How I Met Your Mother/Return of the Shirt

Return of the Shirt
Season 1, Episode 4
Airdate	October 10, 2005
Production Number	1ALH03
Written by	Kourtney Kang
Directed by	Pamela Fryman
Stream
← 1x03 Sweet Taste of Liberty	1x05 → Okay Awesome
How I Met Your Mother — Season One

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Return of the Shirt is the fourth episode of the first season of How I Met Your Mother.

Starring: Josh Radnor (Ted Mosby), Jason Segel (Marshall Eriksen), Cobie Smulders (Robin Scherbatsky)

with Neil Patrick Harris (Barney Stinson)

and Alyson Hannigan (Lily Aldrin)

Guest Starring: Anne Dudek (Natalie), Michael Kagan (Joel Adams), Lyndsy Fonseca (Daughter), David Henrie (Son)

Co-Starring: Jackie Geary (Jackie), Ange Billman (Steph), Buck Kartalian (Henry), Monique Edwards (Producer), Katelin Chesna (One Guest), Choice Skinner (Trucker Hat Guy #1), John Henry Canavan (Trucker Hat Guy #2), Charlene Amoia (Waitress)

Uncredited: Bob Saget (Ted of 2030 (voice))

Plot Overview

Ted reconnects with Natalie, an old flame, and soon remembers why he dumped her in the first plac. Meanwhile, Barney pays Robin to say outrageous things on the air.

Trivia

The Show

• Music: The song that Ted refers to as the Belle & Sebastian song that Natalie always listened to is "We Rule The School," off their first album, Tigermilk.

Behind the Scenes

• Anachronism: Ted says that he hasn't seen Natalie in three years, although in his memory he clearly remembers a copy of Dear Catastrophe Waitress by Belle & Sebastian. If the viewer is led to believe that this is 2005, then three years ago would be 2002. However, the album was released in 2003.

Allusions and References

• Belle & Sebastian: Belle & Sebastian is a indie pop band from Scotland who released their first album in 1996. The band is most notable for their bittersweet love songs and their cult fanbase that reaches levels akin to the Smiths. The CDs in front of Natalie's stereo are The Boy with the Arab Strap, Dear Catastrophe Waitress, Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like A Peasant and Push Barman To Open Old Wounds. There is a 5th CD but the cover doesn't match any Belle and Sebastian releases.