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Like Ted, I too have held much sorrow over long lost loves and childhood balloons. Oh so many times when I left Red Robin on my birthday did I receive a dazzling balloon which would then be whisked away through my car window, leading to non-stop tears until I wore myself out and required nap time. But I moved on from my childhood love of cheap rubber and helium for better things (although I'm still very partial to Red Robin's unlimited fries), and each of the characters of HIMYM evolved too in their own respective ways in "Sunrise". Ted finally let go of Robin (like he literally let go of her and she floated away), Marshall and Lily put their argument behind them, and Barney retired from The Game, all with the promise, or at least the hope for something more promising on the horizon. Whether the gang's future will be fulfilled or be crushed like thin rubber rising through the atmosphere is too early to tell. But for taking the courage to let their past float away, the gang definitely credit for no longer being full of hot air.
Ted
BTed and Robin searched for Barney while walking on the shore of the beach (unfortunately they did not dig any sandcastles in the sand). And while the flashbacks of Ted’s attempts to desperately locate the locket for Robin proved fruitless, he still shared a heart-breakingly honest moment with Robin about his feelings and how his unrequited love for her now lead to his future in Chicago designing penis buildings. Ted ultimately let Robin go, this time by choice, but it is still clear he feels some searing pain over the loss. He definitely isn’t where he needs to be yet, but for actually taking the first step forward into putting Robin behind him, Ted gets a B.
Robin
DWhat’s frustrating about Robin is her ability to be such a good friend but at the same time her complete unawareness to how she influences her friend’s emotions. Yes, Ted is still madly in love with you. Yes, Ted's unrequited love pushed him to move to Chicago since he couldn't stand seeing you married to Barney. Yes, Viktoria ranks pretty high on Ted's top five, but Slutty Pumpkin deserves a little more credit than number 3. For a woman whose job is to dig up the truth, why is it so hard for Robin to face the facts? For being either completely unaware or apathetic to Ted's feelings (and quite possibly both), Robin gets a D.
Marshall
B+Marshall defines his life by wins and losses. He won when he met Lily, and he lost when the Vikings missed the last second field goal in the 1998 NFC Championship. But marriage isn't about who trumps who or who can't read basic wind resistance patterns to kick an accurate field goal. It's a partnership, where each win and loss is collectively shared by all teammates involved. Lily made the sensible decision to come back and stay in New York, giving Marshall what he wants. But for finally understanding that having a strong and open union with his wife is what he needs, Marshall gets a B+.
Lily
BGhost Lily and Lily from seven years ago aided Marshall in his introspective journey to figure out what went wrong. But when only until the real Lily showed up did she give Marshall a much needed dose of soul-searching. Lily finally figured out that Italy was unrealistic, and while she seemed a little bit defeated when admitting New York makes sense, it didn't really seem to be where her heart lies. She may have to give up her fantasy of living on the Italian coast, but for figuring out that the reality of living with Marshall and Marvin is a much better scenario, Lily gets a B.
Barney
AIt was only until The Mother had a twelve second conversation with Barney did he realize he truly wanted Robin. But Barney finally took his final step in giving up the swinging life with a booze-filled, "Van Wilder"-esque night with two down-on-their-luck wannabe ladies men. Through Barney's slurred tutelage to his confused yet entranced padawans was the Player King of New York City able to finally retire from The Game and pass the playbook onto two much more deserving lads. He may have had a legendary run at the single life, but for figuring out that having a legendary marriage is even better, Barney gets an A.
"Sunrise"
BDespite the unwelcome resurgence of Ted's love for Robin, "Sunrise" was a heartwarming display of the gang's need to let go to get where they really belong.
Extra Credit:
Demerits
- I couldn't help but laugh when Robin started floating away like the balloon. While HIMYM never stops short on the sentimentality, this definitely felt forced. I honestly thought she was going to get caught in a jet turbine.
- I've read theories that both Ted and The Mother and Barney and Robin get divorced, and Ted's whole conversation with his children is him asking for their permission to pursue Aunt Robin. While that would be interesting from a plot point of view, it would completely erode all the progress the characters have made throughout the course of the series. Again, it's just a theory, but if Ted tries to end up with Robin again, I will go completely bananas.
