Ted Mosby finally gives Robin Scherbatsky the locket in the episode “Last Forever – Part 2” (Season 9, Episode 24) of How I Met Your Mother. This moment, which occurs during the series finale, represents a culmination of their complex and often turbulent relationship.
The Significance of the Locket
The locket, initially buried in Central Park many years prior, becomes a symbol of Ted’s unwavering affection for Robin. Its journey through the series is fraught with challenges, near misses, and emotional baggage, reflecting the intricacies of Ted and Robin’s connection. The fact that he ultimately retrieves it, after she spends years searching for it herself, highlights the depth of his dedication, albeit in a somewhat controversial context due to the circumstances surrounding Tracy, his wife.
The Circuitous Path to Retrieval
The locket’s reappearance in “Last Forever – Part 2” is not simply a plot device; it’s a carefully constructed narrative element that underscores the show’s central themes of fate, timing, and the complexities of love. Ted doesn’t just stumble upon it. He enlists the help of Penny and Luke, his children, to locate it after Robin’s mother decides not to attend her wedding to Barney. He understands its importance to her, even after years of trying to move on. The effort he puts into finding it signifies a willingness to revisit the past and acknowledge the undeniable pull Robin has always had on him.
Why This Moment is Crucial to the Finale
The giving of the locket to Robin in the finale is a contentious point for many How I Met Your Mother fans. While it signifies Ted’s enduring love for Robin, it also overshadows, in some opinions, the memory of Tracy, the Mother. The locket represents a crucial plot point that sets the stage for the final scenes, where Ted and Robin ultimately reunite, suggesting a cyclical nature to their relationship. Whether it’s a satisfying conclusion or a betrayal of character development is a matter of ongoing debate. However, its narrative significance remains undeniable. It underscores the enduring theme of the series: that sometimes, what you’re searching for is right in front of you, even if the path to get there is long and winding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Locket
Here are 12 frequently asked questions, delving deeper into the context and significance of the locket within the How I Met Your Mother narrative:
FAQ 1: When did Robin lose the locket in the first place?
Robin lost the locket in Central Park during her first trip to New York City, long before she met Ted and the gang. This pre-existing connection to New York foreshadows her eventual integration into Ted’s life and the city itself. It’s this initial loss that sets the stage for its significance throughout the series.
FAQ 2: Why was the locket so important to Robin?
The locket had sentimental value to Robin as it was given to her by her mother, with whom she had a strained relationship. Finding it became symbolic of reconciliation and a desire to reconnect with her past. This emotional weight is why she dedicated so much effort to finding it, even resorting to unconventional methods like hiring treasure hunters.
FAQ 3: In what episode did Ted initially try to get the locket for Robin?
Ted initially attempts to find the locket for Robin in the episode “Something Borrowed” (Season 2, Episode 21), right before her wedding to Barney. This is a major turning point in their relationship, revealing the depth of Ted’s feelings and his willingness to jeopardize Barney’s happiness for a chance with Robin.
FAQ 4: How did Ted ultimately find the locket in “Last Forever – Part 2”?
Ted, with the help of his children, Penny and Luke, successfully locates the locket using the information Robin had previously shared about its location. The scene emphasizes Ted’s persistence and the lengths he’s willing to go to for Robin, even years after they had seemingly moved on.
FAQ 5: What was Robin’s reaction when Ted gave her the locket?
Robin is visibly moved and surprised when Ted presents her with the locket. Her reaction reveals a mix of gratitude and perhaps a hint of regret, as she realizes the depth of Ted’s feelings and the choices they made along the way. This is one of the most emotionally charged moments in the entire series.
FAQ 6: Did Barney know that Ted found the locket for Robin?
It’s implied that Barney is aware of Ted’s actions in finding the locket. The conversation they have before the wedding, where Barney gives Ted his blessing to try again with Robin, suggests a level of understanding and acceptance of Ted’s feelings.
FAQ 7: How does the locket contribute to the controversy surrounding the series finale?
The locket contributes to the controversy because it underscores the idea that Ted was still hung up on Robin even after meeting and marrying Tracy, the Mother. This perceived slight to Tracy’s memory is a major source of contention for many fans.
FAQ 8: Was the locket mentioned or seen in any episodes after “Last Forever – Part 2”?
The locket is not explicitly mentioned or shown in any episodes after “Last Forever – Part 2”. The final scene focuses on Ted standing outside Robin’s apartment with the blue French horn, implying a reunion but leaving the specifics of their future relationship ambiguous.
FAQ 9: Why didn’t Robin find the locket herself earlier in the series?
The writers likely wanted to create a narrative arc where the locket’s retrieval was timed perfectly to coincide with the ending of the series. Having Robin find it earlier would have diminished its impact and symbolic weight.
FAQ 10: Could the locket be interpreted as a symbol of Ted’s inability to move on?
Yes, the locket can certainly be interpreted as a symbol of Ted’s enduring, and perhaps even unhealthy, obsession with Robin. It represents his inability to fully let go of their past, even after significant life events like marrying Tracy.
FAQ 11: Did the creators of How I Met Your Mother ever address the controversy surrounding the locket and its role in the finale?
The creators of How I Met Your Mother, Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, have acknowledged the divisive nature of the finale and the criticism surrounding the locket. They have defended their creative choices, arguing that the ending was always part of their original plan for the show.
FAQ 12: Besides the locket, what other objects served as significant symbols in Ted and Robin’s relationship?
Beyond the locket, other objects like the blue French horn, the yellow umbrella, and even the two swords above the MacLaren’s Pub served as significant symbols in Ted and Robin’s relationship, representing different aspects of their connection, shared history, and unspoken feelings. The blue French horn is arguably the most iconic, symbolizing Ted’s grand romantic gestures and his willingness to go to extreme lengths to win Robin’s affection.