The ninth and final season of 'How I Met Your Mother' will return from its brief hiatus next week with midseason finale "Bass Player Wanted," as the Mother herself (Cristin Milioti) makes a big comeback alongside 'Girls' star Andrew Rannells. The full set of clips and photos from the landmark episode have emerged, so check out how 'How I Met Your Mother' closes out 2013 in style!

The first clip of Monday's all-new installment sees Robin and Lily fret over the advances of a man they meet at the Farhampton bar (Rannells), but soon find themselves with a more unique problem to overcome. Elsewhere, the Mother has her first encounter with Marshall, though she seems eerily familiar with both he and Marvin, for reasons we won't spoil just yet.

Says CBS of Monday's midseason finale "Bass Player Wanted"

AFTER HITCHHIKING, MARSHALL FINALLY ARRIVES AT THE FARHAMPTON INN, ON THE FINAL SEASON OF "HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER," MONDAY, DEC. 16

Andrew Rannells (“The New Normal”) Guest Stars as Darren

"Bass Player Wanted" — The gang encounters a guy at the wedding who intentionally stirs up trouble among them, and Marshall finally arrives at the Farhampton Inn, on the final season of, HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER, Monday, Dec. 16 (8:00-8:30 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Will "Bass Player Wanted" be the shot in the arm the final season needs to move toward the ultimate meeting with destiny? Check out the clips and photos above and below, and give us your thoughts on the final season of 'How I Met Your Mother' in the comments!

How I Met Your Mother Bass Player Wanted Photos Clip Andrew Rannells
CBS
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How I Met Your Mother Bass Player Wanted Photos Clip Andrew Rannells
CBS
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How I Met Your Mother Bass Player Wanted Photos Clip Andrew Rannells
CBS
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How I Met Your Mother Bass Player Wanted Photos Clip Andrew Rannells
CBS
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How I Met Your Mother Bass Player Wanted Photos Clip Andrew Rannells
CBS
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