Ok, so I've touched briefly, over time, on the ultimate level of my geekness. However, I'm not sure I've expressed it enough.

 

Now, I would like to briefly make one point. I am something that those normal people aren't often aware of. I am a socially functional geek. You see, I truly can transition from opera to cineplex. However, it must be said, I'd rather be at the cineplex. Though there are Broadway shows I'd give great head to see. Just kidding.

 

Back to the topic at hand. Among my beloved shows, is a wonderful little sitcom called How I Met Your Mother. Generally speaking, it's a fun and good show. I am not madly in love with it, but I am incredibly fond of it. And to be blunt, it's all about The Barney. Neil Patrick Harris is the bow on the lovely little package that is also known as HIMYM. But as I said, it's not the kind of show that sweeps me off of my feet. That is, until I saw the newest episode, Sandcastles In the Sand.

 

This, ladies and gentlemen, is what is known as a priceless episodic event. I would rate this episode with Ross and Rachel kissing (nearly) in the rain, with Newhart waking up in bed with his 'other wife', with the unforgettable death of Buffy's mother, and with Sam Beckett's moments of understanding about his 'leaps' as he talks to 'Al' the bartender...before some dumbass decided we needed a fucking epilogue on the screen that created one of the saddest fucking endings in television history.

 

Hmm, sorry about that, I've strayed off topic again. ( Fucking Bellisario. )

 

Ok, back to the priceless little gem titled, Sandcastles In the Sand. For those who don't watch the show, don't worry, the plot is not the point. It's just the icing on this many tiered cake. What made this episode brilliant is all about one word, timing. Now this is a sitcom in obvious format, which means that the actual length of the episode is roughly 20 minutes. Not a lot of time, obviously. However, in that 20 minutes, you receive an amazing amount.

 

In the first place, we have a moment between two of the characters who have never been linked romantically before. And it's such a subtle moment; you barely realize it's happened. But you get this sudden sense, as if you're brain just blurted out the thought, "Wouldn't those two make an amazing couple?!" By the end of the episode, you truly understand why you've had this revelation slipped into your brain.

 

And a little additional fun here, the characters in question are thusly. Robin is a Canadian import. She's a local news anchor, a gun enthusiast, and is what some would call a gorgeous tom boy. Mostly because, her answer to male clothing is more like Annie Hall or Gilda Radner. She was also a Canadian pop-star, under the name of Robin Sparkles, in the vein of Tiffany or Debbie Gibson. She only had one hit song/video. It was titled, Let's Go To the Mall.

 

Barney is...my god what is Barney? There is no term for the level of amazing this character is. He's a misogynist who really isn't. He's the guy you would never marry in a billion years, but you so wish you could. He wears his suit like a badge of manhood, but will gladly fake tears to get in a girl’s pants. He loves 4 people, who are his dearest friends, and the most normal fun people, while he lives in an apartment that shuns every concept of intimacy, right down to the toilet seat that won't stay down, the entire wall plasma televisions (yes plural), and the wall o' porn, with it's own tasteful lighting. In short, Barney rocks!

 

So in this one episode, we have a building desire to see two unlikely people hook up, if only briefly. But amongst the clever little subplot, there is more. In fact, broken down, you can honestly say that in 20 minutes you have watched at least 5 episodes

 

We have the story of Robin's first boyfriend, a complete loser who only aged to become a bigger one. Unfortunately, Robin can't see it. This leads to the concept episode about what Marshall labels Revertigo, which is the phenomenon of reverting back to your teen behavior when around certain people from you past, hysterically portrayed in some fun interactions with Lily and Ted's old friends. We also have the reveal that there is another Robin Sparkles video to be found in the world, and Barney's desperation to obtain this tantalizing tape of lame. We have the further introduction of Lily and Marshall as potential parent figures, which is a theme popping up on occasion throughout the series. And through it all we have the continuing tale of Robin's heartbreak at once again falling prey to her teenage nostalgia. It all ends with the most amazing revelation of all, that beneath that awesome exterior, Barney truly is the good man, and friend, we've all hoped he is. And through that, we watch Robin to see it too.

 

And so now you're thinking, that must be one of the most annoyingly rushed episodes of TV in history. But no! As I said, it's all about the timing. Yes, we have an entire arc in one 20 minute episode, and it feels like an hour...but in a good way!! If anyone doesn't watch this program, I urge you to consider watching just this one episode. It doesn't rely heavily on your being an avid viewer. The only other things you have to know are, Ted and Robin used to be a couple, Marshall and Lily are married, Lily is a kindergarten teacher, and Barney is Awesome!