Ep 12. The Rehearsal Dinner

In the twelfth episode of the ninth season of How I Met Your Mother, titled "The Rehearsal Dinner," the gang prepares for the rehearsal dinner for Barney and Robin's wedding. As they gather at the hotel where the wedding will take place, Robin's mother appears unannounced, creating tension and chaos.

While the gang tries to navigate the awkwardness of Robin's estranged relationship with her mother, Marshall and Lily struggle to find a babysitter for their son, Marvin. They ultimately decide to leave him with Ted, who is trying to come to terms with his unresolved feelings for Robin.

As the rehearsal dinner begins, tensions rise between Barney and his mother, Loretta, when she reveals a shocking secret about his past. Meanwhile, Ted finally confesses his feelings to Robin, but she makes it clear that she doesn't feel the same way.

Throughout the episode, flash forwards show glimpses of the future, hinting at major life events for each of the characters.

Overall, "The Rehearsal Dinner" sets the stage for the highly anticipated wedding of Barney and Robin, while also exploring the complexities of family relationships and unrequited love.