Air Date: December 17, 2012
Before the opening of the new GNB building, Ted deliberates on whether to tell Robin about Barney's engagement. Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily intend to make the best of their night away from Marvin.
The episode provides examples of:
- Batman Gambit: Barney's elaborate plan to propose, "The Robin", relies on Ted acting exactly as he hopes. And it works. Somewhat downplayed, though, as he acknowledges two steps rely on things he can't control and might not happen the way he wants. First, he doesn't know if Ted really has moved on and will push Robin to chase Barney. Second, he doesn't know if Robin will say yes to his proposal.
- Catchphrase: Ted recites some of Barney’s catch phrases to make the lie sound more like him.
- The Chessmaster: Barney proves himself to be rather cunning, playing Robin and his other friends in a rather impressive Batman Gambit for weeks on end. All to propose to Robin.
- Code Name: The Robin’s in the nest.
- Gilligan Cut: Marshall assures Lily that there’s nothing huge. Cut to the bar and he says: “That’s huge”.
- Hypocritical Humor:
- Marshall says he isn’t worried about Marvin, and immediately freaks out when his phone rings. Later, Lily does the same thing.
- Later at the party, guess that what they do after this line:
Marshall: Are we gonna have fun or are we gonna wallow in the corner like idiots? - Incessant Music Madness: The lullaby “Night, Night, Little Marvin” features Marshall on guitar while Lily plays the xylophone, tuba and violin. Their neighbor yells at them to stop. They add him to the lyrics.
- Ironic Echo: Because deep down, some crazy part of you still thinks you’re gonna wind up with her.
- I Want My Beloved to Be Happy: The reason why Ted encourages Robin to go after Barney.
- Lonely at the Top: Almost literally as Ted stands alone at the top of the GNB building after letting go of Robin.
- The Matchmaker: Marshall is on team Tedward.
- Meaningful Echo: It’s just a building.
- Metaphorgotten: Mickey thinks he knows Marvin like the back of his hand, then freaks out when he sees something strange on the back of his hand.
- Mood Whiplash: The scenes in the limo keep switching from Ted and Robin’s serious conversation about chasing after your love to Ranjit’s absurd text messages.
- No Sense of Personal Space: Ranjit keeps interrupting Ted and Robin’s private conversation, to the point Ted asks him to communicate via text messages.
- Once More, with Clarity: The explanation of The Robin.
- Sophisticated as Hell: Ted’s advice for Robin.Ted: So as your friend, and an expert in the field of making an ass of yourself, I say to you, from the heart: Get the hell out of this car.
- That Reminds Me of a Song: Ranjit’s excuse to sing.
- This Is for Emphasis, Bitch!: Pilates, bitch!
- Under the Mistletoe: Invoked by Barney, but Robin turns him down.
- Wacky Marriage Proposal: The Robin is Barney’s overly complicated, highly risky plan to propose.
- Wanting Is Better Than Having: When finally having a night away from their son, Marshall and Lily realize they miss him and spend the night crying and singing Marvin’s lullaby to a picture of him.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Robin chews Barney out for his scheme. She's right; it's really manipulative and not nice. It still works.
