CBS

The long-awaited return of the Slutty Pumpkin, now known as Naomi (Katie Holmes), was tonight and surprisingly, it felt like the b-story of the night.  What could top a Slutty Pumpkin?  Barney being Canadian.

Okay, so he’s only 1/4 Canadian (his grandmother on his father’s side,) but that’s still something.  And, it gave the show yet another excuse to poke fun at their neighbours to the north.  We got the requisite accent and hockey references, but there was also mention of the Barenaked Ladies, Justin Bieber and Canadian Whiskey.  It was especially great to see Robin cross-checking Barney and Ted for discussing Ted’s sexual relationship with Naomi.

Lily and Marshall were off contemplating a move to the suburbs, which felt a little forced.  Marshall would seemingly love the suburbs, yet fought incredibly hard to keep Lily from using her “pregnancy brain” to keep her grandparents’ house.  It was a rare miss for the show, and it wasn’t distracting as much as forgettable.  Okay, the “World’s Worst Showcase Showdown” and Marshall’s reaction to winning the skinny mic was hilarious.  But, other than that.

I think the writers must have felt like there was nothing they could do to match the hype around the Slutty Pumpkin besides having her be the titular Mother, which wasn’t going to happen; so instead, they went the exact opposite direction.  Though, I think Katie Holmes would have been better used in another role.  She just has a warm presence that doesn’t come across as awkward or chemistry-free.  This sounds weird before I write it, but it felt like they tried not to have chemistry, even though they did have some.  I’d rather have seen her married or unattainable.

Barney and Robin made up for any other shortcomings this week with the best pranks and storyline.  Barney’s father is Facebook friends with everyone in the group except Barney.  And, that’s how Robin finds out that Barney is 1/4 Canadian.  And she goes so far as to buy him a RCMP (The Mounties) outfit for Halloween.  I love that Barney never backs down though. He wears his all-American outfit, even dropping a flag behind him and playing James Brown’s Living In America (great song choice!)

Luckily, there was no sight of Kevin this week, but we were also without Nora, so that balanced itself out nicely.

Spoonfuls (Thoughts in Smaller Portions):

1. The Ducky Tie Was Even Worn with Barney’s Halloween Costume

Around the arm, while topless.  That’s dedication to the bet.

2. Since Justin Bieber Was Knee-High To A Snow Blower…

That references the common phrase: knee-high to a grasshopper, but cleverly goes Canadian.

3. The Barenaked Ladies Song…

It’s One Week and a terrible choice for having sex.

4. Lily & Marshall Missed Halloween?

I don’t remember seeing their costumes at all.  Sucks, especially after this was shown not too long ago.