After the iconic run of “Friends,” the sitcom landscape witnessed another giant: “How I Met Your Mother” (HIMYM). Both shows left a lasting impact, with characters that often mirrored each other. Two of the most debated characters from these sitcoms are Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green and Cobie Smulders’ Robin Scherbatsky. While both have their share of detractors, recent discussions suggest that Robin might actually edge out Rachel in terms of unlikability.
The Polarizing Personalities of Rachel and Robin
Rachel Green: A Love-Hate Relationship
Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green is a central figure in “Friends,” often driving the show’s major storylines. Despite her popularity, Rachel’s character is frequently criticized for her perceived selfishness and lack of personal growth over the series’ ten-season run. Her indecisiveness, especially in relationships, has garnered her a significant hate following among fans.
Robin Scherbatsky: The Unloved Heroine
On the other hand, Cobie Smulders’ Robin Scherbatsky from HIMYM shares several traits with Rachel but has received even harsher criticism. Since the show’s conclusion in 2010, Robin’s character has not aged gracefully in the eyes of many fans. One particular aspect that has fueled this disdain is her history with pets.
Robin’s Controversial Dog Ownership
The Reddit Revelation
A Reddit user highlighted a perplexing detail about Robin’s past that has become a focal point in the debate over her character. Robin had five dogs, all gifts from her ex-boyfriends, despite claiming she had never been in a serious relationship before Ted. The user questioned,
“How did these people trust her with a dog?”
This implies that Robin might have been more involved in past relationships than she admitted, making her subsequent actions more questionable.
The Symbolism of Pets
In sitcoms, pets often symbolize responsibility and emotional connection. The fact that Robin received multiple dogs from different exes suggests a deeper level of commitment than she portrays. Furthermore, her decision to get rid of the dogs casts a shadow on her character, painting her as inconsiderate and irresponsible.
The Infamous HIMYM Ending
A Divisive Conclusion
The ending of HIMYM is one of the most controversial in television history. The show’s finale, which reunites Ted with Robin, was met with widespread criticism for undoing years of character development. Many fans were disappointed, having rooted for the relationship between Robin and Barney.
Cobie Smulders’ Defense
Cobie Smulders defended the finale, suggesting that watching the show in its entirety on streaming platforms offers a different perspective. She remarked,
“It was Robin and Ted in the beginning… Watching it as a streaming show now, you get a little bit more of a connection for other relationships.”
However, her explanation did little to change the consensus that the ending was a disservice to the characters.
Conclusion: Who Takes the Crown?
While both Rachel and Robin have their flaws, Robin’s actions, particularly regarding her pets and the controversial series ending, seem to make her more unlikeable than Rachel. Rachel’s perceived selfishness is often balanced by her growth and redemption arcs, whereas Robin’s character arc leaves many questions unanswered and criticisms unaddressed. As debates continue, it appears that Robin Scherbatsky might indeed be the more polarizing figure between the two beloved sitcoms.
