9.3/10. I really enjoyed the conceit of Ted's story here. The parallel blind dates happening at different points in time was an interesting device to look at how Ted and his date had changed over the years, at the various signals and cues that they'd misinterpreted or didn't pick up on at all, and the way that going through those motions again was a sign to Ted that he was looking for someone who appreciated those goofy or semi-offputting things about him. The best little narrative devices on the show are used for both drama and comedy, and this absolutely fit. Plus, the story had those little well-observed quirks of dating and friendship that the show does so well.
The Stripper Lily story is also a comic classic. Marshall's elaborate fantasy to be able to actually imagine himself sleeping with another woman is 100% classic, as is Lily's dismay that he "kills her off" in these daydreams and her enthusiasm for her stripper body double. Barney brought the laughs as well, between his blind belief that Robin wouldn't have a problem with his going to strip clubs, and his Chewbacca-related ruse and his protestations of innocence while the Lusty Leopard treats him like the regular he is. Robin had less to do, but even she had some good lines, (e.g. "Is that what your whores told you?")
Overall, it's an excellent episode that has a cute story to tell for Ted in an interesting way, and a lot of silly fun with the rest of the gang. Plus, I had forgotten that this is the doppleganger season!
I already can't recall women that Ted hooked up with before this other than Stella, Victoria, and Robin, but Jen seemed pretty nice and is probably up there with them in terms of women Ted would've been great with in the long term.
Review by Andrew BloomVIP 9BlockedParentSpoilers2016-04-15T01:21:30Z
9.3/10. I really enjoyed the conceit of Ted's story here. The parallel blind dates happening at different points in time was an interesting device to look at how Ted and his date had changed over the years, at the various signals and cues that they'd misinterpreted or didn't pick up on at all, and the way that going through those motions again was a sign to Ted that he was looking for someone who appreciated those goofy or semi-offputting things about him. The best little narrative devices on the show are used for both drama and comedy, and this absolutely fit. Plus, the story had those little well-observed quirks of dating and friendship that the show does so well.
The Stripper Lily story is also a comic classic. Marshall's elaborate fantasy to be able to actually imagine himself sleeping with another woman is 100% classic, as is Lily's dismay that he "kills her off" in these daydreams and her enthusiasm for her stripper body double. Barney brought the laughs as well, between his blind belief that Robin wouldn't have a problem with his going to strip clubs, and his Chewbacca-related ruse and his protestations of innocence while the Lusty Leopard treats him like the regular he is. Robin had less to do, but even she had some good lines, (e.g. "Is that what your whores told you?")
Overall, it's an excellent episode that has a cute story to tell for Ted in an interesting way, and a lot of silly fun with the rest of the gang. Plus, I had forgotten that this is the doppleganger season!