How I Met Your Mother (TV Series) Murtaugh (2009) User Reviews

Sunset of Age

[ttapola · 9/10 · 27 April 2011]

This is an outstanding episode. The fact that, at the time of writing, it has a rating of "only" 8.5 instead of the 9/10 it's worth, is probably because to fully appreciate how fine a piece of craftsmanship it is, one needs not only to know all the movies parodied here, but also be aware of their cultural significance. And there's more.

Like some people may see only the surface layer of Inception and treat it only as an inventive action movie, but not see it twice within a week to get to the deep level and get the full experience, some people may see only the surface layer of this episode and treat it only as a funny piece of TV. However, there are themes of aging and the competitiveness of today's world versus the "PC" way of giving awards not only for winning but *just* participating. Themes subtly woven into the comedy, things that the viewer will be *thinking about* after the episode.

Plus, there is a meta level just like in Inception, only to a lesser extent. The meta level here is the running joke of the episode, the fact that you *can't* quote Murtaugh's catchphrase word-for-word on national TV, and boy, do the writers and actors have fun with it! And it's such infectious fun. Plus, as an ace in the hole, there is the substitute player (you'll know when he appears) - that one was the icing on the cake. The episode did not *need* it, but it is all the more great because of it.

Murtaugh (#4.19)

[ComedyFan2010 · 9/10 · 20 July 2015]

This is the list where Ted has "too old for list". I usually hate those episodes, nobody tells me what I am too old for, if I was a beer bong I will get it even 20 year!s from now, but this one went very well.

Of course one can't be surprised that barney decided all that is too old for list. He is definitely very young in his heart. And this is the way to go! But sure some of those things can be already too much for some individuals. They sure exaggerated it all, especially that huge back pain, but it was hilarious.

And the great thing is that at the end the "moral of the story" isn't that one is indeed too old for things, but that one can always do what one wants, screw the lists!.

And Marshall coaching the kindergarten team!! That was just too awesome. I loved both how terrified of his actions Lily look at first and also how she yelled at him for being so harsh with the kids.

I Loved It

[slightlymad22 · 10/10 · 6 January 2015]

Plot In A Paragraph: After Barney is banned for life from the local laser tag club for his rough play with kids, He decides he and Ted should break n and toilet paper the place. Ted is against this idea and adds Laser Tag to what he calls his "Murtaugh" list. Named after the Danny Glover character Roger Murtaugh in "Lethal Weapon", he who said "I'm too old for this $#*!". Barney ends up fuming at Ted's Murtaugh list and since this is Barney Stinson he also sees a challenge. He bets Ted that he can do everything on the list in twenty-four hours Meanwhile, Marshall agrees to coach Lily's kindergarten class' basketball team. Lily sees it as potential dad training for Marshall. But Lily may change her mind when she sees that Marshall is a tough dictator as a coach.

Neil Patrick Harris once again steals the show and takes it and his fellow cast members to greater heights

Stuff

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 14 June 2020]

I like the bit where he has pink hair and goes to a rave

Terrible

[clownbaby-06006 · 1/10 · 19 July 2023]

Let me just say that the Murtaugh storyline was solid. The concept was better than the execution, but still good. The actor from The Wire steals the show, the interaction between him and Barney is hilarious.

My low rating is for the other storyline, the B story of Marshall coaching the team. I thought it would end with them meeting in the middle on their ways of teaching; Marshall was a bit harsh especially for kindergardeners but Lily was way too soft. The way is to teach them how to play and get them to want to win but also to have fun. Nope. It ended with the message that everyone's a winner and life hands you things. Sadly, a lot of those kids will end up either living with their parents til they're 40 or living on the street. Facts.

One of the worst episodes of the season.

[natashajamos-01315 · 4/10 · 6 June 2022]

Season four generally isn't that good. It had some highs and lows but the characters jut seem to be different after season three. Ted especially after what happened with Stella.

I don't understand why episodes this season get the rating they get.