We've all been waiting several weeks for the return of "How I Met Your Mother." As season 8 comes to a close, fans are anxiously waiting to watch the approaching wedding unfold and see how Lily (Alyson Hannigan) reacts to her new job offer. There's plenty at stake and several characters will be forced to make life-altering decisions.
The series returns this Monday after its brief hiatus. The episode is titled "Romeward Bound," presumably referring to The Captain's request to have Lily move to Rome to be his consultant. Recent photos feature Marshall (Jason Segel) cruising through Italy on a Vespa. At first, fans can assume the couple jetted off to The Boot country together, but upon further review, we can see that Marshall has a baby strapped to his chest and is puckering up for a rather dainty Italian damsel. Marshall and the baby even share matching track suits and sunglasses. This can't be reality. All absurdity aside, we know that Marshall would never do anything to hurt Lily, the love of his life. "How I Met Your Mother" has been known to give fans some rather ridiculous fantasy sequences in the past. That's the only explanation.
The question remains, however, whose fantasy is it? It's likely that it's part of Lily's dreams, but we can never know for sure. We know she's concerned that moving to Italy could spoil her relationship with Marshall, and perhaps the dream represents her worst fears. As the major life decision weighs heavy on her, it's safe to assume that whatever she does, she'll do it with Marshall by her side. If she goes to Italy, so will Marshall, despite his dreams of becoming a New York judge. If Marshall refuses to go, then she'll be faced with a difficult choice, but will likely decide to stay in Marshall's embrace. It's what makes her the happiest.
For now, this is all speculation, but fans will get a better idea on Monday upon the show's return. Finally.
"How I Met Your Mother" airs Monday nights at 8 p.m. on CBS.