Barney Stinson and Robin Scherbatsky finally tie the knot across the entire ninth season of How I Met Your Mother, but the actual wedding ceremony takes place in “Last Forever – Part 2,” the series finale (episode 208), though their relationship and the events leading up to and immediately following the wedding are spread throughout the season. This episode, while marking a significant culmination for these characters, also serves as a pivotal point in the larger narrative, ultimately leading to surprising resolutions for all members of the core group.
The Road to the Altar: Season 9 Breakdown
Season 9 of How I Met Your Mother is dedicated entirely to the events leading up to and surrounding Barney and Robin’s wedding at the Farhampton Inn. While the final episode culminates in their marriage, understanding the season’s structure is crucial for appreciating the build-up and the subsequent unraveling.
Farhampton: The Central Setting
The entire season unfolds at the Farhampton Inn, where the gang gathers to celebrate Barney and Robin’s nuptials. This single location becomes a microcosm of their lives, allowing for concentrated storytelling and exploration of individual character arcs.
Character Arcs During the Wedding Weekend
Each character grapples with their personal issues during the wedding weekend. Ted contemplates his future, Marshall and Lily navigate the challenges of parenthood, and Barney and Robin confront their individual anxieties about marriage. These storylines are interwoven with the wedding preparations, creating a rich and complex narrative tapestry.
The Finale: “Last Forever”
The two-part finale, “Last Forever,” is where the marriage ceremony occurs. However, it’s important to note that the episode’s focus rapidly shifts to the future, showcasing the eventual dissolution of Barney and Robin’s marriage and Ted’s reunion with Tracy, the titular mother.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Reception
Understanding the context surrounding the production and reception of the finale can provide further insight into why Barney and Robin’s wedding, despite its long build-up, felt truncated in its resolution.
Production Challenges
The extended length of the final season was a result of various factors, including actor availability and network scheduling. This led to a season structured around a single event, which, while innovative, also faced criticism for its pacing and narrative choices.
Fan Reaction
The finale received mixed reactions from fans, with many expressing disappointment over the quick dissolution of Barney and Robin’s marriage and the abrupt introduction and subsequent death of the Mother. This critical feedback highlights the complex relationship viewers had with these characters and their expectations for the series’ conclusion.
The Alternate Ending
Recognizing the dissatisfaction with the original ending, an alternate ending was included in the DVD release. This version offers a slightly different resolution, omitting the Mother’s death and implying a possible future for Barney and Robin, offering fans a more optimistic alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions that further illuminate the complexities surrounding Barney and Robin’s relationship and the wedding episode.
FAQ 1: Why was the entire ninth season dedicated to the wedding weekend?
The writers wanted to explore the emotional complexities surrounding such a monumental event in the lives of the characters. Focusing on a single weekend allowed them to delve deeper into each character’s personal struggles and relationships, creating a more intimate and detailed narrative. The format was also a unique storytelling device, setting it apart from previous seasons.
FAQ 2: What were the main obstacles Barney and Robin faced before getting married?
Both Barney and Robin harbored deep-seated commitment issues. Barney’s fear stemmed from his past, while Robin struggled with her desire for independence and career ambitions. They had to overcome these personal obstacles and insecurities to fully commit to the marriage.
FAQ 3: How long were Barney and Robin married?
Barney and Robin were married for approximately three years. This relatively short marriage span, revealed in the series finale, was a major point of contention for many viewers who had invested in their relationship.
FAQ 4: What were the reasons for Barney and Robin’s divorce?
Their demanding careers and conflicting desires ultimately led to their separation. Robin’s international news reporting kept her constantly traveling, while Barney struggled with the emotional needs of a stable relationship. Their incompatibilities, masked by their initial passionate connection, eventually surfaced.
FAQ 5: What happened to Barney after the divorce?
After the divorce, Barney initially reverted to his old womanizing ways. However, a pivotal moment occurred when he fathered a daughter, Ellie, which profoundly changed his life and led him to become a devoted and loving father.
FAQ 6: What happened to Robin after the divorce?
Robin continued her successful career as a news anchor, traveling the world and achieving professional fulfillment. Despite her success, she remained somewhat isolated and lonely, hinting at a lingering regret about the relationship with Barney.
FAQ 7: Did Barney and Robin ever get back together?
While not explicitly depicted on screen, the alternate ending suggests the possibility of a future reconciliation between Barney and Robin. The final scene shows Robin looking at Ted, implying a renewed connection, but the absence of her wedding ring and a meaningful glance toward Barney leave the question of their future relationship open to interpretation. The official canon, however, leaves them divorced.
FAQ 8: How did Ted and Robin end up together in the end?
Following the death of his wife Tracy, Ted reaches out to Robin, acknowledging the lingering feelings they still harbor for each other. The series concludes with Ted standing outside Robin’s apartment, holding the blue French horn, symbolizing their enduring connection and the enduring power of their love story.
FAQ 9: What were some of the key moments that foreshadowed Barney and Robin’s eventual divorce?
Throughout the wedding weekend, subtle hints pointed towards their future struggles. These included arguments about their respective careers, underlying insecurities, and a general lack of communication about their long-term goals and expectations for the marriage.
FAQ 10: How did the other characters react to Barney and Robin’s divorce?
The divorce deeply affected the entire group. Ted, especially, expressed disappointment and a sense of loss, given his long-standing feelings for Robin. Marshall and Lily acted as confidantes for both Barney and Robin, offering support and guidance during a difficult time.
FAQ 11: Was the decision to have Barney and Robin divorce a controversial one?
Yes, the decision to dissolve Barney and Robin’s marriage proved highly controversial among fans. Many viewers felt that it undermined the character development and investment that had been built up over nine seasons, especially after the extensive build-up in season nine. The quick resolution of their relationship and the focus on Ted’s romantic arc with Robin left many feeling unsatisfied.
FAQ 12: What is the significance of the Farhampton Inn in the overall narrative of How I Met Your Mother?
The Farhampton Inn serves as a symbolic location, representing a turning point in the characters’ lives. It’s the place where Barney and Robin solidify their commitment, where Ted meets Tracy, and where the group comes together to celebrate a momentous occasion. However, it also marks the beginning of new chapters, including the unraveling of Barney and Robin’s marriage and the eventual reunion of Ted and Robin. Ultimately, Farhampton represents the ever-changing nature of relationships and the constant evolution of life’s journey.