How I Met Your Mother Ending: A Retrospective & Reddit’s Reaction

The How I Met Your Mother ending on Reddit, and indeed across the internet, remains one of the most debated and dissected conclusions in sitcom history. Simply put, the finale revealed that Tracy McConnell, “The Mother,” dies of an unspecified illness, and after some time, Ted Mosby ends up back with Robin Scherbatsky. This, coupled with the somewhat rushed execution and abrupt shift in character arcs, left a sour taste in many viewers’ mouths, fueling extensive discussions, debates, and outright anger on platforms like Reddit. The ending essentially invalidated much of the established narrative, making the long wait to meet the Mother seem almost pointless and ultimately betraying the supposed central theme of the show: the journey of finding true love and building a family. Instead, it seemingly reverted back to a long-standing but often problematic infatuation.

The Fallout: Why the HIMYM Finale Incited Reddit’s Fury

The outrage on Reddit stemmed from several interconnected factors, all of which coalesced to create a perfect storm of dissatisfaction. The first was, undeniably, the death of Tracy McConnell. After nine seasons of anticipation and numerous red herrings, the Mother was presented as Ted’s perfect match, the embodiment of everything he had been searching for. To then kill her offscreen, after only a brief glimpse of their idyllic life together, felt like a cruel and unnecessary twist. Viewers had invested in Ted’s quest for love, and the resolution offered felt like a cheat.

Secondly, the rushed nature of the finale compounded the issue. The entire final season was dedicated to Barney and Robin’s wedding weekend, only for their marriage to crumble in a single episode. This abrupt dismantling of a relationship that had been painstakingly built up over multiple seasons felt inorganic and emotionally manipulative. Reddit users argued that this plot point served only as a contrivance to bring Ted and Robin back together, sacrificing character development for shock value.

Finally, the perceived undermining of character growth was a major point of contention. Ted had spent the entire series searching for a love that transcended mere infatuation. His relationship with Robin, while passionate, was often portrayed as immature and ultimately incompatible with his desire for a family. To have him regress to this earlier version of himself after the loss of Tracy felt like a betrayal of his character’s journey. Reddit users frequently pointed out the hypocrisy in Ted’s final decision, considering all he had learned and the experiences he had endured.

Understanding the Alternate Ending

Aware of the potential for backlash, the creators of How I Met Your Mother also filmed an alternate ending. This ending, which was included on the Season 9 DVD, features Ted concluding his story, having painted a picture of his life with Tracy. The scene shows Ted and Tracy embracing, with no indication of her illness or death. This version, while perhaps less dramatically impactful, was generally better received by viewers on Reddit, as it respected the established narrative and provided a more satisfying conclusion to Ted’s search for love. It allowed the audience to believe in the power of their connection and left them with a sense of hope.

The Reddit Jury is Still Out: Legacy and Lasting Impact

Even years later, the debate surrounding the HIMYM ending rages on in various Reddit communities dedicated to the show. While some argue that the ending was a bold and realistic exploration of grief and loss, the majority opinion remains critical. The finale continues to be cited as an example of a promising series squandering its potential with a poorly conceived and executed conclusion. The discussions often delve into the writers’ intentions, the validity of the alternate ending, and the overall impact of the finale on the show’s legacy. One thing is clear: the How I Met Your Mother ending is a case study in how not to conclude a beloved television series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the controversial finale of How I Met Your Mother, as discussed on Reddit and beyond:

1. Why did the writers kill off The Mother?

The writers have stated that the death of The Mother was planned early on, even before Cristin Milioti was cast in the role. They wanted to show the cyclical nature of life and the enduring power of love, even in the face of loss. However, many critics and Reddit users argue that this justification doesn’t excuse the way the death was handled.

2. Was the decision to bring Ted and Robin back together planned from the beginning?

The creators have confirmed that the Ted/Robin pairing was always a consideration, even while exploring other romantic options for both characters. This decision polarized the fanbase, with some seeing it as a satisfying full-circle moment, while others viewed it as a forced and unearned resolution.

3. How did the cast feel about the ending?

The cast has been relatively tight-lipped about their personal feelings regarding the ending, likely due to contractual obligations and a desire to avoid further controversy. However, some subtle hints have been dropped in interviews, suggesting that at least some of the actors were not entirely satisfied with the chosen direction.

4. Is the alternate ending considered canon?

Officially, the broadcast ending is considered canon. However, many fans on Reddit prefer the alternate ending, viewing it as a more respectful and satisfying conclusion to the series. The debate about which ending is “better” continues to fuel discussions on various HIMYM-related subreddits.

5. Did the negative reaction affect the show’s legacy?

Undoubtedly, the negative reaction to the ending has tarnished the show’s legacy to some extent. While How I Met Your Mother remains a popular and beloved sitcom, the finale is often cited as a cautionary tale of how a poorly executed conclusion can damage a show’s reputation.

6. What are some common criticisms of the ending found on Reddit?

Common criticisms include the rushed pacing, the unnecessary death of The Mother, the regression of Ted’s character, the undermining of Barney and Robin’s relationship, and the overall feeling of betrayal of the show’s core themes.

7. Are there any fan theories that explain the ending in a more satisfying way?

Yes, numerous fan theories attempt to reconcile the ending with the rest of the series. Some argue that Ted is an unreliable narrator, while others suggest that the story is actually about Robin’s journey, not Ted’s. However, none of these theories have gained widespread acceptance within the HIMYM community.

8. Why was the final season dedicated to Barney and Robin’s wedding if they were just going to divorce?

The creators have explained that the wedding weekend was intended to serve as a backdrop for the characters’ individual journeys, not just Barney and Robin’s relationship. However, many viewers felt that this explanation was insufficient, as the focus on the wedding ultimately felt like a waste of time given the abrupt dissolution of their marriage.

9. Could the ending have been improved?

Many viewers believe that the ending could have been significantly improved with more careful planning and execution. Some suggest that the death of The Mother should have been handled with more sensitivity and nuance, while others argue that the Ted/Robin reconciliation should have been given more time to develop organically.

10. Is there a general consensus on Reddit about the ending?

While opinions vary, the general consensus on Reddit is that the How I Met Your Mother ending was a disappointment. The majority of users express dissatisfaction with the chosen direction, citing the various criticisms mentioned above.

11. How does the ending compare to other controversial sitcom finales?

The HIMYM ending is often compared to other controversial sitcom finales, such as those of Seinfeld and Roseanne. While the specific criticisms vary, these finales all share a common thread: they failed to meet the expectations of a devoted fanbase.

12. What lessons can be learned from the How I Met Your Mother ending?

The How I Met Your Mother ending serves as a valuable lesson for television writers about the importance of respecting established narratives, honoring character development, and providing a satisfying conclusion for viewers who have invested years in a series. It highlights the potential pitfalls of prioritizing shock value over emotional resonance.