Talk:How I Met Your Mother/Archive 1

=2006=

What's the deal with Ted and the "mother"?
The show is a study in misdirection. Viewers are making assumptions based on what they being led to believe. Future Ted calling the children "kids" doesn't make them his kids. Talking about their mother doesn't mean their mother is his wife. The children could be Barney's kids or they could be the children of Marshall and Lily. And "Aunt" Robin could be the wife of "Uncle" Ted! There are any number of plausible scenarios which would allow Robin and Ted to be married.


 * Hey, that's an interesting theory! I would never have thought have that! JaredW! 12:06, 28 February 2006 (UTC)
 * A little too far fetched, especially when you consider the episode regarding Ted in a strip bar and the future version of himself saying "... and that's how I met your mother." with the kids' reactions being a little too personal. I don't think an uncle would go so far as to screw with the kids in such a manner, let alone perpetuate such an elaborate ruse just to continue telling a story. 65.145.213.126 05:20, 5 March 2006 (UTC)
 * Looks like this episode that is airing as I type this just effectively shot the whole uncle angle to hell. 4.224.165.193 01:38, 21 March 2006 (UTC)
 * I agree that it the relationships are intentionally made unclear by using ambiguous terminology, but the opening episode opens with Future Ted saying, "25 years ago, before I was 'Dad', I had this whole other life." Within the same episode, Barney and Marshall are both refered to as "your uncle" and Robin is of course revealed as "your aunt." But the real nail in the coffin is in the opening of the second episode when the girl says, "Oh Dad.." in response to Ted telling Robin "I think I love you." Therfore, we know that the girl is in fact the narrators daughter (however we have no definitive proof of anything for the boy but since he is there everytime, he is either the son or the daughters boyfriend). On a sidenote, perhaps this what makes this show more interesting than the average sitcom I watch. Scott Dial 23:40, 17 May 2006 (UTC)
 * I've been trying to think of a way in which Ted and Robin end up together, as Aunt Robin could be itself a ruse, designed to throw viewers of what would otherwise be the obvious track that Robin is the kids mother. Ted's meeting Robin, and everything else, must somehow go to explain "How I met your mother", otherwise they are just random stories spliced together, like any other sitcom - which it could very well be but for the over arching premise that all these stories are supposed to explain an eventual outcome. - 01:50, 30 June 2006 (UTC)
 * That will not happen, as Future Ted has referred to the boy as "son," and the girl has called him "Dad." It was an interesting theory though.
 * It could have been "son" as in an older man talking to a jounger man or boy and it could have been "Ted", not "Dad"... FAThomssen (talk) 11:11, 9 August 2009 (UTC)

This part of the discussion is pretty much over, with the second season finale. Ted reveals that he and Robin did not get married, and that Robin traveled the world. Furthermore, with Marshall and Lily being officially married, the discussion below also is no longer pertinent. Especially with him also using "Uncle" or "Aunt" for Marshall, Lily, and Barney.Eldude611 20:52, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

Your Mother = Lily?
Has Ted ever referred to Lily as "Aunt Lily" to his kids? I don't watch this show that much but I've caught one episode, I was just wondering if Ted and Lily will eventually hook up... from that point of view, the whole show could be about how their relationship developed Jeff schiller 09:08, 18 August 2006 (UTC)

This theory has occurred to me, too, and I think it is semi-likely...of course, he and Lily have already "met", but the idea has potential. I think this would be a great way for the series to go...the idea of simply bringing in a character is kind of a cop-out...


 * A recent episode ended with the line "...and that's the story of how your Aunt Lily furnished her apartment." 209.42.59.161 19:18, 20 October 2006 (UTC)

A lot of conterversy arose over the episode of "Okay Awesome" where at the end Lily switches her head from Marshall shoulder to Ted. Ted then smiles and Marshall gives him a "okay shrug". A lot of people thought that meant that Lily and Ted would eventually hook up. But i nthe commentary on the episode the writers and actors denie it and the fact that Marshall and Lily are now married (after season 2) i highly doubt it Hammerkid14 20:25, 28 July 2007 (UTC)


 * This discussion is irrelevant at this point. Recent episodes have made it clear that Marshall and Lily are (somewhat) happily married through the year of narration (2030), and between now & then. Lily is even at the same party as Ted's wife in a scene.

Yes Ted will definitely not marry Lily > They straight up tell us "wheres my wife" said Ted (sitting beside Lily and Marshall) In my opinion they need Linda Cardellini as the mother, this would allow them to finish the show with a beautiful romance which is what it needs. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.233.66.172 (talk) 19:31, 13 May 2009 (UTC)

I think Ted marries a sister of Lily because her refers to Lily as Aunt Lily to his kids. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 161.253.47.99 (talk) 22:23, 26 November 2007 (UTC)
 * ...And Marshall as Uncle Marshall, Barney as Uncle Barney, and Robin as Aunt Robin. See Fictive kinship. J- ſtan TalkContribs 22:43, 26 November 2007 (UTC)

Theme Song
Does anyone know what the Theme Song to this show is?Ags412 00:08, 17 October 2006 (UTC)

I posted a few weeks ago to see if anyone knew the name of the Theme Song for the show. I'm pretty sure it's a Beach Boys song, but I can't do a lyric search because "Bah bah bah" doesn't give much back. So my research efforts have come to a dead end. Is there anyone who can help? Any CBS people check this page by chance? I couldn't find it on the official site, maybe I'm missing something. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.Ags412 04:00, 2 November 2006 (UTC)
 * As listed in the infobox, the theme song is "Hey Beautiful" by The Solids.  Shannernanner   04:16, 2 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Really? "Hey Beautiful" doesn't sound anything like the theme song. I don't even think they share the same tune. Booberfish (talk) 22:54, 20 May 2008 (UTC)
 * See the music video on the Season Two set. The theme song is from the very end. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 192.249.47.9 (talk) 16:23, 9 September 2008 (UTC)

I added "Your Mother" as a minor character
Everyone, the name of the show is How I Met Your Mother, so it stands to reason that "the Mother" should be listed as a character in this show, although, as of October, 2006, she is unseen. ProfessorPaul 03:47, 31 October 2006 (UTC)

--Purpleslog 06:27, 22 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I suspect she will only be introduced in the last few minutes of the last episode of the show.

<<Actually, there has been an episode where you see a flash of Ted at the alter getting married but the brides back is to the camera. ☺
 * I agree. Ted has i always refered how he "met" there mother not dated or married. Because season three will mostl likely be the last thanks to CBS ex's we will probably meet the "mother" at the end of the very last episode Hammerkid14 20:28, 28 July 2007 (UTC)


 * I read an interview with the show-runners, and they said that the mother did appear in the show already; they just haven't revealed she's the mother yet. However, in the seaosn 3 premiere, it's made clear that the mother uses a yellow umbrella, and then a person passes the camera conspicuously with a yellow umbrella.  Her face is never seen.  SO I believe it's possible THAT is the appearance they referred to.  67.186.54.146 (talk) 21:52, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

"10:17, 16 May 2008 CloudNine (18,079 bytes) (?Who is 'Your Mother'?: remove section. full of original research and unreferenced statements, with conjectures etc.)" Bill Martin (talk) 16:44, 18 May 2008 (UTC)
 * This discussion Thread has rather been overtaken by a recent edit:

I thought the tracking of hints about "who is mother" was real interesting ... but CloudNine is one of those "rules is rules" guys:-(  As I thought Wikipedia was majority wins, and there are many more contributors who have added stuff, and just him deleting it, can't we just bring it back?  Jason.  —Preceding unsigned comment added by 163.166.135.44 (talk) 19:10, 25 May 2008 (UTC)


 * Wikipedia isn't a democracy or an exercise in majority rule. If you've got sources for these hypotheses, you can add the section back in. When I go a Wikipedia article, I expect a quality referenced work (like our featured articles), and random people adding in their favourite suggestion for "the mother" is neither referenced nor of any quality. It would be great to see a HIMYM wiki though. CloudNine (talk) 21:46, 26 May 2008 (UTC)


 * There is, of course, a contrarian school of Wikipedians (largely Inclusionists, I suspect) who would like to find some way of "squaring the circle", so that whilst keeping the Exclusionist/Deletionist stance on "canonical" items in main text, a means was provided where the Journalist's axoim of "clearly distinguishing Fact from Comment/Speculation" could be supported.


 * These Discussion pages clearly cater for the "Comment" element. I, for one, would welcome a generic approach to attaching Speculative / Unreferencable material into WP so it can be easily found by grazers - either by an inline tag such as around items which applied either an easily distinguishable formatting to such elements, or a dedicated Section, or an additional linked page like these Discussion pages. Bill Martin (talk) 12:04, 31 May 2008 (UTC)
 * If you're looking for speculative information, an encyclopedia is not what you want. Try everything2.com, which is actually quite an interesting read. CloudNine (talk) 20:04, 5 June 2008 (UTC)

I thought it was too obvious who the mother is from the St Patrick’s day eppy where he later leaves with the yellow umbrella. While in that bar, Ted has a brief encounter with an unknown brunette as she bumps into him on her rush out of the bar.☺ (216.54.111.194)

Trivia Section
I cleaned up a redundant entry in the Trivia section, but the section in general needs cleanup, as a few of the entries are really weak, compared to the rest of the article. Zipster 00:46, 22 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I've also removed the entry saying that the word awesome is used in Series 1. 87.254.69.18 00:24, 29 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Was it right to remove this entry? The word 'awesome' is used in just about every episode in Season 1. It certainly seems to be a catchphrase of the show.Jamesb1 14:22, 29 December 2006 (UTC)
 * I am about to reinstate the "HIMYM in other media" section. Someone removed it, citing it as trivia. I would point out that 1) trivia should be (ideally) integrated into to articles rather than deleted and 2) references in other media (or other forms of the same media, as this case is)) are valid to point out how a show (or other piece of art/narrative) are impacting or have impacted cultural norms. I would expect an article on M*A*S*H (I have not looked up that article) to mention popular spoofs, at least as examples of themes and their impact on other shows and the like. Also, there was no discussion on that section or its deletion. So, yeah. reverted. --LKAdriaan 06:26, 6 October 2007 (UTC)

=2007=

Continuity Errors PROBLEM
The whole section is conjecture/"original research." The last two of three points aren't even continuity errors. The fact that the last two points both refer to episodes that are right after the "contradictory ones" should be a dead giveaway that they're not errors (unless you think the writers are retarded). Point #1- Just because someone had dog-related allergies, and can't (doesn't want to) live with dogs doesn't mean that they can't play with dogs. In fact, it is EXTREMELY common for that to be the case with people who have dog allergies. Point #2- Especially with a show like HIMYM that often jumps between months, years and even decades, time that passes between episodes is often ambiguous. Who's to say that he didn't learn how to drive between the episodes? When Barney STEALS the truck, it is never stated that he has a driver's license. Is Barney the type of character that would let the illegality of driving without a license stop him from STEALING a truck? Even the first statement, which is the only somewhat valid one, can be explained. Robin could have just lied about the field hockey championships to cover for an embarrassing explanation. Robin is very secretive, she hid the fact that she's a gun-enthusiast & former pop-celebrity, for many months. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.150.37.238 (talk) 01:23, 24 October 2007 (UTC)


 * Screw it, I'm removing the entire section. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 70.150.37.238 (talk) 06:49, 26 October 2007 (UTC)

Split the article
I've split the character section into a separate article List of characters from How I Met Your Mother. As it stood, it was large impossible to read with large paragraphs of unrelated information. There were also items in the trivia section that related to the actors portraying the characters, but didn't seem to fit in the character section. They are now incorporated in the character bios. Evil Monkey - Hello 04:59, 29 January 2007 (UTC)

Joss Whedon
Much as I like Joss Whedon, should an entire quarter of this article be dedicated to vaguely interesting casting coincidences? It's surely only worth a point in a trivia section. Nick Fel 15:06, 14 February 2007 (UTC)


 * In a TV show like Law and Order--one that has a rotating cast and numerous weekly guest-stars--it is pretty common to see numerous actors from other series. If a L&O episode had a former cast-member from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, big deal; if had two in a single episode, maybe that would be a coincidence. However, an actor such as Harry Groener is slightly above accepting sitcom appearances with a single line. These actors are instantly recognizable to Buffy fans, and even the smallest appearances effectively count as "stunt-casting." (Alyson Hannigan was responsible for the casting her husband, Alexis Denisof, as pompous newscaster Sandy Rivers.) The Crew section may be more of a coincidence since, although the former Buffy actors are all friends, they may necessarily be friends with the people who work in post-production. However, the people behind the camera are just as important to a show's success as the people in front of it, and it would be unfair to exclude them.


 * That being said, this section was created back when it still followed the Characters section, which has since gotten its own page. If you feel that this part is better suited for the Characters page, that's a fair argument. --hypercritic 08:46, 20 February 2007 (UTC)


 * I'm not suggesting that it's uninteresting or misplaced... just that it's given far too much depth and article space for what it is. I propose that a more appropriate length would be a trivia point something like this:


 * Several cast and crew members on How I Met Your Mother have previously worked in projects created by Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly and Serenity), most notably Alyson Hannigan, who played Willow Rosenberg in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Her real-life husband Alexis Denisof (Sandy Rivers), also appeared in both shows. Other actors who have guest started in HIMYM include, Amy Acker, Tom Lenk, Morena Baccarin and Harry Groener, while Daniel Carrington, Rick Cortes, Bob Myers were part of the crew for both Buffy and HIMYM. Nick Fel 12:56, 20 February 2007 (UTC)


 * That's a fair point. If nitpicking HIMYM/Buffy fans don't have other problems with it, I'd be fine with that change.--hypercritic 17:48, 25 February 2007 (UTC)

Recurring Elements
Inspired by anon above, I'll start a Recurring Elements section: after close to two seasons, there definitely are a few. Zipster 16:19, 24 February 2007 (UTC)

"Hommage" to Friends
Giving all the references, identical jokes and situation between the 2 TV shows, I was wondering if one could start a section about that. The interesting part would be a kind of investigation about the creation of the show and to find out if the the creators of HIMYM have any contact or relationship with the creators of Friends.

Uncomprehensive list of common points : —The preceding unsigned comment was added by Sseb22 (talk • contribs).
 * Clear reference of Friends' coffee shop in the introduction of episode 207
 * Some of the main characters (Friends : Joey, Chandler, Monica and Phoebe | HIMYM : Lily and Marshall) being stucked in a room (F: bedroom | H: bathroom) while 2 other main characters (F: Ross and Rachel | H: Robin and Ted) occupy the main room doing emotionnally intense things (F: arguing | H: making out).
 * One of the main characters (F: Monica | H: Lily) is working in a theme restaurant and the other characters come and make fun of her.
 * We can never know what is the job of one of the characters (F: Chandler | H: Barney)
 * One of the characters has a huge success with girls (F: Joey | H: Barney)
 * A late reply. My guess is that you could replace Friends with any number of sitcoms. The first reference seems rather tenuous, and I think was more a reference to Starbucks than Central Perk. Chanlder's job was known in the series ("Statistical analysis and data reconfiguration") --- the joke was that no one could remember it ("transponster!!"). Other sitcoms have had ladies men (Sam Malone (Cheers), Dr. Guy Secretan (Green Wing)). Lots of sitcoms share jokes and situations. Evil Monkey - Hello 03:12, 11 July 2007 (UTC)

I would like to add that when Marshall and Lily are stuck in bathroom its Ted and Victoria in the living room not Ted and Robin. And i believe that there are a lot of similarities between the two shows, but How i Met your mother is its own show not just some filler for Friends. If you do that then that needs to be stated. Hammerkid14 20:07, 30 July 2007 (UTC)

Most of those situations are common elements in sitcoms. An argument could probably be made for weird references like "vomit free since '93" Ted and Jerry Seinfeld's claims of a long period with vomiting in The Masseuse or the Chandler/Barney job thing. Perhaps a section on "homages to past sitcoms"? —Preceding unsigned comment added by LKAdriaan (talk • contribs) 01:38, 20 September 2007 (UTC)

Robin Sparkles External Links
Given the viral nature of the Robin Sparkles video, it seems very appropriate for external links. The fake myspace page created by CBS also seems worthy. Rtphokie 02:50, 11 July 2007 (UTC)
 * official CBS posting of Robin Sparkles video on You Tube
 * MySpace Page


 * No one seems to have a problem with this. I'm going to go ahead and add these links Rtphokie 16:23, 14 July 2007 (UTC)

The Slap Bet
The episode "Stuff" ended with Marshall using one of his five slaps from "Slap Bet." Should the article include a section on the slap bet as a recurring element of the show?

Can someone provide a ref for the "Slap Bet Counter"? Anxiously looking forward to it.  J- stan  Talk Contribs 22:21, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

"Pilot" section
Should this section be renamed "Story" or "Background", because it seems odd to have a section about the pilot that only covers the background of the story.  J- stan  Talk Contribs 00:38, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Cider House Rules
Okay, I have been meaning to post something about this. Has anybody noticed a bunch of references to The Cider House Rules by John Irving. I wish i could cite the episodes i saw it in. I will have to watch the first season again and take notes. There were many references but the only one i clearly remember was some episode in the first season, Barney says to Ted, "Shit or get off the pot." This alone is not a real reference because it is a pretty popular saying but it did play a role in The Cider House Rules and combined with the other references (which i don't remember) it says something.

Anybody else catch these? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Jwink3101 (talk • contribs) 01:54, 12 October 2007 (UTC)

Pretty Sure Barney never said that. This is a network show after all. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.245.177.172 (talk) 12:54, 30 November 2007 (UTC)

He doesn't use the explicit language- I believe Barney says "crap, or get of the pot." —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.98.231.228 (talk) 16:40, 28 August 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, sitcoms aren't allowed to say "shit". But I could swear I heard Rachel say it on Friends, on two different occasions.

Coat check girl?
Carter Bays and Craig Thomas recently posted a bulletin on the HIMYM MySpace page about the strike and how it was affecting the show. The important section, however, is this: "And just in case the strike goes on so long that the medium of television goes out of business forever and we never get to make another episode, the mother is the coat check girl." (from Okay Awesome) Is this serious? Or some kind of inside joke that I'm not getting? --TorriTorri(Talk to me!) 02:59, 12 December 2007 (UTC)
 * They specifically mention towards the end of Okay Awesome that she wasn't. They're just playing (probably). J- ſtan TalkContribs 03:10, 12 December 2007 (UTC)
 * Oh, ok. I see...I must have missed that part of the episode. Thanks for the info. --TorriTorri(Talk to me!) 00:27, 13 December 2007 (UTC)
 * It's, like, the last scene, so maybe it didn't record for you or something. J- ſtan TalkContribs 03:09, 13 December 2007 (UTC)

I've seen that in another article as well. It's my impression that it's becoming a great running gag within interviews. I wish I could find the second time I saw it so it could be documented. I think it would make a great BTS trivia tidbit to have on the page. 67.186.54.146 (talk) 21:56, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

Sneaky Trivia
Half of the items in "Reoccurring elements" are really just trivia hiding out under another name. If they're going to be there, they should at least be properly labled. Also, some of it should be moved to individual character pages. I'm leaving it for now, because I think that someone who watches the show regularly should sort through it, as they'll know best what really is a theme of the show. Also, it's almost 5 in the morning, and my wife will disown me if she finds out I've stayed up all night editing wikipedia. —Preceding unsigned comment added by DocRocktopus (talk • contribs) 12:48, 31 December 2007 (UTC)

=2008=

Your Mother - Amber/Tracy
Within this section there was some text that got removed for no stated reason, which I therefore restored: This has since been removed again by CloudNine under WP:NOR. I'm not convinced that, if rephrased as below, it is "Original Research" as it is looks to be verified (WP:V)by the episode cited: Any views? Bill Martin (talk) 15:24, 10 May 2008 (UTC)
 * "From the episode Belly Full of Turkey (S1.09), it can be inferred that her name may be Trac(e)y. The context for this is the startled reaction of future Ted's children when it emerges that the real name of a stripper who works under the name Amber is actually Trac(e)y"
 * "In the episode Belly Full of Turkey (S1.09), it is implied in a scene with future Ted's children that their mother's name is Tracy, the real name of a stripper who was working under the name of Amber."
 * Where's the assertion that Tracy could be the mother's name? The only fact that page verifies is the fact that episodes of HIMYM exists. You're not allowed to reference a page like that, and then go on to claim whatever you like. CloudNine (talk) 18:06, 10 May 2008 (UTC)
 * To quote from Wikipedia page on the episode, "The stripper Ted speaks with at the end of the episode says her real name is Tracy, possibly the first name of the titular mother". I therefore fail to see why the paragraph in question should be deprecated as "claiming whatever you like"? Bill Martin (talk) 08:08, 12 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Again, that's unreferenced (and original research, so I've removed it), so it does indeed fall under the category of "claiming whatever you like" without a source. No original research is one of the basic policies of Wikipedia. CloudNine (talk) 09:31, 12 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Can I suggest care in the recurrent use of "you" in this discussion - I have no involvement with that other page. When I get a chance I will review the DVD of "Belly Full of Turkey" to see exactly what is on the footage - unless the Wikipedia stance has mutated so far that only things that can be provided as a URL count as referenceable sources? Bill Martin (talk) 22:10, 13 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Well, you're not allowed to conclude things from watching a DVD. Journals, books, URLs and articles can be used as sources in Wikipedia; i.e. someone reliable must have come to the conclusion before. CloudNine (talk) 22:54, 13 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I'm not talking about drawing conclusions from DVD, I'm talking about reporting "Just the Facts" from audio / video. Before I waste my time watching the offending segment, I just want to know if you'd delete any such reportage? Bill Martin (talk) 10:40, 14 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Just the facts? You're deriving a conclusion from the DVD (that may not even be correct, Tracy may be an aunt or uncle) without a reliable source to back it up. It's implied, not explicitly stated in the episode. See No original research for more information. In short, you're coming up with your own theory using the DVD, which is original research. CloudNine (talk) 22:15, 14 May 2008 (UTC)
 * I am getting increasingly perplexed by this thread. I offer to get hold of a copy of the DVD, watch it, and report "just the facts".  Yet somehow from this it some inferred before I have even done so that this will generate "Original Research".  Please explain: if the stance is that only written material is admissible, and even literal reportage of audio / visible material is not, then the inescapable conclusion would be that virtually every page about TV, Radio or Film should be expunged! Bill Martin (talk) 20:53, 15 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Ok. Let's check your original wording:

"From the episode Belly Full of Turkey (S1.09), it can be inferred that her name may be Trac(e)y. The context for this is the startled reaction of future Ted's children when it emerges that the real name of a stripper who works under the name Amber is actually Trac(e)y"

"contribs) m (16,936 bytes) (Add allusion to 'mother's' name being Tracey - the real name of stripper Amber (Katie Keane) in 'Belly Full of Turkey')" "10 December 2007 70.132.146.34 (Talk) (5,092 bytes) (?Trivia: added show hint about mother's possible name)"
 * The phrase "it can be inferred" is clearly original research. You're not reporting just the facts, you're "inferring" as well, which is original research. Find someone else who has made the link before, and then it won't be. CloudNine (talk) 10:15, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Sorry, but I'm afraid the "you" still isn't correct in this case:
 * My amendment was
 * If you refer to History for "From Belly Full of Turkey"
 * This was (a) earlier than mine and (b) someone else who has made the link before. So, as I keep trying to point out, this was not OR on my behalf.
 * Now do you or don't you agree that literal reportage of audio / visible material by re-watching the DVD would be a good answer ? Bill Martin (talk) 19:32, 16 May 2008 (UTC)
 * Yes, but that wouldn't include the link to the potential mother's name, as that wouldn't be literal and would be original research on your behalf. With regards to policy, I can't make this clearer. CloudNine (talk) 14:45, 17 May 2008 (UTC)
 * This Sub-thread has now become moot, as I see that CloudNine has now decided to zap the entire section.  This may be somewhat Exclusionist/Deletionist, but I supposed it means that all these Implications are at least being treated in a even-handed manner :-( Bill Martin (talk) 16:38, 18 May 2008 (UTC)
 * None of the potential mother claims were sourced. At any rate, we're here to provide an informative and interesting article about HIMYM, rather than hypothesize who the mother might be. CloudNine (talk) 08:06, 19 May 2008 (UTC)

Two Things OK? Kristen Schaal and Yella Umbrella
First I was wondering if it would be alrite to list Kristen Schaal as a celebrity guest or make a note on the episode page for the Platinum Rule? she is from flight of the conchords. at least some small mention. she plays the wife of the couple that Marshall and Lily got sucked into. And we should also say something about the yellow umbrella he picks up at the end of "no tomorrow" as it is meaningful in meeting "your mother" if you saw also the 3rd season pre-promo they keep showing it blowing around and stuff. but that's up to you. but I'm telling you in the episodes to come that's going to be quite a puzzle piece. I'm guessing it's just his future wife's umbrella but it means something. 76.27.215.219 (talk) 16:15, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * As for Kristen Schaal, I don't know. She doesn't seem famous enough (apart from 12 episodes of FOTC, she's made one appearance on the daily show). The yellow umbrella might be worth a small mention.  Jus tin  (Gmail?)(u) 17:09, 18 March 2008 (UTC)
 * well keep your eyes open just in case she does get famous enough. it seems like it'll happen. obviously the umbrella might just be a small mention for now. unless it develops. Madhatter9max (talk) 23:33, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Sarah Chalke mother?
Just wondering if anyone else saw the last episode and heard the mention of a St. Patrick's Day party. seems like something they would not just put in casually with the episode before that being about St. Patrick's. Any thoughts? Jm21146 (talk) 03:47, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

I had the same thought. She said that she left early, so she might have left the yellow umbrella behind. The only problem with that is that if she has a daughter already, she'd be about 24 - 25 in 2030, the year that the show is set. The daughter on the show only looks about 20ish. I guess there is no reason that she can't have another child that's just not sitting in the room, but it seems a little sloppy. On the other hand, maybe I'm just a bad judge of age. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.245.177.172 (talk) 08:58, 30 March 2008 (UTC)

It is possible, that with Scrubs coming to an end sooner or later, Sarah Chalke will become a regular or recurring member of the show's cast. It is very likly. As for the daughter's age thing, it is possible that she is still alive, thus being about 24, in the 2030 timeline. The reson she isn't listening to the story is cus she already knows her her mother is. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.93.212.79 (talk) 16:56, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

59.92.59.13 (talk) 09:24, 30 April 2008 (UTC)Sarah Chilke's character cannot be the mother because Sarah tells Ted that she was at the St. Patcrick's day party but in the same episode Ted tells his children that he found out that their mother was at the same party only years later. Which means it cant be Sarah's character.

Ted didn't catch her Patty's day party reference as well as we did. Maybe he finds out later, since it wouldn't be important now.

Sarah Chalke could still be the mother. She stated that she was at a St. Patty's Day party, not which one she was at. Also, since Ted does not yet know who the mother is (obviously) he would be nonplussed by the fact that she was at some party. There are two reasons to suspect that she is not the mother though. In the episode "The Goat" it is revealed that Robin is living with Ted on his 31st birthday (next year), and since ABC has picked up Scrubs for an eighth season, it seems unlikely that Sarah Chalke will be available as a re-occuring character. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 72.136.48.147 (talk) 07:31, 21 May 2008 (UTC)

Thats assuming Sarah Chalke returns to Scrubs. I don't know if she's already done so or not. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.98.231.228 (talk) 16:44, 28 August 2008 (UTC)


 * She was ruled out in Shelter Island and Happily Ever After. -- Gordon Ecker (talk) 08:24, 4 November 2008 (UTC)

Music in the show?
I was wondering if it would be nice to include a section for music selections used in the show. Off the top of my head, I've only been able to list a few. So I came here looking for a listing so I could construct an itune playlist. Saw there was none yet.

What I remember include:

Hey, Beautiful by the Solids (naturally) I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers (from the episode with Marshall's car) Let's Go to the Mall by Robin SParkles (again, naturally) You Just Got Slapped by Marchall (with Barney) (also, naturally) You Give Love a Bad Name by Bon Jovi (from season 1's NYE episode)

And, although it's not use din an episode, the cast spoke of singing the Confrontation from Les Miserables and demonstrated on a morning talk show once. (As seen on youtube). SO I've taken to listing that, but it wouldn't really be germaine to this article except as an interesting bit of BTS trivia.

Anyway, I'm hoping to back-track to catalogue any other specific music used in the show. (Oh, just remembered "Where Everybody Knows Your Name" [Cheers theme] used in Swarley.)

Any users here ever make a list they'd like to create a section for?

Don't forget "Mother of Pearl" by Roxy Music, used in "Milk". —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.245.177.172 (talk) 11:28, 13 April 2008 (UTC)

67.186.54.146 (talk) 22:06, 9 April 2008 (UTC)

Fourth Season?
Can anyone give me a realiable source that states whether or not How I Met Your Mother is coming back for a fourth season? The show seems like it is coming to an end but I have heard that there is going to be a fourth season. Can someone give me some clearance on the subject? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.0.25.132 (talk) 14:06, 27 April 2008 (UTC)

There is an article cited in the article as of may 13, 2008 that says that the writer "has been told" that the series has been renewed. That really is not proof that it has been but it does suggest that it might be true. There have been conflicting reports over the last few days but the CBS "Upfront" is scheduled for May 14, 2008. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.20.221.71 (talk) 20:57, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Here's a journalist who has spoken to the creators directly - http://www.tvsquad.com/2008/05/13/carter-bays-confirms-that-how-i-met-your-mother-is-back Wouldn't that be sufficient proof?

Perhaps. But that was not what was posted as proof. The fact remins that the network has not made an official announcement but will on 5/16. Until then it is fair to say thatit has been reported that it will be reneeed or even that it is widely reported taht it si true butto say that it has been and post the link that was usedas proof is not appropriate---the article did not even say it was true---jut that he author had "heard" this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.212.73.176 (talk) 23:16, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Three shows (and all sitcom pilots in limbo) are fighting for two remaining time slots for sitcoms. HIMYM, Christine, and RoE are among these. Since HIMYM has the least notable cast I'm a little worried. However most recently, CBS has strongly implied that HIMYM will be okay. They did NOT confirm, but said something on the order of, "If HIMYM ratings are good, it will be renewed for another season (...) HIMYM ratings have been great so far."

"Culminated"?
It's said in the article that the Ted/Stella relationship "culminated" in the two-minute-date. Huh. Well, considering that in "Rebound Bro", Ted had sex with her and met her daughter, that seems a liiiittle more culminatory to me. Just saying. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Angelica K (talk • contribs) 23:32, 6 May 2008 (UTC)

Clean-up for "Recurring and guest stars"?
Is it just me, or does is section something of a train wreck? A lot of these "stars" are extremely minor bit cameos. For example, with the exception of Heidi Klum, not a single one of the Victoria Secret models listed had any major role in the show. And most of these characters are fairly minor, one episode characters. It seems to me that the best cut-off would be that the character needs to have appeared in more than one episode. The characters that appear in just one episode can be mentioned on the episode pages. (Also, the order is all screwy. Why is it alphabetical by first name)? I've made an initial stab at trimming the fat in the section. Tweak it as is necessary. Alpha5099 (talk) 18:21, 25 July 2008 (UTC)

The Mother
I think that its a good idea to mention that in episode "How I Met Everyone Else" it flash forwards to 2020 when the gang (Marshall, Lily, Ted) are 42. By that time older Ted questions "Where is wife is?" when they're getting baked, means by 2020 he has met the mother - but as of 2007 or so he hasn't. Someone do the math with how old his kids are and by when he would have to have met the mother. Or not, I just thought that line was awesome "where is my wife" haha Vinay S. (talk) 01:47, 18 August 2008 (UTC)


 * The comment in no way is useful in predicting (which by the way, is not what Wikipedia for) anything about The Mother. LeaveSleaves (talk) 01:16, 20 August 2008 (UTC)

marshallandlilywedding.com
Shouldn't this official related site be in the list with the others like tedmosbyisjerk? I think it belongs more than the fan-created one does, but didn't want to edit it since the source code for the main page said post links here on the discussion side first.Kirkofistan (talk) 08:10, 28 August 2008 (UTC)

Recurring and Guest Stars
I think the driver, Leonard?, of the taxi in Season 1, Episode 3, looks much like Robert De Niro. Can anyone corroborate this? --Brendan Hide (talk) 16:20, 31 August 2008 (UTC)

Catch Phrases
This section seems improperly placed in the article. It talks about "notable" Catch phrases, while referencing a fansite, which actually decideds popularity of such phrases based on viewer responses, and is further growing more like a trivia section. Plus it lists too many quotes for an encyclopedic article with no prose signifying their (if any) relevance to the article. I suggest we either come up with solutions for these issues or completely remove this section. It might perhaps be more suited in Wikiquote. LeaveSleaves (talk) 01:44, 3 September 2008 (UTC)

Last Season
I am just wondering whether there have been any further seasons confirmed or whether this will be the last season. Any reliable sources on that? Bests, Languageleon (talk) 23:33, 11 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Seasons generally aren't confirmed that far in advance, expect to hear when from Spring 09 onwards. Lost is one of the few shows that has been confirmed for multiple seasons.

Wesleyan or Ohio Wesleyan?
In the episode "Not a Father's Day," an Ohio Wesleyan University diploma is visible in Marshall's office.

Is there any specific reference to Wesleyan University in Connecticut in any other episode, or should this be changed? Binkyping (talk) 01:12, 30 November 2008 (UTC)

There are tons of references to Wesleyan University (CT). In one episode Ted refers to some music group from college being the most renowned of all of the other such groups from "the Little Ivies", a group among which Wesleyan University is counted but Ohio Wesleyan is not. Lily, Marshall, and Ted are all seen at different points wearing grey T-shirts with "WESLEYAN" written in maroon (Ohio Wesleyan uses a crimson red). In "Arrivederci, Fiero", Marshall drops Ted off at his home in Ohio, and the drive there takes a very long time, indicating that they drove from Connecticut. In "How I Met Everyone Else", a Connecticut Wesleyan dorm, Hewitt, is referenced. There's also the fact that the creators both went to the one in Connecticut. Based on this evidence, the Ohio Wesleyan diploma in Marshall's office seems like an exception than the norm. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.6.166.152 (talk) 21:48, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

Also, one flashback scene takes place at Mocon Dining hall which is the nickname of McConoghy Dining Hall, the main dining hall at Wesleyan University in CT. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.232.22.238 (talk) 04:32, 11 June 2009 (UTC)

=2009=

missing information
The First Year summary should include the revelation (the surprise ending of the pilot) that Robin ISN'T the mother, as otherwise she's by far the most likely candidate. CharlesTheBold (talk) 14:54, 3 January 2009 (UTC)

Dr. Horrible reference
For the moment, there is nothing online that can be used as a verifiable, reliable source for this, but the musical DVD commentary track for Neil Patrick Harris' summer 2008 project contains a reference to HIMYM. It would be good to keep an eye out for acceptable confirmation of this lyric (currently it's just on MySpace and YouTube versions of the lyrics) to the song "Ninja Ropes" on the musical commentary &mdash; the song purports to tell how an initially combative cast bonded over playing the online game Ninja Ropes: "All: We did not / get along NF [Nathan Fillion]: I thought Neil was given far too many songs. (Ninja Ropes) NPH and NF: Both threw insults at each other, NPH: Told you how I f**ked your mother" (bleeping of expletive is in the original track)

I didn't get the reference at first, but on repeated listening it stood out. Lawikitejana (talk) 09:28, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

Request for comment on articles for individual television episodes and characters
A request for comments has been started that could affect the inclusion or exclusion of episodes and characters, as well as other fiction articles. Please visit the discussion at Wikipedia_talk:Notability_(fiction). Ikip (talk) 16:57, 29 January 2009 (UTC)

External websites
What do you all think about adding tedmosbyisajerk.com and tedmosbyisnotajerk.com, two sites with over 250,000 hits each, into the external sites section? They are both closely related to the show. They both are definitely more relevant than the interview currently featured in the external links page. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 76.112.240.156 (talk) 04:54, 25 February 2009 (UTC)

Season 4 episode 19 - Case of RUSSIAN beer FALSE
In episode 19 of season 4 there was a reference to RUSSIAN beer. The bottle presented was actually ESTONIAN beer. Saku Kuld if to precise. Estonia is located west of Russia and is an independet res publica. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.191.101.247 (talk) 19:57, 2 April 2009 (UTC)
 * It's a TV show. They are not expected to be 100% accurate.  The article here reports on what is said by the show; we do not correct their mistakes.  DP 76764  (Talk) 21:21, 2 April 2009 (UTC)

Change in season 3
Is it just me, or has the 'tone' of the series somewhat changed in season 3, especially the 'ending scenes' seem to a bit weirder than before. Was there a change that might explain this, such as changes to the writers' team? --Raboof (talk) 17:56, 28 April 2009 (UTC)

The mother of the Goat
On tedmosbyisajerk.com there is a song playing, and at the very end of that song (about 30 seconds left) you can hear a voice saying something backwards. If you play it backwards and slow it down a little you can hear NPH say that "Wendy the Waitress is the mother of the goat". Just a fun trivia I found. I don't know if that is something to add in the article, but do so if anyone know. 193.91.164.176 (talk) 19:55, 19 May 2009 (UTC)
 * You answered your own question: "fun trivia" DP 76764  (Talk) 19:59, 19 May 2009 (UTC)

Collaborate on Season articles
Could we collaborate on Season articles? I mean the show deserves season articles. Missing however are information from the commentaries.--Diaa abdelmoneim (talk) 19:09, 31 May 2009 (UTC)
 * The series already has many episode articles that mostly contain plot and pointless trivia. There is no use creating more such articles. Unless of course you can create season articles that are more than this nonsense and hopefully comparable with standard season articles (such as the ones of The Office or 30 Rock), I don't see the need of those articles. Leave  Sleaves  19:15, 31 May 2009 (UTC)
 * That's what is propose. Almost always a Season has enough article to have its own article. It can't be shallow and there is mostly information about reception, production and cast for most TV Seasons. --Diaa abdelmoneim (talk) 19:41, 31 May 2009 (UTC)