Ep 9. Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap

The How I Met Your Mother season 5 episode 9, titled "Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap," is a holiday-themed episode that revolves around the ongoing slap bet between Marshall and Barney.

The origins of the slap bet date back to season 2, when Barney and Marshall made a bet over the identity of a woman in a music video. Marshall won the bet, and his prize was to slap Barney any time he desired. As the seasons progressed, Marshall used his slap privileges sparingly, but always with great fanfare.

In "Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap," Marshall does his best to delay the inevitable moment when he must deliver the third slap to Barney. Adding to the tension is the fact that the slap is scheduled to occur on Thanksgiving, a time when the gang is gathered together to give thanks and eat turkey.

The episode features a number of subplots, including Ted's attempts to impress his girlfriend by cooking a Thanksgiving dinner, Robin's reluctance to participate in Marshall's Thanksgiving "slapsgiving" traditions, and Barney's attempts to trick Marshall into forfeiting the slap bet.

As the day progresses, tensions rise and the gang members become increasingly anxious about the impending slap. Marshall, in particular, is feeling the weight of his responsibility and the pressure to make the slap really count.

But just when it seems that the slap is inevitable, Barney's girlfriend arrives with news that forces Marshall to reconsider his plans. Will he go through with the slap after all? And if so, how will Barney respond to this final act of vengeance?

"Slapsgiving 2: Revenge of the Slap" is a classic How I Met Your Mother episode, combining humor, heart, and a touch of surrealism. Fans of the show will be delighted to see their favorite characters in all their holiday glory, while newcomers will find plenty to enjoy in the show's mix of clever writing and hilarious performances. Overall, it's a fitting tribute to one of the series' most beloved running gags.