5x13 Jenkins

9.5/10. Not much depth to this one, but a hell of a lot of good comedy. Again, as Ted suggests, the audience would basically never accept anything even approaching infidelity between Marshall and Lily, and yet the show manages to have its cake and eat it too, but showing that Marshall is 100% uninterested in Jenkins, and even runs away in horror when she kisses him, but he is interested in making Lily jealous, especially after the gang's whole reacher/settler debates. As usual, Jason Segel is a laugh riot, both in the elaborate hypothetical scenario scene where Lily has to answer the reacher/settler question, his great physical comedy, and his insecure, sweaty charm. Plus, Lily's smile and nod routine before she goes crazy and beats up Jenkins was the perfect finish.

Ted and Robin's story was even more pure comedy, but the rivalry between the two of them about who's better-known and beloved by Ted's class was a silly premise that worked through to a hilarious payoff. The twist that Robin's show was on just in time to be a college kid drinking game (replete with Jenkins participating as well, in a nice touch), taking the wind out of her sails and ego, but then turning around and getting her revenge on the kids and Ted was great. Lots of laughs and sharp storytelling.