HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER… Where everybody knows your name. Except if your name happens to be Barney. Last night’s HIMYM not only continued the show’s sophomore streak of phenomenal episodes, it managed to pay homage to two classic NBC sitcoms.
The episode started with Ted, Marshall and Barney in a coffee house (How cool would it have been had it been Central Perk? That was the nod to FRIENDS by the way). The Barista incorrectly identified Barney as ‘Swarley’, which in sitcom world means hilarity must ensue. For the rest of the episode, the gang only called Barney ‘Swarley’ or ‘Swarles, Swarlos, Swarles Barkley’. I don’t know why it was so funny, it just was. I can only imagine the writers of HIMYM spending an entire afternoon discussing what name sounds funniest. Swarley was a fine choice and one that is still funny the morning after. Seriously, start saying Swarley and a smile will appear.
The second sitcom shout-out occurred over the final credits as Barney, sorry, Swarley walked into the bar, and the entire bar shouted ‘Hi Swarley’ ala CHEERS. The episode ended with the CHEERS theme song and font masking the normal closing credits.
Aside from Swarley I should probably mention that Lilly and Marshall got back together. It was really cute, touching and I’m happy to see Larshall, or is it Milly back together (that really doesn’t work!).
Again, if you’re not watching HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, you’re missing what is quickly evolving into the next FRIENDS or SEINFELD. It’s time to PVR PRISON BREAK and laugh on Mondays. Check out HIMYM next week, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. 