How I Met Your Mother

I wasn't exactly pumped about this episode, but I'll give it credit — it's an improvement from the last one. Despite some sporadic funny bits, it mostly delved into a less-than-functional relationship. Luckily, Barney's comeback saved the day. / Lesson learned: Stormtrooper isn't a robot. (09/25/2022)

Whoa, just when I thought I'd seen it all. I never expected to drop a solid five stars in the fifth season, but here we are. Barney had me cracking up, and he kept the entertainment level off the charts the whole time — didn't even let that pesky little monster mess with the vibe. "The Scupa Diver" was an absolute masterpiece; calling it brilliant doesn't even cut it. / Lesson learned: If you've got some talent, don't hold back — put it to good use. (09/25/2022)

What a disappointment. The ninth episode dealt a hefty blow to the typical holiday episode charm. Instead of the usual dose of humor, the creators tried to tug at my heartstrings. I found the death stare idea idiotic. Plus, the little monster was at it again. / Lesson learned: Forgive if you will, but you'd better not forget. (09/25/2022)

This episode made it seem like something was constantly happening, but the reality was different. The episode had a rather uninteresting plot for me because Ted falls in love every time a woman appears in sight, and even Barney wasn't able to truly excite me. The only one who managed to at least make me smile was Marshall with his letters and wings. / Lesson learned: Get in touch with your future self. (09/25/2022)

I've never been a smoker, but I never had a problem with people smoking in pubs. The eleventh episode, therefore, entertained me for the most part. The nostalgia for the times when smoking was still allowed in bars was great. However, aside from those cigarettes, the creators failed to deliver any good humor, and that was a real letdown in this case. (09/26/2022)

What a weird episode. At first, I thought it might click for me, and then it takes a nosedive. Ted's storyline seemed completely redundant (except for that leg). Marshall was practically invisible, Lily unnecessary, and Robin uninteresting as usual. Oh, and musicals are just not my thing. / Lesson learned: Adapt to the situation when necessary. (09/26/2022)

It's fascinating how two consecutive episodes can be so different. It's almost like two different creative teams are taking turns during the production of the series. Surprisingly, I found myself enjoying this episode, even though Barney took a backseat. Jenkins (that was a great achievement in WoW) and the drinking game based on Robin's broadcasting significantly raised the bar, and surprisingly, even the otherwise unremarkable Ted got involved. / Lesson learned: The battle with alcohol isn't for rookies; sly alcohol often gains the upper hand. (09/26/2022)

This episode's quality took a dip compared to the last one. Barney smoothly continued his quest to catch a venereal disease, Ted was back to his typical self, so everything was properly "Ted-ized." The dental hygiene made me slightly sick, and Lily was once again a total... Sorry, I got carried away. The little monster lived up to her reputation once again, solidifying her position as my most hated character. / Lesson learned: Under no circumstances should you become a cockblock. (09/26/2022)

I'm at a loss here. Maybe the fifth season is awesome, and it's just me. Anything's possible. From my (probably) skewed viewpoint, this episode was the same as the previous one in terms of quality, which translates to zero laughs for me. / Lesson learned: Not even antibiotics are all-powerful. (09/26/2022)

Even though it wasn't a total flop, it still didn't hit the high notes of those truly well-crafted episodes. The episode was about being hooked, which is good when watching shows, but not that great when it comes to relationships. I'll admit that Ted wasn't completely unbearable this time. Barney deserved more screen time, and Marshall and Lily were slightly off. Oh, and that teacup pig had everyone on the hook. / Lesson learned: Don't be a jerk. (09/26/2022)

The episode was a downright disastrous ride for me, with Jennifer Lopez making an appearance, the creators indulging in their love of musicals, Marshall going full-on Lily, and everyone dissecting one relationship throughout the entire episode. Hilarious, right? / Lesson learned: Want to live by the book? Hit your head against the wall until you get over it. (09/26/2022)

I've got to admit, this one had the potential to be a solid episode. It could have... But alas, the creators opted for a direction that just didn't sit right with me. As if giving the little monster an excessive amount of screen time wasn't enough to put me in a sour mood, I also can't stand it when grown-ups act like spoiled brats. / Lesson learned: Not photogenic? Keep practicing. (09/27/2022)

What was the point of making this episode? Its contribution to the series – zero, zip, nada. It felt like a completely unnecessary twenty-minute escapade where nothing clicked. If I had to conjure up a tale with a monkey, the characters wouldn't have to budge from their favorite bar, and it would still be a much more amusing affair. This episode was truly a screenwriting letdown, and my rating reflects that. / Lesson learned: People crave honesty only until they get it. (09/27/2022)

Nope, this episode didn't do it for me either – not even close to sparking enthusiasm or happiness. It followed a similar pattern to the previous one, although, in this case, I can begrudgingly say it was "almost" about nothing. The inspector gave me a chuckle. / Lesson learned: Think twice before you pay. (09/27/2022)

I'm desperately looking for a reason to laugh, which is not a good sign. What's even more disheartening is when I don't find any. The episode dropped in, made some noise, and then just sort of drifted away into the abyss of forgettable TV. All the characters were acting weirdly (I tactfully steered clear of the word "idiotically"), and the plot didn't do a thing for me – it was just a sorry, sad continuation of what used to be a genuinely funny show before the creators steered it down this tragic path. / Lesson learned: Enjoy a good night's sleep. (09/27/2022)

I didn't even expect to stumble upon an enjoyable episode in the fifth season. It didn't exactly have me rolling on the floor laughing, but it did manage to keep me entertained at times. It ranks among the best this season has offered. None of the characters got on my nerves, I found myself smiling quite a bit, and hey, "Willem Dafoe." / Lesson learned: Even a poser can find a fitting community. (09/27/2022)

I wouldn't be surprised if The Wedding Bride became a global box office sensation. Those brief previews crammed in almost every romantic movie cliché, and people eat that stuff up. In this episode, the creators took me to Ted's wedding (like they've done several times before), and just in case I missed something, they threw in some commentary too. The only thing that made me laugh was Marshall being his helpful self. / Lesson learned: Don't have new ideas? Recycle. (09/28/2022)

Not even the season finale gave me a chance to flex my laughter muscles. Instead of quality humor, we got hit with something that can take down a good sitcom's vibe even more effectively than the constant relationship analysis — yeah, I'm talking about children, or in this case, debates about them. I guess the season gets the ending it deserves. / Lesson learned: Stand up for yourself. (09/28/2022)

Season 6 was the weakest one for me so far. It didn't provide a single truly entertaining episode. This is what broke its proverbial back. The positive thing was that the writers gave a very balanced performance, the negative was that it was a very weak one. If I were to assess the individual characters, Robin was traditionally invisible, the little monster was traditionally insufferable, Ted was an even bigger loser than usual, Barney should have gotten more screen time and the biggest disappointment for me was Marshall, who started turning into a bizarre caricature of himself. / Lesson learned: Are you running out of ideas? Never mind, keep writing anyway, as long as the money’s coming in. (10/04/2022)

Well, the sixth season picked off where the previous one left off, and let me tell you, the opening episode hasn't changed my opinion about the show. The first episode lacked an exceptional plot or top-notch humor that would have me grinning from ear to ear. The creators stuck to their usual routine, cranking out something rather bland and uninspiring, with the only stand-out being Robin. / Lesson learned: Watch out for the scent trail. (09/28/2022)