The How I Met Your Mother series finale, “Last Forever,” ignited a firestorm of controversy. The answer to whether it was a flop, however, is more nuanced than a simple yes or no; it was a narrative misstep that betrayed years of character development and audience investment in favor of a predetermined, ultimately unsatisfying, conclusion.
The Broken Promise: A Look at the Finale’s Shortcomings
The episode, airing on March 31, 2014, initially presented a heartwarming montage of the group gradually drifting apart, showcasing realistic depictions of friendship evolving as lives changed. We saw Barney and Robin’s impulsive marriage crumble, Lily and Marshall navigating the challenges of parenthood, and Ted finally meeting Tracy, “The Mother,” and building a beautiful life.
However, the episode’s final act executed a jarring and seemingly unnecessary pivot. After spending nearly a decade chronicling Ted’s relentless pursuit of “The One,” and finally delivering on that promise with the genuinely endearing Tracy, the finale abruptly killed her off and resurrected the flame between Ted and Robin. This decision felt like a narrative betrayal, undermining the very premise of the show and cheapening the emotional impact of Tracy’s existence.
The rushed manner in which these pivotal events unfolded – Tracy’s illness and death, Barney and Robin’s divorce, Barney’s unexpected fatherhood and consequent redemption, and ultimately, Ted’s return to Robin – exacerbated the problem. The pacing felt frantic, squeezing years of life-altering moments into a mere 20 minutes, leaving viewers feeling cheated of the emotional depth they deserved.
This perceived failure wasn’t just about plot points; it was about character integrity. Barney regressed from a man who had shown genuine signs of maturity to a caricature of his former self, while Robin, after years of struggling with her own ambitions and independence, felt reduced to a consolation prize. Ted, despite finding happiness with Tracy, seemed destined to circle back to Robin, suggesting that his journey of self-discovery and growth had ultimately been futile.
The finale’s negative reception stemmed not from the possibility of Ted and Robin ending up together, but from the way it was presented. Had the writers laid more groundwork, foreshadowed Tracy’s illness more effectively, and allowed more time to process these significant events, the ending might have been better received. As it stands, the “Last Forever” episode is often cited as a prime example of a series finale failing to deliver on its promise and leaving fans deeply disappointed.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the HIMYM Finale
H3: 1. Why was Tracy’s death so controversial?
Tracy’s death was controversial because she was a beloved character who had finally provided Ted with the happiness he sought for nine seasons. Killing her off felt unnecessarily tragic and invalidated the years of build-up towards their relationship. Many felt it was a cheap plot device to justify Ted and Robin ending up together.
H3: 2. Did the creators originally plan for Ted and Robin to end up together?
Yes, creators Craig Thomas and Carter Bays had filmed scenes for the ending involving Ted and Robin during the second season, knowing that the show might not last. This suggests their vision always included a reconciliation between the two, even after Tracy was introduced.
H3: 3. How did the alternate ending differ?
The alternate ending, available on the How I Met Your Mother Season 9 DVD, omits Tracy’s death and simply shows Ted and Tracy living happily ever after. This ending was much better received by fans who felt it honored the show’s initial premise of Ted finding his soulmate.
H3: 4. Were there any hints about Tracy’s illness throughout the series?
While not explicitly stated, there were subtle hints that Tracy’s health might be failing. In the episode “Last Forever – Part 1,” Ted and Tracy have a poignant conversation about how a mother should not miss her daughter’s wedding. This, coupled with other minor details, has led some fans to believe that the writers had planned her death for some time.
H3: 5. Why did Barney and Robin get divorced?
Barney and Robin’s divorce stemmed from their inability to reconcile their personal ambitions with their commitment to each other. Barney, despite loving Robin, struggled to change his womanizing ways completely, while Robin’s demanding career often kept her away, straining their marriage. Their personalities, while initially magnetic, proved ultimately incompatible for long-term happiness.
H3: 6. How did Barney’s daughter change him?
Barney’s unexpected fatherhood to Ellie brought about a significant shift in his character. For the first time, he had someone to prioritize above himself. Ellie’s arrival instilled a sense of responsibility and purpose, transforming him from a commitment-phobic womanizer into a loving and devoted father. This redemption arc, however rushed, was one of the finale’s few redeeming qualities.
H3: 7. Could the finale have been improved?
Absolutely. The finale could have been significantly improved by slowing down the pacing, dedicating more time to Tracy’s character development and eventual illness, and allowing the audience to mourn her loss before rushing into Ted’s reunion with Robin. More nuanced writing for Barney’s character would have also been appreciated.
H3: 8. What was the biggest complaint about the finale?
The biggest complaint was the disrespect for Tracy’s character and the implication that Ted’s years with her were somehow secondary to his feelings for Robin. It felt like a regression for both Ted and Robin, invalidating their individual growth and the genuine happiness they had found elsewhere.
H3: 9. Did the actors share the fans’ disappointment with the ending?
While the actors have largely remained diplomatic, some have hinted at reservations about the finale’s direction. Many acknowledged the fan backlash and expressed understanding for the disappointment.
H3: 10. What is the legacy of How I Met Your Mother despite the finale?
Despite the controversial finale, How I Met Your Mother remains a beloved sitcom remembered for its witty humor, engaging characters, and heartwarming portrayal of friendship. The show’s unique narrative structure and memorable catchphrases continue to resonate with audiences.
H3: 11. Was a How I Met Your Father spin-off a direct response to the finale controversy?
While How I Met Your Father was not explicitly created as a direct response to the finale controversy, its existence can be seen as an attempt to reboot the franchise and perhaps offer a more satisfying and modern take on the premise of finding love.
H3: 12. Would you recommend watching How I Met Your Mother knowing the ending?
Despite the flawed finale, How I Met Your Mother is still worth watching for the journey, not just the destination. The show offers nine seasons of laughter, heartwarming moments, and relatable characters. Just be prepared for a disappointing conclusion. Consider the alternate ending for a more palatable experience.