Ep 11. Last Cigarette Ever

Ted and Marshall have always been big smokers, but after Marshall's dad dies of lung cancer, Marshall decides to quit smoking for good and challenges Ted to do the same. Ted, being the weak-willed guy he is, accepts the challenge and agrees to quit smoking with Marshall.

At first, things seem to be going well. The two quit cold turkey and are handed out nicotine patches by Lily, who is just happy her husband stopped smoking. But things quickly devolve when Ted becomes obsessed with finding his last cigarette ever. He becomes incredibly irritable and irrational, snapping at his friends and co-workers and all he can think about is smoking that last cigarette.

Meanwhile, Robin is still dating Don, her co-anchor from the news station. She's happy with him, but things get complicated when her boss, Sandy Rivers (played by comedian Alexis Denisof), confesses his love for her and offers her a promotion if she breaks up with Don and starts dating him. Robin is torn between her loyalty to Don and her career aspirations.

Back at the bar, Ted's cigarette obsession spirals out of control. He orders all of his friends to help him find his last cigarette ever and even starts stealing cigarettes from strangers. Barney, in an effort to help Ted with his addiction, even enlists the help of his old flame and smoking addict Zoey. In a humorous subplot, Barney, who has always been a ladies' man, finds himself struggling to resist Zoey's advances and stay loyal to his girlfriend, Robin.

As the night goes on, Ted becomes more desperate to find his last cigarette. In a series of flash-forwards, we see Ted's friends trying to convince him to quit his search and not smoke that last cigarette, but to no avail. Ted is convinced that smoking that last cigarette will bring him closure and peace of mind.

The climax of the episode happens when Ted finally finds his last cigarette and is about to light it up, but Marshall arrives just in time and talks him out of it. Marshall appeals to Ted's better judgment, reminding him of all the reasons he quit smoking in the first place and how much they mean to each other as friends. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Ted breaks down, realizing how much his friends mean to him and how much he needs them in his life.

In the end, Ted throws the last cigarette away and thanks Marshall for being there for him. Robin, after much soul-searching, decides to stay with Don, realizing that her career isn't worth sacrificing her personal life. Barney ends up resisting Zoey's advances and staying loyal to Robin. The episode ends with the gang toasting to friendship and the power of quitting smoking.

Overall, "Last Cigarette Ever" is a hilarious and heart-warming episode that tackles the difficult subject of addiction and the importance of friendship. It's a standout entry in the series and one that fans will no doubt remember for years to come.