Episode 5.1: Definitions
Written by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas; directed by Pamela Fryman

Busted! Barney and Robin's tryst is discovered by the gang, so let the fallout and recriminations begin. For Ted, a monumental distraction this is, as he's on the verge of his teaching debut at Columbia, a harrowing prospect in even normal circumstances.

I thought this was a great start to the season. Ted as usual is the most boring part of this show, but Barney and Robin together was great!

Wow, that was a really strong episode. Much stronger than at least half or 60% of the last two seasons. I hope they keep it up.

I love the comedy with the Barney/Robin relationship. There's something about those two that dysfunctionally work well together, and I loved Lily's line about them realizing they "weren't lying".

Ted's teaching in the class and all his woes were hilarious. I think this could be a fun plot to milk and it will be nice to see them balance his work life and his love life in a new and fresh way. I'm guessing the mother was in the Econ 305 class, which means he hasn't officially met her yet (and it still could be years away). However, this show does a great job of making the distant between the unknown mother and ted, or just the thought that they were in the same places hours apart really interesting and heart pounding. I love the way they tell stories on this show.

Little stuff was funny, like the whip and Lily with the ice cream.

I thought the stand-out in this episode was actually Hannigan, who nailed every line and then some. She was hilarious throughout and got to play a nice range. I really wish Hannigan and Smulders were even loosley on the emmy's or some award shows radar.

Grade: A-
MVP: Hannigan(but the ensemble was on fire here)

The whip! I loved it.

Nice solid start to the season. I enjoyed Ted's storyline a lot.


Grade for "Definitions" B

Episode 5.2: Double Date
Written by Matt Kuhn; directed by Pamela Fryman

Ted, meet Yogi Berra, he of one of the most famous phrases ever; “it’s déjà vu all over again”. He goes out on a blind date with a woman who he thinks is familiar. And she is; 7 years ago, he went out on a blind date - with the same exact woman. Elsewhere, the group stumbles upon a Lily lookalike...at a strip club.

What a magical episode. This was another great episode, and the storytelling device worked really well. There was a ton of humor with Ted's date and also a lot of emotion and heart. I love the realization they came to at the end and I loved that part of me still wanted to see them together. This was a very strong episode.

The stipper story was pretty funny too, and I love how Robin's changing in relationships. Would she have been like that with Ted? I think that's a clue that she really likes Barney, possibly more than she liked Ted. I loved the hiccup death of Lilly(did anyone think of Grey's?). That entire fantasy was great.

Something I found interesting was the mention of the two doppelgangers. Whenever Ted says "I'll get to that later" you know something important is going to happen, I just wonder what it is. Could Ted's doppelganger lead to the mother's first reactions of him (maybe she hates him when she first meets him). And how does Barney fit into it.

After that paragraph I have to say that this is the only comedy on television that mirrors the way I think about Lost. I'm always wondering what's going to happen next.

Grade: A-
MVP: Radnor (though again the entire ensemble was great)

Also, I really think HIMYM is a much better romantic comedy then many of the ones in film. Their stories are told in such inventive ways.

While thinking about this episode, I thought the Ted/Ted's date storyline would make a great hour and half romantic comedy. Of course, movie execs would be forced to make it a happy ending, which would ruin it.

Radnor was great! This was another great episode I am proud that thw show is doing so well creatively.

Episode 5.3: Robin 101
Written by Craig Thomas; directed by Pamela Fryman

Robin's starting to notice Barney's not coming home at night, and immediately assumes the worst; that his wayward eye for the ladies has returned. But with all things Barney, he has an answer; quite the explanation for her that he thinks will pass muster.

Episode 5.4: The Sexless Innkeeper
Written by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas; directed by Pamela Fryman

Ted is having a run of good luck of late; nary has a night gone by without women dropping by his apartment. Good for him, bad for Marshall and Lily, who are trying to set up a double date in their place.

Yes week episode was great and this week has another Music Video, but it not from Robin Sparklers....

Episode 5.5: Duel Citizenship
Written by Chuck Tatham; directed by Pamela Fryman

Barney wants Robin to become a U.S. citizen, but she can't seem to let go of her Canadian heritage. Ted and Marshall take a road trip to Chicago, but Lily's decision to join up spoils the fun.

Episode 5.6: Bagpipes
Written by Robia Rashid; directed by Pamela Fryman

Barney offers relationship advice that leads to Marshall and Lily having a big fight.

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Episode 5.7: The Rough Patch

For everything there’s a first time, including Barney and Robin’s first fight. And even though he so led them astray, Marshall and Lily step up to the plate to help the couple through it.

Episode 5.8: The Playbook
Written by Carter Bays and Craig Thomas; directed by Pamela Fryman

That didn’t last long, did it? Barney’s wandering eye has cost him again, dearly, as despite the best efforts of his friends, he’s lost Robin. So Barney stands on the threshold of getting back into the dating scene, manual in hand to help him.

Episode 5.9: Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap

If it's Thanksgiving, it's time for some slappin'. Barney's unhappy after a slap bet is bequeathed to Ted and Robin by Marshall. Lily's long-absent father arrives for the holiday. Un-hilarity will surely follow.

This was a total bore. Way to run the slap bet into the ground!!!!!