Recap of the Series
Before diving into the ending, it’s essential to revisit the premise of How I Met Your Mother. The show employed a unique storytelling format, using flashbacks and flash-forwards to convey Ted Mosby’s life as he narrates his romantic journey to his children.
Key characters include:
- Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor): The protagonist, an architect searching for "the one."
- Robin Scherbatsky (Cobie Smulders): A Canadian journalist and Ted’s love interest.
- Marshall Eriksen (Jason Segel): Ted’s college roommate and best friend, a lawyer married to Lily.
- Lily Aldrin (Alyson Hannigan): An artist and Marshall's wife.
- Barney Stinson (Neil Patrick Harris): The notorious womanizer with a complex personality.
The series cleverly balanced humor and heartfelt moments, exploring themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time.
The Build-Up to the Finale
As the series progressed, viewers were introduced to various relationships, breakups, and personal growth moments that shaped the characters. The final season primarily took place over the course of a single wedding weekend, where Ted and the gang navigated the complexities of love and friendship.
The series set the stage for multiple romantic entanglements, particularly between Ted and Robin, which played a significant role in building tension throughout the series. Fans invested heavily in the idea of "the mother," who remained a mystery until the final season.
Character Developments
In the lead-up to the finale, several critical character developments occurred:
1. Ted and Tracy: The introduction of Tracy McConnell (Cristina Miloti), the titular mother, was met with excitement, as fans eagerly anticipated her backstory and relationship with Ted.
2. Barney’s Transformation: Barney’s character arc shifted notably as he settled down with Robin, showcasing his vulnerability and capacity for love.
3. Marshall and Lily: Their relationship faced typical marital challenges but ultimately showcased the strength of their bond, serving as a stabilizing force throughout the show.
These developments set high expectations for the finale, leading fans to speculate on various outcomes.
The Finale: “Last Forever” Explained
The two-part series finale, titled "Last Forever," was released with much fanfare. The episode began with the wedding of Robin and Barney, which was a culmination of their journey as a couple. However, the episode quickly jumped through time, revealing future events that would significantly impact the main characters' lives.
Key Plot Points
Several major plot points emerged in the finale that contributed to its controversial reception:
1. The Wedding and Aftermath:
- The wedding between Robin and Barney takes place, but it is revealed that their marriage ultimately fails after three years.
- Robin’s career takes precedence over her relationship, leading to the couple's separation.
2. Ted’s Reunion with Tracy:
- Ted meets Tracy at the train station and they fall in love, eventually getting married and having children.
- The timeline reveals that Tracy has passed away six years before Ted begins telling the story to his children.
3. The Children’s Reaction:
- Ted’s children encourage him to pursue Robin, implying that their father still has feelings for her despite the years that have passed.
4. The Final Scene:
- The series concludes with Ted standing outside Robin’s apartment, holding the blue French horn, mirroring the show's pilot episode and suggesting a rekindling of their romance.
Fan Reactions and Controversies
The finale received a polarized response from fans and critics alike. While some praised the emotional depth of the storytelling, many felt disappointed with the character resolutions.
Points of Discontent
Several reasons contributed to the backlash against the finale:
1. Character Arc Resolutions:
- Fans believed that Barney and Robin’s breakup undermined their character development, as their relationship had been a focal point in the final season.
- The abrupt death of Tracy was seen as a shock tactic, disregarding the emotional investment viewers had in her character.
2. Ted and Robin’s Reunion:
- Many fans felt that Ted’s return to Robin undermined the growth he had experienced throughout the series, making the entire journey feel less meaningful.
3. Pacing and Structure:
- The rapid pacing in the finale, jumping through various timelines without adequate exploration of the characters' transitions, left viewers feeling cheated of closure.
Positive Aspects of the Finale
Despite the controversies, some fans appreciated aspects of the finale:
1. Emotional Depth:
- The portrayal of love, loss, and the complexity of relationships resonated with many viewers, providing a poignant reflection on life’s unpredictability.
2. Character Growth:
- Ted’s journey illustrated the importance of experiences and how they shape individuals, even if the end results were not what fans had anticipated.
3. Cohesive Themes:
- The finale brought together recurring themes of the series, such as the significance of friendship and the cyclical nature of love.
The Legacy of How I Met Your Mother
The ending of How I Met Your Mother continues to spark discussions among fans and critics, illustrating the complexities of storytelling in long-running series. The show’s legacy is multifaceted, combining humor, emotion, and life lessons, even amidst its controversial finale.
Impact on Future Sitcoms
The series set a precedent for sitcoms that incorporate non-linear storytelling and character-driven narratives. Subsequent shows have drawn inspiration from its ability to blend humor with deeper emotional storylines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ending of How I Met Your Mother remains a topic of passionate debate. While its finale left many feeling disillusioned, it also provided a reflection on love, loss, and the winding paths life takes. The series will undoubtedly be remembered for its innovative storytelling, memorable characters, and the heartfelt moments that defined its nine-season run. Whether one views the ending as a fitting conclusion or a missed opportunity, it is clear that the show has left an indelible mark on the landscape of television.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main controversy surrounding the ending of 'How I Met Your Mother'?
The main controversy was the surprise twist that Ted ended up with Robin after spending the entire series building up his relationship with Tracy, the mother of his children.
How did fans react to the final episode of 'How I Met Your Mother'?
Fans had mixed reactions; many were disappointed with the ending and felt that it undermined the character development throughout the series, while others appreciated the emotional closure.
What is the significance of the blue French horn in the series finale?
The blue French horn symbolizes Ted's enduring love for Robin, as he retrieves it in a nod to their first date, highlighting the core theme of love's persistence throughout the series.
Why did the creators decide to end the series with Ted and Robin together?
The creators wanted to emphasize the idea that love can evolve over time and that sometimes the person you thought you were meant to be with may not be the one you ultimately end up with.
What happened to Tracy, the mother, in the series finale?
Tracy passed away six years before Ted began recounting their story to their children, which was a pivotal moment that shaped the series' conclusion.
How did the ending impact the show's legacy?
The ending sparked intense debates among fans and critics, leading to discussions about narrative choices and character arcs, which ultimately became a defining aspect of the show's legacy.
Did the series finale of 'How I Met Your Mother' receive any awards?
While the series itself received several awards during its run, the finale was generally not well-received by critics, and it did not garner any significant awards.
What themes are highlighted in the final episode of 'How I Met Your Mother'?
The final episode highlights themes of love, loss, nostalgia, and the unpredictability of life, showcasing how relationships can change over time.
How did the series finale affect the relationship between Ted and his children?
In the finale, Ted's children encourage him to pursue happiness with Robin, suggesting that they understand his feelings and support his desire to find love again, showing a close bond in their relationship.
