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How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 7 - “Canning Randy” Originally aired Monday November 1st, 2010 Here we are seven episodes into season six of HIMYM and we get our first real dud of the season. It’s not that it didn’t move major plot archs forward (it did - for Ted, kind of) or feature good guest stars (Will Forte and Bob Odenkirk - golden) or the right characters (we got a Marshall story!) - the episode just wasn’t very funny.  Sure I laughed. Mostly at character and physical humor but where were the wordy puns? Where were the astute observations at modern life? Where was Barney!? All squandered away for plots that didn’t really go anywhere nor develop. The ending was touching in that Randy got to fulfill his dreams and Marshall got to stick to his guns but it wasn’t earned. Instead of cutting to Marshall’s office destroyed and their resolution, show Randy trying to get fired more. Do something. But no, just Randy’s bloody nose joke which instead of feeling like a callback just felt tired. As did “Where’s the poop, Robin?” Just let it die HIMYM. Jennifer Morrison was enjoyable in this episode but there wasn’t much to get out of Ted’s story line. Robin’s commercial was also completely throw away and didn’t feel like it held the gravity it could have comedically. Her career ineptitude is beginning to get frustrating. The most redeeming quality of “Canning Randy” can bee seen above. The real Halloween Parade - aka the Costumed Walk of Shame the day after. This was a clever, typical HIMYM invention that should have been given more time to play. Also squandered. As was any intention of a Halloween episode. Oh well. Stray note: Jennifer Morrison yells “Key his car!” Umm, what car? Correct me if I’m wrong but Ted doesn’t have a car. Would he really drive uptown to Columbia? Come on HIMYM, your NYC verite was so good.  -Alex (popculturebrain)

How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 7 - “Canning Randy”

Originally aired Monday November 1st, 2010

Here we are seven episodes into season six of HIMYM and we get our first real dud of the season. It’s not that it didn’t move major plot archs forward (it did - for Ted, kind of) or feature good guest stars (Will Forte and Bob Odenkirk - golden) or the right characters (we got a Marshall story!) - the episode just wasn’t very funny. 

Sure I laughed. Mostly at character and physical humor but where were the wordy puns? Where were the astute observations at modern life? Where was Barney!? All squandered away for plots that didn’t really go anywhere nor develop. The ending was touching in that Randy got to fulfill his dreams and Marshall got to stick to his guns but it wasn’t earned. Instead of cutting to Marshall’s office destroyed and their resolution, show Randy trying to get fired more. Do something. But no, just Randy’s bloody nose joke which instead of feeling like a callback just felt tired.

As did “Where’s the poop, Robin?” Just let it die HIMYM. Jennifer Morrison was enjoyable in this episode but there wasn’t much to get out of Ted’s story line. Robin’s commercial was also completely throw away and didn’t feel like it held the gravity it could have comedically. Her career ineptitude is beginning to get frustrating.

The most redeeming quality of “Canning Randy” can bee seen above. The real Halloween Parade - aka the Costumed Walk of Shame the day after. This was a clever, typical HIMYM invention that should have been given more time to play. Also squandered. As was any intention of a Halloween episode. Oh well.

Stray note: Jennifer Morrison yells “Key his car!” Umm, what car? Correct me if I’m wrong but Ted doesn’t have a car. Would he really drive uptown to Columbia? Come on HIMYM, your NYC verite was so good. 

-Alex (popculturebrain)

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The League - Season 2 Episode 7 - “Ghost Monkey” Originally aired October 28th, 2010 Silly. Just down right silly. In previous reviews, we’ve (I’ve) discussed at length the balance The League strikes between the outrageous and the realistic. Here in an episode aptly titled “Ghost Monkey” all that is thrown out the window (literally) in lieu of one of this show’s most enjoyable and crazy episodes to date.  Again we have several plot lines that all converge. Kevin and Jenny attempt an adult Halloween by bringing alcohol and slutty costumes out Trick or Treating with their daughter. Pete mindfucks Ruxin when he gives him control of his line up for the week. And Taco steals a monkey from the petting zoo, only for it go crazy in response to Andre’s Pandora playlist and get itself thrown out the window. In the end Ruxin is the crazy paranoid one, Jenny has to wear a fat frog costume, and the monkey rapes the frog head. And that’s not even going into Pete’s wicka date, Andre’s “poor girl” or the valiant return of Mr. McGibblets. The Pete and Ruxin plot line probably had the most legs. Kroll proved himself the MVP of this episode and displayed comedic genius in his deterioration. Andre’s “poor girl” move again drew similarities to How I Met Your Mother - as did a lot of this episode. Key laughs came from Kevin’s desire for the brownie costume, the whole car scene (especially Andre’s music), and “Sexy museum curator.” Could have done without Taco’s song - which are beginning to become tedious. It ran just a bit too long.  In general it was nice to see them fully commit to a Halloween episode and go full on fritata.  -Alex (popculturebrain)

The League - Season 2 Episode 7 - “Ghost Monkey”

Originally aired October 28th, 2010

Silly. Just down right silly. In previous reviews, we’ve (I’ve) discussed at length the balance The League strikes between the outrageous and the realistic. Here in an episode aptly titled “Ghost Monkey” all that is thrown out the window (literally) in lieu of one of this show’s most enjoyable and crazy episodes to date. 

Again we have several plot lines that all converge. Kevin and Jenny attempt an adult Halloween by bringing alcohol and slutty costumes out Trick or Treating with their daughter. Pete mindfucks Ruxin when he gives him control of his line up for the week. And Taco steals a monkey from the petting zoo, only for it go crazy in response to Andre’s Pandora playlist and get itself thrown out the window. In the end Ruxin is the crazy paranoid one, Jenny has to wear a fat frog costume, and the monkey rapes the frog head. And that’s not even going into Pete’s wicka date, Andre’s “poor girl” or the valiant return of Mr. McGibblets.

The Pete and Ruxin plot line probably had the most legs. Kroll proved himself the MVP of this episode and displayed comedic genius in his deterioration. Andre’s “poor girl” move again drew similarities to How I Met Your Mother - as did a lot of this episode. Key laughs came from Kevin’s desire for the brownie costume, the whole car scene (especially Andre’s music), and “Sexy museum curator.” Could have done without Taco’s song - which are beginning to become tedious. It ran just a bit too long. 

In general it was nice to see them fully commit to a Halloween episode and go full on fritata. 

-Alex (popculturebrain)

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How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 6 - “Baby Talk” Originally aired October 25th, 2010 How I Met Your Mother has given itself a lot of stories to tell this season. In no particular order they are: Ted designing the new GNB building, Robin being frustrated at her job, Barney searching for his father, Marshall and Lilly attempting to have a baby. That’s excluding the search for the mother and the mystery wedding alluded to during the premiere (of which Ted is the best man). It’s a tad frustrating then that they can practically only deal with one at a time. Baby Talk was mostly Marshall and Lilly, which is fine. They’re a strong emotional core for the show and while this episode didn’t bring as many guffaws as recent ones have it satisfied on a personal level. Long time fans of the show had a lot to relish in with this one, especially how it fulfilled a long brewing issue between Marshall and Lilly. You see, long ago, when the show’s enduring couple moved into their own apartment it was revealed through a seemingly throwaway fantasy sequence that Marshall envisioned them with three sons while Lilly wished for three girls. Something so minute, that could have gone and went without meaning anything, comes to fruition in its own conflict at the exact right time. There was no need for it to be nothing more than a joke then, but now that they’re older and seriously considering children it’s only natural that it would come up. Spectacular. One a similar note, this episode did another long call back to an early episode (the pilot, I think) with Lilly’s student feeling her up and leaving a purple hand print on her chest.  (Someone should make a chronological master cut of this show, not unlike the one that was done with Lost). The other plots were more forgettable, but still resonant. All of them wisely tied back to children, being childish, and gender roles. While Marshall and Lilly dealt with gender preference, Barney, Ted and Robin struggled with gender roles in relationships. Barney’s story was nothing special but he got to give a nice moment to Robin claiming she was the “least needy chick he’s ever banged.” Somehow he made that touching. I don’t know how he did it. And Robin learned that she can be emasculating sometimes but that’s okay because not everyone has to fit into the mold. Ted was barely in this one. Laura Bell Bundy as the childish Becky was funny, but inevitably unremarkable. Stray notes: This episode was super racy (the stripper stuff, pedophilia) especially for CBS at 8 pm. Barney all botoxed up was fantastic. Marhsall’s flashbacks to high school and the strip club had excellent follow through. Maybe it’s because I’m a male but I felt Marhsall’s argument for a boy was better than Lilly’s against one. No Halloween stuff this year I guess, we’ve come a long way since the Slutty Pumpkin. -Alex (popculturebrain)

How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 6 - “Baby Talk”

Originally aired October 25th, 2010

How I Met Your Mother has given itself a lot of stories to tell this season. In no particular order they are: Ted designing the new GNB building, Robin being frustrated at her job, Barney searching for his father, Marshall and Lilly attempting to have a baby. That’s excluding the search for the mother and the mystery wedding alluded to during the premiere (of which Ted is the best man). It’s a tad frustrating then that they can practically only deal with one at a time.

Baby Talk was mostly Marshall and Lilly, which is fine. They’re a strong emotional core for the show and while this episode didn’t bring as many guffaws as recent ones have it satisfied on a personal level. Long time fans of the show had a lot to relish in with this one, especially how it fulfilled a long brewing issue between Marshall and Lilly. You see, long ago, when the show’s enduring couple moved into their own apartment it was revealed through a seemingly throwaway fantasy sequence that Marshall envisioned them with three sons while Lilly wished for three girls. Something so minute, that could have gone and went without meaning anything, comes to fruition in its own conflict at the exact right time. There was no need for it to be nothing more than a joke then, but now that they’re older and seriously considering children it’s only natural that it would come up. Spectacular. One a similar note, this episode did another long call back to an early episode (the pilot, I think) with Lilly’s student feeling her up and leaving a purple hand print on her chest. 

(Someone should make a chronological master cut of this show, not unlike the one that was done with Lost).

The other plots were more forgettable, but still resonant. All of them wisely tied back to children, being childish, and gender roles. While Marshall and Lilly dealt with gender preference, Barney, Ted and Robin struggled with gender roles in relationships. Barney’s story was nothing special but he got to give a nice moment to Robin claiming she was the “least needy chick he’s ever banged.” Somehow he made that touching. I don’t know how he did it. And Robin learned that she can be emasculating sometimes but that’s okay because not everyone has to fit into the mold. Ted was barely in this one. Laura Bell Bundy as the childish Becky was funny, but inevitably unremarkable.

Stray notes:

  • This episode was super racy (the stripper stuff, pedophilia) especially for CBS at 8 pm.
  • Barney all botoxed up was fantastic.
  • Marhsall’s flashbacks to high school and the strip club had excellent follow through.
  • Maybe it’s because I’m a male but I felt Marhsall’s argument for a boy was better than Lilly’s against one.
  • No Halloween stuff this year I guess, we’ve come a long way since the Slutty Pumpkin.

-Alex (popculturebrain)

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The League - Season 2 Episode 6 - “The Anniversary Party” Originally aired Thursday Oct 21, 2010. It’s odd that of the two shows I review each week there are so many similarities. Maybe it’s my inclination in TV watching but many, many parallels can be drawn between The League and How I Met Your Mother. Both distill human nature and social happenings into neat invented devices; it would not be a stretch to imagine that the characters of The League have read and abide by the Bro Code. Enter this week’s League and the subplot about Andre being a “Relationship Chameleon.” Wait, where have I seen that before? Oh right, on Monday’s How I Met Your Mother. That’s not to discount its worth though. The League put forth a strong, above average effort - not surprisingly written by two of its strongest cast members, Nick Kroll (Ruxin) and Paul Scheer (Andre). The episode wisely brought the entire cast together into a central location, Taco’s set up anniversay party for Ruxin and wife, but let them explore their own stories weaving freely and expertly between the few, creating a grander master plot that came together in Seinfeldsian proportion. The wedding video being the disastrous catalyst for the whole thing. Episode highlights included anything Kevin and Jenny (Katie Aselton really got to stretch comedically here and Stephen Ranazzisi’s speech and subsequent reveal were delightful), Ruxin’s general frustration, and Andre’s earnest chameleoning (Dr. Huxtable). Lowlights had to be Taco’s vague motivations that were never really explained (in past episodes it’s been acknowledged that he loves Ruxin’s wife, so we don’t really know if here he’s actually trying to mess with Ruxin because of Fantasy, because he wants to please his wife, or because he’s just truly an idiot) and Pete’s actions just reeked of unlikable desperation. Get over it, dude. Despite these though it was probably The League’s best written and structured effort to date. -Alex (popculturebrain)

The League - Season 2 Episode 6 - “The Anniversary Party”

Originally aired Thursday Oct 21, 2010.

It’s odd that of the two shows I review each week there are so many similarities. Maybe it’s my inclination in TV watching but many, many parallels can be drawn between The League and How I Met Your Mother. Both distill human nature and social happenings into neat invented devices; it would not be a stretch to imagine that the characters of The League have read and abide by the Bro Code. Enter this week’s League and the subplot about Andre being a “Relationship Chameleon.” Wait, where have I seen that before? Oh right, on Monday’s How I Met Your Mother.

That’s not to discount its worth though. The League put forth a strong, above average effort - not surprisingly written by two of its strongest cast members, Nick Kroll (Ruxin) and Paul Scheer (Andre). The episode wisely brought the entire cast together into a central location, Taco’s set up anniversay party for Ruxin and wife, but let them explore their own stories weaving freely and expertly between the few, creating a grander master plot that came together in Seinfeldsian proportion. The wedding video being the disastrous catalyst for the whole thing.

Episode highlights included anything Kevin and Jenny (Katie Aselton really got to stretch comedically here and Stephen Ranazzisi’s speech and subsequent reveal were delightful), Ruxin’s general frustration, and Andre’s earnest chameleoning (Dr. Huxtable). Lowlights had to be Taco’s vague motivations that were never really explained (in past episodes it’s been acknowledged that he loves Ruxin’s wife, so we don’t really know if here he’s actually trying to mess with Ruxin because of Fantasy, because he wants to please his wife, or because he’s just truly an idiot) and Pete’s actions just reeked of unlikable desperation. Get over it, dude. Despite these though it was probably The League’s best written and structured effort to date.

-Alex (popculturebrain)

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How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 5 - “Architect of Destruction” Originally aired October 18th, 2010 Coming off of last week’s stellar yet mostly self contained episode HIMYM headed into what is going to be a major arc this season. Jennifer Morrison started her recurring role as Zoey, activist and mortal enemy to Ted. The GNB building is finally going up and Marshall is just trying to get his mojo back.  Only two story lines in this episode. The first being Ted’s foray into corporate America and his first confrontation with ethics. It starts out strong with key character moments from Barney (such as sending a memo that finished his “Legendary” catchphrase or trying to stand behind his “newer is better” philosophy or the snakes runner). All is going well until Ted finds out GNB is tearing down a once important NY landscape. Again this week we get another story central to the NYC location.  Ted meets Zoey (Morrison) and they hit it off, mostly thanks to Ted putting up a front so she’ll find him impessive (classic Mosby). Thanks to Barney and a certain billboard she finds out Ted is the GNB architect. Very smart of them to get this secret out in her first episode, it would have been strenuous for them to extend this over several weeks. Then again it’s unclear what stories can be told with Morrison as Ted’s enemy. What’s her arc going to be? Only time will tell. Did this move us closer to the mother? Also yet to be seen.  Ted reverts to his selfish self as well when he finds out she’s married (a nice twist). In case you forgot, Ted Mosby is still a jerk. The B story was ace. Anything Marshall is good, and the B story was all Marshall. Incredible character work from Jason Segel in his struggles with finding out his friend has a small penis and that Lilly tells Robin all about their sex life. The best of this was his fantasy of the two ladies chatting, complete with cosmos and Sex and the City music. Segel single handedly saved this episode. Stray notes: “Papa” Either Ted or Barney’s member looks like Winston Churchill. Sweet wrestling name. “Let Me Be Blunt” Stoner Sign Barney ear muffs the rabbit. Marshall’s script for Lilly “Boobs?” was forced but became catchphrase worthy by the end. -Alex (popculturebrain)

How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 5 - “Architect of Destruction”

Originally aired October 18th, 2010

Coming off of last week’s stellar yet mostly self contained episode HIMYM headed into what is going to be a major arc this season. Jennifer Morrison started her recurring role as Zoey, activist and mortal enemy to Ted. The GNB building is finally going up and Marshall is just trying to get his mojo back. 

Only two story lines in this episode. The first being Ted’s foray into corporate America and his first confrontation with ethics. It starts out strong with key character moments from Barney (such as sending a memo that finished his “Legendary” catchphrase or trying to stand behind his “newer is better” philosophy or the snakes runner). All is going well until Ted finds out GNB is tearing down a once important NY landscape. Again this week we get another story central to the NYC location. 

Ted meets Zoey (Morrison) and they hit it off, mostly thanks to Ted putting up a front so she’ll find him impessive (classic Mosby). Thanks to Barney and a certain billboard she finds out Ted is the GNB architect. Very smart of them to get this secret out in her first episode, it would have been strenuous for them to extend this over several weeks. Then again it’s unclear what stories can be told with Morrison as Ted’s enemy. What’s her arc going to be? Only time will tell. Did this move us closer to the mother? Also yet to be seen. 

Ted reverts to his selfish self as well when he finds out she’s married (a nice twist). In case you forgot, Ted Mosby is still a jerk.

The B story was ace. Anything Marshall is good, and the B story was all Marshall. Incredible character work from Jason Segel in his struggles with finding out his friend has a small penis and that Lilly tells Robin all about their sex life. The best of this was his fantasy of the two ladies chatting, complete with cosmos and Sex and the City music. Segel single handedly saved this episode.

Stray notes:

  • “Papa”
  • Either Ted or Barney’s member looks like Winston Churchill.
  • Sweet wrestling name.
  • “Let Me Be Blunt” Stoner Sign
  • Barney ear muffs the rabbit.
  • Marshall’s script for Lilly
  • “Boobs?” was forced but became catchphrase worthy by the end.

-Alex (popculturebrain)

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The League - Season 2 Episode 5 - “The Marathon” Originally aired Oct. 14 2010 The what? The Marathon. The what? The Marathon. Okay, that’s enough. I keep going back to a quote I heard before this season started regarding The League (who it comes from right now is escaping me) but it went like this, “You don’t need to know anything about Fantasy Football to appreciate this show you just have to have friends you hate.” There’s your central conceit right there.  More than before this episode was all about interpersonal relationships and less about broad, surreal gags. Last week I spoke about the balance between the two and how the show is at its best when they’re equal. I didn’t necessarily miss the outrageous, over the top stunts but you could feel the void.  Nevertheless this episode was top notch funny in the way it took the show back to its roots. Might as well call it “Everybody hates Andre” as Paul Scheer’s lovable loser tries to run a marathon (the latest in a pitch perfect series of exercise trends). He’s drinking something called S.P.U.N.K. of which the best flavor is the black one and he’s dressing up in crazy sweat suits that not even Sue Sylvester would dare. Poor Andre always gets shit on, not the least of which comes from Pete.  The episode is packed to the brim with story, giving seemingly every character their own individual through line. Jenny and Kevin ground the episode in reality with their marital/Fantasy conflict. It’s good to see them getting some mileage out of Fantasy story lines. Ruxin is at war with his office notary (Twyla, the Cunotary) who refuses to notarize his work unless he donates to her marathon shadow charity. A little too Larry David if you ask me, but Kroll is seemingly meaner which only adds to the comedy. And finally as an off shoot to that, Taco becomes a notary himself and feels a sense of pride and power because of it. Motivating him to make a hystercial commercial for his services. A strong episode that was overall indicative of what this show is without being too out there.  Stray Highlights: “Awkward Wimbeldon” “Taco brought a homeless person into Kevin’s house.” -Alex (popculturebrain)

The League - Season 2 Episode 5 - “The Marathon”

Originally aired Oct. 14 2010

The what? The Marathon. The what? The Marathon.

Okay, that’s enough. I keep going back to a quote I heard before this season started regarding The League (who it comes from right now is escaping me) but it went like this, “You don’t need to know anything about Fantasy Football to appreciate this show you just have to have friends you hate.” There’s your central conceit right there. 

More than before this episode was all about interpersonal relationships and less about broad, surreal gags. Last week I spoke about the balance between the two and how the show is at its best when they’re equal. I didn’t necessarily miss the outrageous, over the top stunts but you could feel the void. 

Nevertheless this episode was top notch funny in the way it took the show back to its roots. Might as well call it “Everybody hates Andre” as Paul Scheer’s lovable loser tries to run a marathon (the latest in a pitch perfect series of exercise trends). He’s drinking something called S.P.U.N.K. of which the best flavor is the black one and he’s dressing up in crazy sweat suits that not even Sue Sylvester would dare. Poor Andre always gets shit on, not the least of which comes from Pete. 

The episode is packed to the brim with story, giving seemingly every character their own individual through line. Jenny and Kevin ground the episode in reality with their marital/Fantasy conflict. It’s good to see them getting some mileage out of Fantasy story lines. Ruxin is at war with his office notary (Twyla, the Cunotary) who refuses to notarize his work unless he donates to her marathon shadow charity. A little too Larry David if you ask me, but Kroll is seemingly meaner which only adds to the comedy. And finally as an off shoot to that, Taco becomes a notary himself and feels a sense of pride and power because of it. Motivating him to make a hystercial commercial for his services.

A strong episode that was overall indicative of what this show is without being too out there. 

Stray Highlights: “Awkward Wimbeldon” “Taco brought a homeless person into Kevin’s house.”

-Alex (popculturebrain)

116 notes

How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 4 - “Subway Wars” Originally aired October 11th, 2010 What makes one a real a New Yorker? According to HIMYM you have to kill a cockroach with your bare hands, steal a cab, cry on the subway and not care what anyone thinks, oh yeah and see Woody Allen. (I might be missing one) As a New Yorker (okay Long Islander, but seriously close enough) I can agree with this list and maybe because I’m a New Yorker I can say that this episode was this show at its finest. No it wasn’t about the greater mythology question, and yes Robin’s struggles were a major subplot, but damn it if it wasn’t so much fun. The pacing was breakneck, the thing was packed to the brim with jokes (old and new), highlighted the best in its characters, and managed to continually feature Maury Povich. What more could you want? What worked so well about this one, besides the above list, was its structure. Taking place almost in real time, over what was supposed to be the entire island of Manhattan (an incredibly impressive feat for a show that shoots on a backlot in LA), they somehow managed to separate the characters but weave them together. Yes they were all racing on individual paths but there would be no story without them interacting. The coincidental meet ups were funny and surprising throughout. Flashbacks and title cards were also used in vintage HIMYM fashion and they add an extra level of the fantastic and excitement to this episode. Classic character quirks and recurring jokes too made this feel like a traditional episode of HIMYM. From Ted’s gabbing about architecture and his ego, to Marhsall’s song, to Ranjeet, it all clicked. And they tied it back to some arching stories with Marshall and Lilly’s trying to have a baby and Robin’s career. Those two subplots in particular gave this episode the right amount of heart.  I’m curious to see if people outside of New York appreciated it as much as I did. I for one thoroughly enjoyed Lilly’s struggle with delayed trains, considering I just recently ran to catch a train only to look like a jackass when I found out it was delayed. This show nails NY on so many levels, presenting a wonderfully romantic image of the city, in the grand tradition of this episode’s catalyst Woody Allen. Over and over, they’ve made this show about NY and used the city in the writing. You can’t say that about every other sitcom set here (except for maybe Seinfeld). I sincerely hope they can keep this level of quality up, such a solid, instantly classic episode. Let’s watch it again.  -Alex (popculturebrain)

How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 4 - “Subway Wars”

Originally aired October 11th, 2010

What makes one a real a New Yorker? According to HIMYM you have to kill a cockroach with your bare hands, steal a cab, cry on the subway and not care what anyone thinks, oh yeah and see Woody Allen. (I might be missing one) As a New Yorker (okay Long Islander, but seriously close enough) I can agree with this list and maybe because I’m a New Yorker I can say that this episode was this show at its finest.

No it wasn’t about the greater mythology question, and yes Robin’s struggles were a major subplot, but damn it if it wasn’t so much fun. The pacing was breakneck, the thing was packed to the brim with jokes (old and new), highlighted the best in its characters, and managed to continually feature Maury Povich. What more could you want?

What worked so well about this one, besides the above list, was its structure. Taking place almost in real time, over what was supposed to be the entire island of Manhattan (an incredibly impressive feat for a show that shoots on a backlot in LA), they somehow managed to separate the characters but weave them together. Yes they were all racing on individual paths but there would be no story without them interacting. The coincidental meet ups were funny and surprising throughout. Flashbacks and title cards were also used in vintage HIMYM fashion and they add an extra level of the fantastic and excitement to this episode.

Classic character quirks and recurring jokes too made this feel like a traditional episode of HIMYM. From Ted’s gabbing about architecture and his ego, to Marhsall’s song, to Ranjeet, it all clicked. And they tied it back to some arching stories with Marshall and Lilly’s trying to have a baby and Robin’s career. Those two subplots in particular gave this episode the right amount of heart. 

I’m curious to see if people outside of New York appreciated it as much as I did. I for one thoroughly enjoyed Lilly’s struggle with delayed trains, considering I just recently ran to catch a train only to look like a jackass when I found out it was delayed. This show nails NY on so many levels, presenting a wonderfully romantic image of the city, in the grand tradition of this episode’s catalyst Woody Allen. Over and over, they’ve made this show about NY and used the city in the writing. You can’t say that about every other sitcom set here (except for maybe Seinfeld).

I sincerely hope they can keep this level of quality up, such a solid, instantly classic episode. Let’s watch it again. 

-Alex (popculturebrain)

20 notes

The League - Season 2 Episode 4 - “The Kluneberg” Originally aired October 7th, 2010 At its best The League strikes a tricky balance between the absurd and the real. For a show that’s supposed to be grounded in reality and take place in somewhat of a realistic universe, the experiences the characters go through are increasingly surreal. Sometimes it doesn’t work and falls too much on the side of the fantastic, such as last week’s climax. This week it was almost done to perfection.  The episode followed three loose subplots that all seemed to weave in and out of each other at any given moment. The guys want to kick Raffi out of the league so they stage a fake fight, Kevin and Jenny’s old friend Russel is back in town and happens to be a sex addict (as played by Rob Huebel), and Taco is addicted to a toilet seat made of cocaine. Notice that as we progress through each description, the story lines get more absurd. How could a toilet seat a) be made of cocaine and b) actually get you high by sitting on it? But on the other hand who hasn’t had a “Raffi” in their group and tried desperately to excommunicate them or accidentally insulted a friend. This is the balance of The League.  By the end of the episode all the story lines converge into one grander plot with a good dose of surprises and shocklarity (shocking + hilarity). Raffi smashing Andre’s $25,000 painting was only topped by the reveal of him banging Russel. Though the guys hate Raffi, it’ going to be sad to see him go. Rob Huebel also deserves some kudos for this episode for playing a smarmy but harmless douche, something he’s become quite good at, and proving he’s a world class improviser. The episode was a bit Nick Kroll deficient when you consider his penchant for zingers. That’s not to say they weren’t aplenty: “My brother is Pablo Escabutt.” “And I made hummus.” “Bite eachother’s dicks off!” I could go on. Also, it was wise of them not to force a Taco song into this episode.  Finally, Jenny has been accepted into the league, a good follow through on a story established in the season premiere. And though she may not be a threat for Russel’s sex addiction, she certainly will be come Sunday.  -Alex (popculturebrain)

The League - Season 2 Episode 4 - “The Kluneberg”

Originally aired October 7th, 2010

At its best The League strikes a tricky balance between the absurd and the real. For a show that’s supposed to be grounded in reality and take place in somewhat of a realistic universe, the experiences the characters go through are increasingly surreal. Sometimes it doesn’t work and falls too much on the side of the fantastic, such as last week’s climax. This week it was almost done to perfection. 

The episode followed three loose subplots that all seemed to weave in and out of each other at any given moment. The guys want to kick Raffi out of the league so they stage a fake fight, Kevin and Jenny’s old friend Russel is back in town and happens to be a sex addict (as played by Rob Huebel), and Taco is addicted to a toilet seat made of cocaine. Notice that as we progress through each description, the story lines get more absurd. How could a toilet seat a) be made of cocaine and b) actually get you high by sitting on it? But on the other hand who hasn’t had a “Raffi” in their group and tried desperately to excommunicate them or accidentally insulted a friend. This is the balance of The League. 

By the end of the episode all the story lines converge into one grander plot with a good dose of surprises and shocklarity (shocking + hilarity). Raffi smashing Andre’s $25,000 painting was only topped by the reveal of him banging Russel. Though the guys hate Raffi, it’ going to be sad to see him go. Rob Huebel also deserves some kudos for this episode for playing a smarmy but harmless douche, something he’s become quite good at, and proving he’s a world class improviser.

The episode was a bit Nick Kroll deficient when you consider his penchant for zingers. That’s not to say they weren’t aplenty: “My brother is Pablo Escabutt.” “And I made hummus.” “Bite eachother’s dicks off!” I could go on. Also, it was wise of them not to force a Taco song into this episode. 

Finally, Jenny has been accepted into the league, a good follow through on a story established in the season premiere. And though she may not be a threat for Russel’s sex addiction, she certainly will be come Sunday. 

-Alex (popculturebrain)

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How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 3 - “Unfinished” Originally aired October 4th 2010 The beauty of the sitcom as a format is its ability to be new and old at the same time. Each week we tune in to see new episodes of the same old show, taking comfort in the familiar catchphrases, character quirks, and reminiscent story lines. HIMYM continues its return to form tour-de-force with another clever if not retreading episode.  In our A story, Ted is on a dream fulfillment quest, whether he likes it or not. And no — it’s not about the search for the mother instead it’s Ted’s other dream, having a building he designed be built in Manhattan. Barney reignites the opportunity for Ted to design Goliath National Bank’s NY headquarters, but Ted turns it down because they’re evil (like the Empire - a great runner that only gets greater when you recall how much Ted and Marshall love Star Wars). Barney then puts his moves on Ted because Swarley “aaaalways gets the Yes.”(Somehow this show keeps giving NPH new catchphrases and makes it work. This is a great one, that deserves to stick.) Again NPH steals many of the scenes with his various hook up tactics. Yet it all feels a little too familiar. Not just the catchphrases but the retread regarding GNB being evil. Some credit should be given to Josh Radnor though for going above and beyond with his performance. It was a stand out. The episode is titled “Unfinished” because Ted doesn’t want his dream of having a building go unfinished, ironically it should be the writers being afraid of their most central mystery (the mother) going unfinished.  The B plot, while providing some quick laughs, is strenuous, repetitive, and misleading. Robin happens to catch ex Don anchoring a Chicago newscast, what follows is series of angry voicemails and deception to her friends because Robin simply can’t get over him. Lily as a karate student and Marshall in a funking hilarious law inspired funk band bring the funny but the force feeding of “where’s the poop?” and the supposed closure fall flat. While we’re told Robin has gotten closure it feels rushed and unauthentic.  It’s an average if not forgettable episode of the show that does what HIMYM does best but doesn’t do much to distinguish it from the rest of the series. Stray Highlights - Marshall’s attempt to be Barney’s wingman. Marshall taking a moment to jot down lyrics. Ted’s student in Barney’s office.  -Alex (popculturebrain)

How I Met Your Mother - Season 6 Episode 3 - “Unfinished”

Originally aired October 4th 2010

The beauty of the sitcom as a format is its ability to be new and old at the same time. Each week we tune in to see new episodes of the same old show, taking comfort in the familiar catchphrases, character quirks, and reminiscent story lines. HIMYM continues its return to form tour-de-force with another clever if not retreading episode. 

In our A story, Ted is on a dream fulfillment quest, whether he likes it or not. And no — it’s not about the search for the mother instead it’s Ted’s other dream, having a building he designed be built in Manhattan. Barney reignites the opportunity for Ted to design Goliath National Bank’s NY headquarters, but Ted turns it down because they’re evil (like the Empire - a great runner that only gets greater when you recall how much Ted and Marshall love Star Wars). Barney then puts his moves on Ted because Swarley “aaaalways gets the Yes.”(Somehow this show keeps giving NPH new catchphrases and makes it work. This is a great one, that deserves to stick.)

Again NPH steals many of the scenes with his various hook up tactics. Yet it all feels a little too familiar. Not just the catchphrases but the retread regarding GNB being evil. Some credit should be given to Josh Radnor though for going above and beyond with his performance. It was a stand out.

The episode is titled “Unfinished” because Ted doesn’t want his dream of having a building go unfinished, ironically it should be the writers being afraid of their most central mystery (the mother) going unfinished. 

The B plot, while providing some quick laughs, is strenuous, repetitive, and misleading. Robin happens to catch ex Don anchoring a Chicago newscast, what follows is series of angry voicemails and deception to her friends because Robin simply can’t get over him. Lily as a karate student and Marshall in a funking hilarious law inspired funk band bring the funny but the force feeding of “where’s the poop?” and the supposed closure fall flat. While we’re told Robin has gotten closure it feels rushed and unauthentic. 

It’s an average if not forgettable episode of the show that does what HIMYM does best but doesn’t do much to distinguish it from the rest of the series.

Stray Highlights - Marshall’s attempt to be Barney’s wingman. Marshall taking a moment to jot down lyrics. Ted’s student in Barney’s office. 

-Alex (popculturebrain)