himym: barney & robin’s breakup [thoughts, etc.]

slaptastic. // cbs promotional photo

Ausiello’s got an interview up with Carter Bays, the EP of How I Met Your Mother, on the subject of Robin and Barney’s breakup.  Here’s what resulted from Aus’s conversation with the showrunner:

‘None of us wanted to see Barney wearing a sweater-vest and going to bed-and-breakfasts,’ says Bays, adding that it makes sense the relationship would ‘flame out fast’ given that ‘neither of them, at their core, really wanted to be tied down.’ Bays also believes that, deep down, viewers prefer single Barney to attached Barney. ‘It’s one of those things where you can give people what they think they want, or what they really want.’

Okay.  While I happen to agree with Mr. Bays that the idea of a fast flame-out makes sense for Robin and Barney, I still find his comment moderately offensive.  Even though, if anything, I’d prefer Ted and Robin end up together (and I have an elaborate theory about New Stepmom Robin being the reason why Future Ted’s telling the kids the story), I resent any statement in which showrunners insinuate that fans can’t decide for themselves.  (See: Hart Hanson, daily basis.)

Sure, I’m not one of the people who was really vocal about Robin and Barney, but I know you all are out there.  And I’m miffed on your behalf that anyone wouldn’t take your word on your own preferences.  Ship loyalty is a very real thing, executives, and we take it seriously.  What we think we want is what we want.  And we’ll tell you.