"How I Met Your Mother" Season 8 could be the last chapter in the CBS series. The only basis for such a speculation is the contract signed by the cast. The CBS network had earlier sounded positive with regards to a ninth season. But a ninth season is still up in the air.

Neil Patrick Harris, who plays funnyman Barney Stinson in HIMYM, told Entertainment Weekly he is "hopeful."

"No one wants it to go to 10, 11, 12 seasons and just outstay our welcome, but I know that their season 9 plan is strong. So it's really in the financiers hands," he said, adding, "Because our contract ended at [season] 8. We'll see," he added.

HIMYM Robin and Barney: He's her lobster!

On last Monday's episode, Robin has gone all out in chasing after Barney. Apparently, Barney is Robin's lobster. (Not exactly in the way that Friends' Rachel and Ross are each other's lobster.) Robin, once told that she's allergic to lobster, got even more addicted to it. Barney telling Robin he's moving on is like turning on the perfect slut switch. Robin has gone to as far as pulling the classic trench-coat-over-barely-there-lingerie seduction technique. Of course fans know Robin is not doing these crazy things out of the blue. After all, she's never stopped loving Barney. Will the succeeding episodes follow a fast track to the Robin-Barney wedding?

How I Met Your Mother Season 8: Are these 'Farewell Moments?'

Some of the best moments this season look like farewell moments to fans. Here are some examples:

Episode 1: "Farhampton" - Robin gets a key to Barney's storage room. Memories from their time together are safe there. Camera extends the moment to a smiling Barney in a passing cab.

Episode 2: "The Pre-Nup" - "You know, it's big comedy. But you also really care about these characters," Ted describes Klaus' favorite show. Fast forward to when Barney declares he doesn't need a pre-nup for his upcoming wedding to Robin. (Little ways down the road.)

Episode 6: "Splitsville" - "I could not stop loving her any more than I could stop breathing," Barney tells Nick in the most heartfelt fake speech ever.

Next week, HIMYM Season 8 Episode 10 is called "The Over-Correction." The official synopsis goes, "Barney's developing relationship with Patrice leaves Robin questioning his motives." Curiously, fans get a 2-part episode the following week. And it's called: "The Final Page." Episodes 11 and 12 will air on December 17.

Click 'Start' to see some of the most special moments from How I Met Your Mother Season 8.

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