Ep 1. Farhampton

The eighth season of the popular sitcom How I Met Your Mother starts off with an episode titled Farhampton. The episode is set in the year 2012 and primarily takes place at a train station in Farhampton, where Barney Stinson and Robin Scherbatsky are due to get married.

The episode begins with Ted Mosby standing in an empty train station, looking out at the sea. He appears to be lost in thought as he narrates the story of how he ended up at the station. The narration then shifts back to several months earlier, to a conversation between Marshall Eriksen and Lily Aldrin. The couple is having a discussion about the impending wedding of Barney and Robin, and the fact that Ted doesn't seem to have a date for the event.

Meanwhile, Barney and Robin are having their own problems as they try to come up with the perfect wedding vow. Having gone through a lot of failed relationships, they are hesitant to make promises that they may not be able to keep.

As the train station starts to fill up with guests, Ted arrives and is met by an old friend. The two catch up, and it is revealed that Ted has been spending a lot of time in Farhampton, having taken up residence at a nearby bed and breakfast.

Over the course of the episode, several other characters make an appearance, including Marshall's old law school buddy Brad, who has now become a successful lawyer. Brad's cocky attitude rubs Marshall the wrong way, and the two engage in a heated argument.

A major highlight of the episode is the appearance of the Mother, who is seen playing the bass in the band that is scheduled to perform at the wedding. Ted catches a glimpse of her, but the two don't actually meet. This sets the stage for the rest of the season, which focuses on the events leading up to the moment when Ted finally meets the Mother.

Throughout the episode, the tension between Barney and Robin continues to build, as they struggle to come to terms with their feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Ted grapples with his own emotions, as he realizes that he is still in love with Robin.

The episode ends with all the guests gathered outside the train station, waiting for the wedding ceremony to begin. Ted stands outside, looking in at the happy couple, as he continues to reflect on his own love life.

Overall, the first episode of How I Met Your Mother's eighth season is a strong start to what would go on to become a popular and widely-loved season. It sets up the major themes and storylines for the rest of the season while providing plenty of funny moments and heartwarming scenes. Fans of the show are sure to enjoy this episode and the rest of the season that follows.