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Author: JobanGrayskull

Feb 27th 2012 at 9:04:41 AM

^I definitely think the scale needs to be tweaked, because HIMYM does sort of break it. As it exists, the difference between 3 and 4 primarily deals with whether the show has villains and deaths or not (note that the questions raised in a level 3 show are "when did they get together?" or "when did they move" compared to a level 4 "where is this person who died?" and "who is this new villain?"). HIMYM is a somewhat atypical for a sitcom, because it is bound by a series-spanning plot (even if it's ignored at times in filler episodes). It ''also'' uses multi-episode arcs very frequently.

I think another issue with the scale (at least levels 3 and 4) is the basis on how much a casual viewer can enjoy the show if they just sit down and watch a few single episodes out of order. That's highly YMMV. Personally, I find it very difficult to watch an episode of any show without knowing about the characters and background details. Someone who can enjoy HIMYM from watching a random episode might say it's firmly a 3, and a long-term fan like me might say it's firmly a 4; my opinion is that the show loses a lot of its value if you don't understand the jokes and continuity nods.

Anyway, that's my two cents.