I say “yes.” After watching tonight’s episode…which, if I may make a suggestion to the show’s producers, should be submitted to the Emmy Awards for their consideration…it seems like the show is setting the stage for the best end-of season cliffhanger for a sitcom since Rachel stood at the gate, waiting for Ross to get off the plane at the end of that classic first season of “Friends.”
Neil Patrick Harris is continuing the career renaissance he started when he played an exaggerated version of himself in “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle,” Jason Segel is proving that his work with Judd Apatow on “Freaks and Geeks” and “Undeclared” was no comedic fluke, and Allyson Hannigan is probably breathing a sigh of relief that she doesn’t have to worry about doing “Date Movie 2” (unless it’s to pick up an easy paycheck). Meanwhile, Josh Radnor (Ted) and Cobie Smulders (Robin) are absolutely the sitcom couple to root for. Plus, the show’s gimmick…that every episode is being related in a “Wonder Years” fashion by Ted (voiced by Bob Saget) to his kids at some point in the future…keeps you guessing, because you’re never 100% sure who the kids’ mother is.
If you’re not in on this show now, you’d better get in while the gettin’ is good. “My Name Is Earl” might get all the hype (and it’s warranted, I grant you), but “How I Met Your Mother” is the best traditional – i.e., filmed in front of a live studio audience – sitcom on TV today.
