After nine seasons of twists and turns, unforgettable characters and one big question to answer, the comedy series “How I Met Your Mother” came to a memorable end this week.

The show’s finale aired Monday on CBS and was full of shocking moments and surprises. Whether you have watched the series from the very beginning or just caught on through reruns or Netflix, the episode was truly legendary (no “wait for it” needed).

No show has tested its viewers loyalty quite like “HIMYM,” but fans were rewarded with answers to some of lingering questions, in addition to a deeper look into the future of the show’s main characters.

“Last Forever” starts with a flashback to where it all began many years ago: the gang sitting in their booth in MacLaren’s Pub during season one. Then the episode travels forward in time to Barney and Robin’s wedding weekend, which is where the entire ninth season was set, as the couple is having their first dance as husband and wife.

Meanwhile Ted is enjoying the reception, but suddenly notices the beautiful bass player in the wedding band who, of course, is the Mother. Unfortunately, he quickly has to leave the wedding in order to catch a train before he can meet her.

Ted has plans to move to Chicago to get away from the pain of past relationships and the tough times he has had in New York. Even though he is looking for a fresh start, it means he has to say goodbye to the friends who have been there for him through it all.

Of course, the audience knows everything changes once he meets the Mother.

After saying a (not-so) final farewell to the gang, Ted waits on a bench at the Farhampton train station, setting up the moment that Ted meets the Mother, who is standing nearby under her famous yellow umbrella.

The rest of the episode moved quickly over the years as landmark events happen in the character’s lives. We learn about their marriages, their children, and their careers. As their families grow bigger and job opportunities come about, the group rarely spends time together. Even as life picks up speed, they promise to always be there for each other — even if it’s only for the big moments.

In the middle of the episode, less attention is paid to Ted and the Mother, but it is all leading up to some big revelations about the characters.

One other huge question was raised in episode 19 of the ninth season. A conversation between Ted and the Mother hinted that she would miss her daughter’s wedding. Although this scene could have been interpreted many ways, audiences took this line to mean that the Mother dies in the future. If this scenario is true, the whole purpose of Ted telling his kids the story of how he met their mother is because she is no longer living.

This theory is definitely addressed in the finale in addition to other storylines, particularly Barney and Robin’s marriage. The episode is full of surprises and a few major scenes will certainly stir up some emotions.

Two truly touching moments occur during the episode, one involving Barney, and the other, of course, is when Ted and the Mother meet. This culminating moment is worth the nine-season-long wait and really captures the couple’s chemistry. Hopefully all fans can agree that this scene is as perfect as it could be.

Even though the finale give fans the answers to most of their questions, the ending won’t necessarily please everyone. As we all know, life has its ups and downs, and the world of “HIMYM” is no different. What the show’s audience learns is the value of friendship and the power of enduring love.

Television shows rarely last more than a few seasons, so for “HIMYM” to last for nine years is remarkable and deserved. The detail-filled writing and wonderful acting have made the show one of the best TV comedies of all time.

Luckily for fans, a new spin-off series has been written by the creators of “HIMYM” called “How I Met Your Dad.”

The series will focus on a female lead character as she tells her children how she met their father. Cast in the series as the lead character is Greta Gerwig, who was nominated this year for Best Actress in a Comedy for her role in the film “Frances Ha.”

Not a great deal is known about the series but is set in New York City and will feature scenes in MacLaren’s Pub.

One of the male characters is played by an Omaha native, Nicholas D’Agosto. The actor was born and raised in Omaha and graduated from Creighton Prep High School.

D’Agosto received his big break in 1999 when he was cast in the film “Election.” Since appearing in that film, the actor has appeared in various TV shows in small roles. In 2011, he was cast as a lead in the movie “Final Destination 5.”

“How I Met Your Dad” has very large shoes to fill, but hopefully it can help fill the void of “How I Met Your Mother.”

The CBS series “How I Met Your Mother” came to an end Monday night after nine seasons. CBS is planning a spin off of this popular series titled “How I Met Your Dad.”

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