no rush and that being single is awesome. This all sounds fine to Ted except from across the room he falls in love instantly with the comely Robin (Cobie Smolders). A first date and lightning bolts ensue until Ted jumps the relationship gun and tells his love of 24 hours that, yes, he loves her. Robin is properly concerned, but even as she shows Ted the door, gives him one more opportunity that he unwittingly passes on to kiss her. His friends (and cab driver Ranjeet) raz him at the bar about his obstinance, but we see him tell his kids that this is indeed how he met... their aunt Robin. The story of the mother to come until.... well at least after episode 506.
For a pilot the relationships between all the characters is established pretty quickly and easily. Barney is the wingman that revels in the hunt. Marshall is the best friend and the model that Ted wants to follow. Lilly the impossibly perfect girlfriend/fiance and by extension great friend of Ted's. Finally Robin, the dream girl.
Right from the beginning the show is about the evolution of relationships. All in their mid to late twenties we see Ted asking girls out, Barney relentlessly pursuing more carnal relationships, and Marshall and Lilly extending the commitment they made to each other long ago. There is the easy comparrison to another show about 'Friends' that hang out and contemplate their careers and relationships but this show has the conciet that we know the ending, Ted ends up well, and it's not with Robin. Unlike wondering the outcome of Ross and Rachel, this show emphasizes that it truly is the journey that matters, a theme that the show will revisit again and again, along with fate, and it's many, many rules of dating and love. Which brings me to the first rule they brought up, 'The Olive Rule'. Not so much the execution of that rule but that it established that these 4 (soon 5) are trying to figure out coupling as a group. Second, the time shifting discussion of the date at the bar while we are seeing the date, while 'Bob Saget' Ted in the future is telling his kids the story established the fallability of the story teller and allows an expanse of the reality of what we are seeing. All the characters in all time frames reacting with a stunned 'WHAT!' to Ted declaring his love, truly is the unique character that this (almost kinda technically) 4 camera sitcom brings in.
Continuity stuff: the kids are wearing different clothes (so what, pilot)
The wall behind the booth at Maclaren's (see above)
Ted being around for Marshall and Lilly's first time (First time in New York)
Suit Ups: 3
Wait for it: 1 (not done with Legendary, done with De----nied)
'Have you met...': 2
Going in my blog:1
Ok here is the whole reason I started this, in a late 4th season episode Barney declares with joy that he is at 200... as in sex with. So this is the count that I am most curious about.
0 Confirmed Barney partners, none even spoken of in passing
That's that, no ratings, I reserve the right to amend at any time, we'll see where this goes.
