There’s a theory floating around the internet that the mother on How I Met Your Mother might actually be dead. When you look back at the series, you never see the mother in flash forwards (but why would you, keeping the mother the mystery until this season has been part of the running gag of the show). Tonight’s (March 3rd) episode added more kindling the the fire though. TV Line has some evidence from the episode.
- Ted and The Mother spend most of the half-hour sharing old stories — sad nostalgia alert! — and even though they’re enjoying reliving the past, she admits that she’s concerned about her hubby. “I love your yarns,” she says. “I hope you never stop spinning them. You’re the love of my life, pooh bear. I just worry about you. I don’t want you to be the guy who lives in his stories. Life only moves forward.” Gulp.
- The gang realizes that after Robin and Barney’s wedding day, they don’t know when they’ll be together again. It’s a heavy moment that leaves them all speechless because when something is too intense, Future Ted begins, it’s best to “leave it unspoken and just enjoy each other’s company,” The Mother finishes as they exchange a meaningful glance.
- The surprise appearance of Robin’s mom (played by Tracey Ullman!) is not such a big shock to Mrs. Mosby. After all, “What mother is going to miss her daughter’s wedding?” she asks as Future Ted looks like he’s about to burst into tears. Poor Penny.
This isn’t a new theory created after tonight’s episode though. There have been hints that death might just be in the series’ future for a while. Here is an article from last October that discusses some more reasons why Ted doesn’t live happily ever after. One of the most convincing pieces is his speech from the episode “The Time Travelers:”
Exactly 45 days from now, you and I are going to meet. We’re going to fall in love and we’re going to get married, and we’re going to have two kids. We’re going to love them and each other so much. All that is 45 days away, but I’m here now, I guess because I want those extra 45 days with you. I want each one of them… I am always going to love you. Until the end of my days and beyond.
I really hope this isn’t the case. HIMYM does tragedy well. The countdown episode where Marshall’s dad dies was heartbreaking. When Robin found out she couldn’t have kids, we all felt for her. Having the mother die (albeit in the future) in the final episodes of the series would be difficult for a lot of fans. So, how long does the mother live? I guess we’ll find out by the time the series finale airs on March 31st.
