Kids... I hope you brought your notebooks, because the story of how I met your mother is a lot longer than you might think...
You get the feeling with each passing season that Ted Mosby's "story" is not so much about how he met his wife, but a cleverly disguised series of lessons for his adolescent kids as they enter young adulthood. That's not to say his quest for "the one" is actually just a footnote in the story, though. Many of the things Ted learned along the way were directly connected to his search for the elusive Mrs. Mosby. It just so happens that after five seasons, information has leaked regarding the wife's identity, but we've still yet to "meet" her. I know CBS has a good thing going with this show, but I'm wondering how much longer the writers can stall this inevitable meeting without the story becoming completely absurd.
**Possible Spoilers in Next Section**
For HIMYM fans who are drawn in by Ted Mosby's journey to find his soul mate, Season 5 may come as a mild disappointment. The 100th episode was monumental, not just for the show itself, but for fans thirsting for details on the future Mrs. Mosby. However, outside of that episode there was very little advancement made in the whole "meeting your mother" facet of the show. Now for fans who might be more indifferent to the sentimentality of the show, or just have no problem with the stall for the sake of prolonging the series, this is a fantastic season. S5 more than any was centered around Barney Stinson, whose story ranged from serious relationships to sexual escapades more unique and insane than ever before, "The Playbook" (ep.8) and "The Perfect Week" (ep.14) in particular. As simple as it seems, my favorite single moment of the entire series came in the first episode of this season when Ted is teaching his first college class and is panicking because he doesn't know if "professor" has one "f" or two.
The first seven episodes focused mainly on the evolving relationship between Barney and Robin, a real leap of faith taken by the writers given the fact that Barney's "womanizer" status had always been a major theme of the show. Daring as it was, it didn't disrupt the flow of the show and the aftermath made for some hilarious episodes and epic moments.
** ** **
High Points of the Season:
- Barney Stinson's song & dance number in "Girls Versus Suits" (ep.12) (also the 100th episode)
- "The Window" (ep.10) - We all know that one person who is never single
- New York Yankee outfielder Nick Swisher's guest appearance in "The Perfect Week"
- Ted's literal "double" date in "Double Date" (ep.2) displays some of his most endearing... and annoying mannerisms
- "Last Cigarette Ever" (ep.11) for its realistic portrayal of the difficulty in quitting
- Ted makes an impulse purchase in "Home Wreckers" (ep.20)
- We get a full dose of Ted's intellectual side in "Robots Versus Wrestlers" (ep.22)
- The introduction of the doppelgangers and the impact it has over the course of the season
- The yellow umbrella (we assume) makes its way back to its rightful owner in the 100th episode
- The fourth slap in "Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap" (ep.9)
- Robin's path to U.S. citizenship in "Duel Citizenship" (ep.5)
One of the things I like most about the show is their tendency to bring past themes back to the present. For example, the famous "naked man" routine makes a surprise appearance in Season 5. There are still consistent references to Ted's ex-fiance Stella and even her beau, Tony, makes an unexpected contribution to one episode. Lily can't seem to shake her old flame, Scooter, and Ted unveils the blue french horn one more time.
I honestly don't think the show is declining at all. The amazing thing is that I thought the writers would have trouble coming up with stories for Marshall and Lily once they got married, yet they're still coming up with great ideas for the couple. The originality is bewildering for having written 112 episodes. How I Met Your Mother is still one my favorite shows and I'm looking forward to the 6th season.
* I will update on Special Features, etc. when I buy the DVD set.
Season Grade: A-
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
| Additional DVD options | Edition | Discs | Price | New from | Used from |
|
DVD
November 8, 2010 "Please retry" | — | 3 | $4.37 | $2.00 |
Watch Instantly with 
| Per Episode | Buy Season |
Frequently bought together
$7.33
Get it as soon as Thursday, May 23
In Stock
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2015
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2011
Top reviews from other countries
Abigail Alvarez
Excelente temporada, buen producto físico.
Reviewed in Mexico on February 26, 2019
Valentina Marangoni
Esta serie es FANTASTICA!! Nunca me he reído ...
Reviewed in Spain on December 15, 2014