How I Met Your Mother: Double Date

You know how they say bands go through a sophomore slump? It’s when they sell a bazillion copies of their debut album and then only their mothers buy the follow up. I’ve been noticing that new seasons of shows tend to have a sophomore slump. I’m not talking about second seasons, because those are usually better than the first. I’m talking about second episodes. Last week’s premiere of How I Met Your Mother was actually quite good, but the follow up fell flat.

Ted spent the entire episode going on a blind date with the same girl he went on a blind date with seven years earlier. I was pretty sure throughout the whole ordeal that they wouldn’t end up together. I am very happy to be right.

The others spent their time mostly in a strip club. There were a few laughs here and there, but overall I just wanted them all to go to McLaren’s or the apartment and be normal. What do I mean by normal you ask? This season it feels like the usual spark between Lily and Marshall isn’t there. Something is just off. And although I enjoyed last week’s story with Robin and Barney, didn’t they decide to just pretend to be a couple? It’s getting a little confusing.

Marshall’s elaborate way of fantasizing over another woman was funny. The fact that he has to kill off Lily was great, especially since he does it in such a painless way as a hiccup disorder. Also, the whole doppelganger thing was hilarious. Stripper Lily was kind of gross, but I got a good laugh out of seeing Lesbian Robin.

I can’t put my finger on what exactly was wrong with this episode. Maybe it was that Ted spent it with a woman who he obviously wouldn’t end up with. Or maybe it was the strange interactions between Robin and Barney. Whatever it was I hope it gets fixed next week. I’m hoping to see Ted back in the classroom, Barney out on the prowl, and a spark between Lily and Marshall. Here’s hoping.