"The Stinsons" begins in truly odd fashion, and boy, it never deters from this. A highly unusual episode of HIMYM, but one that works in every possible way, this is another Barney-centric episode that works perfectly.
Years ago, when his mother was sitting on her deathbed, Barney hired two actors to portray his wife and son to prevent her from being disappointed in himself. After she miraculously makes a recovery, Barney decides to lead a fake life as a respectable, married man.
Not only does this premise provide humour in doses, but it also continues to explore the other side to Barney: his sensitive side. In his fake marriage, we see that Barney can man up to the responsibilities of a committed relationship. There is also a heartwarming notion that his love for his mother is so strong, he decides to live out a life that is truly uncomfortable and ridiculous to himself.
There's also a bit of development for Robin, who gets to know "Tyler", aka Grant. The child actor is actually quite a nice addition to the episode, not irritating like ALL other kids in HIMYM. Robin shows signs of warming up to children.
Marshall and Lily's plot is simple, and effective. Where I find most of the drama between the two to not be that engaging, the simple idea that Lily hates Marshall's mother was enjoyable.
"The Stinsons" is extremely funny, and it may seem like a disposable piece of entertainment. However, it does further the plot and the characters nicely. Very good episode.
Years ago, when his mother was sitting on her deathbed, Barney hired two actors to portray his wife and son to prevent her from being disappointed in himself. After she miraculously makes a recovery, Barney decides to lead a fake life as a respectable, married man.
Not only does this premise provide humour in doses, but it also continues to explore the other side to Barney: his sensitive side. In his fake marriage, we see that Barney can man up to the responsibilities of a committed relationship. There is also a heartwarming notion that his love for his mother is so strong, he decides to live out a life that is truly uncomfortable and ridiculous to himself.
There's also a bit of development for Robin, who gets to know "Tyler", aka Grant. The child actor is actually quite a nice addition to the episode, not irritating like ALL other kids in HIMYM. Robin shows signs of warming up to children.
Marshall and Lily's plot is simple, and effective. Where I find most of the drama between the two to not be that engaging, the simple idea that Lily hates Marshall's mother was enjoyable.
"The Stinsons" is extremely funny, and it may seem like a disposable piece of entertainment. However, it does further the plot and the characters nicely. Very good episode.