Unfinished Love: In Defense of Barney Stinson and Nora Quinn

When the The Good Place series wrapped, many fans were left with lingering questions about the How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) finale. One of the most contentious debates was over how Barney Stinson should have concluded his romantic journey. Should he have married Nora Quinn or Robin Scherbatsky? In this article, we explore why a marriage with Nora could have been a more satisfying and enriching conclusion to Barney’s story, bolstered by the conditions he faced towards the end of HIMYM.

The Consensus Post-HIMYM

It's a common sentiment that none of them should have been the one with Barney. In his narrative arc, Barney was an unpredictable yet lovable character who broke the boundaries of conventional wisdom. The show's creators, although ending with Barney getting married to Robin, might have missed some valuable storytelling opportunities. Let's revisit some key points that support the idea of a relationship between Barney and Nora.

Nora: The Perfect Foe

Nora Quinn, as the better-looking and emotionally mature alternative to Robin, served as a foil to Barney's chaotic behavior. Nora not only brought out the best in Barney but also provided him with a stable relationship. Here are some compelling reasons why Nora would be a better fit for Barney:

Physical Attraction: Nora is described as 'easily the best looking' woman Barney dated. Physical attraction is a cornerstone of any healthy relationship. Emotional Maturity: Nora genuinely loved Barney and valued him, willing to overlook his infidelity for a chance at a better future. This emotional depth adds richness to their relationship. Future Potential: A marriage between Barney and Nora could have brought about a mature change in Barney, much like when he adopted his daughter.

Revisiting HIMYM

Let's take a closer look at the HIMYM storyline and consider how a relationship between Barney and Nora would have played out differently:

The Wedding Loop Hole

One of the primary arguments against Barney and Nora getting married is the necessity of a wedding for Ted’s wife’s roommate. However, the show itself provides an loophole: a simple marriage could have sufficed. Ted would still have to go through with the agreement to marry Robin at 40, regardless of who he marries at 28. This would remove the awkwardness and depression associated with the finale.

Barney and Teddy's Dilemma

Furthermore, Barney’s story could have been more fulfilling if he had experienced life as a married father with Nora. This could have provided a balanced narrative where Barney’s character would have evolved positively, similar to his son’s impact on him. Also, Robin’s journey could have continued more independently, as there was no real benefit in Barney and Robin getting married.

The Ted and Tracy Saga

The Ted-Tracy storyline remains a significant point of discussion. While it’s true that Ted’s story was about meeting Tracy at the wedding, a relationship with Nora could have given Ted more confidence and maturity. Rather than leaving New York to go to Chicago, Ted might have stayed and pursued a relationship with Tracy, possibly even at the train station. This change would have allowed Ted to make his own decisions and ultimately decide his own path.

An Arc Completed

Here is a hypothetical scenario: If Barney and Nora got married, it would not only bring resolve to their relationship but also provide a sense of closure to Barney’s character arc. It would have been a more optimistic ending, affirming that sometimes, despite life's challenges, true love and emotional fulfillment are achievable.

With over 20 rewatchings of HIMYM on my PS4, each view brings new insights and questions. Nora Quinn serves as a symbol of the better, more emotionally mature version of Barney that the show hinted at but never fully realized. This unfinished love story lingers, a testament to the complexity and depth of the characters in HIMYM.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while HIMYM is undoubtedly a legendary show, the ending could have been more satisfying and realistic if Barney had married Nora. It would have provided a balanced narrative, allowing both characters to grow and evolve naturally. The show’s creators might have missed an opportunity to give viewers a closure that resonates and aligns with the optimistic tone of the series.