The Inevitability of Controversy Surrounding How I Met Your Mother's Ending

Article Overview

Critics lambasted the contentious conclusion of How I Met Your Mother, claiming that it unravelled character progressions and brought Ted back to Robin. However, it emphasized that the essence of the show had always revolved around Ted and Robin.

The distinct storytelling concept of HIMYM posed a challenge for the creators as it required them to shoot the concluding scenes in advance, limiting the opportunity for further development and adjustment based on audience feedback.

Although the alternate ending did not revolutionize the entire narrative, it granted Tracy the chance to live and be together with Ted, while affording Robin a more satisfying storyline. This ensured that all characters ultimately achieved happiness.

The division caused by How I Met Your Mother's final episode was inevitable. In 2014, the show concluded after nine seasons, disappointing many viewers. The ending received criticism for deviating from the characters' development by downplaying the long-awaited meeting of Ted Mosby and Tracy McConell, and instead reuniting Ted with his on-again, off-again love interest Robin Scherbatsky. This decision came after the show dedicated an entire season to Robin and Barney Stinson's wedding, resulting in a mixed reception for the final two episodes.

Though the controversial ending may have undermined Ted's emotional journey, it also solidified the notion that the show had always been primarily about him and Robin. In fact, Tracy, while grieving the loss of her partner Max, expressed the belief that everyone gets one great love and she had already found hers. If we take these words of wisdom into account, all the HIMYM characters ended up with their rightful partners: Marshall and Lily, Barney and his daughter, Tracy and Max, and Ted and Robin. However, because the finale hastily dealt with Tracy's death and Ted's reunion with Robin, it generated controversy.

How I Met Your Mother's Concept Created Its Biggest Ending Problem

How I Met Your Mother gained popularity due to its unique storytelling concept. The show followed 2030 Ted Mosby as he recounted tales of love, life, and friendship in New York City to his kids, Penny and Luke. This concept, however, became a major problem for HIMYM as the finale reactions of Ted's kids had to be filmed early on, limiting the show's creative possibilities. The creators, Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, had little room to explore new plot opportunities.

Unfortunately, HIMYM failed to adapt to the evolving characters and audience responses. Unlike most sitcoms, which use reviews and reactions to shape future storylines, HIMYM was set in its predetermined ending from the beginning. Even before Tracy, the Mother, was introduced in the series, her fate was already sealed without considering how the audience would react to her character. As Tracy and Ted's relationship developed in the final season, many viewers were rooting for them to end up together. However, HIMYM had to stick to its original plan and filmed finale scenes, leaving viewers shocked and feeling betrayed.

Why How I Met Your Mother Couldn't Avoid Filming Its Ending In S2

Due to the actors portraying the Mosby kids growing up and outgrowing their roles, How I Met Your Mother had no choice but to film its ending scenes ahead of time. Otherwise, the characters would have appeared older at the end of the show, which would have been illogical since Ted was supposed to be telling the story to his children over a fixed period. Even if HIMYM had chosen to depict 2030 Ted telling the story over a longer time frame to account for the aged-up children, it would have necessitated casting an older actor for the role of Ted. However, this would have resulted in the loss of emotional impact in the final scenes without Josh Radnor. Ultimately, How I Met Your Mother was compelled to remain faithful to its planned finale, despite the controversy it stirred.

Does The HIMYM Alternate Ending Fix Anything?

The disappointing ending of How I Met Your Mother led to the release of an alternate ending in hopes of regaining lost affection from fans. Although the divorce of Robin and Barney remains unchanged, the significant difference is that Tracy lives and remains with Ted, disregarding the final plotline of Ted and Robin as soulmates. This alteration portrays Ted in a more favorable light, but it is Robin who truly benefits. The original ending required sacrificing much of her character, as her marriage to Barney was seemingly abandoned to pave the way for Ted. Additionally, she had to give up her career aspirations to stay in New York. In the alternate ending, her marriage still ends, but it feels less purposeless as she embraces her professional aspirations. While the alternate ending may not be exceptionally memorable, it grants all the characters happy endings, ultimately satisfying fans' desires.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the ending of How I Met Your Mother. On the one hand, I understand why the creators chose to end the show the way they did. The show had always been about Ted and Robin, and it made sense for them to end up together. On the other hand, I was disappointed that Tracy died. I had grown to love her character, and I wanted her to have a happy ending.

I think the biggest problem with the ending was that it felt rushed. The show spent so much time building up to Ted and Tracy's relationship, and then it just ended abruptly. I would have liked to see more of their relationship, and I would have liked to see Tracy's death handled in a more sensitive way.

Overall, I think the ending of How I Met Your Mother was a bit of a let down. However, I still love the show, and I think it will continue to be popular for years to come.