In the world of How I Met Your Mother, Marshmallow and Lily-Pad aren’t just the world’s cutest couple, they’re the two nicest people in it. However, these two are still sitcom characters, and that means that they are very, very far from perfect. And even though the sitcom only ended in 2014, there are some elements that are already outdated - almost to the point of being offensive.
Between the two, Marshall is definitely portrayed as the more sweet natured and maybe even a little naive of the two. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have his own moments that wouldn’t fly today.
He's A Literal Flasher
In “The Naked Truth,” as Marshall as trying to get a cushy environmental lawyer job, he went back through the mistakes in college days and unearthed “Beercules,” a drunken frat 'game' that was caught on video. But when he found his old classmate and asks him to take the video down, Pete Durkenson agrees but only if he challenges him to a game of “Edward 40-Hands.” Marshall reluctantly agrees, but once again ends up running through NYC naked - and flashing everyone he es. It's played for laughs, but it's just not funny.
The Slap Bet
Early on in the show and all the way throughout the finale, Marshall had a Slap Bet with Barney where he was given the ability to slap Barney whenever he felt compelled to do so (up to a certain number of times, of course). This might be 'fun' and juvenile in the beginning, but Marshall proceeds to actually not care when he slaps the tar out of Barney and doesn’t mind doing it at the most inopportune times, such as at the bar. Physical assault is just not that funny.
The Godparents Game
As a brand new father, Marshall was, as anyone could expect, dog tired. He and Lily instituted an “8 or higher” policy for their supposed best friends when coming to them with their problems.
When he and Lily couldn’t figure out who should be Marvin’s godparents, they thought it would be a good idea to turn this major life decision into a big game show. Ted, Robin, and Barney realized what was going on and not surprisingly stormed off angry.
Slut-Shames Robin
Marshall has no problem calling his friend a 'slut', even though he himself goes through some phases of trying to get all kinds of laid (after Lily left him). When Robin has a one night stand, Marshall makes her feel so ashamed of something as straightforward as wanting to have some fun on a date without having to take it any further, that she ends up trying to force herself to date the man again, even though neither of them want it, just so stop Marshall coughing *slut* into his hand.
Tries To Influence His Baby’s Gender
After telling his dad potentially a little too much about his and Lily's plans to have a baby, his dad gave him some helpful tips on how exactly to ensure having a boy. Marshall followed all of the steps too, including dipping his privates in a bowl of ice... all in the name of trying to solely have a boy. True, Lily went out of her way to try make sure they would have a girl, but two wrongs don’t make a right, and trying to determine a baby's gender based on stereotypes of what boys or girls are 'like' is just ridiculous.
Slaps Barney On His Wedding Day
The Slap Bet became a huge part of the show. Naturally, a bunch of immature men would slap the heck out of each other for funsies whenever they felt compelled to. And because these were important to him, Marshall had saved his last two for extra special occasions. The first was when he finally made it to Farhampton for the wedding. But the second one was at the best time for comedy, but still the worst time for reality - he slapped the groom right at the altar in front of all friends and family during the wedding ceremony.
Penchant For Violence
Don’t let the “aw shucks, I’m just a wee lad from small town Minnesota” attitude fool you. Marshall has a complete penchant for violence if left unchecked. He honed his fighting pit skills actually in fighting pits against his two older brothers! Not to mention the incredible violent game he invented - Baskiceball.
It may not come out often, but when it does, Marshall is straight-up violent and terrifying. When provoked, as with Doug the MacLaren’s bouncer, Marshall shows that he can drop a man with a single punch.
Champions Barney’s Conquests In Front Of Robin
After Robin and Barney had broken up the first time, Robin tried to stay strong while Barney fell right back into his womanizing ways, parading around all kinds of one night stands and using all kinds of strange games to bait them in. Clearly, Robin wasn’t enjoying watching Barney go right back to 'normal', making Robin feel like she was just another number. But it was Marshall constantly singing (literally) Barney’s praises that really pushed it too far - especially after Marshall slut shamed Robin for a single one night stand herself!
Flashing And Abusive Siblings
Marshall certainly loved his Fiero. He didn’t just inherit from his brothers, he had endure what might be “normal” brother torment, it certainly wouldn’t fly today by any standards.
Aside from making the poor kid swallow five dollars worth of quarters, he also had to head to the drive-through window to order a slew of hot coffee, buck-nekkid.
Took The Judgeship Without Telling Lily
Marshall has done a few boneheaded moves in his time, all husbands have. He has always aspired to become a Judge. However, he was willing to put that part of his life on hold, while living in Italy as Lily furthers her own career. Until they called him. Rather than talk to Lily about it, he took the job without asking and then drove cross country waiting to tell her in person. It would wind up being their biggest fight ever, all because Marshall couldn’t communicate with his wife.