HIMYM Review: The Ashtray

How I Met Your Mother

'The Ashtray' Review

The Captain makes a return! But why?

For those of you who have been keeping up to date with my weekly HIMYM reviews should be fully aware of my displeasure regarding the final moments within last weeks episode. The confirmation of a few more filler episodes before we (hopefully) meet the mother was not the greatest of news. 

Although I kept a level head whilst watching this episode, unfortunately there was no denying its mediocrity.  It was certainly not like the HIMYM classics of the past, which some online reviewers have stated.

The episode begins with a surprising phone call from 'The Captain' (Kyle Maclachlan), Ex-husband of Ted's girlfriend Zoey from Season 6. One would have expected it to have led into a confrontation about Ted's possible input in the divorce, but unfortunately this wasn't the case. As a result of this phone call, the episode steers into a three part retelling of a past event, from the perspectives of Ted, Robin and Lily. 

Each retelling were in their own rights fairly funny with some visual gags provided by Ted and Robin. But similarly to last weeks side plot between Robin and Lily, it eventually became somewhat grating to watch the same sequence over and over again with subtle changes in character each time. 

Once this finally came to end, another plot device used for Lily in season 2 resurfaced. Although it provided for a tiny amount of nostalgia and a thumbs up for character continuity, a feeling of "we saw this six years ago! now move it along." was slightly more prominent. 

There was a brilliant scene between Marshall and Lily towards the end, one which was acted so naturally by the two that it highlights the intense level of chemistry between Hannigan and Segal. The scene became greater and greater as  the momentum was building up to be incredibly moving, but unfortunately it was seriously short lived, only lasting a minute and a half. Still, it was satisfying to witness Marshall's support, although more would have been nice.

As for Barney he was left on the sidelines, as he quite literally butted into each retelling of the story just to get attention. It was funny to watch him behave like a child, with his friends constantly rejecting everything he said, but it was nothing outstanding. His final moment with Robin and Ted was the only standout feature for the subplot as his insecurities were laid bare. The moment provided some sympathy for Barney, but again it was nothing overly groundbreaking as we have seen this side of him before.              

Although this episode used a storytelling technique that the audience has grown accustomed to, an enjoyable premise to watch the plot slowly unravel itself. The problem faced this time was that there wasn't a lot of actual progression within the story. Once Ted and Robin's accounts are removed, the episode could literally be wrapped up in five minutes. It was a shame that this episode faltered because, although it only came into view towards the end, a more developed insight into Lily and her future endeavours would have been brilliant. But I suspect this will happen in next weeks filler episode.  

5.7/10