Whoa whoa whoa! Where the heck did this show come from? I remember hearing a little buzz about it way back when, but I think that was more because Willow was going to be in a new show. This may be my favorite new show so far, knocking Prison Break out of the top spot. Now I know that you're probably thinking a couple of skeptical thoughts right now: "Ryan, what was the last "romantic comedy" that survived more than half a season?" and, "Ryan, can't you review a show without going all crazy and lovey dovey about it?" Well to answer the first question, yea, I don't know, but this one better at least get a chance to run its course. For the second check out my American Dad or Out of Practice reviews.

The show starts with the ever adaptable and hilarious Bob Saget as the older Ted doing a voiceover (which honestly gave me the feeling that someone was going to get hit in the balls with a baseball bat or something for a while) of the story of how he met his children's mother. After meeting his son and daughter real quick, we flash back 25 years "all the way back" to 2005, and get thrown quickly into the quirkiest and most lovable group of friends since, well, Friends. We meet young Ted and Marshall who is preparing to propose to his longtime girlfriend Lily. Ted leaves so that the two of them can be alone and calls his "other" best friend, Barney, played perfectly by Neil Patrick Harris. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new Ari Gold.

Neil Patrick Harris' Barney is spot on perfect. This isn't Doogie Howser MD, this is the crazy ass, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, party animal from Harold & Kumar. This show premiered a little less than a day ago and my friends have already called me quoting him at least 10 times. I guarantee if you've seen the episode you've tried to find a way to work "Suit up" or "De-wait for it-Nied" into a sentence at some point. In the first episode alone he ponders philosophically on the hottest race (Lebanese or Half-Asians) of women and kicks the crap out of some kids in a lazer tag match. Out with Barney, Ted has a semi-crisis and because of Marshall & Lily's impending nuptials and wonders "Where is she" that dream girl that all men know is just right for them. Of course no sooner are the words out of his mouth than he spots her across the bar.

Barney introduces them via the "Meet Ted" game (he drags her over "Meet Ted" and walks away) and they immediately connect. Ted and his dream girl click together and they setup a date for the following night since she's a reporter and is heading out of town. He lets her impress her friends by throwing a drink in his face and they part ways. He picks her up the next night and after a perfect dinner discussing the "olive theory" (one person in a relationship hates olives, the other eats the olives for them) and smurf penises (there's this blue... just watch it), Ted misses "the moment" and doesn't kiss her at the end of the night.

After some good-natured ribbing from his friends, Ted realizes that he's tired of his life as it is and never makes the "stupid move" and goes to see his girl before she leaves. He goes to her apartment and they start the slow dance (literally and figuratively) before he blows it by telling her he's in love with her. They both are taken back and part ways on friendly ways, Ted turns one last time and tells her that he won't apologize for professing his love and thinks there ins't enough of that left anymore. The two end with a handshake.

BIG SPOILER. DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED. We flash forward to the son and daughter listening to the story (a little more interested then when we last left them), and here Ted says, "...and that's the story of how I met your Aunt Robin." Whoa. Then who's the mother in the title?! 

With it's great characters and healthy look at love and relationships today, I think this is going to speak volums to the generation it's supposed to. It's fast and furious yet tender and sweet, supplying "awwwws" and laughs. If this show drowns in it's timeslot I'm going to be extremely pissed. I can't wait to watch everything unfold and to be your guide throughout. Congrats on a great show.