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Episode notes

In this episode, Josh and Craig revisit Season 2, Episode 8: “Atlantic City,” written by Maria Ferrari, who started as a writer’s assistant before becoming a staff writer. They discuss the unusual challenge of writing a road-trip episode that takes the whole gang out of their usual sets and how that led to one of the longest rewrite nights of the early seasons. The conversation covers how the story’s emotional center—Lily trying to escape judgment by eloping with Marshall only to realize she can’t run from family—finally clicked during late-night rewrites, and how the episode became a metaphor about facing what you’re avoiding. Josh recalls on-set memories, like Ted’s Twizzler moment and Robin’s bikini-shirt gag, while Craig explains the origins of Barney’s fake Chinese gambling game (“Deal or No Deal,” a jab at the rival show). They also talk about guest star Kate Micucci, who sends in a warm voice memo about her brief role, and close with reflections on Cheers, improv, extras’ pay, the pressure of 22-episode seasons, and the meaning of the final song “Sink to the Bottom with You” by Fountains of Wayne—an anthem for commitment, even when it means sinking together.

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