Last night the US saw the end of How I Met Your Mother after 9 years and therefore it is only fitting that i pay tribute to the show that while never consistently spectacular has been ever reliable. Two things before i start, one no fears for those who haven't seen the final double episode about plot points and also i must admit i have not been a fan since the start but used my first semester at uni (3 years ago) getting to know and fall in love with the gang. I am also aware that for UK fans we all know that the show will not rest because of the wonderful folks of E4 who will make sure we will never fully have time to miss the show.
I think the only way you can start when talking about the show is the fact that it would of been nothing if it were not for the cast. So much of a TV comedy depends on the cast and the way they work together and its safe to say that HIMYM had a fine one (When the biggest issue you have is a character is the fact that she isn't quite as cool as Willow you now there's no problem). It's rare that a show will get to the end of a 9 year run with the entirety of its principal cast intact and only one addition. When watching the show you really get the feeling that these people are friends and in a situation comedy like this that makes all the difference. Neil Patrick Harris and Jason Segal deserve special mentions, bring me the person who dislikes both Barney AND Marshall and i will show you a million pounds (in Monopoly money). It's testament to the quality of the casting that the casting of the Mother, which had the ability to make or break the show, was perfect thanks to a superb performance by Cristin Milioti who managed to make me to fall in love with the character with very limited screen time.
It's impossible to speak about HIMYM without the obvious Friends comparisons and for me the show is truly the spiritual successor to the show that made the sitcom what it is today. There are naturally great episodes that stand out, the personal favorite of mine has to be swarley, and some great catch phrases and running jokes which somehow manged to remain fresh, interesting and funny till the very end. But what truly makes the show stand our was the way the writers and cast could always throw in some great moment of drama that could change not only your emotions but the complete direction of the show. The scene where Marshall discovers his Dad has died is the perfect example of this.
I will be honest, it wasn't all great. From the 100th episode onward the show became solidly mediocre and Season 9 has to be one of the most disjoint seasons ever in terms of quality often going from brilliant to absurd and boring. Much has been discussed about the season finale in the last 24 hours but all I will say about it is it took some very brave decisions. Perhaps the main problem the show faced was that the long line of Ted's girlfriends throughout the show made little impression after Victoria and Robin and therefore the main story line actually became more of a B narrative while Ted's fellows took the lead. Often a little bit crazy, sometimes upsetting but always heartwarming How I Met Your Mother did what all good situation comedies should do, it made us fall in love, laugh, cry and even had the odd musical episode (always a winner). So long guys thanks the memories!!
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