A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene in the trailer of How I Met Your Father season 2 promises the return of an interesting character. Almost eight years after the divisive series finale of How I Met Your Mother, another narrator-centric Hulu sitcom in the form of How I Met Your Father returns to the small screen. Undeniably, much of the expectations for HIMYF originate from the success of its predecessor. While both exist within the same fictional universe, the Hilary Duff-led show has made its own mark, overcoming a rocky start and eventually winning over viewers and critics with its season 1 finale.
While more concrete connections between How I Met Your Mother and its spin-off are yet to be explored, they obviously have a shared thematic denominator of hopeless romantic leads – Ted Mosby (Josh Radnor) and Sophie – navigating adult life and love. Similar to Ted, Sophie has had a handful of encounters throughout her quest to end up with The Father eventually. In HIMYF season 1, she was involved in a will-they-won’t-they with aspiring musician Jesse (Chris Lowell) and a short-lived relationship with Vice Principal Drew (Josh Peck). However, as revealed prior to HIMYF season 2 premiere, it seems like Sophie’s romantic journey is nowhere yet close to the end – especially with the return of a former flame.
Why Josh Peck Returning As Drew Is A Good Thing
After the way the first season wasted Drew, Josh Peck’s return in the How I Met Your Father season 2 promotional trailer is quite a surprise. He was briefly seen dancing and seemingly having the time of his life, which is a far cry from the sophisticated and put-together persona he had in the first season. If that trailer scene hints at anything, it is that Peck’s return will most likely give his character the opportunity to be fleshed out and developed more. Due to his limited screen time and interaction with other HIMYF characters, Drew’s potential as a likable supporting star of the show has not been maximized. Hopefully, this will be addressed in the upcoming season.
Early on, Sophie and Drew’s contrast in personalities served as a turning point in their relationship. While this was already resolved, Drew’s extended stay in the series can also provide a more interesting set of dynamics among the characters. This is exciting, especially since the central friend group in How I Met Your Father consists of thirty-somethings still struggling with their purpose and destination in life. For instance, Drew’s perspective on having stability and security might tame the gang’s impulsiveness in the same way that their zest and energy might inspire Drew to let loose occasionally. Moreover, HIMYF’s expansion of cast can pave the way for more inclusive and thought-out storylines, allowing Drew to not be seen solely as Sophie’s love interest and a running candidate as The Father.
HIMYF's Drew Shouldn't Date Sophie Again
Unfortunately, Sophie and Drew suffered from the same incompatibility that plagued HIMYM’s Ted and Robin – which is exactly why they should not date again. While the HIMYF couple’s differences in life perspectives did not necessarily revolve around entering a life-long commitment and starting a family, they had a hard time reconciling their clashing beliefs. In fact, Sophie and Drew’s breakup was already foreshadowed in an earlier episode. Drew’s realistic and often cautious approach wanted to dampen Sophie’s idealism and pursuit of photography as a passion. While he was just helping his former partner avoid disappointment in the real world, his lack of support was off-putting enough to leave dents in the relationship.
On the other hand, Sophie might have also taken Drew for granted, especially when she left him without an ounce of hesitation. Going back to Drew after her attempt to be with Jesse failed is just pathetic and unacceptable. Throughout HIMYF season 1, Sophie has shown signs of distrust and fear of commitment – from her stalking Drew’s ex to her balking at Jesse pulling a classic Ted Mosby. Unless the heroine of How I Met Your Father realizes her issues and works through them, her serious, long-term romantic options are looking scarce and more complicated, with Drew hopefully out of the picture.