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Even though this week’s HIMYM felt like filler material, the continuity was still there.  Barney was still wearing the Ducky Tie and Marshall was a newbie at his job with Garrison Cootes (Martin Short.)  The biggest takeaways from this episode had to be Barney’s Ewok Line and being “Pollstered.”

So, Kal Penn is back and while his even-toned, emotionless acting was perfect for a stoner movie and an emotionless doctor on House, it just doesn’t work well on a sitcom.  Kal Penn was horrible.  Remember when Britney Spears’ guest appearance was a big deal because she’s not an actor?  Well, this guy is an actor and he was just plain hard-to-watch.  Robin wouldn’t fall for him and seeing her trying to interact with him was painful.  So, let’s just pretend he doesn’t exist.  That entire storyline is so strange.

Ted’s back to his usual nerdy architecture self, this time touring the city with his class.  I thought they’d drag the idea out, but it led to the funniest moments, first with Barney’s gigantic slide deck on Ewok history, and then with using the class as a focus group.

After the Halloween costume gag they set up and now this gigantic Ewok gag, there has got to be a huge Star Wars fan among the writers.  Barney had over 20 slides in his presentation, and you know we captured them all.  You can find them all, including the Ewok Line, here.

What stood out from Barney’s newest theory was that he doesn’t have to be single to be funny.  Barney can still come up with an insane number of theories while being in a relationship and they may even be funnier.  At first, when Barney wanted to end the relationship with Nora, I immediately thought that Barney was going to turn back into his former self, but I was wrong.  He’s evolving into a boyfriend slowly.  Sure he’d have had trouble if Nora was older, but as we find out later on, he’s upset partly because she may have lied to him.  And, he would still choose to be with her.  That’s a good sign for Barney.

I get that Marshall is going to be a great environmental lawyer and I even understand that he might help change the world for the better.  Part of HIMYM’s appeal is the hope and optimism that dreams can be achieved.  But, having crazy Garrison Cootes think the world will end and Future Ted announcing that Marshall will save the world, was a bit much.  Keep it in the realm of possibility and I’m with you.  Though, we did get a wonderful shot of Lily & Marshall’s upcoming baby.

Spoonfuls (Thoughts in Smaller Portions):

1. Pollstered!

I want to have a focus group follow me around to answer questions.  Barney always gets a kick out of these things.

2. Does Nora remind anyone else of Emily from Friends?

It feels similar to Ross’ relationship with Emily.  She worked with the group, but never became a part of it.  Perhaps an overseas wedding..?

3. Jacob James Olmos vs Edward James Olmos….you’re Olmos right.

It was the only opinion which sided against Barney, but it was a great one.  Probably a real conversation and the answer is, Edward James Olmos, star of Stand and Deliver, and more recently on Dexter.

4. Marshall is Right. You Can Pretty Much Skip the Second Season of Friday Night Lights (but not the rest!)

Possibly the most underrated show on TV in the last 5 years, Friday Night Lights is a gem.  So great to see another favourite reference it (to Garrison Cootes.) If you haven’t seen it, watch it.