Barney was at his best this week on How I Met Your Mother, making his much anticipated return to the dating pool, tee shirt gun and all.

"Nannies" also marked Marshall and Lily's return to their normal grade of excellence, as the couple's chemistry was back after a slow start to the season. Perhaps the most improbable part of the episode, though, was how much I enjoyed Chris Elliot's scenes when we learned he wasn't always the absentee dad Lily made him out to be. 

While the Eriksens and Barney played nanny wars, two long-time combatants tried to see whose new relationship outshone the other. Ted and Robin turned in an episode full of great exchanges. While it was slightly off, I did like the attempt to foresee the Giants-Browns game, but I don't think anyone was capable of that. 

Barney retained the How I Met Your Mother quotes belt again this week, but Ted and Robin's ongoing game of relationship one upping was by far the best part of tonight. 

Marshall was a close second, however as he reverted to his boyhood and asked for the nine volt batteries and then five more minutes. 

The transition of baby photos featuring Lily and her dad to those showing Marvin growing up was very well done, tugging at my heart strings as they reminded me that our beloved show is most likely in its twilight.

Did I have myself a Nick moment there or did anyone else feel the same way?