Episode 'How I Met Your Mother' Season 6, Episode 21 - 'Hopeless' Recap

Lithgow's back, baby! And hey, the young Barney is played by that kid from the minivan commercials. The episode opens with a flashback to Barney's youth, where he received an instruction from his dad that would shape the rest of his life: "Never stop partying."

Barney's dad still wants to connect, and Barney agrees to hang out finally...but with an ulterior motive. Barney is determined to get "Crazy Jerry" out of his shell, so he can see what his dad used to be like.

So, Barney puts together "The Awesomest Night of All Time," which of course means that he has to change the identities of his friends. Marshall and Lily are in an open marriage, Marshall is a playwright, Robin is a professional scotch taster who is dating Ted, and Ted...well, Ted has to change a lot of stuff.

Oh, and also, they're all in a band! Best opening ever? I'd say so. I know Jason Segel is actually a great musician and Neil Patrick Harris can sing, but I wonder if the rest of the cast was actually playing?

Lithgow puts on another show, but isn't quite as funny as he was the last time around. Still, we get to see crazy Lithgow as "Crazy Jerry," even though it all turns out to be "sleight of hand." It all turns out for the best, though, as Barney decides to go fishing with his dad (even though he hates it).

Two interesting hints at upcoming romances in this episode: not only does it look like Robin will run into her "secret crush" again (played by Michael Trucco, a.k.a. Sam from "Battlestar Galactica"), but not until later. Also, Barney comes to the realization that he might have messed things up with Nora...will she be back before the season finale? I'd bet sex in the bathroom on it.

Other notables: the "Who's on first?" bit with the club names was not only funny but really well-executed by these talented actors. Also, you might have caught a thinly-veiled "Footloose" reference from Lithgow!