10 How I Met Your Mother Moments That Prove Ted Is A Total Jerk
5. Being Just As Gross As Barney
Barney Stinson is a genuinely problematic character who, if not for the immense charm and charisma of Neil Patrick Harris, would likely be held up as one of the most tone deaf sitcom creations in recent memory. Barney’s treatment of women - i.e a slew of lies and deception - is treated as funny, but ultimately morally questionable. This works for him, as he’s larger than life, He’s a cad, not the hero.
The problem is that Ted frequently joins Barney for the ride. While maintaining the facade of a nice guy, a hopeless romantic, he’s perfectly happy to go along with the yarns Barney spins in order to snag gullible women.
Ted wants to have his cake and eat it, to sweep women off their feet with meaningful gestures, all the while chasing his seedy mate around New York on a hedonistic quest, taking very little care over who he hurts in the process.
The writers seldom judge Ted for this, and throw in the odd moment in which he castigates Barney for his womanising ways, but it’s perfectly clear that Ted’s inclinations are equally unpleasant - he’s just less successful at it.