Off by a year. 1988 is objectively the best year.

Zoe
I didn't find this episode consistentyl funny, but I've got to give the writers and Jennifer Morrison credit for really lifting Zoe's game this episode. She was actually genuinely likeable and charming. It almost retroactively justifies Ted falling for her.

There are so many "Gabe"s in a real office dynamic though. That eager employee whose only real crime is doing his job, but because his job is supporting the employer and creating enthusiasm for the company among the employees, he comes across like a douche.

I really liked that "Jim being in charge makes him more like Michael" storyline, it's a shame they dropped it to keep the status quo.

Lemuria are pretty good.
Pop-punk is one of those genres that is so samey that you only really need to listen to the best examples of that genre. I'd throw Lemuria in to that. The vocals are pretty great and the drumming is more indie-rock than pop-punk.

Thom Yorke being whiny and miserable? But Radiohead songs are so chipper and uplifting. What a surprising development!

Going to a U2 concert and then complaining that they do what U2 has been doing for 30 years is a little insane.

Rich, ugh.
Yeah, I don't like Rich as a character. He worked well as a foil, but I have no interest in him now. I am interested in how the ending will pay off, though.

John Randolph/Jerry Stiller
I don't think the issue was the way John Randolph played Frank, so much as it was the way Larry David told him to play Frank. According to an interview with Stiller, when Larry approached Jerry Stiller, he made him play it very similar to Randolph and when Stiller realised that it was…

Yep yep yep. I know if I listen to Pearl Jam I'll wonder how it could have been my favourite band for so long. Binaural was also my favourite Pearl Jam album.

I'm in that 19-23 Kundera phase now, and I hope I don't grow out of it even though according to AV Club annecdotes it seems likely I will. I don't think I've ever read a book that's moved me as much as The Unbearable Lightness Of Being.

He was going to move out of his own house but then got into a fight with his mother and got guilted into staying or something.

The best has got to be Chunnel.

This is Odenkirk's female version of Annie Hall, right?
The one he's been talking about in interviews/on WTF? with Marc Maron e.t.c.

Something I realised watching this episode a second time, that I didn't notice the first time and makes me like this episode more is the bit where Ted says that "to this day Marshall is thankful for what Lily said next" and then Lily says "he's going to masturbate".

The Sensory-Deprivator 5000.

Nah, In A Priest Driven Ambulence was amazing, and then they wrote "She Don't Use Jelly" and became boring.

TV shows should go until they remain unprofitable or those who are in want out.

It was a very poignant lesson.

No way. Train In Vain is the Clash's best song.