It’s been a while since you’ve answered any CASTLE related questions. Care to rectify this little oversight? — Alec
The TV Addict: Ask and ye shall receive. Specifically, scoop on an upcoming episode that has CASTLE creator Andrew Marlowe cleverly jumping on the fairytale bandwagon. Hilariously titled, “Once Upon a Crime,” the February 27th episode will see Castle and Beckett on a “grimm” (See what we did there?) hunt to catch a fairytale killer when women dressed as Red Riding Hood and Snow White are discovered dead.

Your recent interview with star Jeremy Sisto got me wondering about the identity of George’s wife and Tessa’s mother. Do you think we’ll meet her by the end of SUBURGATORY’s first season? — Lisa
The TV Addict: No! That said, we do have it on very good authority that you will meet the next best thing to Tessa’s absentee mother during the SUBURGATORY season finale appropriately titled “The Motherload.” That being… her absentee Grandmother!

There have been some seriously spoilerrific HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER photos floating around the interwebs teasing an upcoming episode that hints at a reconciliation between Robin and Ted. Care to shed some light on the subject? — Steph
The TV Addict: While we don’t pretend to really know whether or not Robin and Ted are going to give “coupledom” another go, we promise you that fans are not going to want to miss the February 20th episode that will see Ted rock Robin with a personal declaration as to how he feels about her. Read into that what you will.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day I’m hoping you can provide this HART OF DIXIE fan with a little good news on the Zoe/Wade front. — Rachel
The TV Addict: Okay here’s the thing. While we don’t pretend to have any specific shipper news on the Zoe/Wade front, we can report that fans will very soon get a glimpse of the “New Wade” that was alluded to in our recent one-on-one with his portrayer Wilson Bethel. Which is to say, the character’s “entrepreneurial spirit” will soon be put to the test when Wade decides to open… wait for it… a bar of his very own in Bluebell.

Now that you’ve completely got me hooked on SMASH, I’m gonna need some scoop and pronto! How long until we find out who gets cast as Marilyn. — Michael
The TV Addict: Not long at all. Which is our not-so-subtle way of letting it slip that by the time the credits role on SMASH’s stellar second episode this coming Monday, it will be abundantly clear as to which lucky lady slept sung her way to the top.

Please tell me RAISING HOPE creator Greg Garcia has something romantic up his sleeve for Jimmy and Sabrina this Valentine’s Day? — Brad
The TV Addict: Boy does he ever! Unfortunately we are not at liberty to reveal the outcome of Jimmy’s insanely over-the-top romantic gesture. Not so much because we aren’t dying to spill the hilariously heartfelt way in which Jimmy attempts to make Sabrina jealous with the help of special guest star Ashley Tisdale, but rather because we can’t. Literally. For just as [Spoiler Alert!] was about to [Spoiler Alert!] on our screener, Fox cruelly cut us off, forcing us to tune into the Tuesday February 14th episode to find out [Spoiler Alert!]. Suffice it to say, we have a sneaking suspicion [Spoiler Alert!] will be worth the wait.

Any clues as to who Julie’s mysterious babydaddy is on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES? — Jaime
The TV Addict: Since a clue might leave you with the incorrect impression that we’ve actually been tuning into this snooze-fest of a final season, we’ll simply leave it at this: Grandmother-to-be Susan will find out on February 19th.

Not happy with the serious lack of Steve and Fiona time on this otherwise fantastic second season of SHAMELESS. Any idea when the star-crossed-lovers will to say more than a few incredibly uncomfortable words to one another? — Brenda
The TV Addict: Steve and Fiona fans will be pleased to know that this Sunday’s episode features a very timely bathroom break while the two of them are on a double date. Less pleased will be special guest star and on-again-off-again-squeeze James Wolk.

Any NIKITA intel? — Lilly
The TV Addict: If by intel you mean a first look photo from Friday’s episode that introduces us to the mentor that saved Nikita from living the life of a junkie on the streets? Well then, enjoy.

If watching actress Becki Newton make questionable decisions as a result of alcohol with a hilarious and talented gay man at her side is something that you’ve been dearly missing from your small screen since the unfortunate demise of UGLY BETTY, well, have we got a few first look photos for you. And while it’s not quite the reunion you (okay, we) have been hoping for (Paging Broadway’s Michael Urie, line one), it may in fact be the next best thing. For starting February 13th, Newton will kick off a multi-episode arc on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER as Quinn, a serious love interest for Barney in what Executive Producer Carter Bays characterizes as “as a big arc and a big story, She’s [Newton] an important player in these character’s.” More first look photos of which can be found after the jump.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER airs Mondays at 8PM on CBS (CityTV in Canada) and stars Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

After reading your fantastic live blog from yesterday’s “Bad-Ass Boys of the CW” TCA panel I have to ask, how exactly does one get your job? — Rachel
The TV Addict: Simple. Step #1: Build a time machine. Step #2: Program said aforementioned time machine so that you may devote your formative years transfixed by the original BEVERLY HILLS 90210. Step #3: Spend what some might characterize as an “unhealthy” amount of time watching television. Got that? And since you brought up what was hands down the highlight of our week spent at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena California, we thought we’d expand upon one of the most heartwarming moments from yesterday’s panel. Cue SUPERNATURAL star Jared Padalecki’s thoughts on impending fatherhood, “I’m very excited. I hope it doesn’t bleed over into my work because I have a boyish excitement about it. I’m almost worried about how excited I am. I feel like I should be nervous because I’m bringing a life that I’m going to be half responsible for sometime in March. But I’m just so kind of chomping at the bits to get my hands in there and raise a child that I ?? right now I’m just like an excited little boy.”

BONES scoop please. — Felicia
The TV Addict: Cutting to the chase (Trust me, that will be hilarious in a moment), the ninth episode of the season entitled “The Don’t in the Do” will revolve around a gruesome death in a hair salon.

This RAISING HOPE fan would like to know if you have any scoop on when Jimmy and Sabrina might… well, you know? — Brenda
The TV Addict: According to creator/executive producer Greg Garcia Jimmy and Sabrina shippers should stay tuned. “We’re going to go at that a little head on in the upcoming months and we’ll see what happens out of that,” teased Garcia. “There will be some movement I can promise you that.” Sticking with RAISING HOPE for a moment, Garcia also promised the season finale, while not exactly game-changing in nature, will send shockwaves throughout the Chance household. “There’s going to be some revelations about Hope’s serial killer mom that is going to have ramifications for everyone.”

The only downside to SHAMELESS’ fantastic second season premiere was the fact that Justin Chatwin’s Steve was completely missing in action. Any idea when he might be showing up? — Lisa
The TV Addict: Yes. And while we’re not about to spoil the circumstances surrounding Steve’s return, we will fill you in on a little something that will ensure the inevitable is worth the wait. Which is to say, the next time you Steve, you will see a whole lot of him! Same goes with upcoming guest star Taylor Kinney by the way. VAMPIRE DIARIES fans are most definitely not going to want to miss that!

As much as I loved — and I mean LOVED — last Wednesday’s episode of THE MIDDLE that saw Sue Heck finally score her first — with apologies to Brad — real boyfriend, I’m slightly concerned that coupledom will change her. Care to alleviate my fears? — Maddie
The TV Addict: Rest assured, Sue’s “like” of Wrestler Matt will not change the character we’ve come to know and love. Cast in point, THE MIDDLE’s sixteenth episode of the season that will see Sue successfully cajole mom Frankie into waiting in line with her for tickets to a Justin Bieber concert.

The only thing more unbelievable than the people who live in SUBURGATORY is the fact that the adorably awesome Tessa (Jane Levy) has yet to hook up with anyone! Any idea when she’s going to get a boyfriend? — Jessica
The TV Addict: With the first season of SUBURGATORY very much focused on establishing the community of crazies, Jane Levy — whom we recently had the pleasure of catching up with during a recent visit to the set of Chatswin High — told us that in terms of Tessa’s relationship prospects, “Nothing is going to stick. There’s going to be boys, but not a boyfriend, I’ll tell you that much.”

Is there any hope for some Raj romance during the upcoming second half of BIG BANG THEORY’s fifth season? — Bill
The TV Addict: Ask SIRI. Literally ask it! Because an upcoming episode of the smash CBS sitcom will have Raj taking his obsession with Apple products to what even this self-professed iPhone fanboy might call a wee bit too far!

Is DEXTER really coming to an end at the end of its eight season? — Michael
The TV Addict: Despite Showtime President David Nevins’ hesitancy to officially proclaim DEXTER dead at the end of its eight season during his recent Executive Session at the Television Critics Association Press Tour, he did address the future following last season’s shocking revelation. “I’ve been pushing to shake up the formula a bit and I think there’s going to be fundamentally different dynamic now that Deb has been given a huge reveal. It’s time to shake up what Dexter goes through, so he’s not such a lone wolf.” explained Nevins. “I think there’s a very clear trajectory now where they’re going over the course of the next two seasons that I think is going to help to write with that endgame in mind. This is the likely end point, but I’m allowing for the possibility that the plan could change.”

Please… please… puhlease tell me George and Lemon aren’t going to go ahead with their ill-fated nuptials on HART OF DIXIE. — Stacey
The TV Addict: While our source on the set has yet to spill as to whether or not George and Lemon will make it down the aisle by the end of the season, we can assure you that debauchery has a date. Specifically HART OF DIXIE’s 18th episode of the season appropriately titled “Bachelorettes…” that will revolve around George and Lemons’ respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. Parties that may-or-may-not involve some fairly awkward conversations between the likes of Lemon and Zoe and George and Lavon.

Any idea as to how Becki Newton’s upcoming guest spot on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER is working out? —Amy
The TV Addict: It’s not… but only because Newton has yet to show up to work yet! “We haven’t actually worked with her yet, but we loved her stuff on UGLY BETTY and we can’t wait to put her in scenes with Neil [Patrick Harris] and watch their energies bounce off each other,” teased co-creator/executive producer Carter Bays following the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER TCA panel. “We have her for 5 or 6 episodes, it’s a big arc and a big story. She’s an important player in these character’s lives.”

11:03AM: CBS Publicity kicks off the HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER panel featuring actors Alyson Hannigan, Jason Segel and Showrunners Carter Bays and Craig Thomas by touting the fact that the show is enjoying its best ratings ever. What’s more, it remains the youngest skewing show on the Network.

11:05AM: Will HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER follow in LOST’s footsteps by setting an end date? “We’ve talked about it, but it’s not a high priority for us,” admits Carter Bays. “It’s hard for us to say on May 14 two-thousand-and-whatever we’ll officially be out of ideas.” Adds Segel, “We have to say if the Mayans were right also, you might meet the mother on December 21, 2012.”

11:07AM: Fun Fact: Having hit 150 episodes, Lily Aldrin will have surpassed BUFFY’s Willow Rosenberg as Allyson Hannigan’s longest running character. Jokes Thomas, “But which show do you like more!?”

11:09AM: “We have it worked out and we kind of know what the endgame of the series is,” admits Bays when asked about what whether or not the endgame involves meeting the mother, the wedding etc. “Obviously the show is built around one central question and that meeting will be a part of the endgame of the show.”

11:10AM: On what keeps Muppets movie mogul Jason Segel excited about coming to work everyday? “I really enjoy acting,” says Segel sighting last season’s emotional arc featuring the death of his television father. “I’d like to see the story come to its natural end and whether that’s 8 or 9 years I like the idea of seeing the story through to the end.” Adding on a slightly more lighthearted note, “I was so relieved when I found out there was an actual plan!”

11:12AM: Fun Fact #2: The HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER writer’s room includes a little bulletin board featuring about 18 threads (Think: The goat) that the writers need to pick up before the series ends.

11:13AM: Spoiler Alert: Ted’s lack of forward momentum in terms of the search for the mother will come to ahead during February sweeps. “We’re going to see Ted do an assessment of his life [Noting he's years the time Lily and Marshall got engaged],” reveals Bays. “He’s going to come up with what he thinks is the answer, and then we’re going to explore whether it is the right answer for him. There’s big soul-searching stuff coming up for Ted in Episode 16, 17, and 18.”

11:14AM: “We liked the idea of how a character might react when something emcees up that instead of challenge their idea of themselves, sort of confirms the idea of themselves,” was Thomas’ answer to the controversy surrounding Robin’s inability to carry a child. Jokes Hannigan recounting to her reaction at the table read to Robin’s storyline, “I’m never watching this show again, season’s pass delete! But it’s only because I care so much, why are you making me cry at the table read.”

11:16AM: Still in defensive mode as per the controversial Christmas episode, Bays clarifies the difference between Robin’s somewhat misleading narration of the episode and that of the narration of future Ted [Bob Saget] “I think our rationale was that narrator Bob Saget has never lied to us. Sure, the order in which he says things sometimes creates twist endings here and there, but ultimately he’s a pretty reliable narrator.” Adds a joking Thomas, “Not in life, don’t lend him money.”

11:19AM: Fun Fact #3: Alyson Hannigan credits Brittany Murphy with her remarkable career thus far, “I’ve been so blessed to have had two amazing show that I’ve gotten to do for years. I don’t ever take it for granted because I know what it felt like to have an empty bank account. I was about to go into some serious debt when I booked BUFFY, I couldn’t get a real job to save my life. The lovely late Brittany Murphy and her mother were really wonderful about helping to get to auditions and transform me into a girl. I was a real tomboy and they lent me girly clothes, tweezed my brows.”

11:23AM: Can the show fundamentally remain the same when Marshall and Lily move to the suburbs? “It’s not necessarily a permanent stop,” teases Bays. “But we’re definitely going to explore them being in the suburbs, away from the bar. There will be some fun arc-y stuff with these two. “Adds Thomas, “One of the first things we asked ourselves when dealing with Lily’s pregnancy was how do we keep them hanging out at the bar? And the second half of the season is going to sort of deal with that. There will be areal identity crisis now that there’s a baby on the way. Monday’s episode is all about who the two groups deal with the separation.”

THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)
Since previous “Best Ofs” have already seen us shine the spotlight on the crackling chemistry that comes hand-in-hand with THE GOOD WIFE’s all-star ensemble and roster of guest stars that reads like a “Who’s Who” of Broadway, we thought we’d take this opportunity to highlight something slightly less sexy about the show that good doesn’t even begin to describe. Once thought of as the show’s achilles heel, this year saw the legal drama raise the bar on the courtroom aspect of the series thanks to sharply written and thought provoking case-of-the-weeks whose interest — unlike many shows of the same ilk — often rival that of the relationship melodrama outside of the courtroom.

GAME OF THRONES (HBO)
Complete with epic battles, copious amounts of sex and violence, and a level of storytelling so ambitious it’s almost more befitting the big screen than that of the small, HBO’s adaptation of George R.R. Martin epic fantasy series GAME OF THRONES didn’t just live up to the hype, it surpassed it. And in doing so reaffirmed HBO’s long-dormant mantra, “It’s not TV, it’s HBO.” Indeed.

PARKS AND RECREATION (NBC)
As if season after season of consistently delivering laughs thanks to an all-star ensemble and all-too-frequent phenomenal guest cast isn’t reason enough to extol the virtues of one of the best comedies you’re not watching, this season of PARKS AND RECREATION solidified its spot amongst our all-time favorites (see: FRIENDS, FRASIER) thanks to three important factors: 1) More romance (Amy Poehler and Adam Scott give adorkable NEW GIRL Zooey Deschanel a run for her money). 2) More Aziz Ansari (RIP Entertainment 7Twenty). And 3) Even more heart, culminating in the recent midseason finale that had Leslie’s entire staff pledging their allegiance to her campaign in an emotionally poignant moment reminiscent of THE WEST WING’s “I serve at the pleasure of the President.”

PARENTHOOD (NBC)
For every Showrunner and Network Executive that spent the better part of the last year losing sleep over the idea that the coming together of two popular television characters means the death of drama (Yes, we’re talking to you, fine folks involved with BONES and CASTLE), we respectively present our rebuttal in the form of the entire extended Braverman family. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll surely join us in scratching your head over why more people aren’t watching the remarkably acted and beautifully written family drama that is NBC’s PARENTHOOD.

FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS (NBC)
After almost five seasons of near flawlessness, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS ran out the clock with a win so big we’re still reeling from the emotional satisfaction that came from a beautiful football-free final montage befitting a series that was about so much more than what happened on any given Sunday. Clear eyes, full hearts, can’t lose.

HOMELAND (Showtime)
If Showtime’s spy-tastic new thriller HOMELAND proved anything, well aside from the undeniable awesomeness of stars Claire Danes and Damien Lewis, it’s that less is indeed more. Not saddled with the Kiefer Sutherland thriller’s twenty-four episode per season time constraint that generally amounted to an explosive start and finish to every season marred by an extraneous middle padded with silly story lines (Think: Elisha Cuthbert and a cougar trap!), HOMELAND’s 13 episode cable-sized season was just right. And by “just right’ we of course mean jam-packed with a seemingly never-ending number of twists and turns that had us questioning motives of an ever-expanding roster of morally dubious characters up until the very moment the final episode’s credits rolled.

HAPPY ENDINGS (ABC)
Since we’ve already gone on record in heralding HAPPY ENDINGS as quite possibly the funniest series since that show about that coffee addicted gang from Central Perk, we’ll simply say this: The only thing that makes us happier than getting to revel in the misadventures of Eliza Coupe, Elisha Cuthbert, Zachary Knighton, Adam Pally, Damon Wayans Jr and Casey Wilson on a week-in-and-week-out-basis is the idea that— thanks to a surprising second season uptick in ratings — we’ll be getting to do so for many seasons to come.

PERSON OF INTEREST (CBS)
What PERSON OF INTEREST may lack in verbiage from its somewhat emotionless leading former military man that is Jim Caviezel’s mysterious John Reese, it more than makes up for thanks to showrunner Jonathan Nolan. The immensely talented storyteller (See writing credits that include: The Dark Knight, The Prestige and Memento), who in teaming up Reese with the equally mysterious multimillionaire Harold Finch (LOST’s Michael Emerson) and Cops Carter (Tarjai P. Henson) and Fusco (Kevin Chapman) has quietly created the superhero television series television genre fans so richly deserve.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER (CBS)
Despite the fact that we continue to be vocal about the decisive lack of movement on the mother of all mysteries, we feel that it’s important to note when it comes to HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER that we chastise because we love. Oh, and did we mention we’re not alone? Almost unheard of in this modern 500 channel universe, our infatuation with this hilarious and heartwarming series continues to grow along with… drumroll please… the show’s audience! In other-words, co–creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas must be doing something right.

DOWNTON ABBEY (PBS)
Move over MELROSE PLACE, television scandal has a new address! The place: Victorian England. The Time: Early 20th Century. The Hook: Having recently devoured the entire first season courtesy of Netflix, we find ourselves completely enthralled in the sordid sex-filled scandal-ridden lives of the Crawley family and the staff that serves them. Seriously. You have not lived until you’ve witnesses a dressing down by family matriarch Violet (Dame Maggie Smith).

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
REVENGE (ABC): Aaron Spelling would be proud.
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO): Did you see “Palestinian Chicken”?
BONES (FOX): For giving the middle-finger to the MOONLIGHTING Curse!
HART OF DIXIE (CW): Possibly the most delightful small town since Stars Hollow.
RAISING HOPE (FOX): Living under the poverty line hasn’t been this funny since ROSEANNE.
SHAMELESS (Showtime): Thanks to the funniest collection of kids since MODERN FAMILY. Speaking of which…
MODERN FAMILY (ABC): Still undeniably the most consistently funny performer on television.
THE DAILY SHOW/COLBERT REPORT (Comedy): Also known as the silver-lining to the out-and-out insanity that the American political system.
COMMUNITY (NBC): To borrow a line from the dearly departed Steve Jobs, “Here’s to the crazy ones.”
THE MIDDLE (ABC): Now that the entirety of the critic community has jumped on the Heck bandwagon, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you all that we were there first!
Animation Domination (FOX): This season’s trifecta of Seth MacFarlane shows (FAMILY GUY, AMERICAN DAD, CLEVELAND SHOW) and THE SIMPSONS have been so enjoyable we’re willing to forgive Fox for ALLEN GREGORY.

Related:
• The Top 10 Television Shows of 2011 (A Second Opinion)

This week in Awesome: Not only did PARKS AND RECREATION have Leslie taking a page from FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS’ Coach Eric Taylor (“Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose”) in an effort to inspire the troops, the episode’s final scene that saw her hard-working staff dedicate the next few months of their lives to her election campaign was this close to having us standing up and cheer, “I serve at the pleasure of the President.”

You’re a Mean One, Mr. NBC: Indeed, nothing says cruel and unusual punishment like forcing fans to watch another exemplary episode of COMMUNITY all the while knowing full well that this may be the last time we see it on the air for God knows how long!

Most Controversial Moment: Despite the internet being fiercely divided over this week’s highly contentious episode of HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER that removed the possibility of Robin ever having biological children of her very own, there is one thing anyone would be hard-pressed to argue about: Having attracted the show’s highest ratings in two years, the show’s writers must be doing something right.

The Biggest Loser: Judge Nicole Scherzinger, who after crushing the dreams of 14-year old Rachel Crow on Thursday’s edition of THE X FACTOR couldn’t muster even a word or two of an explanation. Weakest link much?

Biggest Head-scratcher: While we’re usually the first to commend those smarter-than-your-average-showrunners over at THE GOOD WIFE for sharp storytelling and believable character development, we feel the need to take them down a peg based on Sunday’s comedy of errors in which daughter Grace was presumed kidnapped having accidentally butt-dialled mother Alicia. To borrow a line from SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE’s Seth and Amy, “Butt-dialing… 12 times… Really?”

From the Department of Thou Shalt Covet Objects From Thy Favorite TV Set: Is anyone else obsessed with the Victoria’s Grayson’s mesmerizing black and white chair on REVENGE? Or are you — as you should be — too busy counting down the days until the new season’s guiltiest pleasure returns?

Most Unexpected Moment: Question: When is the only acceptable time for a transgendered person to get into a fight with two grown men? Answer: On Tuesday’s hilarious RAISING HOPE, which now that BETTER OFF TED has been put to bed, is quietly solidifying itself into the funniest show you — yes YOU — aren’t watching.

Occupy Ustream: A company with far too much disposable income on their hand has apparently offered Octomom Nadya Suleman six-figures to star in her own weekly internet show to be broadcast on Ustream.

Adding Insult to Industry: Despite announcing that the incredibly unfunny MAN UP! is being yanked from their schedule, ABC has yet to throw COUGAR TOWN a bone. Deciding instead to fill the space with repeats of Tim Allen’s LAST MAN STANDING. Ouch!

And the Award for the Hardest Working Man in Show Business Goest To…: Mark Pellegrino, who following stints this year on CSI:MIAMI, BEING HUMAN, BREAK OUT KINGS, THE CLOSER, SUPERNATURAL, and LOCK & KEY will end the year by infusing a little ruthlessness into CASTLE’s 1940′s film noir episode. Speaking of which…

Funniest Moment: Five days after the fact, we’re still chuckling over Castle’s suggestion to Beckett that the only way they’re going escape being cuffed together was for her hand to be sawed off 127 Hours-style because “it’s smaller.”

While we’re usually the first to gripe about yet another classic HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER misdirection, or bemoan the convoluted way in which the show’s writers continue to torture us loyal viewers by diabolically failing to deliver an answer to even the simplest of questions, we find ourselves in an uncharacteristically charitable mood after watching and re-watching last night’s controversial episode. Why? Because the simple fact of the matter is that following six plus seasons of — as fellow TV Addict @gmmrtv so eloquently tweeted “waiting for the other shoe to drop” — we had absolutely zero expectation that Robin was actually pregnant. And while we sure as heck didn’t see her inability to have kids coming (not to mention the unexpected guest appearance by NEWSRADIO alum Vicki Lewis as her doctor!), we honestly feel that the beautiful way in which the episode ended — with Ted making sure Robin knew that whatever happens he’ll be there for her — didn’t just make up for any bitterness we felt over the episode’s twist, but really reinforced what this show is about. Which is to say, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER isn’t so much about the identity of the mother, but rather the remarkable friends you make along the way.

For those in the mood to feel old and by “old”, we mean “really super old,” in case you missed it, Lemon Breeland’s absentee mother on HART OF DIXIE last night was played by none other than… wait for it… former DAWSON’S CREEK star Meredith Monroe (Andie McPhee). Told ya!

Question: How does a writing staff possibly manage to deliver an episode that defies expectations following weeks of hype surrounding last night’s CASTLE midseason finale that saw Kate Beckett and Richard Castle physically cuffed together for the better part of an hour? Answer: By penning a script filled with so many memorable one-liners that we’re completely willing to forget the fact that the star-crossed lovers won’t be changing the status of their relationship on Facebook any time soon. But hey, don’t take our word for it, head on over to TVLine to check out what the always-on-the-ball Matt Mitovich tallied in terms of the night’s best soundbites. No word of a lie we’re still reeling from Castle’s suggestion that they escape from their cuffs 127 Hours-style and that Beckett be the one to cut off her hand because, “It’s smaller.”

Just to give you an indication of how disappointing this season of DEXTER continues to be following yet another hour spent watching an increasingly uninteresting Miami Police Department continue to remain one step behind this season’s serial killer du jour, we’ve find ourselves having a somewhat unexpected change of heart. Translation: We’re officially now rooting for Travis to finish the job!

Move over Brennan, there’s a new unexpected baby mamma in town. Her name, Robin Scherbatsky. Her relationship status, “It’s complicated.” So complicated in fact that we have yet to figure out how exactly we feel about the mother of all plot twists.

On the one hand, anytime television manages to surprise us with a doozy of a bombshell like last night’s out-of-the-blue pregnancy for Robin on HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, we wholeheartedly approve. Which is to say, despite the fact that we probably should have seen this coming thanks to “Narrator” Ted’s inexplicable insistence that things were about to get “crazy,” not to mention Robin’s bizarre need for Marshall and Lily to not move to Long Island (Claiming “Maybe I just need you guys more than you think”), nothing gives this TV Addict more pleasure than a “didn’t-see-that-coming” moment that had us hitting rewind on our remote control more times than we care to admit.

On the other ha… oh who are we kidding, there is no other hand! Again, what aren’t you getting about how big of a sucker we are for plot twists that we didn’t, although probably should have, seen coming!

So rather than bemoan the outlandish nature of Robin’s unexpected bundle of joy that certain party poopers respected TV critics think belong on what is left of daytime television, or take the approach of other TV-types that are attempting to make some big mystery out of who the father is (Note: Our money is on it not being temporary guest star Kal Penn), we’ll simply leave it at this: The only thing more legen… wait for it… dary than getting to “bro-parent” with Neil Patrick Harris was last night’s episode.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER airs Mondays at 8PM on CBS (CityTV in Canada) and stars Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Most Abused Character: THE WALKING DEAD’s Daryl was thrown from a horse, fell onto an arrow and down a cliff (twice), survived a zombie attack and was shot in the head… by one of his pals. Suddenly, your sucky Monday isn’t looking so bad, huh?

Thanks For the Warning: Mr. Julie Chen — aka CBS prez Les Moonves said that TWO AND A HALF MEN could run for “many, many” years.

The “Enough Is Enough” Award Goes To… : THE RIKKI LAKE SHOW, set to debut this fall. Because what the country needs is yet another chat-fest.

Show Most Deserving Of A Rescue Effort: NBC’s COMMUNITY is the thinking man’s sitcom and the dumb dude’s chance to feel smart.

Silliest Theory: Fox News suggested that GLEE is suffering because of a focus on stories over music. The reality? GLEE is suffering a ratings decline because the stories stink.

Funniest Cold Open: Despite genuinely heartwarming and hilarious episodes of RAISING HOPE, MODERN FAMILY and HAPPY ENDINGS this week, THE OFFICE’s cold-open that showcased the extent to which Pam and Jim would use their “Baby on Board” to their advantage was the only thing that prompted an honest-to-goodness laugh-out-loud moment from us (Think water bottle, duct tape and any excuse to get out of a meeting!)

Most Unnecessary Return: DEXTER already spends enough time talking to his dead dad. Did we really need his dead brother putting in appearances, too?

Best On Screen Meltdown: Little Sydney Braverman made up for her season long disappearing act on this week’s PARENTHOOD a classic meltdown that — if we do say so ourselves — was a little too reminiscent of a certain TV Addict’s childhood.

Most Unexpected Twist: With its penchant for twists we didn’t see coming, Sunday’s HOMELAND didn’t just manage to cement its status as our favorite freshman drama of the season, but the thinking man’s version of 24.

Classiest Exit: After thirty plus years spent brightening up the morning of people from all walks of life, Regis Philbin bid adieu to the genre he practically invented. And while many might have been taken aback by the slightly stoic nature of his farewell, like his entertainment icons Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, he did it his way.

Most Bizarre Twist: After popping back onto the pop culture radar a few weeks ago by being repeatedly referenced on HAPPY ENDINGS, Brett Butler (of GRACE UNDER FIRE fame) told ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT that she’s now psychic. And, of course, pimping a reality show about her newfound abilities. I predict an epic failure in Ms. Butler’s future.

Best Reason To Keep Up With The News: NPR’s hysterical news quiz WAIT WAIT, DON’T TELL ME will get a special televised airing on BBC-AMERICA on December 23.

Best Merchandising: CBS is selling “Soft Kitty” t-shirts inspired by Sheldon’s favorite lullaby on THE BIG BANG THEORY.

Best Merchandising [Runner-Up]: Somebody is going to need to tell us where we can get a hold of some of that PARKS AND RECREATION retro merchandise, and STAT!

Sign That Twitter May Have Jumped the Shark:  Simon Cowell joined the social media site.

Most Shocking Break-Up: Move over Demi and Ashton. After an impromptu night of passion, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER’s Barney agrees to break up with Nora only to see Robin stay together with Kevin. Talk about the complete and utter opposite of Legen… wait for it… dary!

Let’s Give A Big Texas Welcome To… : James Wolk, star of the killed-before-it’s-time primetime sudser LONE STAR, who’ll be playing boyfriend to HAPPY ENDINGS’ Max.

Are you one of the many HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER fans who have yet to recover from last Monday’s massively heartbreaking speed-bump that Robin and Barney’s relationship hit on the road to their inevitable happily-ever-after? (a) Join the club, and (b) perhaps you can get your mind of things with these first look photos from the upcoming November 21st episode appropriately titled “The Rebound Girl” that sees Ted and Barney discuss making a life-changing decision together while Robin attempts to discourage Marshall and Lily from moving to Long Island. More first look photos of which can be found after the jump.

HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER airs Mondays at 8PM on CBS (CityTV in Canada) and stars Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Neil Patrick Harris and Alyson Hannigan. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv