How I Met Your Mother Round Table: "Symphony of Illumination"
Robin took the narrating spot this week as How I Met Your Mother delivered one of its most powerful episodes with "Symphony of Illumination."
After extensively reviewing the episode, our site's biggest HIMYM your mother fans give the episode a second go around with our weekly round table. Come join.
Favorite HIMYM quote of the night?
Chris: “So you're pregnant? Huh, looks like nobody told your boobs.” The whole bathroom confessional was amazing and Robin has a mean right cross.
Leigh: It wasn't so much of a quote as it was Barney's whole reaction when Ted and Lily were trying to figure out what was wrong with Robin.
Eric: Mine is also less of a direct quote and more the entire reveal of Robin saying the kids never existed. I still get chills and sad just thinking about it. Well done, HIMYM.
Did you buy the fact that Marshall couldn’t figure out a way off the roof?
Chris: Marshall is a clean shaven Viking, he could have definitely gotten off that roof, but it did make me think back to when he was going to jump to the roof across from theirs and how long it took him to muster the courage to do so. Without any prodding I guess it wasn’t too hard to believe he would stay up there.
Leigh: Marshall is this big Sasquatch of an individual. He could've hurled himself off of that roof and done some damage
Eric: Wow, great reference there Chris. Besides "The Leap," you gotta consider the icy terrain below. Marshall has a family to think about here, people, and we had hilarious Scott partying to think about. Did you see that small sandwich Scott was eating?
Who pulled at your heart strings more this week, an excited Barney gushing at the prospects of being a father or Ted and his unrelenting efforts to be there for Robin?
Leigh: Ted slayed this episode. I was already emotional when he was telling Robin she couldn't fire him, but I lost it when he did the apartment up in lights at the end.
Chris: I agree with Leigh, some of Ted’s finest moments were this week hands down.
Eric: I'm also on Team Ted here. Which is rare since he's probably my least favorite character of the group. But from the moment he appear on screen with the 'stache, he dominated the episode. The man should give up narrating more often.
How will Robin's news affect her relationship with Kevin? Will she ever come clean about her affair with Barney?
Chris: I think the truth will come out at some point but Kevin isn’t going anywhere just yet.
Leigh: I'm not really sure on either front. I think they will hit a rough patch and something will be revealed.
Eric: Well since we haven't seen the guy in two weeks, i'm thinking things aren't looking good for the doctor.
Are the prospects of Barney and Robin all but done in your mind?
Chris: Call me Journey because I won’t stop believin' in Brotp.
Leigh: No, not forever. Right now maybe.
Eric: Man this episode was cruel to Swarkles fans. Calling him the father. Leading me to believe they were definitely the couple getting married. Taking it all away..
Eric Hochberger is the programmer of TV Fanatic, so please forgive his mediocre writing. His programming is far better. Follow him on Twitter and/or email him. Just don't request threaded comments. They're coming.
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December 14th, 2011 11:33 PM
still have hope for barney and robin - did anyone else notice when robin's kids disapeared, there was a storm trooper behind them? additionally, it looked exactly like barneys apartment that she was telling them the story from?
Rank: New User
December 10th, 2011 5:28 AM
people, remember in season five where marshal couldnt dunk for crap anymore because he was getting older? there's your answer. he was beast when he was younger, and still is, but he's an older, married beast. besides, did u see how easy the kid could manipulate him even after he bamboozled him? marshall also probably jusgt stayed put because he still had some trust that the kid would come to his senses or come back for ol "MR E"
Rank: Regular Character
December 9th, 2011 5:18 PM
1. I'm with Chris - the pregnant jokes were hilarious.
2. Nah, I didn't buy it. Marshall grew up in a small town with a bunch of huge brothers - this can't be the first time he ended up on a house roof.
3. Ted owned it this time, I gotta say.
4. Hmmm. They'll break up soon, but I don't know if she'll ever tell him about Barney.
5. Swarkles for life! I'm not giving up!
Rank: Regular Character
December 9th, 2011 1:11 PM
1. I loved more than one quotes. hard to decide.
2. haha typical Marshall. too kind :] yes
3. barney was extra funny but Ted got me in the last scene. he can be irritating while trying to find a right one, but no one cant argue that he is an amazing friend who will always be there for u.
4. kevin who? this will not last long.
5. I WILL NEVER EVER STOP BELIEVING IN BARNEY AND ROBIN
December 9th, 2011 12:12 PM
1. "So I guess it's good you kids don't exist"... the children disappearing was jaw dropping for me...the episode led you through a journey that was seemingly final, but in fact was a haze all along. To see Robin, who is one of most confident, sure women on television so at odds with her feelings was no doubt refreshing and saddening. I guess it is like they say 'you never know what you had till it's gone.'
2. I guess I can see why Marshall may not have been able to get off the roof via Chris' comment about the roof... but honestly i've seen Marshall do many a daring deed and I believe if he really had seen what he saw he would have got down in a heartbeat
3. Ted was Amazing... it was great to see Ted and Robin having moments together again, since they broke up in season 3 the scenes between the lovely duo have been less and less... i miss this couple, but since i must settle for them not being together in the end, seeing them be such good friends is the next best thing
4. I believe
Rank: Regular Character
December 8th, 2011 4:51 PM
1. Chris's answer or "I'll never in a billion years have kids. Sorry kids" especially since the kids weren't real.
2. Yes.
3. I liked Ted better when he's not the main focus. Ted's facial hair in the flashback and the ending were awesome.
4. Don't know.
5. Don't know.
Rank: Regular Character
December 8th, 2011 4:23 PM
1.Quote? I loved the opening scene and the scene in the bar(where they were consoling Robin about not being able to be a "poul vaulter").
2.Marshal!? How silly is this guy!? I laugh to dead when I was watching the scenes at the game when he and Ted ate a sandwich! He is the type of actor who really makes you believe anything! So he could go gay, I would buy it! :D
3. Barney or Ted? When you ask me who is more hilarious it always Barney! But Ted showed as why this show is about him finding the right girl! He is the guy for everything. And Yes, Victoria was right his relationship with Robin takes him away from finding love! And hopefully Robin becomes famous a litbit and gets of Ted's back!
4.Kevin? who's that!? Joke of course! Okay she is serious with him, but he isn't right for her, he is to clean! She needs someone messy just as her! XD And think it's time to bring Hot-guy-from-bar-from-the-end-of-last-season to WoM her World!!
5.Rarney or Bobin!? They are made for each other! an
Rank: Staff Member
December 8th, 2011 2:04 PM
I like the constant creativity of the writers for this show. This one was completely unexpected from end to end. Unlike other shows, this one wasn't predictable at all. Even though fans will use this one to try and predict the story arc in some of the other episodes. Prediction: we'll likely get it wrong every time.
Really *really* like the visual euphemism gag, with the kid smok—I mean eating one of Marshall's "sandwiches". :)
I don't think Ted and Robin are done just yet. Maybe she was narrating her dream of ending up with him to her fictional "kids". We already know he's a goner if she ever gives him the nod, but what we didn't know to date was how intensely she might feel about him. If this "narration" is any indication, that feeling is pretty strong.
Listen to me, talking about "feelings". I have to go now - I hear my Man Card calling my name.