Last night, during the double-episode season nine premiere, fans of “How I Met Your Mother” not only got a recap of how most of the gang gets to Farhampton Inn for Barney and Robin’s wedding, but also a classically written script/reminder of the essence that has kept people hooked for so many years under this show’s deliberate guise of mystery. There were struggles last year with presenting compelling and entertaining story and plot lines, but if the season premiere was any indication, this should be a legen-wait for it kind of send off.

One weekend left, just one weekend left.

Without going too in-depth or giving spoilers away since we live in the digital era of DVR and delayed online viewing, this recap will focus on broad story lines.

First, Marshall’s Mom is again hilarious. It needs to be stated right off the top. Second and every one hereafter:

• Barney and Robin are tested in more ways than one
• Ted’s bachelorhood humorously gets the third degree…but at least he gets a treat at the end of it
• Lily is a Mom through and through, becomes best friends with the helpful Linus (Yes, Linus) and spends quality time with The Mother
• Marshall’s Minnesota/Midwestern politeness is pushed to the limit, all the while having to explain social media etiquette to his Mom. Hilarity ensues as mentioned above
• The Mother meets Lily and is very quick witted when it comes to aptly naming baked goods

While viewers saw and heard the first few words from The Mother during the final seconds of last season’s finale, last night’s episode gave everyone a chance to start to discover and experience her made-for-Ted personality. She didn’t disappoint. Oh, and she is very good with nicknames by the way.

Beyond the unique premise of this show, the essence of what has made it so popular is how it mostly follows and slightly breaks from the typical sitcom model. It has the definitive hangout, the hopeless romantic lead, the funny and outrageous complementary characters, entertaining guest stars, intriguing plot twists, a fair share of happy and heart-wrenching moments and random, yet dependable sources of wisdom.

However, it also has something other shows don’t have.

And that’s a foundation of random chance.

More than other shows, “How I Met Your Mother” thrives on the notion that every decision we make has enormous consequences, both potentially good and bad. If we turn right or left, our life’s path could all instantly change. Most other great sitcoms incorporate this dynamic of fate, but not at the level and brevity of this sitcom.

Anything can happen at anytime. The Universe gives us infinite doors to walk through and infinite turns to make, all at our discretion. It’s about what we want to do or think we must do that defines where we go, who we are and ultimately become when we sit on that porch many moons down the road.

We’re all wild cards. It’s just a matter of figuring out when we’ll play our hand.

It’s been some time, but welcome back “How I Met Your Mother,” welcome back.