The episode begins during a much happier time-- before Ted had tried to hook up with Robin and broken up with Victoria. In fact, Ted was still very much in love with Victoria at this point, and predicted she'd be around for quite a while. I like how time seems to have passed the same in the show as it has in the "real world". It's been weeks since Ted and Robin have talked, and Marshall is becoming a little more at ease in his role at Barney's... uh... place of business. Little touches that they don't dig deep into, but showcase that some time has passed since the last episode. The group is heading to the LAMAs to support Robin, who's up for an award, and Ted is dateless although he RSVPed for two. Barney spends some time convincing him to *ahem* rent some companionship before finally taking matters into his own hands, and hooking Ted up with a girl from his building, Mary.

I watched it again just to make sure, but Barney never actually refers to Mary as a prostitute. He brilliantly plants the seeds in Ted and Marshall's minds, but never once outright says that Mary is a hooker. Naturally then, the rest of the episode has awkward "sitcommy" moments where everyone else knows Mary's profession (even though she is actually in fact a paralegal). The one thing positive thing that does come from the situation though is Ted's ability to relax around her. In doing so, he really opens up to Mary and has a good time, until it's time to end the night. Once again, in a very sitcom fashion, during the ending everything is revealed. I have to say though, I did literally laugh out loud (even though I was all by myself) when Barney has Vampire Lou read aloud to Marshall and Lily that "Mary's not really a prostitute."

Barneyisms of the Week:
Withdrawn.
I'd like to announce this evening's big twist ending!
Come on, if you don't laugh it just seems mean.