We’ve heard this episode was coming, and some of you might have even watched the preview. I have to say I think it lived up to the hype.

This weeks episode starts with Marshall, Lilly, Ted, and Robin in couple hibernation which of course leaves Barney out in the cold (pun intended). He even tries to be his own wing man, which bombs. So he pulls out the big guns, His brother James. James is just like Barney, well aside from being black and gay. In addition to being Barney’s brother, he is also his number one wing-man. It works out pretty well since there is no competition for targets.

James is able to talk the group into going out and that is where we learn the meaning of the title of the episode, single stamina. Couples and singles go out very different. Singles stand for maneuverability, couples find a place to sit. Singles drink shots, couples nurse their drinks. And they both give off very different body language.

The rest of the episode is about James’s big secret so I won’t spoil it, but we do get to find out why he is called Uncle Barney in later episodes. We also get to find out why Barney “suit’s up”

The best lines from this weeks episode:

• Hang on to your bedsores grand parent’s from Willy Wonka - Barney (*special mention because Willy Wonka is my favorite movie. The original, not the Depp version)
• My, wait for it, Brother James. React. - Barney. (the react line is awesome)
• James; Give me five.
  Barney: Is give me five back?
  James: Oh yeah I put it in my blog this morning.
  Barney: Guys, give me five is back!
• It’s freaking an epidemic - Barney
• Sandals and socks, come on buddy. - Ted
• Freedom has never tasted so delicious - Marshall

By the way, I find it interesting that Barney’s brother is gay, especially with all the recent news. I wonder if it was written before or after he came out. I’m assuming before, which leads to another question. Did the writers know before we all did?

TVSquad has a rather rotten review of the episode up. I liked it, but apparently they didn’t.