movieking

There has been a lot of theories as to how the show ends, some already mentioned in previous threads. Since it's a theory, I normally wouldn't spoiler it, but I'll do it just in case for anyone that doesn't want to discuss:

Raul3

They can do it, but man, that would be a really sad ending. That would change everything!

I thought the episode was OK. It was a risky episode. They could have tried to link everything to Ted and his group, and fail, but it was more subtle, and the mother had her own story, and it really worked. I really liked that she was the only one that laughed at the shellfish joke.

Oh, but that ending of the episode was fucking great. I read that she was a Broadway star, or something like that. Her voice is beautiful. She aced that classic song. And the voice on off came at the right moment. They killed it in that scene.

Adboy151

Liked it... Again, if there's been one strength this season, it's been all the call-backs, no matter how minor, to previous seasons.

Decker

Yeah she starred in the Broadway musical of Once. She taught herself to play piano for the audition

RoyalTea

madcougar

mphtrilogy

very solid episode, hope they are all this good the rest of the way..

they needed to add her to the cast 2 years ago from stopping the slide off the rails...

dex14

Kdogg

Damn right, Ted doesn't deserve her. She's an angel ( or come to think of it: a female version of Marshall.)

Decker

I do agree with the IGN review of this episode : It's one thing to find someone who you're compatible with (and given the nature of the show, Ted couldn't really sell an "opposites attract" meet-cute in the finale), but it's quite another to fall in love with your female clone. Sure he'd dig a girl who's into some of the same geeky stuff he's into, but someone with so many of the identical interests? That's kinda creepy.

Raul3

Not the best written article but GIFs always help.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthi...-up-loose-ends

Paff

I didn't read that review, but I don't see her as a clone of Ted. They're both quirky and geeky, but Ted's seems to originate from his arrogance and superiority complex (which is why most people consider him to be the least likeable character on the show). The mom seems to be more introverted and enjoys her geeky things without forcing them on anyone else. Ted does that a LOT.

Raul3

And I just read this interview from last year, and it was great.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/hi...ristin-milioti

Josh-da-man

That would be a total dick move.

monkey42

I guess that means that The Mother wasn't the woman from the dating service that Ted was supposed to meet (but left to go get Lily)

Josh-da-man

On the subject of wild theories about the finale, why does Ted sound like Bob Saget in the near future?

Since the role of Ted has been cast since the first episode, it's an odd stylistic choice to have a different actor do the character's voice-over. Bob Saget sounds nothing like Ted, and he doesn't seem to share the same inflections and speech patterns that Ted does.

So is the narrator actually Ted, or is it someone reading a diary/journal/memoir to the kids?

monkey42

Ted is dying from throat cancer & is using a computer to speak.

RichC2

Really somber but great episode.

Big ratings boost because of the episode content (it usually gets a 3.0, it got a 3.8 in the demo last night), and it may have saved CBSs Monday Night line-up

The mom is awesome, ashame she wasn't a part of the cast before this season. I remember getting her confused momentarily with Sarah Silverman on 30 Rock. And Lou Ferrigno Jr. looks a lot like his dad.

Coral

Actually, Ted stood up his date to go after Robin. But was there something that eliminated this theory - I may have missed it.

We know Max died in the shows first episode, and Ted got paired up with "the perfect woman" on a bailed blind date on the 2nd last episode of that season. If the timeline between the first and 2nd last episode is close to real time, then it's 8 months - which is not unheard of for someone to try dating again. Even 6 months would work... less would be a problem.
It would kind of make sense that after being stood up on a blind date - she took it as a sign that she's not ready yet and waited a couple years to date again.

If the blind date wasn't The Mother, it would seem like a total waste - since she was "perfect" according to Ted's criteria (she also plays bass!) and here we are with the actual Mother who is a perfect match for Ted (bass and all).

And regarding the predction on the final episode:

malichai

I loved the episode and love the mom and feel so bad for her that she ends up marrying Ted. Poor thing.

COACH2369

Speaking of children looking like their parents...

The bartender "Linus" is the son of James Belushi...

Great episode....I really hope all the spoilers aren't right because that would make for one heck of a depressing finale..

Raul3

After thinking more of the rumor. I don't think this is that kind of show. I mean, that they would end in that kind of note.

This is the new Friends, for better or worse, expect a series finale similar to that one.

Goat3001

The mother doesn't die in the finale.

On an episode a few seasons ago there is a flash forward to a college reunion. Ted, Lily and Marshall are all old and had gone grey. In that scene the three of them are "eating sandwiches" and Ted casually says "where is my wife?". It was a minor scene but considering how good this show is continuity they probably won't ignore it.

So if the mother does die, it won't be until many years later.

Also, I don't see this show ending on a downer. It would be unnecessary.

madcougar

Hate to break it to you, but the "wife" Ted asks for could be anyone. He doesn't say "where's my FIRST wife" after all. It could be he's remarried.

bunkaroo

He could also be suffering dementia in the future.