Ted and Robin argue over who gets to slap Barney in place of Marshall while Lily is devastated at the presence of her father for Thanksgiving dinner.
This episode provides examples of:
- Call-Back: Marshall's song from "Slapsgiving" returns as the theme song for the commercial to Mickey's first successful board game, Slap Bet.
- Death Glare: This episode introduces Lily's "You're Dead to Me" look (and Marshall's, though his is considerably less intimidating).
- Disappeared Dad: Lily's shitty dad reappears, and ruins the food.
- Funny Background Event: During the last of Lily's childhood flashbacks, other games that Mickey invented are on the bookshelf in the room, like "Landmine Lunge" and "Sleepy Tombstone Maze."
- Hair-Trigger Temper: Lily's reasons for delivering her "You're Dead to Me" look range from a legitimate reason like her father mooching off her elderly grandparents, to minor slights like a neighbor stealing her newspaper and being given caffeinated coffee when she asked for decaf.
- Hope Spot: Marshall gives one to Barney, saying that the slap did what he wanted, brought everyone closer together, meaning there's no slap. Then he slaps Barney.
- Hurricane of Puns: As is Slapsgiving Day tradition, the gang deliver as many puns based on the word "slap" as possible.
