Future Ted describes a date he went on in 2009, and the screen quickly changes to show a side-by-side shot of him preparing in 2009 and 2002.
They remember that the date was horrible, from Ted's snobbish behavior to Jen's obsession with her cats and her ex-boyfriend.
Future Ted then tells his kids that when he told the shellfish pun to their mother, she laughed (almost completely sincerely).
He explains to Barney that every time he wants to fantasize, he must create an elaborate scenario where Lily must die of a terminal illness.
While they discuss this, Jasmine (Alyson Hannigan) — a stripper who looks exactly like Lily — appears on stage, exciting Barney to no end.
It is also revealed that the gang has seen two other doppelgängers; a butch "Lesbian Robin", and "Mustache Marshall", Hispanic lawyer Señor Justicia.
Its bittersweet poignancy was the perfect tone to play in an episode about missed opportunities, second chances and bad timing.