Architect of Destruction

Plot

Barney is excited that he and Ted get to work together since Ted is designing the new GNB building. However, when Barney reveals the site for the future building is to be situated on the current location of "The Arcadian," a hotel that Ted describes as an architectural landmark, Ted refuses to go through with it. Barney is suspicious as to why Ted is so against the old building's demolition, and eventually has Ted reveal that he met a girl, Zoey. Zoey was as adamant as Ted about preserving the building, and had even organized a public protest of keeping it from getting demolished. Ted admits joining the protesters, leaving Barney stunned. Barney realizes Ted must not have told Zoey he was the architect of the new GNB building, and Ted admits he had told her he was a veterinarian. Ted assures Barney he isn't against the plan because of Zoey, but Barney remains unconvinced, pointing out Ted had done crazy things before because of a girl. Later, Zoey reveals she had been arrested several times due to previous protests, and Ted, realizing how passionate she is, decides to join her in a picketing. Barney retaliates by having a billboard lowered in front of the building revealing Ted to be the architect of the new GNB building. Ted confronts Barney, who had hoped that Ted would agree to design the building after ruining his chances with Zoey.

Barney tells Ted he can design the building however he likes, and at this, Ted agrees to design the building. Ted incorporates the Arcadian's facade into the new building's design, thus preventing its demolition, and eagerly shows it to Zoey. Zoey is thrilled, but then Ted notices a ring on Zoey's finger, and Zoey confirms she is married. Ted then realizes he had been doing this because of Zoey, at which he promptly throws his design away and leaves. Later, Zoey has her group throw eggs at Ted's apartment window.

Meanwhile, Marshall and Lily continue to try to conceive a baby. Robin and Max have hooked up, and Marshall is happy for his former law school friend. However, after Lily tells Marshall that Max has a small penis, Marshall is flustered and is constantly thinking about it. While Marshall and Lily have dinner with Robin and Max, Marshall constantly makes references to it by mentioning sizes and trying to imply he still thinks Max is great. This makes it awkward for Robin and Lily, though Max doesn't seem to notice. When Max leaves momentarily, Marshall reprimands Robin and Lily for telling him about Max, and is then shocked to learn that Lily tells Robin about her sex life, too. Robin argues that Marshall probably does the same with other guys with "locker room" talk, though Marshall claims this never happens. Later, while having sex with Lily, Marshall is haunted by the thought of Lily telling Robin about it later, and Marshall ultimately storms out of the room. Marshall has Lily call Robin later, telling her the sex was amazing in a scripted speech, though Robin recognizes what Marshall is doing.

In the end, as Marshall, Ted, Barney, and Max gather in a locker room, Max states he's thinking of breaking up with Robin due to her odd behavior in the bedroom. Ted and Barney know what he's talking about, though when Marshall tries to ask about it, Max just scoffs and says "Locker room," and Max, Barney, and Ted leave.

Critical response

Donna Bowman of The A.V. Club gave the episode a C+ rating and wonders if there is a connection between the themes of a big building and a small penis.

Robert Canning of IGN gave the episode a score of 8 out of 10.

DeAnn Welker of Television Without Pity gave the episode an A− score.

Chris O'Hara of TVFanatic.com gave the episode a rating of 4 out of 5.