As season 8 of "How I Met Your Mother" comes to a close, one looming questions remains: who is the mother and will we meet her in next week's finale? Previous rumors have indicated that she will make an appearance, however speculation remains. Fans have gotten their hopes up in the past only to come up empty handed. This year, however, could be different. It's still not clear who the potential mother could be, yet Barney (Neil Patrick Harris) and Robin's (Cobie Smulders) romantic night out will be spoiled by an annoying couple played by Casey Wilson from "Happy Endings" and Keegan-Michael Key from "Key & Peele." Could Casey Wilson be the mother?
A recently leaked promo suggests the possibility. Unfortunately, it would be unlike CBS to let the show's biggest secret and central plotline spoil so easily. There are still 24 remaining episodes, and if the identity of the mother is revealed, what else is there? The promo doesn't necessarily reveal who the mother is, but it does claim that the finale will reveal the "mother of all secrets."
Before fans get too excited, remember that this could mean a number of things. Barney and Robin's romance is still up in the air and Marshall (Jason Segel) and Lily 's (Alyson Hannigan) relationship is about to take a major turn. The show is full of secrets, and although the promo does include that single coveted word, "mother," it could be just another clever trick to get fans amped up for the finale.
It's also been rumored that the finale will end on a major cliffhanger, which could mean that a Robin and Barney wedding could be put off for yet another season. Based on last Monday's episode, it looks like Robin is having serious doubts about her relationship with Barney, and the adoring love and affection she receives from Ted (Josh Radnor) certainly doesn't help. Yet another "secret" that has yet to be answered.
There's a lot at stake as season 8 comes to a close. The "mother of all secrets" could pertain to a number of things, regardless of its subtle implications. We'll just have to wait and see.
The season finale of "How I Met Your Mother" will air Monday, May 13 on CBS. Watch the new "secret" promo below.