Ep 1. Wait For It...

In season 3 episode 1 of How I Met Your Mother titled "Wait For It...", the gang is back to their antics at MacLaren's Pub. Ted is still searching for his true love and is constantly reminded of his failed relationships. Marshall and Lily are planning their wedding, and Barney is being his usual womanizing self.

The episode starts with Ted going on a date with a dermatologist named Stella. He is immediately smitten by her and believes that he may have finally found the one. However, Stella is hesitant to get involved in a serious relationship as she has just gone through a divorce. Ted struggles with the idea of waiting for her and not pursuing other women. He confides in his friends who give him advice, but Ted is still unsure of what to do.

Meanwhile, Barney meets a girl at a bar named Robin who challenges his usual approach. She is not interested in his usual tricks and games, which intrigues Barney. He also learns that she is a news anchor and sets out to impress her with his knowledge of current events. Barney invites Robin to MacLaren's to watch a basketball game, but she does not show up. He realizes that he may have pushed too hard and decides to have patience and wait for her to come back.

Marshall and Lily are dealing with the stress of wedding planning. Lily is having second thoughts about their wedding venue, which leads to a fight between the couple. Marshall fears that Lily may be having doubts about their future together, but they ultimately come to a resolution and reaffirm their commitment to each other.

Throughout the episode, there are several flash-forwards that hint at future events in the series. For example, Ted is seen arguing with Stella about having kids, which foreshadows a major plotline in season 4. Barney is also seen wearing a suit and tie, which hints at his future success as a businessman. These brief glimpses into the future add an exciting element to the episode and the series as a whole.

The episode ends with Ted struggling to decide whether or not to wait for Stella. He goes to her apartment to say goodbye, but she invites him inside. As they talk, they realize that they have a lot in common and share a kiss. Ted decides to wait for Stella and the episode closes with a shot of the two of them watching the sunrise together.

Overall, "Wait For It..." is a strong start to season 3 of How I Met Your Mother. It showcases the relatable struggles of young adulthood and the complexities of love and relationships. The episode also introduces several plotlines that will be further explored throughout the season, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.