Everyone hated Barney, but Marshall is How I Met Your Mother's most underrated problem

Barney Stinson is often regarded as one of the most hated characters in How I Met Your Mother, yet viewers frequently fail to acknowledge an even more problematic figure. Surprisingly, it's not Ted Mosby or Robin Scherbatsky, but Marshall Eriksen. Over the years, fans have criticized Barney for his boisterous, inappropriate, and womanizing behavior, while Marshall continues to evade criticism.

Marshall often comes across as someone with Midwestern charm and a wholesome smile. However, behind the smile and laughter lies a person with many toxic traits. Keep reading to learn more.

Also read: How I Met Your Mother ending.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinions.

Problematic behaviour of How I Met Your Mother's Marshall Eriksen: Slaps, Slut- shaming and subtle control

Marshall Eriksen (Jason Jordan Segel), Ted Mosby's best friend, is one of the pivotal characters in How I Met Your Mother. Marshall's reputation as the lovable teddy bear of the group often shields him from scrutiny. However, his long-running 'Slap Bet' act with Barney tells a different story. What starts as a playful gag morphs into a disturbing display of dominance. The slaps are often unnecessary, violent, and one-sided. The act reaches a point where it ceases to be a harmless joke and becomes Marshall's display of dominance or power. He uses some final slaps to humiliate Barney at the altar on his special day. Marshall's aggressive streak isn't limited to the slap bet. From Baskiceball (a brutal mashup of basketball and fists) to flashing strangers, his idea of fun often involves humiliation or harm.

Additionally, Marshall also has a habit of sl*t-shamming Robin. In an unforgettable moment, Marshall calls Robin a sl*t after she spends a night with her date. There is no context, no comedic filter—just a blunt opinion that reveals deep-seated misogyny.

When Lily and Marshall attempted to conceive, he adhered to his father's advice to ensure they had a boy. Indeed, the couple sought to sway their baby's gender. What's concerning is that Marshall never truly confronts the repercussions of his toxic behavior.

The hypocrisy of a nice guy persona

Marshall's emotional manipulation and double standards are often hidden behind his nice guy persona. He frequently positions himself as the moral compass of the group. Yet, he often acts selfishly, whether it's making unilateral decisions about his career without consulting Lily or treating a godparent decision like a game show. His tendency to guilt-trip others, especially Lily, reveals a passive-aggressive pattern often mistaken for sincerity. When things don't go his way, he doesn't discuss them but behaves like a sulky teenager—he pouts, makes jokes, or explodes. He is quick to advise everyone but rarely engages in self-reflection.

The difference between Barney and Marshall is striking. Although Barney is chaotic, he embraces it. In contrast, Marshall conceals himself behind noble intentions. This aspect of his behavior is what renders him more concerning. He isn't malicious but illustrates how toxicity can lurk behind charming smiles and an upstanding persona.

How I Met Your Mother is currently available for streaming on Disney+ and Netflix.

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Also read: 'How I Met Your Mother' was never just about Ted's romance — Here's what you missed.

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