Cobie Smulders Elle Magazine

As heavily promoted, CBS’ How I Met Your Mother introduced the mother character in the final seconds of last night’s season finale when she was seen purchasing a train ticket to Farhampton, where she will eventually meet Ted (Josh Radnor). Cristin Milioti, star of Broadway’s Once, was cast in the role, which will be featured prominently on HIMYM’s upcoming ninth and final season. “Cristin Milioti is, against all odds, exactly what we were looking for,” HIMYM co-creator/executive producer Carter Bays said. “She made us laugh on “30 Rock,” she made us swoon in “Once,” and her ukulele skills are no joke. As for the plot of Season 9, “it will tell the epic story of the longest wedding weekend ever,” Bays said. In casting the mother, HIMYM stayed true to its original casting strategy, which involved casting young, unknown actors like Radnor, Jason Segel and Cobbie Smulders who became stars on the show.

The finale of How I Met Your Mother airs tonight, and it seems like it's going to be major! Two of the five major characters are getting married (to each other, that is) and producers have suggested that we will finally—finally!—meet the titular mother. OK! News: Which HIMYM star just got married? Update yourself so you're ready for tonight's finale, and then be sure to read OK!'s interview with executive producer Craig Thomas, in which he discussed the big wedding and the big reveal! OK! News: Neil Patrick Harris just joined Instagram! See what other newbies you need to follow. Here's what you need to know: Robin and Barney are getting married. Barney essentially tricked Robin into finally seeing that the two are meant to be, but they're both very happy. Except... in the most recent episode, Robin had one of her "Wait, maybe Ted is really the one after all" moments. This is unacceptable. They had better walk down the aisle tonight! Lily got a job in Rome, and she and Marshall are leaving New York so she may finally realize her dream. And neither of them is even harboring secret resentment about it (seriously, because who could complain about living in the land of pasta?). As for Ted, like Robin, he is being set up to care too much about her and Barney's wedding. Dude, you guys had like 15 different chances for that relationship to work. She wanted some NPH, and who can blame her? But things are looking up for Ted—he should meet his wife in tonight's episode! Will you be tuning in to tonight's finale? Do you think Robin and Barney will make it down the aisle? Do you think we'll finally (really) meet the mother? Tell us in the comments below, or tweet us @OKMagazine.   Photo credit:  CBS