Damn. After all the great news, the writers just had to cut it short and end the episode in pure devastation. It was unpredictable (up until the point when Marshall couldn't contact his parents), quick, and emotional. Just like that, the episode was over. All the funny scenes in the episode--Barney's doppelganger, Robin getting exposed, the masturbation--became insignificant. Even the larger plot developments--the affirmation that both Marshall and Lily are fertile, Robin moving ahead in her career--paled in comparison.
With the final scene, "Bad News" moves the show in a number of different directions. Next week's episode will probably continue on, and who knows what could happen. Using this incident as a catalyst, Carter Bays can pull the group apart, bring them together, or maintain the status quo.
Score: 8.8/10
