"Definitions"

[mo_anam]

I've seen some very compelling, interesting analyses of episodes of HIMYM, of ideas and themes that are emerging, and some very thorough picspams that prove that a picture really is worth a thousand words.

I don't do pictures. I do words. I turn on subtitles when I'm watching TV and movies in English, even on episodes and movies I've watched

Comments

[crazygorgeous13]

This was an AMAZING break-down of dialogue! It's one of those things where I've read this, and thought HELL YES that's exactly what I thought, but in way less detail, and without the beautiful and easy to understand way you put it.

It also makes me realise jsut WHY their relationship is so wonderful. And why this show is one of the msot amazing shows on TV right now.

This was a really interesting and well-explained analysis of the episode, thanks so much for sharing!

[mo_anam]

*blushes* Why, thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed reading it.

And I absolutely agree- it is this level of subtextual detail that sets this show so very far apart from most of the mindless drivel on TV right now. There's so much to look for- especially in this relationship- what's left unsaid, how it's said, when it's said, etc. It's a delicate and beautiful relationship, and I love it.

[gateauoulemorte]

absolutely fantastic. HIMYM is one of the few comedies where you can do this. Even if the entire series can have effed up continuity, each episode is well thought out, and you did a great job of breaking it down, and exposing the brilliance in the writing.

well played, sir! (or madame)

[mo_anam]

There is so much brilliance in this writing, it was a real pleasure to play and explore and see what I could make of it all. Episodes of this caliber don't come along in every show, but we get a lot of them with this show, which I am so grateful for.

I'm a madame (not in the sketchy, brothel-running kind of way, of course), but I think the sentiment flows much better with the sir.

Thank you!

[brandyleigh]

This was a great analysis of their dialogue! I completely agree with what you're saying here, but you've said it better than I ever could. I hadn't thought about "flugelhorn" being an emotional safe word, since obviously they hadn't used it during sex much (or at all) if Barney had to be reminded of it.

I think she's half right. I think Barney knows he isn't lying, and Robin knows that she isn't lying, but I think they're still doubting what the other said, which is why they were so quick to gloat over pulling the wool over Lily's eyes, because that's safe, that's their "out" if it gets too emotional at this point.
I think that sums up their problem. Barney, being who he is, needs to actually tell Robin how he really feels so that she doesn't feel like she's setting herself up for inevitable heartbreak. Even during their talk, he says "it's not like I don't like you," which is far from a declaration of love on his end, even though we the audience (and Marshall, Lily and Ted) know he's in love with her. I mean, I feel like Robin

[mo_anam]

It was the realization that they were using "flugelhorn" as an emotional safe word that really prompted me to think more deliberately about some of their other interaction in this one, because I think an awful lot about the relationship is revealed in that one moment, you just have to look for it. One thing I love about these writers, is they don't write down to the audience; they fully expect us to engage with the material and look beyond the surface. Which is also how they get away with quite a bit of their humour, by simply alluding to it and letting us connect the dots for ourselves

[secondmezzanine]

Absolutely loved this!

"We've been over this...unless I say 'flugelhorn', you haven't gone too far."- Robin.
FASCINATING. The fact that she has to remind him that she will say 'flugelhorn' if he goes too far tells me that they haven't had much cause to use the safe word during sex. And, yet, twice within the second half of the episode they use it as an emotional safe word- when she asks if he locked them in, and again when she tries to call him "sweetie pie"- when they feel that the situation has gone too far. These two are the only couple I can think of that would need an emotional safe word.

This is really, really apt. It's likely that it was originally established as a sex safeword, but they probably don't use it for that much.

"I don't know."- Barney
Heart-breakingly vulnerable admission, and probably the last thing in the world he wants to admit to. Barney always knows where things are going, because he's always in control.

God, yes. This is perfectly written.

[mo_anam]

I think the "flugelhorn" thing is my favourite of all the subtexty-goodness of this one. It's not at all unusual for sexual partners to have a safe word, but they don't seem to use it like any normal couple would. I theorize that they have pretty high thresholds, and it takes quite a bit to push either of them too far, so they don't really feel the need to use a safe word in that aspect of their lives. But on the emotional side, they are both so stunted, so skittish that it makes sense that they would be much quicker to use it as a signal to the other that something's gone too far in that part of the relationship.

"God, yes. This is perfectly written."

And you just made my day. You've written some of my favourite Barney/Robin stories ("Unhinged" springs immediately to mind), and this just gives me warm and fuzzies. Thank you!

[secondmezzanine]

Awww! It's always so flattering when someone remembers something I've written! THANK you! &hearts

wow!

[sydtz47]

this is really interesting!!!!
i couldn't stop reading tis!
:D
thanks for uploading it must have been a lot of work...

i agree with you on everything
and i LOVED this episode!
it might be my favorite one!

Re: wow!

[mo_anam]

A lot of work did go into it- and more hours than probably should have...but it was really fun digging for what was going on under the surface. I'm just pleased you found it interesting!

SUCH a fantastic episode! Everything about it just worked together so beautifully.