The infamous “Five Fingers to the Face” slap occurs in Season 3, Episode 9 of How I Met Your Mother, titled “Slapsgiving.” This episode marks the culmination of a long-running gag, the “Slap Bet,” and solidifies the slap as a recurring comedic device throughout the series. It’s a landmark episode memorable not only for the slap itself but also for the Thanksgiving holiday setting and the underlying emotional currents within the friend group.
The Context: A Slap Bet Years in the Making
The origin of “Five Fingers to the Face” lies within the legendary “Slap Bet,” a seemingly innocuous wager that escalates into a years-long source of comedic tension and anticipation. To fully understand the impact of the slap in “Slapsgiving,” it’s crucial to understand the backstory.
How the Slap Bet Began
The Slap Bet was initially established to resolve a dispute between Barney Stinson and Marshall Eriksen. Robin Scherbatsky, the object of both their affections (at different points), was revealed to have starred in a Canadian teen pop music video under the pseudonym “Robin Sparkles.” Barney, convinced the video would be sexually suggestive, wagered with Marshall on its content. When Marshall proved Barney wrong – the video was remarkably wholesome – he won the right to slap Barney a total of five times, at any point in the future.
The Build-Up: Years of Anticipation and Dread
Marshall, ever the strategist, didn’t immediately use all his slaps. He strategically spaced them out, creating a constant sense of dread and anticipation for Barney. The unpredictability of the slaps became a running joke, injecting moments of unexpected physical comedy into the narrative. This prolonged build-up made the “Slapsgiving” slap all the more significant.
“Slapsgiving”: The Perfect Stage for Five Fingers to the Face
“Slapsgiving” isn’t just any episode; it’s a carefully constructed narrative designed to maximize the comedic potential of the impending slap. The Thanksgiving setting, the pressures of hosting, and the evolving relationship dynamics all contribute to the overall tension and humor.
The Thanksgiving Pressure Cooker
Marshall and Lily host their first Thanksgiving dinner, dubbed “Slapsgiving,” and the pressure is on to create a perfect holiday experience. Ted, Robin, and Barney are all invited, but simmering tensions threaten to disrupt the festive atmosphere. Robin and Ted are navigating the awkwardness of their recent breakup, while Barney’s ever-present attempts to seduce Robin add another layer of complication.
The Slap: Timing is Everything
Marshall expertly manipulates the situation to maximize Barney’s discomfort. He teases the slap throughout the episode, creating moments of near-panic for Barney. The final slap is delivered at the most opportune moment, during a particularly heartfelt toast, shattering the holiday serenity with a resounding “SMACK!”
Beyond the Slap: Emotional Undercurrents
While the slap itself is a comedic highlight, “Slapsgiving” also explores deeper emotional themes. The episode touches on the complexities of friendships, the challenges of navigating romantic relationships, and the importance of forgiveness. The slap, in a way, acts as a pressure release valve, allowing the characters to confront their underlying issues.
The Legacy of the Slap Bet and “Five Fingers to the Face”
The Slap Bet and the “Five Fingers to the Face” slap in “Slapsgiving” became iconic moments in How I Met Your Mother history. They established a comedic tone and recurring plot device that resonated with audiences.
More Than Just a Gag
The Slap Bet transcends simple physical comedy. It becomes a symbol of the enduring bond between Marshall and Barney, showcasing their playful rivalry and genuine affection for each other. The slaps are a constant reminder of their initial disagreement, but they also serve as a source of shared laughter and connection.
Influence on the Series
The success of the Slap Bet led to its return in later seasons. Future episodes explored the consequences of the remaining slaps and even introduced new twists and complications to the wager. This reinforced the Slap Bet’s status as a fan-favorite element of the show.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About “Five Fingers to the Face” and the Slap Bet
Here are some frequently asked questions about the “Five Fingers to the Face” slap and the Slap Bet, providing further context and insights:
FAQ 1: What is the “Slap Bet” in How I Met Your Mother?
The Slap Bet is a running gag and a wager between Marshall Eriksen and Barney Stinson. It originated from a disagreement about the content of Robin Scherbatsky’s Canadian teen pop music video, resulting in Marshall winning the right to slap Barney five times at any point in the future.
FAQ 2: How many slaps does Marshall initially win in the Slap Bet?
Marshall wins a total of five slaps in the initial Slap Bet.
FAQ 3: In what episode does the first official slap from the Slap Bet occur?
The first official slap occurs in Season 3, Episode 9, “Slapsgiving.”
FAQ 4: Why is the episode called “Slapsgiving?”
The episode is titled “Slapsgiving” because it is Thanksgiving, and Marshall chooses to deliver one of his slaps to Barney during the Thanksgiving dinner.
FAQ 5: Does Barney ever try to get out of the Slap Bet?
Yes, Barney attempts to negotiate his way out of the Slap Bet on multiple occasions, often offering Marshall large sums of money or other favors in exchange for relinquishing his remaining slaps.
FAQ 6: Are there any limitations on when Marshall can slap Barney?
The initial agreement allows Marshall to slap Barney at any time. However, subsequent episodes introduce some limitations and rules to add further comedic complexity.
FAQ 7: How many slaps does Marshall ultimately give Barney throughout the series?
Marshall ultimately delivers all five original slaps to Barney. However, the story continues with further slaps as a result of deals and additional bets.
FAQ 8: What is the significance of the “Slap Bet Countdown” website?
The “Slap Bet Countdown” website (which was actually created by CBS for marketing) added a layer of realism to the show’s universe. It showed a countdown timer to when Marshall was next allowed to slap Barney, enhancing the suspense and anticipation.
FAQ 9: Does the Slap Bet ever become a source of conflict within the group?
Yes, the Slap Bet can occasionally create tension, especially when Barney’s anxiety about the impending slaps affects his behavior or relationships with the other characters.
FAQ 10: Are there any episodes dedicated to the Slap Bet beyond “Slapsgiving?”
Yes, several episodes feature the Slap Bet as a central plot point, including episodes where Marshall earns additional slaps or where Barney attempts to avoid them.
FAQ 11: How does the Slap Bet contribute to the overall comedic tone of How I Met Your Mother?
The Slap Bet provides a reliable source of physical comedy and running gags, contributing to the show’s lighthearted and often absurd humor. It also allows for the exploration of the characters’ relationships and dynamics in a humorous way.
FAQ 12: Why did the Slap Bet resonate so well with audiences?
The Slap Bet resonated with audiences because it’s relatable in its childish humor and the characters’ dedication to upholding the bet. It also provided a consistent source of entertainment and suspense throughout the series. The anticipation and eventual payoff of the slaps kept viewers engaged and invested in the storyline.