Last week’s episode of How I Met Your Mother, “Definitions,” was great because it took the focus off of Ted’s relationship life. However, in this week’s episode, “Double Date,” Ted is back in the dating scene, albeit with a clever twist. Luckily, everything isn’t bogged down in cheesy sitcom romance. The two concurrent stories this week involve Ted going on a blind date for the second time with the same woman and, for lack of a better term, a double date between Marshall and Lily and Barney and Robin.
Throughout the episode flashbacks of Ted’s original blind date in 2002 show the humorous details of Ted and his date, Jen’s, life that have changed and others that have remained the same. For instance, Ted is now and professor of architecture, rather than an architect. His change in profession didn’t stop him from being the corny joke telling man that we’ve known him as. After Ted uses the same joke (saying that not sharing oysters would be “mighty shellfish” of her), they both discover that they’ve been on that date before. Coming to the realization that they’re back at the top of the dating lineup, they decide to help each other by pointing out the reasons that they’re date didn’t work out.
Most of the humor in this episode comes from the side story, but the flashbacks from Ted’s 2002 date intertwined with the 2009 date make for a few funny moments. By the end of the night, Ted and Jen realize that their first date was actually quite nice and don’t understand why their relationship never worked out. That is, until Jen remembers one crucial detail, which makes for a great laugh-inducing ending.
Where “Double Date” really shines is, well, the double date. Barney finds a way to separate Marshall and himself from the women and go off to a strip club. Like always, Marshall is extremely loyal to his marriage and Barney acts like nothing’s wrong. In a strange turn of events, Lily and Robin have the opposite reactions that you’d expect, with Lily being open to the idea and Robin acting like a whole new person. It’s very peculiar seeing them act this way, but nothing that really damages the show, unless it persists.
The greatest moment in this episode is the reveal of the doppelgangers. The doppelgangers are people that the group sees that look identical to someone in the group. So far, they have discovered lesbian Robin, mustache Marshall, and now, stripper Lily. They weren’t on screen for long, but they really stole the show. Fortunately, they teased that the two remaining doppelgangers would be found later in the season.
All in all, “Double Date” was a great episode and definitely one to remember due to the doppelgangers. My two hopes after watching this episode is that Ted’s dating life won’t take over the show and that Robin will be able to find her old character that we love so much, while still maintaining her relationship with Barney. “Double Date” has left me happy and wanting more, and I think it’s obvious that I’m anticipating the last two doppelgangers, just like I can’t wait for the rest of Marshall’s slaps for Barney. I’m giving this episode a 4 out of 5.
Jordan is a high school student and aspiring journalist. He loves playing/watching and writing about video games, television, and movies. 
