New Years 2012 was a big one on last night’s episode of How I Met Your Mother.

As Marshall spent the day carrying on traditions by tailgating at his father’s grave in Minnesota, Lily called her father to share her big baby news and experienced her first Enigma of the Mystical. Meanwhile Robin got some air time when Sandy Rivers went drunk and crazy as Ted and Barney learned the reason bars charge covers when they finally opened their bar, “Puzzles.”

I pretty much love most of what Jason Segel does in HIMYM especially when it concerns Marshall’s father so I thought this poignant storyline was great. Having his brothers show up and then him being called Marvin by one of the rogue grievers/tailgaters had the perfect finishing touch. The contrast between this and Lily’s not so great relationship with her father worked really well. Which made it all the better when her father (played by guest star Chris Elliot) showed up with a giant teddy bear and a smile on his face about her pregnancy.  Alyson Hannigan really sold this moment well as evidenced by the tears welling up in my eyes.

Robin making strides in her career due to the completely inebriated Sandy Rivers was also exciting. It was nice to see her take a few steps forward with good news after the devastation she was brought in 2011. I’m looking forward to seeing how this plays out in the rest of the season and while I’m still not feeling Kevin in the mix I am happy he pushed her to do what she really wanted and needed to do.

“Puzzles” was fun and had a great theme song (which you can hear here at puzzlesthebar.com) but I thought this story could have been a bit better. I have to hand it Barney and Ted (and the writers) though, I love this name for a bar.

Some additional thoughts:

• So that’s what SPAM stands for huh? Sliced Processed Alien Meat?
• Did everyone notice the ‘Slap Bet’ board game Lily’s dad had?
• Alexis Denisof as Sandy Rivers is fantastic.

Quips of the night:

• “I think the most appropriate way to honor your memory today is to get blasted and watch the Vikings make the bears their furry little bitches. Go Vikes!” – Marshall
• “Well I’m trying to feel Dad’s spirit flow through my soul, butt breath.” – Marshall
• “First of all, I wouldn’t use the ‘M’ Word. Only they can call themselves that.” – Marshall re: Monsters
• "People will be like 'Why is it called Puzzles?' That's the puzzle." - Barney

So what did everyone else think? Did you enjoy Marshall’s tribute to his dad? Would you go to Puzzles? Let us know in the comments below