That hasn’t slowed them down though, and this season looks to bring a lot of new elements to the series. Expect a hilarious transition into wedded bliss for Marshall and Lily, and for Ted to pick up his search for a soul mate. If the suspense about the mysterious identity of the mother of Ted’s children is becoming too much for you, this season promises to bring us much closer to revealing the truth. In the first episode back, we even catch a glimpse of her feet sticking out from under a yellow umbrella.
Who’s that?: “Mother” loves them some cameos, and the season opener is no exception. After Ted and Robin’s amicable parting of the ways in last season’s finale, Mandy Moore makes her much-hyped appearance as a wild child briefly smitten with Ted, and Enrique Iglesias shows up as (surprise!) an oversexed Latin crooner with eyes for Robin. After all, rebounds are much easier to handle when famous people are involved.
Buzzed about: There are rumors that last year’s “Mother”-spawned viral superstar, Robin Sparkles, will be back with another music video this season. The early-‘90s alter ego of Robin Scherbatsky, her wonderfully Canadian “Let’s Go To The Mall” video brought the show the most attention it’s gotten to date.
The “ooh” factor: As the teaser at the end of the premiere lets us know, last season’s fabled “slap bet” will be back in less than two months. There’s even a website devoted to the countdown clock. Watch your back, Swarley.
The “eh” factor: We know, we know…she’s not the titular mother, but Robin seems so good for Ted. Having them both single again after a year of coupledom feels kind of awkward. For them and us!
The verdict: We don’t care who the titular mother is. The longer it takes to find her, the longer we’ll have this hilarious show. “Mother” is simply required viewing in our books.
The third season of “How I Met Your Mother” premieres Monday, Sept. 24 at 8 p.m./7c on CBS.
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