How I Met your Mother Season 7 Episode 22

The penultimate episode sets the pace perfectly for the season finale. This episode is full of highs and each character's story is enriching and engrossing. The episode may fall back a little on the comedy front but the satisfaction received from watching the lives of the characters unfold (a.k.a the drama) keeps it fulfilling and you don't feel the need to ask for more. The end is super awesome and sets your hear rate on fire.

Ted starts online dating to get over Robin. Barney using his boob-algorithms sets him up with three girls. However through one way or another, each of these girls remind Ted of Robin. Through his visions/illusions he realizes that the current situation is his own fault because after he proposed, he let Robin go. He understands that in a world where everything is changing (Marshal and Lily becoming parents, Barney in Love), his friendship with Robin is something he needs to hold on to !! Meanwhile, Barney is finding it difficult to accept Quinn's profession. He feels jealous and insecure whenever someone talks to her about her stripper activities. His constant apprehension irks Quinn and she is forced to think about the future of their relationship.
As Baby Erikson slowly grows towards his due-date, Marshal starts stressing out and acting weird. His constant worrying forces Lily to trick him into going to Atlantic City with Barney where he gets super drunk. A scene that follows sets the reel for the season finale.

The episode has it's funny moments. Barney's argument with Grandma Lewis (legendary :D), Drunk Marshal, Robin-obsessed Ted are the highlights (and ofcourse more Barney). When I first watched this episode I had mixed views but as I watched it again and again (for the sake of this review) I started loving it. Some people may contradict me but Ted's (imaginary) talks with Robin were really enriching and were the best parts of the episode. It is nice to see both him and Barney overcome their respective problems. Every Monday (Tuesday for Eastern Hemisphere) when I download a new HIMYM episode, I don't expect loads of laughter or pools of tears (altough it is capable of instigating both), Instead I expect an enriching experience that produces that warm feeling inside me. This episode stands very high in terms of these expectations of mine.

A few negatives .... Ted's dates (especially the 2nd) are unrealistically silly and Robin's lifestyle change is completely ignored. Real Robin appears for just a single scene, rest of the appearances are Ted's fantasy. Also the appearance of the Ducky-Tie is unnecessary and illogical.

In conclusion, the episode will force the viewer to start biting his nails and count the time left for the season finale !

Star Rating : ★★★1/2 (3.5)
Laughometer : ☺☺☺

PS. If you downloaded the episode and can pause/rewind it ..... read the ESPN Anchor's profile Barney created, Hillarious