How I Met Your Mother: Barney and Robin – RIP?

Photo courtesy of TV Guide

As of Monday night, Barney and Robin are officially over, after a year and a half of hoping and 7 episodes of dating.

Am I disappointed? Yes. Not only did I like (I mean, really, really like) the idea of Barney and Robin from the first time they slept together in Season 3, but they spent all of Season 4 building up the idea of those two as a couple. And in less than half a season, it’s over.

Am I surprised? No. I mean, classic Barney is single and on the hunt – constantly. It’s funny. In fact, it’s one of the best parts of the show. and critics agree – Neil Patrick Harris is the one who keeps being nominated for awards for the show, not Josh Radnor (Ted), the main star. How I Met Your Mother would lose something big if it lost the old Barney Stinson.

Do I think it’s over? No. I think Barney and Robin will stay broken up for a long time. But I think there will be moments when they miss being together – there was with Ted, and even though he and Robin were in a relationship for longer, this almost seems more special because Barney doesn’t usually do relationships. Robin was special to him.

And there are hints. I mean, he already seemed jealous and protective when he thought that Robin and her friend Alan Thicke had slept together – even if it was years before he’d ever met her. Even thought he’s back to being the same old Barney, and even though I’m sure the show is going to portray him as such, I think there are going to be little moments.

Prediction: they’ll eventually end up together. Maybe this is just wishful thinking, but I really think it could happen. We know that Ted isn’t going to end up with her. She’s never had a single other appealing boyfriend (or one who lasted more than a couple episodes) other than Ted and Barney. And Barney’s never had a real girlfriend. Plus, they really do love each other. And in sitcom world, that means they actually have a chance. They might not get back together until the end of the series so the producers don’t have to deal with committed Barney for any length of time, but they’ve got a shot.

At least, they would be nice. They obviously won’t be back together for a while (if ever), but I’m still rooting for them.