Great insights! I willingly overlooked this through S1 & S2, and although I'm not the first to pan S3, for me, it doesn't work because it feels far too self-aware "We're so cute and we've made, like, a prestige comedy. Look at us jamming message drama into each episode!" I loved the episode with Sam and his dad, but most others, while they've had moments, feel flat and saccharine-y to me. I 100% agree that Ted's separation from Henry & Michelle is a huge issue. Great piece!