The Drunk Train is the actual saddest episode of the series.

Hear me out, the episode isn’t sad by itself but when looking at the big picture it’s depressing as hell.

The gang is starting to go their separate ways, Marshall and Lily are about to have a baby and the days of hanging out at a bar and having adventures with friends is coming to a close. Now this is a TV show so ultimately that didn’t happen as much as it would’ve in real life but there’s a certain feeling during this phase of the show where you realize the golden days of the series and the gangs friendship is over.

Meanwhile Ted who has been searching for the love of his life for seven years at this point is in his mid-30s trying to hookup with drunk girls on the train. The character development has just fully gone backwards at this point and the leading man is starting to become a pitiful character.

This episode always gives me a melancholy feeling like the best is behind us.