Two-thirds through the season, How I Met Your Mother hasn't alleviated fears that the Mother won't be revealed for a while longer and I'm very wary of this blossoming relationship with Zoey. But it has managed the current arc effectively, starting with the devastating news of Marshall's father's death. There have been fantastic scenes for Marshall strewn across each episode, and you can't help but feel for him. The impact of a parent dying is always huge, and the writers acknowledge this with several episodes with Marshall not yet back into normal routine.
The day before Valentine's Day is Desperation Day, says Barney, and there is desperation in the air, even for those in relationships. Marshall is holed up at his mother's house, trying to cling on his childhood and father. Ted also runs off to Minnesota after freaking out over Valentine's Day plans. Eventually, they realize they have responsibilities and head back home to face whatever is there. Marshall seems to be over this hump and Ted is now firmly in a relationship with Zoey.
Providing the humor is Barney and Robin, who spend their time at the bar talking about Valentine's Day. An interesting development for Barney is Nora, whom Barney has a real date with.
Score: 8.9/10
Monday, February 14, 2011
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