How I Met Your Mother Review: "Challenge Accepted"
New is always better. And this season's final new episode, "Challenge Accepted." proved that it is never too late for a finale to become memorable.
First off, though, a question: was that the set from the "Soup Nazi" episode of Seinfeld that Lily bought the soup from? It looked pretty similar.
I didn't realize what was going on until Lily burst through the door and tried to stop Marshall from eating the meal. I was so thrilled for the news that I was sure would come that I didn't really mind how Lily's vomit sound actually resembled the T-Rex from Jurassic Park and not a velociraptor. Sorry for that Mosby moment. Who am I, Dino Dan?
As if Ranjit's return wasn't joyous enough, we were treated to Robin and Barney rehashing their relationship as only they could. Robin recalled how she motor boated a much heavier Barney. What an image. I thought the exchange between them was great, in and out of the car. As good as Nora looked, I think she will prove to be just a stepping stone for Barney.
So, the wedding where Ted's meets the mother turns out to be Barney's. We were lead to believe that it will be Nora he marries in the future, but I still think he ends up with Robin. The look on her face when Barney flirted with Norah said it all.
I loved the self righteous Brooklyn guy who claimed Trader Joe's had made his beloved borough, and then offered to sell Barney and Robin weed to boot. Yet another classic New York stereotype well depicted.
Oh, Ted you got me with the random blonde and the orchid. Reminiscent of Eddie Murphy's Ice Cream Man line from Delirious. Wanna lick? Psych! That was cruel, son.
But what a way to end a very emotional season with the news that Lily was pregnant. All the emotional turmoil this season, like Marshall and Barney's dads among other things, were worth it to get to this moment. I loved seeing Marshall peppering his beloveds face with gentle kisses.
A fitting close to the season. As the episode ended, I was certainly left wanting more. I very much am looking forward to what the future holds for the entire gang in 2011-2012.
Until next season, one final thought: What will Marshall and Lily name their child? If it's a boy, will they name him after his late grandfather or steal Ted's Star Wars idea? If it's a girl, I'm sure Barney will weigh in on what names will condemn her to a life working on the stripper pole.
Until then, have a great summer and keep checking in with TV Fanatic for teasers and clues to the upcoming season.
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September 19th, 2011 9:54 PM
How could Ted end up marrying Robin if he consistently refers to her as "Aunt Robin" during narration?? Robin isn't Ted's wife/his children's mother.
September 8th, 2011 12:18 PM
And to follow up, in the CBS promo/trailers, Barney and Robin dance at some event, where Barney acts like the womanizer he was. The buzz around the passing from season six to seven are the great number of surprises. Therefore, I think the shots of Barney and Robin are just to throw the audience off.
And wouldn't it be nice if Robin and Barney started and tied off relationships from scratch? There is just too much history and shrapnel between them, because if Barney and Robin could ignore history, why can't Ted and Robin?
September 8th, 2011 10:14 AM
I support the obvious scenario that is Barney and Nora getting married, because of the heart monitor results, and the fact that Nora gives Barney a second chance while saying "it's never too late". Robin is suppose to meet that guy from the discount event and the club which would make her intimate relationship with Barney regress.
BUT in "Friends," what I regard as the top NYC located TV drama/comedy, only Pheobe marries someone outside of the group which was a winning formula, and Ted will assume that role, and in the last scene Nora shows a bit a weakness by turning away before Barney makes good, which would provide room for someone else since she is not presented as a perfect partner for Barney to us the audience. So I'm torn about Barney's partner. (Still very much in favor of Barney + Nora)
Barney's "Challenge Accepted" does leave room for interpretation as he might be looking at a second chance with Nora, or even Robin, seeing that the last shot is of her looking on. The
July 21st, 2011 11:03 AM
i think barney will marry robin. And i cant believe teds wife who we have waited for for six years is not very pretty.
July 21st, 2011 11:01 AM
its great but i personally think barney will marry robin. .And i think its a boy. And i cant believe teds wife who we have waited for for six years is not very pretty. I cant wait for season seven
July 13th, 2011 7:27 PM
Okay Barney may not be the one getting married. Ted says, "the groom needed me" and Barney turns around and asks if his tie looks good. HIMYM does mind games ALL the time... this could be one of them.
June 24th, 2011 2:27 PM
Well I can basically predict what will happen next. In season 7, Ted will build the arcadian experiencing some problems as he works. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily experiance numerous events about their child, until the season 7 finale, their son is born. It is known to be a boy from the episode Last ciggerete ever. Barney dates Nora, and Robin dates that guy from Hopeless. Eventually, they realize they love each other instead and in the season finale, Barney proposes to Robin.
June 23rd, 2011 4:06 AM
It'll be a boy, I think, because Future Ted said that Marshall stopped smoking the day his son was born. A second child would not be monumental enough for him to stop, I think his first born will be a boy.
June 9th, 2011 2:50 PM
Barney CANT GET MARRIED!!! WHYY GOD! hes the best single man ever!
May 27th, 2011 5:05 PM
It's too easy if its barney and robin's wedding...