In a uncommon, but welcome, emotional episode, we find out a lot more about Barney’s childhood and the acknowledgement that Bob Barker is not Barney’s father.
Wayne Brady returns to guest star as James Stinson, Barney’s brother, and Frances Conroy returns as Loretta Stinson, Barney’s mother. In a rare instance, almost the entirety of this episode takes place outside of the bar, namely in Barney’s old home which Loretta is currently selling. To everyone’s surprise, we find out the identity of James’s father, Sam Gibs played by the great Ben Vereen, which Barney immediately latches onto as his new father.
It’s a rare occurrence that we have such a fairly serious episode, especially involving Barney. It was really nice to see a little glimpse into Barney’s childhood though, and to see the lengths that his mother went to protect him as a child. I think it’s these asides into the characters lives that parallel real life that make the show so appealing, as often times things don’t work out neatly and conveniently for everyone. The episode as a whole wasn’t really funny at all, but in the end, I think it was well written and satisfying.
Other Thoughts
- Ted thinks the greatest movie ever is The Karate Kid.
- Marshal’s mom game him cough medicine as a child to make him calm down.
- Lilly refuses to lie to her future children, which includes not teaching them about Santa Claus.
- “Ted Mosby is really handsome, but extremely violent. Really rich, but lacks bladder control.”
- Ted and Robin ride in the back of the truck, which surely isn’t safe.
- I’m sad that Wayne Brady and Ben Vereen didn’t get to go all out on a duet of “Stand By Me”, which would have truly been legen…wait for it…dary. HIMYM producers, please tell me the whole song will be on the DVD or something!
Barneyisms
- Not much this week, other than he might have gotten a fist bump from the Queen of England.
- “Valentines, the 2nd base of 3rd grade.”
- Barney sends his baby nephew a suit.
- We finally know that Barney knows that Bob Barker isn’t his father, but like Barney, I think we all find ourselves living a little bit in a fantasy world. Sometimes it’s just easier than reality.
