4 Harsh Realities of How I Met Your Mother’s Finale 10 Years Later
Ten years ago, How I Met Your Mother concluded with its ninth season, wrapping up Ted Mosby’s (Josh Radnor) lengthy tale of how he met his wife, Tracy (Cristin Milioti). Despite being a beloved sitcom, the finale divided fans, sparking widespread disappointment over how the characters’ stories ended. So much so, the backlash led to an alternate ending being released as part of the season 9 DVD extras. However, the issues with the finale extend beyond just Tracy’s death.
The two-part finale, “Last Forever Part One and Two,” spanned years in How I Met Your Mother’s timeline, beginning with Robin (Cobie Smulders) and Barney’s (Neil Patrick Harris) wedding reception and ending in 2030 when Ted finished his story to his children. The most controversial aspect was the revival of Ted and Robin’s relationship after 11 seasons of buildup to Tracy. A decade later, several harsh truths about the finale still resonate.
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4. Robin and Barney’s Divorce Made Sense in How I Met Your Mother
One of the biggest complaints about the finale, aside from Tracy’s death, was Robin and Barney’s divorce. Fans spent 22 episodes watching their wedding unfold, only for them to split soon after. On the surface, Robin and Barney seemed perfect for each other, with a more compelling relationship than Robin and Ted. However, their decision to divorce was the right one for both characters.
Recognizing their marriage wasn’t working was a mature decision. Both Robin and Barney had previously stayed in relationships longer than necessary, avoiding admitting failure. Robin, for instance, stayed with Kevin (Kal Penn) despite knowing deep down that her heart belonged to Barney. Their breakup showed significant character growth, with both realizing they needed more than just companionship to be happy.
In fact, Barney’s divorce allowed him to become a father to Ellie, a transformative moment for his character. While the wedding storyline felt wasted in hindsight, the divorce ultimately emphasized that happy endings don’t always look the same for everyone.
3. Ted and Robin Couldn’t Have Worked Realistically
The finale reignited Ted’s pursuit of Robin, with the iconic blue French horn making a return. Fans were frustrated, as How I Met Your Mother repeatedly showed Ted and Robin’s incompatibility throughout the series. Ted wanted a family and stability, while Robin prioritized her career and independence, making their relationship unrealistic from the start.
By the finale, Ted had his children, removing the main conflict between him and Robin. However, other fundamental differences remained. Ted’s structured approach to life contrasted with Robin’s free spirit, making it unlikely they could maintain a long-term relationship.
Even Lily (Alyson Hannigan) bet that Ted and Robin wouldn’t last. Despite their reunion in the finale, it’s unlikely their relationship endured, given the unresolved differences.
2. Tracy’s Death Was Integral to Ted’s Story
Tracy’s death remains one of the most contentious aspects of the finale. Many fans felt she served more as a plot device than Ted’s true love, especially since their time together was cut short. However, Tracy’s death made sense in the context of Ted’s narrative.
The flash-forward scenes with Ted’s children were filmed during season 2, long before Cristin Milioti was cast. Her absence in those scenes hinted at her death, and Ted’s detailed recollection of his past emphasized how much her loss impacted him. Tracy’s death gave Ted’s story emotional depth, making his reflections more poignant.
While fans wanted more from Tracy’s character, her absence highlighted the importance of cherishing the time they had together. Ted’s journey wasn’t just about finding love but also learning to appreciate it while it lasted.
1. Lily Was a Bad Friend to Robin
Lily and Robin’s friendship was a core element of the series, but Lily’s behavior in the finale was disappointing. As Robin distanced herself from the group following her divorce from Barney, Lily failed to recognize how difficult it was for her friend to navigate those emotions.
Lily had a history of interfering in Robin’s relationships, breaking up both her and Ted, and her and Barney, under the guise of protecting her. However, when it came time for Robin to take a step back, Lily was unsupportive and self-centered. She accused Robin of abandoning the group, even though Robin’s decision to distance herself was understandable given the emotional challenges she faced.
In the end, Robin’s withdrawal from the group was justified, but Lily’s failure to understand and support her highlighted her shortcomings as a friend.
