Ep 3. I Heart NJ

In "I Heart NJ," the third episode of season 4 of How I Met Your Mother, the gang finds themselves on an impromptu road trip to New Jersey after a night of heavy drinking. The episode opens with Robin and Ted waking up in bed together, both surprised and somewhat regretful about the events of the night before. Meanwhile, Barney, Marshall, and Lily are similarly hungover and trying to piece together how they ended up with a stolen, unmarked rental car in their possession.

As they gradually remember their drunken escapades from the night before, it becomes clear that they stumbled upon a strange New Jersey-themed bar and decided to indulge in its many gimmicks and attractions. They played skee-ball, ate Italian food, and were serenaded by a Bruce Springsteen impersonator. However, things took a turn for the worse when they accidentally offended a group of New Jersey locals, prompting them to flee the bar and steal the rental car in the process.

Now, with no clear plan or destination in mind, the group drives aimlessly around the Garden State, encountering various strange characters and landmarks along the way. They stop at a diner where Lily has a bizarre encounter with a creepy trucker, marvel at a giant statue of Alexander Hamilton, and even participate in a reenactment of the Revolutionary War. Throughout their travels, tensions between Robin and Ted continue to simmer, as they struggle to define the nature of their relationship and whether they should pursue a romantic connection or remain just friends.

As they approach the end of their journey, the group makes a startling discovery that upends everything they thought they knew about the night before. This revelation casts the events of the episode in a new light and forces them all to confront their own assumptions and biases. In the end, they return home changed and with a renewed appreciation for the quirks and quirks of New Jersey.

"I Heart NJ" is a classic How I Met Your Mother episode, blending humor, heart, and unexpected twists in equal measure. It showcases the show's ability to take seemingly mundane situations and turn them into zany adventures, while also delving into deeper themes of identity and self-reflection. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or a newcomer, this episode is sure to leave a lasting impression.