Overruled: Take It Off

There’s a name for a story-within-a-story, or play-within-a-play. Akin to Marshall telling the story of his Trial to the panel, while Ted also tells the story of Marshall’s Trial to his children. Unfortunately, only a few names stand out fresh in my mind: Bro-beans. “Nicest Hotel Guest.” Baby-hands.

Readers: the latest episode of How I Met Your Mother.

Marshall soon discovers, while preparing a case against his former law-school friend Brad, he has to bring the burn against the likes of actor Joe Manganiello and the episode’s namesake: the carefully-allotted, all female jury.
And one delighted judge.
Brad’s below-the-belt tactic makes Marshall’s tactful, cute approach (no, literally, he brought a baby duckling to the case…quack) look grim; yet, over-reachers always over-reach. While filming a shoot on the polluted Frog Lake to support his case for Gruber Pharmaceuticals, Brad develops the very skin rash Marshall claims stemmed from the pollution itself. Marshall won his case for his career…but not the lawsuit amount he envisioned.

However, he won the war via several other battles. First, he got his old bro-beans back by reminding him just how important standing up for the little-guy remained in his life. I think we’ll see Brad again as a re-appearing feature to Marshall’s law firm. Second, Marshall realized himself better suited to be the man making the tough—but fair—calls. He story-tells throughout his appeal for judgeship.

As for the other four friends? While observing Marshall’s career making-or-breaking case, they both take in the courtroom atmosphere and reflect on their own raucous teen years. In an effort to prove who’s the most “badass,” they try and outdo one another with outstanding after outstanding (and…inflated) story.
For the third consecutive episode in a row, the program ended with the highly anticipated height of Barney and Robin’s relationship revelation. I might have been less than thrilled that Barney called off the chase for Robin’s heart, but I still hold out hope. What did “huh” mean, Robin? What did it mean?!

While the rest of you on the internet continue your cyber-Monday shopping, I’ll be reading more reviews and waiting, of course, for next Monday’s episode. See you then!