The mark of a sitcom firing on all cylinders is when the cast can stay in what is essentially the same room for an entire episode and still manage to be funny. SEINFELD had its parking garage and FRIENDS had the episode where the gang prepares for Ross’ boring dinosaur speech. And now, courtesy of last night’s episode, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER has the Empire State Building.
Last night we met Robin’s 16-year old sister, who’s arrived in New York to get some time away from her parents and ‘do it’ for the first time with her “douche with a faux-hawk” boyfriend. Needless to say, Robin is worried and gets the gang to help convince Robin to wait — leading to some very funny reminiscing about their first times.
Naturally, while in line to go to the top of the Empire State Building, hilarity ensues. Lily and Marshall squabble over whether Lily was actually Marshall’s first. Barney makes up stories about his first time by stealing scenes from movies and Ted saves the day by telling Robin’s sister his first time story. Oh yeah, and Robin finally musters the courage to tell Ted she loves him.
Folks, if you’re looking for your FRIENDS replacement, now’s the time to jump on the bandwagon. You can check out last night’s episode for free on CBS Innertube. 