The Return of the Yellow Umbrella (How I Met Your Mother 8x01 Farhampton Episode Review)

The yellow umbrella has always been one of the biggest clues in the whole mother mystery in CBS' How I Met Your Mother. It has been a few years since we were given a glimpse of this object, and on the premiere of the 8th season of the said sitcom, the famous umbrella appeared once again.

The episode is divided into two timelines: the present and the future. 

In the present, Ted just ran off with Victoria on her wedding day. But when Ted found out that her lover did not leave a note to her supposed-to-be husband as a common courtesy, the two decided to come back and give Klaus - the groom - some closure. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang were still in awe when Barney and Quinn announced that they're engaged.Since Quinn does not know that Robin dated her fiance before, the soon-to-be-bride were surprised when she found out because of Lily and Marshall. But, Quinn's got her peace of mind when Robin told them that she have a new boyfriend, therefore, Quinn does not have to worry about "rekindling feelings" between the two. 

In the future (a little ways down the road...), Ted was seen waiting for the train in Farhampton station. It seemed like he's about to go home from Barney and Robin's wedding. AND, during the last few seconds of the episode, a lady got down from a taxi and she was bringing a guitar... and a yellow umbrella. Yes, Ted will meet her freakin' wife in that station.

"Farhampton" is, I can say, a typical HIMYM episode. For us to further understand what's happening in a certain scenario, a little flashback (or a flashforward) is very much needed. Furthermore, a few good laughs and giggles were spread out in the entire episode, therefore, making it worthwhile to watch. I just don;t like how Nick - Robin's new boyfriend - was introduced. It was random and there were no backstory on how Robin "started licking his abs all day". Probably we'll see it soon, but still...

The touching montage in the end was also a nice added touch from the writers. But, I hate that Klaus - with his thick German accent - did the voice over. He was really difficult to understand. It would have been better if future Ted, or even Victoria, did it. But still, through this small speech, Ted realized that Victoria is the one he's looking for... but not quite.

It looks like that Lily and Marshall's plot for the whole season would be about their adjustment as new parents. I guess it's pretty cool, but I hope the writers cans still offer us with something more.

Lastly, Barney and Robin. Ahhh... Cobie and Neil's chemistry is definitely something. As a huge SWARKLES fanatic, I can't wait for what's in store for them this season. 

Over all, the episode was good. We may still be a few steps away from finding out who the mother is, but fans of HIMYM love the small clues that the writers leave for us in every season.