It Happened Last Night

'How I Met Your Mother': Taking Robin 101

By Josh Lasser

   |  

October 5, 2009 5:59 PM

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Tonight "How I Met Your Mother" aired the episode I have been waiting for ever since the show started - they taught me exactly how to successfully date Robin Scherbatsky.

I know, Ted was ostensibly teaching Barney how to date her, but I think that was just an excuse on the writers' part. It would be weird if they just aired an episode where they spoke to me and me alone. You guys would all feel left out, and I'm sure that they didn't want that to happen, even if it could have seriously helped my chances of dating a fictional character.

The most important thing we learned in Robin 101 was not the three ways of distracting Robin if she gets mad (discuss Vancouver Canucks 2004 division title, proper gun cleaning and maintenance, or Emperor Penguins), nor was it that you should buy her butterscotch instead of chocolate if she has PMS (it's a Canadian thing). No, the most important thing we learned was Robin's odd erogenous zone - her left knee (not her right one, that just tickles her).

I don't mind telling you that every time she wears a short skirt I'm going to think of her a little differently from now on. And, yes, I know that Robin claimed that the knee was a lie, but I don't accept that. I think that she was just a little embarrassed about having her knee called out like that. It's okay Robin, we won't tell anyone... else.

Now, when Robin learned of the class, Robin wasn't terribly amused (thank goodness she's unaware that I got the scoop as well, she won't be able to hold it against me). But, Ted was able to make it all better. Disappointing for me? Maybe, but Barney's a good guy and I'm willing to let him have her for now. Just let me say this to Robin - you acted like the bigger person not stomping Barney and Ted to dust; Robin, I'm really proud of you-ay.

I did end up with one major question about the class - does Ted learn this much about every woman he dates or was Robin special? I actually see Ted as the kind of guy who might just remember these sorts of facts about every woman he goes out with more than once. I'd say that he did it for every woman, but last week he didn't recognize the blind date from a few years back so that's not the case.

While there's absolutely something to be said for knowing the person you're going out with, Ted's depth and breadth of knowledge about Robin bordered on creepy-stalker. Tell me I'm wrong. He was going beyond sweet and nice and venturing into sick and twisted. Thank goodness he stopped short of pointing out Robin's favorite type of shoes, complete with examples, because while I now think he may have the shoes, seeing them would have erased any doubt about the creepiness of the exercise.

Bits and pieces:

  • No quote tonight, I laughed and liked the episode but am not sure I'd choose just one line. Give me yours though, I'd love to hear them.
  • How did Marshall possibly buy the "allergic to barrel resin" thing? Did Lily have to pay a doctor to say that?
  • Why wouldn't Marshall just keep Mabel until he and Lily have a house? Surely he could make it fit in his "Star Wars" room somehow.
  • I really felt for Marshall this week. I wouldn't want to part with Mabel, and I can't grow a mustache either.

The TV and Film Guy's Reviews - we're looking for a way to get extra credit in Robin 101.



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12 Comments

"Captain my Captain" and "Can we have class outside?" were my favorite quotes... However, I found this episode to be fantastic. I usually laugh out more at Big Bang Theory, but HIMYM was by far more gut busting tonight... Loved it.


I understand the reviewer's point but I don't agree with Ted knowing so much about Robin as being creepy.

He really, really loved her, which meant he tried hard on the relationship (to the point where WE all thought she was the 'mother'.)

Robin, let's face it, was always played as a teeny, tiny bit flaky and I was not so surprised to see so many personality quirks.

In fact, Ted and Robin's friendship post-intimacy has been very strong, even stronger than when they were dating.

So, no, I don't think it is wrong to think it was creepy, but when looking at their relationship and friendship as a whole not surprising Ted still retained so many details since it was (and still is) a very special relationship in his life.


Favorite quote of the night, 6 simple words, "Robin, I'm proud of you, ay!"


outside of having dated each other before well. i mean they do live together now. you pick up stuff about people when you live with them. although him taking pics of her etc. is fairly creepy.


Of course Ted knows so much about Robin. They not only dated, they lived together.


Its Eh, not Ay, if you are going for the Canadian ending to sentences. Great episode, though I would argue that Trevor Linden was not a declining talent at the time of the Vancouver Canucks 1994 Divisional Title.


The 6-word Canadian phrase was funny, but I found this episode to be 'Meh' overall.

The barrel subplot was lame and the Barney character quickly became grating to watch. Enough with the 'Can we go outside' lines. It wasn't all that funny the first time it was said.

Usually this and BBT are the best, but HIMYM was a dud. Looking forward to next week.


For the non-Canadians out there, it's not "ay", it's "eh."


Agree with JD that this was the weakest ep of the so-far strong season. My only lol moment was when robin brought down the sledgemammer (!) onto the brief case.


"Have you girls lost some weight?" - Marshall changing the subject

The bermuda triangle bit was pretty funny with the sofa.


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