I have to admit, I didn't really like this episode at first. Lily seemed like she was being really self-centered. Ted seemed like he was being a real jerk by unapologetically engaging in the behavior is friends complained about, and no one came out looking well. But the show's usual intertextuality and flashbacks (including one with Natalie -- continuity!) were a boon to the proceedings, and in the end, the show addressed the failings on both sides of the argument. Ted's right that Lily's being controlling and trying to make things perfect and airbrushed, and Lily's right that Ted is being inconsiderate of his "family" by bringing all these strangers to their big gatherings. But the fact that it's this behavior that got Lily in one of their early pictures, because he's a romantic at heart and that has good and bad is a nice way to resolve it. The same goes for Lily's perfectionism leading the gang to some good times as well.
The minutia was a little more hit or miss. I generally enjoy Marshall's goofiness, though he got a little annoying here. That said, his anger at Ted's date messing up his wife's name and birthday was a hoot. Robin trying to get a bad picture of Barney was amusing, if silly in that otherworldly HIMYM way. And the Japanese family playing "name that bitch" was the laugh of the episode. Really bigger for structure and storytelling and character moments than pure comedy, but still a lot of good stuff on all counts.
Shout by dgwVIP 9BlockedParent2022-03-26T23:38:06Z
The most laughs of any episode this season so far. Not much competition left for Best of Season.