The usage of Ted in "False Positive" is quite brilliant. Despite Ted not having any developments in the episode, he proves to be the glue of the group, making sure everyone is headed down the right path. That's the kind of person Ted is. He's not the funniest or most interesting of the group, but he is the main character, the focal point upon which the other characters revolve.
The plot of "False Positive" is executed in superb fashion, with the initial announcement of Lily and Marshall's pregnancy serving as the jumping point. From there, there are a series of quick developments. We see Robin decide to get a job for Worldwide News and Barney decide to give to charity. When they learn of the false positives, however, things turn sideways. Robin decides to be the coin flip bimbo for the new gameshow which is inextricably popular and Barney adds a decimal to the amount he's giving. And in reality, Marshall and Lily freaked out so much after the pregnancy test that they feel relieved they aren't going to be parents.
But there's Ted, hanging outside the theater with a Christmas-themed snack, without much to do. When he learns of everyone going back on their dreams, he snaps into action, throwing the gingerbread house into the ground. It's a wakeup call for everybody. Just because there wasn't a pregnancy this time doesn't mean Marshall and Lily should give up, Robin should stop pursuing her journalism career, or Barney should not donate to charity.
The episode ends with Robin asking Ted to be her best man. Again, we're left wondering about that wedding at the beginning of the season. My gut tells me that it is Robin's wedding and not Punchy's, but there's hardly enough evidence right now.
Score: 9.2/10
Monday, December 13, 2010
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