Ep 9. Slapsgiving

In How I Met Your Mother season 3 episode 9, titled "Slapsgiving," the main storyline revolves around one of the show's recurring gags: the slap bet. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a slap bet is a bet between two characters where the winner gets to slap the loser across the face. In this particular episode, Marshall (played by Jason Segel) owes Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris) one last slap as a result of a previous bet.

Meanwhile, Lily (played by Alyson Hannigan) is excited to host her first Thanksgiving with Marshall and their friends. However, tensions rise when she invites her estranged father Mickey (played by Chris Elliott) to join them for the holiday. Mickey's odd behavior and inappropriate comments make everyone uncomfortable and Lily is forced to confront him about his behavior.

At the same time, Ted (played by Josh Radnor) and Robin (played by Cobie Smulders) are trying to make plans for Thanksgiving as well, but struggle to find a suitable activity for the holiday. Ted becomes fixated on finding a restaurant that serves a traditional Thanksgiving meal, while Robin is resistant to the idea and wants to do something more original. Their argument escalates, causing tension between them.

As the episode progresses, the storylines converge as Marshall prepares to deliver the final slap to Barney. The two engage in a hilarious countdown, with Barney attempting to distract Marshall and escape the slap. Meanwhile, Lily tries to salvage her Thanksgiving dinner by asking Ted and Robin to join them, and Mickey delivers a surprising heartfelt speech about the importance of family.

Overall, "Slapsgiving" is a classic episode of How I Met Your Mother that showcases the show's trademark blend of humor, heart, and absurdity. The comedic tension builds throughout the episode as the characters navigate their various conflicts, leading up to a satisfying conclusion that brings them all together.