This is Us

[Gideon58]

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/f8/b3/7a/f8b37a763fe2cf2c3493fd6457179caa.jpg

Just watched the pilot for a quirky and offbeat comedy drama that works so hard at being something different that it might be a little too different for the targeted demographic. This is an hour long show comprised of three different stories: A married couple who are expecting triplets; a wealthy black executive who has finally tracked down his biological father who left him at a firehouse shortly after his birth; a TV star who has just had a meltdown in front of studio audience and his overweight, twin sister. Oddly, the only thread between these three stories is that the dad in the 1st, the executive in the second, and the twins in the 3rd, were all born on the same day and are all 36 years old. There were some interesting comic and dramatic moments here and there, but they had very little to do with this connecting thread and if the show should progress, I suspect that thread will grow even thinner if that's possible. Milo Ventimiglia was solid as the expectant dad in the pilot, Sterling K. Brown, who recently won an Emmy for The People Vs OJ Simpson, was kind of annoying as the adopted executive, but I really liked Justin Hartley, last seen on primetime as Patrick on Revenge and on daytime as Adam on The Young and the Restless as the star of a sitcom called The Man-ny and Chrissy Metz as his twin but I just don't see any longevity here...I don't know how this premise can be stretched into a weekly series, but I've only watched the pilot and they are four shows in and 10 are in the can, so we'll see. but...I don't know...

[Gideon58]

Just finished episode 2 and I am speechless...the premise of this show was a total red herring and this is turning out to be something pretty special, which is probably why no one will be watching it.

[Topsy]

sounds interesting,i think i might check it out. i wish it was a mix marriage though- i hate how in tv shows theres always the white couple and the black couple.

[Gideon58]

Episode 3 had flashes of brilliance...am loving the story of the twins (Justin Hartley, Chrissy Matz) and Kate's budding romance with Chris. There's one plot point that still needs clarification for me, but I'm totally hooked on this one.

[gbgoodies]

Just finished episode 2 and I am speechless...the premise of this show was a total red herring and this is turning out to be something pretty special, which is probably why no one will be watching it.


If I remember correctly, they gave away the twist at the very end of the first episode.

Pay close attention because there are more twists coming. :)

[Gideon58]

If I remember correctly, they gave away the twist at the very end of the first episode.

Pay close attention because there are more twists coming. :)

Glad you're watching this, GBG, I had a feeling you might like this...I just wish I had started watching when it actually premiered, but I only have one more to watch that has already been aired. According to the IMDB, there are 10 in the can already.

[TheUsualSuspect]

I'm one episode behind (so I've seen 3). I really like this show and loved the ending to the first episode.

My one gripe, is that I hope they give Kate more to do than complain about her weight every episode, but her speech to the guy she is with "it will always be about the weight" makes me think otherwise.

[Gideon58]

OK, just finished episode 4 and this show continues to be funny and edgy and challenging and I actually had a lump in my throat when it was over.

[Gideon58]

Just wrapped episode 5 and this show is continuing to kill it. This has become the show on my viewing schedule that when it's over, I can't wait to see the next one. This episode went a few places I didn't initially understand and did some very subtle foreshadowing that I've been expecting. This show is something very, very special that has become appointment television for me. Milo Ventigmiglia is revelation as Jack and Justin Hartley is proving to be more than a pretty face.

[gbgoodies]

I think "This Is Us" is one of the best new shows this season. I loved Milo Ventimiglia in "Heroes", and Justin Hartley in "Smallville", so it's nice to see both of them again each week.

[Gideon58]

OK, just finished episode six and this show just keeps getting better with each episode...one scene has me squirming and the next fighting tears...that's entertainment.

[gbgoodies]

OK, just finished episode six and this show just keeps getting better with each episode...one scene has me squirming and the next fighting tears...that's entertainment.


I agree 100%. This show is amazing. I loved the scene with Justin Hartley and the girl in the kitchen. I was crying and laughing at the same time.

[Gideon58]

Watched episode 7 and this show continues to be appointment television...the scenes between Justin Hartley and Sterling K Brown sizzled with intensity and balanced perfectly with the scenes of their characters as teenagers...the ugliness of the relationship between Kate and Toby continues to ring true as well. This show continues to simultaneously entertain and keep my stomach in my knots.

[Gideon58]

Episode 8...the Thanksgiving episode was another bold, heartbreaking, unconventional, challenging 44 minutes that actually ignited the tear ducts. This show is so freaking brilliant and it's such a shame that no one is watching it. Continues to be the only show on television right now where I actually get a little upset when it's over and can't wait for the next one.

[Gideon58]

OK, Episode 9 had me literally yelling back at the television screen...I'm starting to love certain characters and I'm starting to hate certain characters and there are things in every episode that make me laugh, have me fighting tears, and just plain piss me off...God, I love this show.

[gbgoodies]

I finally caught up to the current episode, and this show just brings out every emotion in every episode.

I can't believe that Kate broke up with Toby. They seemed like such a great couple. I hope they get back together again.

Hubby and I are on opposite sides of the fence about Randall and his mother. What do you think? Do you think he's wrong to be that angry with her? Should she have told Randall about his real father? Did she have a good reason to keep it from him? Should she at least have told her husband?

Even if he's right to be that angry, I can't believe that he went to her to tell her about his list, but he still left it "out there" until Christmas. I think the writers are just trying to drag it out a little bit more so that the fall finale will be that much more dramatic.

And what do you think about the line "Nothing bad happens on Christmas" in the trailer for the next episode? They're making it look like the doctor who brought Randall to them might die, but I think that might be a red herring. Do you think we'll finally find out what happened to their father?

[Gideon58]

As far as the Randall/Rebecca thing, I see both sides...the scene where Rebecca visited younger William made me understand Rebecca's fear of William visiting Randall, but she DEFINITELY should have told Jack. Leaving Jack in the dark about her knowing William was completely wrong. Rebecca should have told Randall when he got a little older, maybe when he was in high school with an explanation. On the other hand, Randall needed to confront Rebecca immediately about what he was feeling. I don't like the way he took out his anger towards Rebecca on everyone else in his life...the way he shut Kevin and Kate out at the cabin was wrong as was his fantasy confrontation with Jack where he wanted to share his "list" of why he's angry with Rebecca. Frankly, the list was kind of childish but it should have been shared with Rebecca and no one else. Randall is acting like a child right now and letting his anger keep him from healing. He can only heal by confronting Rebecca and he doesn't want to do that right now. Didn't see the trailer for next episode, I watch the show online and they don't show trailers.

[gbgoodies]

I can see both sides of the Randall/Rebecca thing too, but at some point, he was old enough that she should have told him about his father. I understand that she was afraid of losing him, but he deserved to know. What she did was selfish, and IMO, to keep that secret for over 30 years is just inexcusable.

It also could have changed William's life. Maybe if his son was in his life, he would have had a reason to straighten out his life, and he could have had a better life.

I don't know how much the mushrooms had to do with Randall taking out his problems on everyone else. Maybe if he was in his right mind, he would have dealt with the whole issue better, but without the mushrooms, we probably wouldn't have had the scenes with him and Jack, and they were priceless.


This is the promo for next week's episode: (They're usually on YouTube within about 24 hours of the previous episode airing.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZvyXe5qSos

[Gideon58]

This is the promo for next week's episode: (They're usually on YouTube within about 24 hours of the previous episode airing.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZvyXe5qSos

I have a feeling this is the episode where we're going to learn what happened to Jack.

[gbgoodies]

I have a feeling this is the episode where we're going to learn what happened to Jack.


Yeah, I was thinking the same thing.

[Gideon58]

Well, just finished episode 10, which is the last episode until January 10th and I think I'm going to be holding my breath until then. As I finish wiping the tears from eyes, the only thing I can say is that this show is the best thing on television right now and anyone who is not watching it is missing something really really special.

[gbgoodies]

Well, just finished episode 10, which is the last episode until January 10th and I think I'm going to be holding my breath until then. As I finish wiping the tears from eyes, the only thing I can say is that this show is the best thing on television right now and anyone who is not watching it is missing something really really special.


I can't believe they ended the episode like that. I knew that the doctor being in the hospital was a red herring, but I never saw that coming. I really hope he's okay. Like she said "Nothing bad happens on Christmas".

It's going to be a long wait for the January 10th episode. :(

[Gideon58]

I can't believe they ended the episode like that. I knew that the doctor being in the hospital was a red herring, but I never saw that coming. I really hope he's okay. Like she said "Nothing bad happens on Christmas".

It's going to be a long wait for the January 10th episode. :(

I can't believe what they did to Toby! He made that lovely speech to Kate and then they have him collapse? And reveal of the season...William is gay! Who saw that coming?

[gbgoodies]

I can't believe what they did to Toby! He made that lovely speech to Kate and then they have him collapse? And reveal of the season...William is gay! Who saw that coming?


I never saw that coming about William being gay, but that seems to be the new trend. Every show seems to have a main character who comes out as gay, so it's getting less and less shocking when it happens.

[Gideon58]

I didn't think January 10th would ever get here and episode 11 did not disappoint...as usual, I was initially confused by the introduction of Jack and Rebecca's parents, but the reason they were introduced became clear pretty quickly. Jack is absolutely awesome...I cannot believe he went to borrow money from his father and didn't tell him what it was for. This episode was definitely Milo Ventimiglia's finest hour, the most underrated member of the cast. The scene between Rebecca and her mother certainly clarified why Rebecca is the self-absorbed drama queen she is. Randall lost a lot of likability points when he told Kevin that his father was "turning gay" but he got a few back during his final scene with William, which had me fighting tears. So glad that Kevin dumped that bitch Olivia, but of course, he kind of did it for the wrong reasons and Sloane's reaction was believable. Everything with Toby and Kate was awesome too, maybe the most unique marriage proposal I've seen on a TV show. This show continues to be appointment television.

[gbgoodies]

I was so glad to see Toby and Kate back together again, and that it looks like he's going to be okay. I was worried about what might happen to him after the last episode.

I felt so bad for Sloane after she overheard what Kevin said to Olivia. I'm glad that he did the right thing, but I wish she hadn't heard what he said.

Have you seen Milo Ventimiglia in anything else? I loved him as Peter in "Heroes".

[Gideon58]

OK, I've just checked Milo's IMDB page and the only thing that I actually remember seeing him was a recurring role on Gotham, another show I watch regularly. But I am loving him here and Jack is becoming my favorite character on the show.

[Gideon58]

I felt so bad for Sloane after she overheard what Kevin said to Olivia. I'm glad that he did the right thing, but I wish she hadn't heard what he said.



Kevin said the right thing but he didn't say it right...he made it sound like Sloane is an obligation...Kevin needs to engage his brain before he speaks sometimes.

[Gideon58]

OK, just finished episode 12, which was kind of odd, but riveting as always. My first instinct was that I really didn't care about further backstory for the doctor (Gerald McRaney) or the fireman who brought Randall to the hospital, but the doctor's story paid off in spades...extremely moving with superb work from McRaney, who had me fighting tears when he visited his wife in the cemetery and when he talked to her empty chair in his living room. The fireman, I just didn't care and thought it was strange that he thought bringing a newborn baby home could save his marriage. This episode did nothing to endear me to the character of Rebecca...her treatment of Jack in the opening scenes just pissed me off, yeah, I know she's near the end of the pregnancy and all, but Jack didn't deserve any of that abuse and the whole scene of her at the liquor store was just stupid. And it's official, Jack is my favorite character on this show... Milo Ventimiglia is a revelation in this role. My favorite Rebecca moment was when she told the babies how awesome their dad is because he is. The moment where Jack is observed sipping from the "World's Best Dad" mug was perfection because he is.

[gbgoodies]

I haven't watched this week's episode yet, but I wanted to let you know that "This Is Us" was renewed for two more seasons, (18 episodes each). :)

http://deadline.com/2017/01/this-is-us-renewed-nbc-two-seasons-1201889069/

[TheUsualSuspect]

I haven't watched this week's episode yet, but I wanted to let you know that "This Is Us" was renewed for two more seasons, (18 episodes each). :)

http://deadline.com/2017/01/this-is-us-renewed-nbc-two-seasons-1201889069/

My wife and I are glad. Good sign when it gets renewed for not one, but TWO more seasons.

[Gideon58]

Well, episode 13 did not disappoint...I keep thinking this show has to disappoint me at some point, but it just refuses to do so. Loved that Jack and Rebecca tried to throw the triplets separate birthday parties and it didn't work out at all...Jack, as always, was awesome...Milo Ventimiglia was incredible in that scene where he was vogue-ing with Kate and I love that he wanted to have another kid, even if Rebecca didn't want to discuss it. The William/Randall scenes intially pissed me off, but I guess William's bucket list wasn't too serious, even if it came at an inconvenient time for Randall and I'm glad Randall went with it. Also loved the Sophie connection and Justin Hartley NAILED that scene when he asked Sophie for another chance, maybe Hartley's best onscreen moment all season. Not happy about this guy possibly coming between Kate and Toby, but it is fun to see two men fighting over Kate. Wish Jack wasn't going to die but I have a feeling it won't happen until the final episode, whenever that happens.

[gbgoodies]

I was floored when Kevin went to talk to "the love of his life" and Sophie opened the door. I expected her to say that she was married, and see her husband walk up behind her.

I agree with you about this guy getting between Kate and Toby. It might not be so bad if he seemed like a nice guy, but what could she possibly see in that guy over Toby???

The scene with Jack and Kate "vogue-ing" was cute, but I'm not a Madonna fan, so I had never heard that expression before, so I didn't know what they were talking about until I saw them doing it. I don't know if you watch the show "Grimm", but in that show, the word "vogue-ing" has a completely different meaning, and I hope to never see anything like that on this show. :eek: (It's spelled "woge-ing" in "Grimm", but it's pronounced "vogue-ing", just like in this show.)

We still don't know what happened to Jack, but we finally got to see a little bit of his funeral. :bawling:

[mack]

Everyone I know loves this show --- I was thinking it was just another communal family drama like Army Wives. Am I right on that? I liked Army Wives, but I got bored after a few episodes. I "felt" it, but it was too slow and I wasnt riveted by the characters (or their drama).

But I mean the people who love it - LOVE IT.

Worth a try?

[Gideon58]

Episode 14 had me squirming, crying, and yelling back at the TV screen. They really got me to the point where I thought I might actually be able to like Rebecca when she told the leader of her band how awesome her husband is and he is. But they took her likability away at the final moment of the show, though I loved the way they filmed Jack and Rebecca reading their vows...some really beautiful editing really made the final moments of the show quite lovely, despite Rebecca making me hate her again. Justin Hartley was solid as Kevin struggled to get his ex-wife back though it felt like initially he was pushing too hard. Sophie is clearly still in love with Kevin, she's just not sure if she can trust him anymore. I also loved when Kevin talked Marla Gibbs and that guy out of the booth, that scene was too cute. I'm REALLY disappointed in Kate and I hope what we saw begin to happen at the end of the show doesn't really happen. I don't like the way they're making us think that Kate thinks Duke likes her just the way she is and Toby doesn't. Toby never wanted her to go to this camp and never cared how much she weighed and yet she keeps pushing him away. Sterling K Brown made me feel Randall, who is really having trouble dealing with the fact that the end is near for William and I kind of hated that its affecting his job, where he was apparently the big dog, pre-William. God, I love this stupid show, it makes me crazy.

[Gideon58]

Just finished wiping the tears from my face after watching the challenging, edgy, and heartbreaking episode 15...keep waiting for this show to disappoint me and it just gets better with each episode. My hate for Rebecca intensifies with each episode...I wanted to slap her when she told Jack that he was in her way...who the hell does this woman think she is? I hated that she only offered to not go on the tour because she felt the household would fall apart without her for a month. I knew Kate wouldn't sleep with Duke and love everything that happened between Kate and Toby, especially the increasing mystery surrounding Jack's death. Toby was awesome to postpone the wedding until Kate can talk about that. What they're doing to Randall is breaking my heart...I don't know why they all piling all this stuff on him at once and his father was just pissing me off, acting like a child...it was his choice to go off the chemo and now he's suffering the consequences of his actions and blaming everyone else. I felt bad for him initially, but I don't anymore. And between Kevin running out on his opening night to be with Randall and Jack sitting alone with a cheeseburger and onion rings, yeah, I was in tears.

[Gideon58]

They tried something a little different with ep 16 but it worked...I was weeping about ten minutes before the episode even ended...there was Emmy worthy work here from Ron Cephas Jones and especially Sterling K. Brown, whose beautifully internalized work was a a joy to drink in. Also enjoyed an eye-opening guest shot from someone who I think was Malcolm Jamal Warner. God, I love this stupid show that has never failed to mesmerize me every minute it graces my television screen.

[OdumC]

I gave it the three episode test, unfortunately it's a LOT more drama than comedy and I don't usually do dramas.. Life has enough drama without using it for entertainment too..(For me anyways...)

I think the only time I laughed out of the 3 was when the wife was grilling the dad and after it was all said and done just says "Well now i feel like a bitch..."

[gbgoodies]

They tried something a little different with ep 16 but it worked...I was weeping about ten minutes before the episode even ended...there was Emmy worthy work here from Ron Cephas Jones and especially Sterling K. Brown, whose beautifully internalized work was a a joy to drink in. Also enjoyed an eye-opening guest shot from someone who I think was Malcolm Jamal Warner. God, I love this stupid show that has never failed to mesmerize me every minute it graces my television screen.

This was a good episode, but it focused too much on one storyline for me. I like when they flip back and forth though a few different storylines. This storyline was almost brutal to watch at times.


I gave it the three episode test, unfortunately it's a LOT more drama than comedy and I don't usually do dramas.. Life has enough drama without using it for entertainment too..(For me anyways...)

I think the only time I laughed out of the 3 was when the wife was grilling the dad and after it was all said and done just says "Well now i feel like a bitch..."

If you're looking for a comedy, "This Is Us" isn't the show for you. It's a great show, but there's a lot of drama in it.

[Gideon58]

This was a good episode, but it focused too much on one storyline for me. I like when they flip back and forth though a few different storylines. This storyline was almost brutal to watch at times.

I was a little concerned when I realized the whole show was going to be all about William and Randall, which was about 10 minutes in, but I found the show really enjoyable with Emmy worthy work from Sterling K Brown. BTW, was that Malcolm Jamal Warner playing the guy in the bar who played in William's band?

[TheUsualSuspect]

Knowing that this was going to be William and Randal centric really gives away how it was going to end. Still,an emotional episode and I did not mind the fact that it was a departure from the norm. Sometimes it's nice to have a different flow, this was it. I felt like the character deserved the time of an episode to be dedicated to him and his life, which we got, which was really well done.

I felt so sorry for his younger self.

[OdumC]

If you're looking for a comedy, "This Is Us" isn't the show for you. It's a great show, but there's a lot of drama in it.It's a good show, the acting was top notch... I just went into it thinking it was a Comedy/Drama based on all the descriptions and after the first couple was thinking "Someone completely left the comedy out..."

Like I said, as life has enough drama, I try to watch escapism stuff, Comedy, Sci-Fi etc..

It was good to see Justin Hartley and Milo working again.. I think they both got short changed career wise being anchored to cancelled superhero shows.

[gbgoodies]

I was a little concerned when I realized the whole show was going to be all about William and Randall, which was about 10 minutes in, but I found the show really enjoyable with Emmy worthy work from Sterling K Brown. BTW, was that Malcolm Jamal Warner playing the guy in the bar who played in William's band?


I wouldn't recognize Malcolm Jamal Warner, but according to IMDB, he's not listed in the episode.

[Gideon58]

I wouldn't recognize Malcolm Jamal Warner, but according to IMDB, he's not listed in the episode.

He sure looked like him.

[I_Wear_Pants]

Yeah, Wifey and I have been watching it from the get-go, though we haven't seen past episode 11. Our living situation changed, but at least it's on On Demand. It's quite good. The "past" parts get a little stale at times, and Kevin is a moron, but it's good.

[Gideon58]

OK, Ep 17 absolutely DESTROYED me...I actually started crying during the scene between Randall and the mailman and was pretty much in tears for the rest of the episode. I was a little surprised at how close Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) had gotten to William...that scene where she talked about refilling William's prescriptions and her speech at the funeral were heartbreaking. It was inspired of William to have his granddaughters plan his service and they NAILED it...loved the walk with the old man hats, which led to Rebecca's long overdue apology to Randall, which was pretty pointless at this point. I guess they're trying to evoke some sympathy for Rebecca, but that ship has sailed. I was kind of amused that they tried to make us think that Jack would even contemplate cheating on Rebecca...there was never any doubt in my mind that Jack would NEVER cheat on Rebecca. I loved when Sophie came to Kevin's dressing room and said she wanted to see "Wicked". Am looking forward to learning about Sophie's issues with Kevin's family, not to mention the HUGE reveal that Kate is responsible for Jack's death...did not see that coming. I also wish that when Randall quit his job and they asked him what he was going to do that he would have quoted William and said he was going to roll down the window and turn the music up. God, I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

I've been waiting for an episode all season focusing on my favorite character, Jack and, of course, they nailed it. Ep 18 was mesmerizing thanks to some really solid writing and brilliant work from the amazing Milo Ventimiglia as Jack. It was nice to see younger Jack and more exposure to his troubled relationship with his dad (Peter Onorati). That whole poker game thing was upsetting...can't believe Jack thought he could win 1 pot and just leave the game. The other reason I LOVED this episode is because it didn't go anywhere I was expecting it go. Clues to certain storylines had been dropped in the last couple of episodes and I was pretty sure I knew exactly what was going to happen during this episode and I was totally wrong, but no less mesmerized. Since two more seasons of 18 episodes have already been ordered, I have a feeling that this might have been the season finale. I'm going to go insane waiting six months waiting for season 2. God, I love this stupid show.

[Holden Pike]

Did I somehow miss or simply forget the detail that Jack is a Vietnam veteran? I have not gone back to rewatch the earlier episodes yet, but when they said it in the season finale I was like huh, wait, what? It isn't that important to the overall story, just a backstory detail, but I did not remember them divulging that before.

As for the "fake out" of still not finding out how he dies, it is more than a little damn cheap. It's still a great and engrossing show, but this is bullsh!t. The way the flashbacks are generally structured, what is happening in the current timeline with the adult kids is reflected to something that either their parents went through or that links to their childhood experiences. For there to be a major death and funeral without seeing how they all dealt with Jack's death is the big cheat now, structurally. For everything else we get parallels, but for THE most important thing, the single event that most changed the courses of their lives as adults, for THAT we still have to pretend it is a mystery?

It's bullsh!t. To even stretch it out until the eighteenth episode was already cheating, but at least understandable in terms of what you would hold back for a season finale. To make us wait probably most of a second season, that is really insincere and manipulative in a way the rest of the show isn't. Parsing out information slowly and not making all the connections obvious has been the show's strength from the "twist" of the very first episode. But to continue to keep this big a detail hidden is becoming annoying. To me, anyway.


But, as I say, still a great show.

29424

[gbgoodies]

I've been waiting for an episode all season focusing on my favorite character, Jack and, of course, they nailed it. Ep 18 was mesmerizing thanks to some really solid writing and brilliant work from the amazing Milo Ventimiglia as Jack. It was nice to see younger Jack and more exposure to his troubled relationship with his dad (Peter Onorati). That whole poker game thing was upsetting...can't believe Jack thought he could win 1 pot and just leave the game. The other reason I LOVED this episode is because it didn't go anywhere I was expecting it go. Clues to certain storylines had been dropped in the last couple of episodes and I was pretty sure I knew exactly what was going to happen during this episode and I was totally wrong, but no less mesmerized. Since two more seasons of 18 episodes have already been ordered, I have a feeling that this might have been the season finale. I'm going to go insane waiting six months waiting for season 2. God, I love this stupid show.

Did I somehow miss or simply forget the detail that Jack is a Vietnam veteran? I have not gone back to rewatch the earlier episodes yet, but when they said it in the season finale I was like huh, wait, what? It isn't that important to the overall story, just a backstory detail, but I did not remember them divulging that before.

As for the "fake out" of still not finding out how he dies, it is more than a little damn cheap. It's still a great and engrossing show, but this is bullsh!t. The way the flashbacks are generally structured, what is happening in the current timeline with the adult kids is reflected to something that either their parents went through or that links to their childhood experiences. For there to be a major death and funeral without seeing how they all dealt with Jack's death is the big cheat now, structurally. For everything else we get parallels, but for THE most important thing, the single event that most changed the courses of their lives as adults, for THAT we still have to pretend it is a mystery?

It's bullsh!t. To even stretch it out until the eighteenth episode was already cheating, but at least understandable in terms of what you would hold back for a season finale. To make us wait probably most of a second season, that is really insincere and manipulative in a way the rest of the show isn't. Parsing out information slowly and not making all the connections obvious has been the show's strength from the "twist" of the very first episode. But to continue to keep this big a detail hidden is becoming annoying. To me, anyway.


But, as I say, still a great show.


I love this show, but I'm with Holden on this episode. I felt cheated. In the last episode, they hinted heavily at where this episode was going, and they didn't go anywhere near there. I expected to find out what happened to Jack, and why Kate thinks it was her fault, but they left us hanging. :mad:

[Gideon58]

Did I somehow miss or simply forget the detail that Jack is a Vietnam veteran?

I'm pretty sure that this was the first time this has been mentioned.

[Gideon58]

For those who may not have heard, the show received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series and Sterling K. Brown, Milo Ventimiglia, Ron Cephas Jones, and Gerald McRaney all have been nominated for their work on the show. None of the ladies were nominated.

[gbgoodies]

For those who may not have heard, the show received an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Drama Series and Sterling K. Brown, Milo Ventimiglia, Ron Cephas Jones, and Gerald McRaney all have been nominated for their work on the show. None of the ladies were nominated.


Chrissy Metz was nominated for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Also, there were several people nominated for Guest Actor in a Drama Series:
Denis O’Hare (“This Is Us” — “Last Christmas”)
Brian Tyree Henry (“This Is Us” — “Memphis”)
Gerald McRaney (“This Is Us” — “The Big Day”)

[Gideon58]

Chrissy Metz was nominated for Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.

Also, there were several people nominated for Guest Actor in a Drama Series:
Denis O’Hare (“This Is Us” — “Last Christmas”)
Brian Tyree Henry (“This Is Us” — “Memphis”)
Gerald McRaney (“This Is Us” — “The Big Day”)

Yeah, I found out later Chrissy was nominated...I had bad information on another site.

[Gideon58]

OK, just finished watching the season 2 premiere and this show continues to be appointment television at its finest. I was surprised that I got through most of the show without crying and then the last five minutes of the show happened and the water works started. I was shocked at Randall's blindness about this adoption and that he really didn't seem to care that Beth wasn't on board until they got to the agency. LOVED everything that happened between Toby and Kevin and I'm hoping that they can co-exist. I was really pissed when Kate walked out on that audition because I'm tired of Kate running away every time she walks into a room of skinny women, but what happened when she went back to the audition was brilliantly realistic. I'm loving the fleshing out of Beth's character, the way she spoke to Randall and William in this episode without filter was something I didn't notice the first season. Milo Ventimiglia was nothing short of brilliant in that scene where Jack confessed to Rebecca that he has a drinking problem, but I think he messed up when he tried to buy a singing job for Rebecca, the first serious error in judgment I have seen this character make. My feelings about Rebecca have not changed since season one and it is clear that she doesn't have a clue about the disease of alcoholism but if the writers do their homework about the disease, Rebecca is going to get seriously schooled.

[Gideon58]

Just like the season 2 premiere, I managed to get through episode two without crying until the last five minutes. And I don't think it's a coincidence that Milo Ventimiglia was involved in both triggers of the water works. Ventigmilia is an amazing actor and I'm probably one of the few fans of the show who wanted Milo to win the Emmy a few weeks ago instead of Sterling K. Brown. Am loving this intimate look at the relationship between Jack and young Kate and can't wait to see its connection to why Kate feels responsible for her father's death. LOVED everything that happened between Kate and Rebecca too...Rebecca continues to be the most self-absorbed character on prime time television and loved when Toby put her in her place. Randall's fears about adopting an older child with "issues" make no sense at all. This show has bent over backwards in making us believe that Randall is the show's most intelligent character...for someone like Randall to be having fears like this was just stupid. Susan Kelechi Watson continues to nail the new filter-less quality to her character. I also have to say another thing I liked about this episode is that it provided a lot more laughs than this show usually does without losing any of the quality that makes this show so awesome. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Episode 3 contained a couple of pleasant surprises...this is the first episode in a long time where Rebecca (Mandy Moore) was actually thinking about someone other than herself...her dedication to helping Jack is well-intentioned, but she still seems blissfully unaware that this is something Jack has to do on his own. The other surprise for me was Justin Hartley as Kevin...it has become fashionable to diss Hartley's acting ability, especially working with acting powerhouses like Sterling K. Brown and Milo Ventimiglia, but he was given some meaty stuff to play in this episode and he delivered...this episode was the first to offer insight into the effect of Jack's death on Kevin, but Hartley really delivered the goods and I loved everything with Kate and Sly Stallone too. I found Deja's reaction to the news about her mother a little much, with her mother's history this shouldn't have been such a shock, but Randall and Beth's handling of the situation was perfection. God, I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Elizabeth Perkins was quite convincing in the unsympathetic role of Rebecca's mother, which offered some insight into why Rebecca is the way she is. I have to admit Mandy Moore played that scene that concluded with her calling her mother a racist, though I really didn't buy young Randall's cluelessness about the whole thing. It has been fun watching know it all adult Randall being clueless as to how to handle Deja. I loved the look on Beth's face when Deja asked Beth to do her hair and I loved Randall's final attempt to connect with Deja being a total disaster. Justin Hartley was solid as we saw the connection between young Kevin's football career and his current acting career. I loved how upset he was to learn one of his lines was given to someone else and how Toby didn't think it was a big deal. Only people who ever acted would understand that. It was also awesome seeing Brian Grazer in front of the camera, I hope it won't be the last time, though I have a feeling Ron had to BEG him to do it. And I must confess that episode 4 of Season 2 was the first one I've gotten through without shedding a tear. I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Some people were disappointed with episode 4 and for those who were, I hope they felt episode 5 was back on track because I enjoyed it. Loved every move Chrissy Metz made during this episode as Kate, especially confessing her pregnancy to Toby and her parking lot fight with Madison. Glad we finally got details about Deja's abuse...i loved the camerawork in that scene, photographing Randall from inside the bathroom stall. Also loved Jack and Rebecca's conversation with Jack on the walkie talker...as always, Milo Ventigimilia NAILED that scene. Though well played, I'm really not liking where they're taking Kevin...this guy deserves a break, even though the writers seem to be sending a message that life isn't a bowl of roses just because you're pretty, but Kevin deserves a break. I like him and I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Episode 6 really drove home two things about this show that I really love. Number one, that due to the way that the show is set-up, it is absolutely impossible to predict what is going to happen from week to week and number two, the writers are fearless about occasionally showing these characters we have grown to love in not-so-flattering lights. We got our first glimpse of Randall and Beth prior to the birth of their children and every move Sterling K. Brown's Randall made in this episode made me squirm, especially his big confession to the store employee which just came off as false and affected. Really didn't understand the point of showing a past affair of Kate's with a married man either. I also wasn't thrilled to see Kevin try to steal his roommate's part in a movie, though I understand how desperate an unemployed actor can be, just didn't see it coming from Kevin. I was also completely creeped out when Miguel responded IMMEDIATELY to Rebecca posting that picture of her grandchild on facebook...I always knew he was obsessed with Rebecca but his response to that picture was just WAY too quick...stalker much?

[gbgoodies]

"This Is Us" is easily one of the best shows on TV. I think Toby is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. I loved the way he stood up to Rebecca after Kate told her off after she sang, and I loved his "performance" when Kate told him it was okay to tell people about her pregnancy. I like him so much that it kind of bothered me a little bit when Kate slept with a married man because it almost felt like she was cheating on him, (even though it was probably well before they even met).

I think we're starting to see a little of Jack in Kevin. Kevin seems to be addicted to his pain pills, just like his father was addicted to alcohol. I hope that alcohol didn't factor into Jack's death because Kevin seems to be following down a similar path right now. And I hated that Kevin tried to steal his friend's part, and I thought the director's response to it was perfect. I hope Kevin learned something from the director and his friend's reactions.

I don't know how I feel about Deja yet. First I didn't like her, then I started to like her, but I'm still on the fence about her. I like how hard it is for Randall to figure out how to deal with her. He seems to be so intelligent and on top of everything that it's kind of interesting to see him struggling with something for a change. We're starting to see some other cracks in his armor, like when he couldn't install the ceiling fan, but he was wonderful when his wife went into labor early, and he had to deliver the baby.

BTW, did we know before this season that Jack had a brother? I don't remember hearing anything about him before we saw the two of them as kids in the car waiting for their father.

[Gideon58]

"This Is Us" is easily one of the best shows on TV. I think Toby is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. I loved the way he stood up to Rebecca after Kate told her off after she sang, and I loved his "performance" when Kate told him it was okay to tell people about her pregnancy. I like him so much that it kind of bothered me a little bit when Kate slept with a married man because it almost felt like she was cheating on him, (even though it was probably well before they even met).

I think we're starting to see a little of Jack in Kevin. Kevin seems to be addicted to his pain pills, just like his father was addicted to alcohol. I hope that alcohol didn't factor into Jack's death because Kevin seems to be following down a similar path right now. And I hated that Kevin tried to steal his friend's part, and I thought the director's response to it was perfect. I hope Kevin learned something from the director and his friend's reactions.

I don't know how I feel about Deja yet. First I didn't like her, then I started to like her, but I'm still on the fence about her. I like how hard it is for Randall to figure out how to deal with her. He seems to be so intelligent and on top of everything that it's kind of interesting to see him struggling with something for a change. We're starting to see some other cracks in his armor, like when he couldn't install the ceiling fan, but he was wonderful when his wife went into labor early, and he had to deliver the baby.

BTW, did we know before this season that Jack had a brother? I don't remember hearing anything about him before we saw the two of them as kids in the car waiting for their father.


Yeah, the reveal about Jack having a brother was a surprise to me too...seemed to come from nowhere.

[Gideon58]

For the most part, episode 7 was a big improvement over the last two, which actually found me shedding tears twice...I lost it when Deja confessed that she had been saving money to put on her mother's books and I also lost it during Toby's marriage proposal, though I did find his conversation with Jack's ashes a little forced and creepy. The scene between Randall and Deja's mother was absolutely brilliant...I clearly understood what was going on on both sides of the glass. Loved when guest star Debra Jo Rupp told off Randall too. Absolutely hate what they're doing to Kevin but I understand it and Just in Hartley is killing it. Didn't really get the point of going all the way back to Jack and Rebecca adopting Randall, though it did offer the opportunity for a classy turn for guest star Delroy Lindo, but wasn't this material basically covered in the episode 5 with Elizabeth Perkins as Rebecca's mother?

[gbgoodies]

For the most part, episode 7 was a big improvement over the last two, which actually found me shedding tears twice...I lost it when Deja confessed that she had been saving money to put on her mother's books and I also lost it during Toby's marriage proposal, though I did find his conversation with Jack's ashes a little forced and creepy. The scene between Randall and Deja's mother was absolutely brilliant...I clearly understood what was going on on both sides of the glass. Loved when guest star Debra Jo Rupp told off Randall too. Absolutely hate what they're doing to Kevin but I understand it and Justin Hartley is killing it. Didn't really get the point of going all the way back to Jack and Rebecca adopting Randall, though it did offer the opportunity for a classy turn for guest star Delroy Lindo, but wasn't this material basically covered in the episode 5 with Elizabeth Perkins as Rebecca's mother?


I loved Toby's marriage proposal. As soon as they started talking about all the things that she was going to avoid by having a simple wedding, I knew that he was going to propose and they would have a big wedding. He wasn't going to let her miss out on everything she wanted just because she was scared of it.

I think the point of going back to Randall's adoption was to compare his adoption with what's happening with Deja now. I think they're trying to show us that his parents didn't have an easy time adopting him, and he's going to have some growing pains with Deja, but he'll get through it, just like they did.

And I think they're doing something similar with Kevin. They're showing his struggles with addiction to pain killers, just like Jack struggled with an addiction to alcohol. The show is coming full circle. However I don't like that they had Kevin try to steal his friend's part, but I think that was a learning experience for him because he got past that, tried improv, and eventually, (hopefully), we'll see how he got his part as "The Manny".

I want to know what happened with Jack's death, and why Kate thinks that it's her fault.

[Gideon58]

I, too, am dying to know why Kate feels responsible for Jack's death.

[Gideon58]

Any fears of this show suffering from "Sophomore-itis" were put to rest with episode 8,which was edgy and brilliant, easily the best one of the season, though I find myself questioning the motivation behind it. I hate what they're doing to Kevin, but I can't help wondering if Justin Hartley's lack of attention during award season has something to do with all this attention on Hartley's character, but Hartley is appearing to be up to the job and with the help some vividly imaginative directing and scripting, the scenes of adult Kevin mingling with teen flashbacks were extremely effective, not to mention the digs at celebrity obsession...loved everyone wanting to know if Kevin's beard was for a movie, and more importantly, their complete oblivion to Kevin's speech about not deserving the award. Loved everything that happened between Jack and teen Kevin, it was notice to see Jack actually doing the discipline thing like a real father. These scenes offered long awaited insight into the relationship between Jack and Kevin, not to mention Kevin and Randall and young Randall's unconditional love for Kevin no matter how badly Kevin treats him. I hate that Kate lost her baby and I hate the way they did it, but for the most part, this episode was on the money...I love this stupid show.

[gbgoodies]

Any fears of this show suffering from "Sophomore-itis" were put to rest with episode 8,which was edgy and brilliant, easily the best one of the season, though I find myself questioning the motivation behind it. I hate what they're doing to Kevin, but I can't help wondering if Justin Hartley's lack of attention during award season has something to do with all this attention on Hartley's character, but Hartley is appearing to be up to the job and with the help some vividly imaginative directing and scripting, the scenes of adult Kevin mingling with teen flashbacks were extremely effective, not to mention the digs at celebrity obsession...loved everyone wanting to know if Kevin's beard was for a movie, and more importantly, their complete oblivion to Kevin's speech about not deserving the award. Loved everything that happened between Jack and teen Kevin, it was notice to see Jack actually doing the discipline thing like a real father. These scenes offered long awaited insight into the relationship between Jack and Kevin, not to mention Kevin and Randall and young Randall's unconditional love for Kevin no matter how badly Kevin treats him. I hate that Kate lost her baby and I hate the way they did it, but for the most part, this episode was on the money...I love this stupid show.


I hope they do something to turn Kevin around soon because I hate what they're doing to him. He needs help, and I hope that's why he went to Randall at the end of the episode. He was going to tell Randall something before Randall dropped the news about Kate's baby.

It's heartbreaking that Kate lost the baby, but I think they could have found a better way to tell us. The whole episode centered around Kevin, and then they hit us with the bad news. They never gave us a chance to care about the baby enough to be upset that she lost it. It was shocking, but not as upsetting as it could have been if they centered the episode around Kate and Toby, and how happy they were to be having the baby.

[Gideon58]

I was not happy with the way we learned about Kate losing the baby in ep 8, but I should have known that we would get a closer look at what happened in ep 9, an episode that had me in tears from the moment Rebecca showed up at Kate's door. Solid work from Chrissy Metz and especially Chris Sullivan as Toby. Loved the lengths he went to in order to keep that baby bath from being delivered. Wanted to slap Rebecca when she started going through Kate's stuff, we're getting a lot more insight into Kate's resentment of her mother and it was driven home by that ridiculous yellow onion scene...Mandy Moore is no Shirley MacLaine. But what I loved most was the way these events were integrated into what we saw in ep 8. God, I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 10 was a mixed bag, a richly entertaining mixed bag, but a mixed bag nonetheless. Before I talk about this episode specifically, i must applaud the extraordinary writing team for the last three episodes, creating a striking and imaginative story arc that was a master class in writing continuity...how they managed to tell separate but connect stories about Kevin, Kate, and Randall as teenagers and connect them to their present lives was absolutely brilliant. As for ep 10, I was impressed with the realism of Randall losing Deja...courts are always prone to siding with biological parents in such situations and I liked that the writers were aware of that. I didn't really buy the instant family they turned Deja and the Piersons into into order to heighten the drama when Deja's mother arrived and Randall's crocodile tears during her departure were a little over the top. I was also a little surprised to see how young William was initially involved with young Randall's life and I really didn't buy Randall's instant acceptance of the guys at Howard just because it was an all black school, but I'm nitpicking a pretty solid hour. I love this stupid show.

[gbgoodies]

I was not happy with the way we learned about Kate losing the baby in ep 8, but I should have known that we would get a closer look at what happened in ep 9, an episode that had me in tears from the moment Rebecca showed up at Kate's door. Solid work from Chrissy Metz and especially Chris Sullivan as Toby. Loved the lengths he went to in order to keep that baby bath from being delivered. Wanted to slap Rebecca when she started going through Kate's stuff, we're getting a lot more insight into Kate's resentment of her mother and it was driven home by that ridiculous yellow onion scene...Mandy Moore is no Shirley MacLaine. But what I loved most was the way these events were integrated into what we saw in ep 8. God, I love this stupid show.


I knew that Kate wouldn't take losing the baby well, but I hated the way she treated Toby. She acted like she was the only one hurting, and I was glad that he stood up to her and told her that she was wrong. If she only knew what he went through to make sure that she never saw that package, she might have acted a lot nicer to him. But it's things like that that make me love Toby so much.

[gbgoodies]

Ep 10 was a mixed bag, a richly entertaining mixed bag, but a mixed bag nonetheless. Before I talk about this episode specifically, i must applaud the extraordinary writing team for the last three episodes, creating a striking and imaginative story arc that was a master class in writing continuity...how they managed to tell separate but connect stories about Kevin, Kate, and Randall as teenagers and connect them to their present lives was absolutely brilliant. As for ep 10, I was impressed with the realism of Randall losing Deja...courts are always prone to siding with biological parents in such situations and I liked that the writers were aware of that. I didn't really buy the instant family they turned Deja and the Piersons into into order to heighten the drama when Deja's mother arrived and Randall's crocodile tears during her departure were a little over the top. I was also a little surprised to see how young William was initially involved with young Randall's life and I really didn't buy Randall's instant acceptance of the guys at Howard just because it was an all black school, but I'm nitpicking a pretty solid hour. I love this stupid show.


Would you expect anything less than brilliance from the writers of this show?

I thought Randall would have put up more of a fight to keep Deja, but I guess he realized that it was useless, and they were going to lose her no matter how hard they fought. Randall made a nice offer to help them, so maybe we'll see more of Deja and her mother in future episodes. Either way, I think there will probably be another foster kid in Randall's home soon.

I understand why Randall wanted to visit Howard University, but I can't imagine him choosing to go there over Harvard. He's too smart for that. (I hope.)

[Gideon58]

As expected, the return of the best show on network television was an emotional roller coaster. For months now, this show has been trying to infuse some sympathy into the Rebecca character and ep 11 may finally begun that process during her final scene. Don't get me wrong...I still hate her, I hate that she couldn't think of a childhood moment with Kevin during therapy and that she was completely unapologetic about not telling the children that Jack was a drinker. Yes, the children may have been too young to understand alcoholism, but at some point Rebecca should have sat the kids down and told them their dad was sick. Kate Burton was excellent as the therapist. Loved when Kate, Ranadall, and Kevin met after and apologized to each other without actually apologizing. Also loved the non-blood Pearsons bonding in the bar and I couldn't stop laughing when they said Jack looked like a 70's porn star. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Maybe I was premature when I stated this show wasn't suffering from Sophomore-itis because there were definitely signs of it in ep 12. The writers seem to be getting a little full of themselves, thinking that anything they throw a us is going to be accepted. Everything with Randal and Clooney the cat was a waste of screentime. Just didn't care about Clooney and I didn't like the fact that Randal was SO thrilled at the possibility that his father might have been bisexual. Loved when Beth told Randall to come down from space and join her on earth. The voice the writers have given Beth this season continues to be very entertaining. LOVED everything that happened with Kate and Madison though...Madison's story just might be more compelling than Kate's and when Miguel told Kevin that he didn't love Rebecca until after Jack's death, he wasn't the least bit convincing. Not a great episode, didn't shed a tear for the first time in quite awhile, but I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Some solid acting saved ep 13 from being rather predictable except for an ending intended to shock. I see two storylines beginning that can only lead to disaster both centered around married people also working together. Randall is already driving Beth up a wall and no good can come of Jack and Rebecca working together. And they need to ditch Garret Morris, the character is beyond annoying, Though I did enjoy every single moment Jack had onscreen...this is the perfect marriage of actor and character and still my favorite character on the show...it was so sweet watching his dream of a family superbowl Sunday turn to dross but the way he dealt with it was quietly classy. I'm still having trouble figuring out what year the Jack/Rebecca story takes place. Teen Kate has a poster for Buffy the Vampire Slayer on her wall, which was released in 1992, yet Teen Kevin and teen Sophie were watching The Princess Bride, which was released in 1987. And that fire...let's talk about that fire...are we FINALLY going to learn how Jack died and why Kate feels responsible. I'm thinking it has something to do with her dog trauma that almost kept her from bringing home the absolutely delicious Audio. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Well they made us wait a year and a half for it and I didn't think I would make it,but for the most part, it was worth the wait. Ep 14 finally revealed how Jack died and I was impressed that it didn't go exactly the way it had been hinted at in previous episodes. Watching the present day Piersons "celebrate" the day was definitely a mixed bag...Randall said he was celebrating his dad's death but he, as usual, was making it all about him and I think Kate feeling that Jack's death is her fault and her reaction to the tape getting stuck in the VCR was ridiculous. One thing this episode did do that they failed to do for me is imbue Rebecca with some sympathy. I loved the scene where Rebecca got the news and her first impulse was to bite into her candy bar. The most heartfelt reaction to the day came from Kevin IMO. His conversation with Jack was terrific. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

The last two episodes have confirmed why Jack is my favorite character and how perfect Milo Ventimiglia is so perfect in the role. I was afraid when it was first revealed that Jack was dead that it would limit his screentime but it seems to have had the exact opposite effect..."how does Jack die?" had become the new "Who shot JR?" for awhile. Ep 15 was a bit of mixed bag but the good outweighed the bad. I loved when Jack made teen Randall and teen Kevin walk home. I think Kate's guilt about her father's death is stupid and a waste of screentime. Now she wants to get rid of the dog? Please. The return of Gerald McRaney's character smacked of convenience. I bet the return never would have happened if McRaney hadn't won an Emmy last season. And Jack's final speech to the car salesman was SO corny and I don't think any car salesman IRL would have fallen for that. Nevertheless, I still love this stupid show.

[gbgoodies]

I finally found the time to catch up with this show, and with this thread. I'm glad they finally showed us how Jack died, and that they didn't just take the easy road and make it obvious. Even though we could see it coming, it still pulled at the heartstrings and made me cry. (It reminded me of the episode of "Ghost Whisperer" when her husband died.)

I never for a second thought that Jack wouldn't go back in to save the dog, and someone needs to tell Kate that it's not her fault. Jack heard the dog bark, and he went back in. It's just not in his nature to know the dog is in there, and ignore the barking without at least trying to save the dog. I understand why Kate feels responsible, but it's not her fault.

I loved seeing Gerald McRaney as the doctor again, I just wish it were for a better reason.

And Gideon58, just in case you think we'll be seeing less of Jack now that they've done the big reveal, I just want to let you know that the trailer for the next episode said that "Jack's story has just begun".

[Gideon58]

Episode 16 was a mixed bag of what is, still arguably the best show on network television. I actually found everything revolving around the Pierson family and Kevin whining about the cornish hens pretty dull. The two characters that made this episode sizzle were Beth and Toby. I love that Beth continues to speak her mind with Randall though I wasn't crazy about the fact that Randall was right about Deja. Didn't expect this show to be so predictable. Very disappointed with Randall and Kevin blowing Toby off during his bachelor party. Glad Kevin and Randall made up for it and am I the only one who knew Kevin was not cut out of Ron Howard's movie? I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

After Ep 17, it can no longer be denied that this show is suffering from sophomore-itis. Honestly, Deja's backstory was of no interest to me and this episode confirmed that. The attempt to connect Deja's over the top story to the other families on the show just came off as pat, contrived, and very hard to swallow, I guess this episode was supposed to evoke some sympathy for Deja and Shauna but the effect was just the opposite for me. Shauna's transformation from the teen mom who didn't even want to hold her newborn to the struggling mom who thought Deja was the sun and the moon just didn't work for me. Did love Pam Grier's cameo as Shuana's grandmother though. Deja's whole story of moving through the foster system was just too much of everything. There was one beautiful piece of continuity that I loved...LOVED that moment when Deja was cooking alone in the kitchen and the TV in the next room was showing an episode of THE MANNY...just brilliant, I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

OK, I'm totally over Kate. This obsession with her dad is approaching creepy territory. This woman is about to marry the most terrific guy ever and all she can think about is her father. She left everybody hours before the wedding so she could get her dad's favorite ice cream to serve at the wedding? I understand a lot of what Kate was going through here, but I didn't understand her need to not tell ANYONE what she was doing. It was selfish and weird. And that flashback where pre-teen Kate asked Jack if she could marry him made me throw up in my mouth a little bit. On the plus side, the scene with Toby and his parents (Dan Lauria, Wendie Malick) was brilliant. I love that we're getting more backstory on Toby...the reveal that he's on meds was heartbreaking....this was the first time this was revealed correct? I'm also over that little teenage bitch Deja, her behavior at that wedding was unacceptable. Oh, and Kate's wedding dress was gorgeous. Despite everything said here, I will continue to love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Just finished watching the season 3 premiere which contained a surprising amount of pretension in the writing that made for some confused goings at times. OK, first off I need someone to explain the whole Franco Harris thing and what it had to do with these characters we already know and love. On the positive side, I absolutely LOVED the first meeting and first date between Jack and Rebecca and I loved that it was an absolute disaster. Jack's speech in the car coming home from the carnival was brilliant and it was great seeing Milo Ventimiglia sans goatee. He looked 10 years younger and not like a 70's porn star. I felt bad for Kate and Toby when they received their news but the way Kate brought down her birthday luncheon was wrong and made any sympathy I had for her fade away. I'm so tired of Kate wallowing in self-pity and this was just another example and the fact that the doctor changed her mind at the end didn't make me feel any better. Speaking of wallowing in self-pity, I'm also sick of Daija and her constant whining about her parents not loving her. Why can't she just accept her new family and forget the past? The look on Randall's face when she got upset with him comparing his life to hers was heartbreaking. Sterling K Brown is an amazing actor. I'm also looking forward to finding out why such a positive and outgoing character like Toby is on anti-depressants. Oh, and Kevin and Beth's cousin has disaster written all over it.
I still love this stupid show.

[gbgoodies]

Just finished watching the season 3 premiere which contained a surprising amount of pretension in the writing that made for some confused goings at times. OK, first off I need someone to explain the whole Franco Harris thing and what it had to do with these characters we already know and love.

I had no idea who Franco Harris was when I saw the episode, so I Googled him. (I thought he was going to be a fictitious player who was just made up for this show, but apparently he's a real person, and a real ex-football player.)

According to Google, he made an amazing "miracle" touchdown in a Super Bowl game back in the 1970s, and that play won the game for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I think that's supposed to be the connection to the show. Maybe it's a comparison to Jack and Rebecca's relationship working, even though she seemed to be with another guy when Jack showed up. Or maybe it connects to Kate and Toby trying to have a baby, even though they only have a 10% chance of success. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.


On the positive side, I absolutely LOVED the first meeting and first date between Jack and Rebecca and I loved that it was an absolute disaster. Jack's speech in the car coming home from the carnival was brilliant and it was great seeing Milo Ventimiglia sans goatee. He looked 10 years younger and not like a 70's porn star.

I felt so bad for Jack when he didn't have enough money to buy her an umbrella. I kept hoping that he would tell her the truth, and she would understand. I was glad that he finally told her, and it wasn't "too little, too late". Now we just have to see how he gets rid of the other guy.


I felt bad for Kate and Toby when they received their news but the way Kate brought down her birthday luncheon was wrong and made any sympathy I had for her fade away. I'm so tired of Kate wallowing in self-pity and this was just another example and the fact that the doctor changed her mind at the end didn't make me feel any better.

I was hoping that maybe this would have been a "wake-up call" for Kate to realize that she has to lose weight for her health, but they didn't go in that direction. I wasn't happy that the doctor changed her mind either. I thought that was too predictable, and the wrong decision, but I love seeing how much Toby loves her, but sometimes I think he deserves better than her.


Speaking of wallowing in self-pity, I'm also sick of Daija and her constant whining about her parents not loving her. Why can't she just accept her new family and forget the past? The look on Randall's face when she got upset with him comparing his life to hers was heartbreaking. Sterling K Brown is an amazing actor.

I think they're finally moving Deja's character in a better direction. She seems to be starting to give up on her real parents and accept her new family. Hopefully she'll be more likable now because they've upgraded her to a regular character on the show this season.


I'm also looking forward to finding out why such a positive and outgoing character like Toby is on anti-depressants.

I'm dying to find out what's going on with him. I just hope that he makes it through whatever it is okay. He's one of my favorite characters on the show.


Oh, and Kevin and Beth's cousin has disaster written all over it.

I don't have much hope for them as a couple either.


I still love this stupid show.

Me too. :)

[Gideon58]

Just finished Season 3 Ep 2, a rich and complicated hour with the Piersons. Got a lot of insight into Randall during this episode...he said it best himself. He's either trying too hard or not trying hard enough. He can never find that balance. I liked that he went to see that city councilman about fixing up that rec center, though I don't think a real life councilman would have been that cooperative. There were some strong moments with teen Randall too...even though Rebecca is not my favorite person, he was totally out of place speaking to her that way and I was very disappointed with him deciding not to go to Howard. He seems to think he's the only one who can save Kevin and Kate. The hurt that he felt when he learned what Kate said at the premiere was palpable and came right through the television screen. I loved when Toby told off Rebecca but I'm REALLY worried about him. Sterling K Brown continues to be one of the best actors on network television right now. I've probably mentioned this before, but after this episode, I have to say it again. I must applaud the casting people for the casting of teen Kevin, teen Kevin, and teen Kate...they are practically mirror images of Justin Hartley, Sterling K Brown, and Chrissy Metz. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 3 was a mixed bag which I had definite issues with...Kate's whole out of body experience was creepy and weird. Once again, we are bombarded with Kate's slightly unnatural attachment to Jack and watching the younger Kates making fun of her was just not entertaining to me. I understand why they were doing it but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Kate needs to put her feelings in perspective about her father and move on with her life. On the other hand, I was totally behind Kevin wanting to find out about his father because Kevin's relationship with Jack as a child was always very surface and I hope it's not too late. I loved when he sent that e-mail to Mr. Robinson and the actor playing Mr. Robinson was Charles Robinson. This was also the first episode where I saw my favorite character, Jack, make a wrong move. Even though his intentions were golden, Jack was wrong to make his mother move out of her home. It would have been one thing if she wanted to leave and asked for Jack's help, but that was not Jack's decision to make. And the whole Jack and Rebecca taking such a long and winding road to get to each other is wearing thin...did we really have to watch Rebecca in shop class in high school? And her waffling between Jack and that other guy just made her look slightly unstable. There also has to be a point to Beth being fired all of a sudden, but I don't know what it is. I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 4 bordered on brilliance...this was the kind of storytelling that attracted me to this show in the first place. Jack has always been my favorite character on this show and this episode confirmed why. Credit goes to director Ken Olin and the incomparable writing team for telling the story of Jack and his little brother, Nicky in reverse. I was shocked to learn of Jack's irregular heartbeat which initially kept him out of his service but I LOVED that he wanted to go to Vietnam anyway to keep an eye on his brother. Michael Angarano was terrific as Nicky...have loved Angarano ever since he played Jack's son, Elliott on Will & Grace. Ken Olin must also be credited for a stylish directorial touch of that scene with Nicky asleep in bed with the book in his lap, while outside, Jack was trying to keep the peace between his parents...beautifully done. It was daring of this show that is so dependent on its full ensemble to focus an episode on one character but they nailed it. I hope Milo Ventimiglia submits this episode for his Emmy reel. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 6 was mixed bag...I actually loved that Randall didn't blow away all those Philadelphians the way he thought he was going to. I loved the complete realism of that whole situation...the way the black folks show up anywhere for food but really aren't interested in what goes along with it. I don't understand why every time teen Kate feels like singing, Rebecca feels the need to barge in and show her how to sing. I'm also not really enjoying watching Miguel playing father to Jack's kids, even if it is what Jack wanted. Though the roots of Toby's depression were kind of predictable, learning about them were no less compelling. Loved Wendie Malick as his mom but I'm really worried about Toby, I hope this time off his meds hasn't done too much damage. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Me too. Even when it borders on melodrama, it still feels realistic about it and NOT melodramatic (if that makes sense). It's one of about 3-4 shows I am certain to watch as soon as I can once an episode airs.

[Gideon58]

Ep 6 featured some exceptional acting that made some hard-to-swallow dialogue almost tolerable. Susan Kelechi Watson was nothing short of brilliant as Beth finally admitted the fact that she resents being unemployed, but I'm not sure if working with Randall on his campaign is the answer. I did love the way Randall got himself a campaign manager though. I did have trouble accepting these wise-beyond-their-years Pierson children manipulating the adults in their lives. Daija's speech to Beth and young Randall's explanation to Jack about why he wanted to box both came off as contrived. Loved Milo Ventimiglia in that scene though...can we just give this guy an Emmy already? I love that Kevin wants to go to Vietnam but I really don't want to learn that Jack was really in love with this woman. Loved everything that happened between adult Randall and his opponent for City Council too. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Ha! Brilliantly put. And yes, I do wonder sometimes about the conveniently wise statements from the kids. I think they could have had both Deja and young Randall say the same things in more appropriate "speeches" -- you know, not *speeches* at all, but just blurting things out the way kids do.

And YES YES YES to the stupid idea of Beth working on Randall's campaign! HOW does that validate her? Frankly, if my husband had suggested something like that, I'd immediately brand him as a narcissist. Because clearly it's all about Randall. The fact that she didn't punch him in the face astounds me.

[Gideon58]

There was some interesting parallels in storylines created in Ep 7, even if it did try viewer patience waiting for the parallels to manifest themselves. I was about 40 minutes into the episodes before really seeing the parallel between Jack and Rebecca's trip to LA and Kevin and Beth's cousin's (can never remember her character's name for some reason) trip to Vietnam. Never really understood all this attention to Jack's time in Vietnam this season since it really doesn't seem to have much to do with the Jack we met during the first two seasons, but I guess it's a way to keep the character a viable part of the canvas since he's dead. I have to agree with Jack's brother who said the guy has a Superman complex. I don't see how he thinks he can get his brother out of Vietnam and I was shocked that his brother's commanding officer actually gave Jack two weeks to work with him, really can't imagine something like that occuring IRL. And I don't know what he was thinking going to that guy's parents and saying that he was responsible for their son's death? It looked like the parents had already had closure with what happened and Jack shows up and opens those wounds all over again? His taking responsibility wasn't going to bring the guy back, but it does fit into the kind of guy Jack is I guess. And am I the only one who thinks Beth's cousin has never told anyone else but Kevin about being abused by her father? That freaked me out when Kevin found her in the bathtub. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

The expected Thanksgiving connections made in ep 8 made for some compelling programming and some equally dull programming. Let's get this out of the way, the conclusion of the story about Jack's necklace was a HUGE letdown and was so not worth Kevin travelling all the way to Vietnam. I understand where Jack's brother was coming from, but it was still wrong of him not to help Jack with that little kid, despite the fact that Jack didn't really need his help. With his lengthy absence from the canvas, I found that I really don't care about William anymore and I care even less about his British cokehead lover (Denis O'Hare). And even though I've always hated Miguel, the Thanksgiving dinner at his daughter's house was the best scene in the show, fraught with tension. It was nice Kate bond with her niece and LOVED the reveal that Randall's daughter might be a lesbian.

[Gideon58]

It's been about 5 or 6 episodes since it's happened, but Ep 9 proved that this stupid show still knows how to make me cry. The scene where Tess confessed to her parents that she might be gay had me weeping. Little Eris Baker totally nailed that scene conveying this little girl's terror in how her parents might react to her revelation and, as expected, Randall and Beth handled it beautifully, but the multiple reveals that came from that scene were jaw-dropping and I did not see coming AT ALL. I was also fighting tears during the Jack/Nicky scenes though I was a little disappointed when Kevin first mentioned that Nicky had died during the war because I expected us to be shown how Nicky died, but that also went a completely different direction than expected. I also have to give a shout out to Randall during that debate scene but was shocked that he might be putting this election ahead of his marriage. I was a little confused as to how Toby and Kate went from not knowing what the sex of the baby was to cutting a gender reveal cake and watching Kate whine about having to give up her job doing singing telegrams and being shocked that she couldn't teach without a college degree were tiresome, but the good definitely outweighed the bad in this episode. God, I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

This stupid show came back with a vengeance last night. Ep 10 was very special because it required complete attention. Tracking the timelines on what was going on here was kind of tricky, but it was worth the work. LOVED everything that happened between Beth and Randall...Susan Kelechi Watson and Sterling K. Brown are magic together and I'm still reeling over the revelation that this marriage is going to end at some point because I thought this was a marriage that could withstand anything. Ep 9 was our first glimpse into the future on this show and it was interesting that it was regarding Randall and Beth. I'm glad that they didn't make us wait another episode to find out if Randall won the election, that would have been maddening. Kevin needs to run from Zoe as far as his long legs can carry him. At first I thought she was just a commitment-phobe, but this girl is toxic, evidenced in that very telling scene with the congressman she broke up with via e-mail. I don't believe anything that came out of this girl's mouth and am certain she is going to chew up Kevin's heart and spit it out. Kate's corny speech to the geek to get Toby's action figures back was actually legitimized when the geek said no. Toby continues to be the world's best husband, completely accepting of Kate's totally unnatural obsession with her father. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

OK...I don't know how else to say it but Ep 11 DESTROYED me. After two and a half seasons of worshiping the character of Jack Pearson, I saw him in a completely different light in this episode and the light was not a very flattering one. First of all, I have to say that the juxtaposing of Jack's reunion with Nicky and the siblings meeting Nicky for the first time was brilliant. But I found it very difficult to be on board with a lot of what Jack did in this episode. I understand his feelings to a point, but what happened was a terrible, tragic accident and to cut Nicky out of his life because of it was just wrong. I mean he didn't even let Nicky explain, I just don't understand it. I also don't understand why he felt he had to lie to Rebecca about where he went. I had this character on a pedestal for two and ahalf years and he tumbled off it last night. I swear my heart broke when the siblings informed Nick that Jack was dead and that he didn't even know about it. I also loved the separate stops at the convenience store where they showed Jack in front of the sign showing one way to Bradford and one way to Pittsburgh and then showed the siblings in front of the same sign. God, I hope they can convince Nick to come home with them. The acting of Milo Ventimiglia, Michael Angarano, and especially Griffin Dunne as the elder Nick was superb. This stupid show continues to blow me away.

[Austruck]

I'm not sure how I felt about what Jack did. At the end, Nick keeps saying Jack never let him explain that it was an accident. So Jack cut Nick out of his life because he thought he'd killed that kid on purpose. (We can half-believe this because of earlier episodes where Nick is constantly berating Jack for being nice to the locals, calling them all "enemies," even the women and children.)

I can see why Jack wouldn't have listened to Nick at that point early on, because he'd been dealing with Nick's sh*t for so long that it was a case of the boy who cried wolf. You gotta put some blame on Nick for that, at least. However, Jack continuing to not listen was not cool. Then again, why didn't Nick just put on one of those postcards, "It was an accident"? Honestly... sometimes this show does the stupid thing soap operas are known for, and people don't say or do the obvious things and then Big Misunderstandings ensue, which drive the plot forward in awkward, almost unnatural ways. This felt like one of those.

Having said that, I too liked the juxtaposition of the kids and Jack both visiting Bradford. (I live in the Pittsburgh area, so I always enjoy those parts of this show.)

And I like that we're going to see everyone in this family take a second hard look at Jack and his unblemished role in their family. If he hadn't died, they might have begun to see some of his flaws more clearly. Dying young tends to give someone elevated status and an unfair untarnished reputation, even if it's not deserved. The man was human, after all. I'm almost relieved to find the writers have chosen to make him human, finally.

[Gideon58]

I was beginning to wonder if it was ever coming back but Ep12 was solid and worth the wait. Exceptional work by Griffin Dunne as Uncle Nick did everything he could do to avoid connecting with his sister-in-law and niece and nephews. Loved when Kevin and Rebecca commiserated about how angry they were with Jack about keeping Nick a secret. Didn't initially understand the connection to the Nick story and Kevin and Rebecca standing in line to meet that baseball player, but as I realized what was going on, I came to the conclusion that it wasn't worth the time. Randall and Kate in those strangers' house arguing about the sequin fight was totally squirm worthy. I liked that Nick told Kevin he would go to a meeting, but I didn't believe him. Nick has given up on life and plans to drink himself to death even if Kevin refuses to accept that. And why the hell did Kevin have to take a drink at the end of the show? Was that really necessary? . Oh and one minor quibble...supposedly Nick had no idea Jack had a family before the previous episode. How did he know that Kevin was a movie star? This stupid show continues to run roughshod over my emotions

[Gideon58]

OK, I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED Episode 13...we had to wait two and a half seasons for it, but we finally got a glimpse into Beth's past, an insightful and deeply moving glimpse into the kind of person Beth is. Phylicia Rashad once again was given the opportunity to show why she was one of the industry's most underrated actresses...she had me wanting to slap Beth's mother silly at the beginning of the hour and then wanting to give her a big bear hug at the end. That final scene at the breakfast table between Rashad and Susan Kelechi Watson was incredible. And, of course, I now understand the scene we had a couple of weeks ago showing Beth in the future running a dance studio. Also LOVED that we got to see the first time Beth and Randall met. A big bouquet to Carl Lumbly who was just heartbreaking as Beth's father. This is the first episode centered on a single character other than Jack and they hit the bullseye. The casting people are geniuses on this show...the actress who played teenage Beth could have been Watson's younger sister. I absolutely love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Agreed on the amazing casting of teen Beth, even if they DID have her in period-inappropriate attire. (Pretty sure folks weren't yet wearing ripped jeans like that 20 years ago.)

And even though this show doesn't offer amazingly deep insights, and even though it often ventures into almost sappy melodrama, WHY WHY WHY do I end up ugly-crying during nearly every episode? :D

For me, this one hit more than a few nerves. Early adulthood robbed me of so many of my dreams, which I am only recently getting back (in my 50s). They somehow managed to walk that fine line and stayed *just* on the right side of it, never completely veering into cheesy stereotypes. Totally agree on Rashad (subtly hating her at first, then totally understanding her at the end).

I love this stupid show, too. :D <3

[Gideon58]

And even though this show doesn't offer amazingly deep insights, and even though it often ventures into almost sappy melodrama, WHY WHY WHY do I end up ugly-crying during nearly every episode?




Right?!?!?

[Austruck]

Every. Single. Week. :D

[Gideon58]

Let me finish untangling my guts before I talk about Ep 14...I thought graduation was a really interesting hook for another look at the past and present with the Piersons. I have to admit by being a little thrown by teen Kate's harsh reaction to teen Kevin going to New York, did not see that coming. I HATE, HATE, HATE, HATE what they're doing to Kevin...why does he have to relapse now? His career is about to finally take off why can't they let this guy have some success? I'm also not crazy about the fact that if Kate loses this baby, that Toby is going to blame Kevin. I hope he remembers that Kate was warned months ago that having this baby was a HUGE risk. Rebecca was kind of annoying, grief is one thing and self-pity is another and Rebecca was walking the tightrope here, using it as an excuse to make her kids graduation all about her. Deja needs to get over herself...no school would ever recommend that a student skip a grade unless the student was worthy and capable of handling it. The idea that they were doing it because she slept in a car was stupid. And has Randall lost his damn mind? Beth supported him when he moved his bio father into their home and supported him when he bought their dad's building and supported him when he ran for city council in a town three hours away...now he has the nerve to ask her to quit her job because it doesn't pay enough. My synopsis may seem like it contradicts, but I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Totally agree with all of what you wrote! They skate so close to melodrama and sometimes I fear they'll tip over the edge. Not EVERY character has to be going through a Huge Life Crisis 24/7! (And somebody better slap Randall right-quick!)

And yet, I watch. Every. Single. Week. :D Still love this show!

[Gideon58]

First of all, a big congratulations to Kevin Hooks for his BRILLIANT direction of ep 15, that was completely riveting despite the fact that almost the entire episode took place in the waiting room. The tension in that room was unbearable, a viable tension created by the director's eye and this wonderful ensemble of actors. The tension between Randall and Beth was unbearable, you can tell that this is the beginning of the end for them. Zoey has a lot of nerve being so judgmental of Kevin, on the other hand, when Kevin returned from the store with that bottle of water, I actually said to myself, "I bet that bottle has vodka in it." Miguel was completely annoying with that chocolate/ranch game as was Rebecca talking about electrical outlets and chairs, but she redeemed herself when she quieted that argument talking about the night Jack died. Can't believe Randall just expected Rebecca and Miguel to drop everything in their lives to take care of Randall's daughters. There was no excuse for Kevin being so rude to Madison and I have to say I am loving the evolution of the Madison character...from the way this character was initially introduced on the show to the love she shows for Kate now has been a joy to watch. And Chris Sullivan NAILED that speech when Toby came into the waiting room to announce the birth of his son. Kate named her son, Jack...what a shock...and she prays to Jack to make her son better? Jack was a lot of things, but he was no God...how about praying to God, Kate. Sometimes I want to shake the hell out of Kate and I want to slap Rebecca and I want Miguel to just go away, but I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Totally agree with everything you just wrote! It had the tension of a 12 Angry Men with its enclosed, confined space where these people were trapped.

Except that it was a bit unrealistic for everyone to have sat there that long, and then not eating, etc. Sorry, but I've sat in waiting rooms before. They would have taken turns running to the commissary to grab something REAL to eat. Some of them would have dashed out to take a shower or change. Frankly it would have been easier and simpler to do that earlier on before the baby came. My two cents on waiting rooms...

And of course they had her name the baby Jack. They hinted at it earlier in the episode, and of course I knew it would happen. How could this show NOT do that, right? And her praying to Jack irked me too, for the same reasons. Plus the reason that they purposely do this sort of thing to tug at the heart strings... because despite it feeling cheesy, I was still sniffling and crying over that stupid part.

I still love this stupid show too.

[Gideon58]

Solid direction from Ken Olin, some stinging dialogue, and sparkling performances made ep 16 a winner. What the hell is wrong with Randall? Is he deliberately trying to destroy his marriage? That voice mail he left Beth was totally out of line, fortunately, it ended up seriously biting him in the ass...loved that moment at the dinner table when he tried to take Beth's hand and she moved it away. That's when I knew she had already heard the voice mail. Sterling K Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson are magic together. Chris Sullivan did some of his finest work ever on this show as Toby confessed to Kate about his helplessness and fear about his son...that's what I love about Toby, he never lies to Kate, he might say nothing until he knows how to say it, but he never lies to her. I'm pretty sure I hate Zoe now...it's fine if she doesn't want children but that's something she should have told Kevin MONTHS ago and I can't help wondering if Kevin is going to regret choosing her over having children. Zoe is toxic. Loved the Kevin's reunion with Sophie after his meeting, though his question about Sophie and her fiancee having kids was inappropriate, despite what he was going through with Zoe. It was a great scene though. Couldn't stand the way Rebecca made that school dance all about herself, but why should that surprise me? Rebecca makes everything about herself. It ties my stomach up in knots, but I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Ha! Our posts are getting to be deja vu. You post everything I'm thinking and then end with how you love this stupid show. Then I post that I totally agree with you.

Ditto, my friend. Ditto, again!

I think Kevin choosing Zoe is mostly him being so short-sighted. Sure, for RIGHT NOW Zoe is right in front of him so he chooses her over some nameless, unknown possible kid. Doesn't mean that'll always be his preference, though.

And Randall needs a good swift kick. Frankly, I couldn't believe how obnoxious he was about her tagging along to that dinner. It's JUST a DINNER. For a councilman, not a senator or anything. Sheesh. And if he's so concerned about time away from the kids, why wouldn't he just tell her to head home to the kids instead of having both of them spend yet another evening away from the kids?

Having said that, I'm also not a fan of one spouse "punishing" another with things like sleeping on the couch (or the cot). Never really solves anything, IMHO. But boy, did I empathize with her! :D

[Gideon58]

Well, it's official...Beth Pierson is now my favorite character on this show. I loved every move Beth made in ep 17 and agreed with everything she said (the nachos analogy was a little over the top). The flashing back to the beginning of their relationship was a very effective tool in displaying how Beth has lost herself in Randall, and I don't care what anyone says, including Randall. Beth proved to be her own person, who speaks and acts without filter when she read Randall the riot act for writing a check in that restaurant when they hadn't even ordered a meal yet. If Randall was so enamored of Beth was so sure he knew what kind of person she was, he would have known a fancy restaurant like that was not Beth's thing. And what made Randall think that Beth would be down with Rebecca joining them on the miniature golf course? And who the hell was Rebecca to try and clean up her son's mess for him? I did like the re-wwriting of the vows, stylishly directed by Kevin Hooks which further proved what kind of guy Randall is...who the hell would write five or six pages of marriage vows? That is not the action of a man preparing to share his life with someone else, that is the action of a man who wants to impress everyone with what a clever wordsmith he is. And I'm pretty sure I threw up in my mouth a little when Randall came home from their disastrous first date and said he was going to marry her. Susan Kelechi Brown and Sterling K Brown are magical together and I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

My guess was that the lengthy marriage vows -- especially when we got to hear some of them -- were a comic touch to the episode. It's so classic overthinking-Randall, and it was hilarious in spots.

And, having similarly lost myself in my first marriage (for very similar reasons), I found myself sobbing at parts of Beth's lines throughout the episode. When she said their lives wouldn't work unless she was the one doing the bending, I just about lost it. SO PERFECT for her character, and it said EXACTLY what we as viewers needed to hear to understand how she felt.

That whole fight/conversation scene in the bedroom was really well written. It wasn't trite or cheesy, wasn't stereotypical or melodramatic. It truly worked to move their story forward. Add on the odd future glimpses we've seen of Randall and his daughter in a hospital setting, and I do wonder just what becomes of those two down the road...

The show's use of flashbacks (and fast-forwards) continues to work beautifully and to flow smoothly. That's not an easy thing to do.

I too love this stupid show. :D
I just don't love Randall too much right now.

Oh, and yes, that mini-golf thing. WHO BRINGS THEIR MOTHER?? You'd think she could handle a "Hey, Mom, we're not coming to Sunday dinner this week" once in a while. Or does Randall just think he's honoring her by inviting her along? And WHY DID SHE GO? As a mom, I'd have said, "No, you guys go on ahead. I'm fine." What a buttinski. :D :D

[Gideon58]

Yeah, I've been wanting to smack Randall for the last two or three episodes and Rebecca going on the golf game was SO stupid. The woman is so self-absorbed.

[Gideon58]

Ep 18 started off as a real mixed bag but came back for a slam bang finale that had me reaching for the kleenex, thanks to director Ken Olin and the accustomed splendid performances. First of all, I really liked the morning coffee connection to all the time periods that started off the show, but then they started to lose me. Pre-teen Randall freaking out over his mother's face and then getting his brother and sister equally freaked out was just wrong. Deja's big speech about the scratchers was just contrived and overly melodramatic and a totally unbelievable approach for a child to come to parents navigating choppy marital waters...what she did was wrong and motivated Randall to almost make a very bad move. Randall giving up his job as city councilman was not the answer to Randall and Beth's problems and thank God, Beth realized what was, thank God she "found the door." I knew she would. As annoying as Rebecca was in the hospital, Kate was out of line and I'm glad she apologized. Thank God, Kevin and Zoe are done...I knew when he saw her with Annie he thought he could change her mind about children and I knew that wasn't happening. Kevin was great with Tess though, loved that scene. The last seven or eight minutes were devastating and brought the show beautifully full circle to the beginning...impressively written. Love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

This is an episode I'm going to rewatch. I'm sure there are tie-ins, etc., that I missed in that single viewing (like the coffee recurrence you mentioned -- hadn't even noticed that!).

Funny we have different perspectives on Rebecca/Kate in this episode. I thought Rebecca taking notes and stepping in so much was intrusive. New parents should have as much space as they need/want to do their own thing. Of course, they let Rebecca redeem herself by tapping Jack's foot, thereby changing Kate's mind on how to view her mom.

But I saw nothing wrong with any of Kate's reactions to her mom's presence in the hospital. Kate has enough issues feeling inferior to her mom. She doesn't need her mom stepping in and being too "hands on" with baby Jack. Help is one thing (my mom came out and stayed with us after the birth of each of my four kids), but it should be asked for, not assumed.

I find present-day Rebecca a little annoying. (I have personal issues for this, partly. She reminds me of someone I truly dislike intensely. Not the character's fault, though!) 1970s Rebecca is definitely the mom figure Kate describes (making her children feel safe, always knowing what to do/say, etc.). But present-day Rebecca seems to assume everythign is about her. Once in a while they give her a few lines or an action that redeems her for that episode, but it feels forced.

And yes, Deja's scene was so contrived. She's always so self-aware and focused and seems to have completely matured to the point where she's more grown-up and level-headed than either Randall or Beth. Honestly, that's just silly.

Also, baby Jack would NOT be going home at two weeks old. He'd likely spend months in the NICU. They don't usually send preemies home till they're about 5 pounds. That's just sloppy writing.

---

I agree that the last few minutes not only tied everything in the episode together (it felt a little haphazard for a while -- like the writers were aware they had a lot of loose season ends to wrap up in one season finale episode), but also did it in a beautiful way that gave us just the right amount of answers, while leaving the right questions untouched for next season.

[Gideon58]

I do agree with you regarding Rebecca and the baby...the whole taking notes and stuff was very intrusive and I understand Kate's feelings but I think she could have handled it a little more diplomatically.

[Austruck]

Well, true. But a woman's emotions not long after even a normal birth are all over the map. A first-time mom, even more so. Add on the trauma and fear of a preemie, and you've got one unsettled new mama. Frankly, given her history with her mom, I thought she underreacted. :D :D

[Gideon58]

OK, just watched the season 4 premiere and I can't recall being more let down by a muddled and confusing season premiere. In an attempt to expand the Pearson family universe, almost a dozen new characters were introduced and only two connections were made to characters already on the canvas. I understand what the writers are trying to do, but they went overboard, it was just too confusing and too hard to commit to. Anyone tuning into the show for the first time probably tuned out after the first commercial break. The dinner with Jack and Rebecca was awesome, thanks to Milo and Tim Matheson, who was superb as Rebecca's dad. I just don't understand all that focus on brand new characters we know nothing about and reducing Randall, Beth, Kevin, Toby, and Kate to glorified cameos. Very odd beginning to season 4.

[Austruck]

Someone elsewhere mentioned the disconnect with seeing baby Jack as sight impaired... but seeing him in the season 3 finale as dashing down a hallway, seemingly with his vision intact. I'm going to rewatch that episode to see if that's how they presented him. If so, then that's a big plot OOPS in my book.

And is the only connection with the female veteran (Sharp) that a drunk Nicky threw a rock through the window of her AA meeting? Or will they now become friends or something?

Did the writers think we were completely weary of our regular characters and needed a dozen new ones to keep us happy. If so, they were really way off base. Ugh.

[gbgoodies]

OK, just watched the season 4 premiere and I can't recall being more let down by a muddled and confusing season premiere. In an attempt to expand the Pearson family universe, almost a dozen new characters were introduced and only two connections were made to characters already on the canvas. I understand what the writers are trying to do, but they went overboard, it was just too confusing and too hard to commit to. Anyone tuning into the show for the first time probably tuned out after the first commercial break. The dinner with Jack and Rebecca was awesome, thanks to Milo and Tim Matheson, who was superb as Rebecca's dad. I just don't understand all that focus on brand new characters we know nothing about and reducing Randall, Beth, Kevin, Toby, and Kate to glorified cameos. Very odd beginning to season 4.

I was also very disappointed with the season premiere episode. If it wasn't for the scene with Jack and Rebecca at the beginning of he episode, I would have turned it off. I thought I somehow DVRed the wrong show.

I know that they wanted to add some new characters this season, but trying to add them all at once just didn't work. It just felt like I was watching a bunch of strangers that I didn't care about, and by the time I figured out who they were, I almost didn't even care anymore. :shrug:


Someone elsewhere mentioned the disconnect with seeing baby Jack as sight impaired... but seeing him in the season 3 finale as dashing down a hallway, seemingly with his vision intact. I'm going to rewatch that episode to see if that's how they presented him. If so, then that's a big plot OOPS in my book.

And is the only connection with the female veteran (Sharp) that a drunk Nicky threw a rock through the window of her AA meeting? Or will they now become friends or something?

Did the writers think we were completely weary of our regular characters and needed a dozen new ones to keep us happy. If so, they were really way off base. Ugh.

I don't remember who was running down the hallway in the season finale, but I'll have to go back and watch that episode too. My guess is that it was probably Kevin's kid, not Jack.

I'm assuming that Nicky is going to become friends, (or maybe more than friends), with Sharp. The AA meeting was just to show how they met.


I hope they get back to the characters that we know and love in the next episode because they're adding too many characters, and it's just going to make it too confusing.

[Gideon58]

Totally agree, I only figured out who two of the new characters actually were.

[Gideon58]

Well, I guess the season premiere was just a bad dream, because ep 2 seemed to be right back on track, looking a lot like the show I fell in love with three years ago. I can't believe I'm typing this, but this was the first episode ever where I loved every move Rebecca made. Her instincts about those girls befriending Kate were en pointe and I sensed it too and I understand Kate's resentment of Rebecca's interference, but I was totally with Rebecca. Even with the meeting revolving around the blind baby counselor (the wonderful Rosalind Chao), Rebecca did and said all the right things for the first time ever. I loved the quick shot of her quietly taking notes. Randall insisting on the dry run on the bus with Daijia was just parenting instincts in serious overdrive and made Randall look kind of silly. Even sillier was the Rocky inspired run up the steps with the family. LOVED Tess' haircut though. And it's only as I'm writing this that I'm grasping the connection between Kevin's treatment of Randall at the pool and his need to put his career on the back burner to help his uncle. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Just wrapped ep 3 and before anything else, HUGE kudos to Chris Sullivan on his weight loss, he looks amazing and I hope he keeps it up. Unfortunately, it looks like it could be the beginning of the end of Toby's marriage. I'm really bothered by the fact that Kate is in a completely opposite place because of the baby. It would be so much fun watching Toby and Kate losing weight together. These two are overdue for some happiness. Seventh grade Randall hyperventilating because he violated the dress code was stupid. Uncle Nicky's continuing journey into self-pity through a bottle of booze is also getting tiresome. We get that this guy is angry, it's time for a change to happen here, though Griffin Dunne is doing some of the finest acting of his career. I actually cheered when Randall fired that secretary and the reason it was important that the whole family sit down together and watch Arsenio Hall escaped me, but I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I think they watched Arsenio because Randall wanted to do it. I have a feeling Kevin thought it might be good to do something that Randall would consider a little daring: staying up late and watching a Late Night TV Show. (That was a big deal when I was a kid, at least.)

I'm assuming they can't have Kate and Toby both lose weight unless Chrissy Metz loses a lot of weight, too. Unsure what her personal situation is, but I appreciate that they realize that some people stress-eat and other people have to burn off their stress. When my divorce happened, I had to exercise all the time to burn off the adrenaline-panic. I lost 40 pounds in about six months.

When a somewhat related bad life-event happened about five years later, I dealt with the stress by eating and gained weight. Which I haven't gotten rid of to this day.

Plus, it's fair to say that men tend to lose weight more straightforwardly than women, who are constantly battling hormonal issues. Kate is post-partum and those hormones are ALL over the place. I totally get the stress-eating.

Have we seen any shots of Kate in the future? I don't think we have. In fact, we see Toby showing up at Kevin's house, saying Jack and his plus-one are "on their way," but we don't see Kate. So she may have actually died in between the present and those future shots. Not a pleasant thought, but entirely possible.

[Gideon58]

OK, ep 4 was kind of all over the place, I don't know what was going on here. Issues and characters that I thought had run their course were now center stage again, but I guess that's the point of this show, that it can go anywhere it wants to go in the lives of these people. Everything about "The Manny" was strange and I guess they were trying to connect Kevin bonding with this baby with bonding with Nicky and the lady soldier, but it just didn't work for me. I didn't even remember that "The Manny" wasn't cancelled when Kevin left the show. And are they trying to make us hate Kate? I understand her love of music and trying to instill that it in baby Jack, but she treated Toby like crap during the entire episode. I also hate the lady soldier...she's icy and humorless and the actress has no chemistry with Justin Hartley whatsoever. Didn't see the return of Beth's mother coming either, but I loved when Randall told her off and her bonding with Rebecca over their mutual grief. And even though I'm still fuzzy about what Kevin's through, my fuzziness turned to genuine fear when he bought that trailer. And again, bravo to the casting Gods on this show...the resemblance between teen Beth and Susan Kelechi Watson is uncanny. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I didn't mind the all-over-the-place so much because at least they were trying to tie together some of these new characters with the older ones. Did I miss something, though? Why was the soldier woman RV shopping with Kevin and Nicky? Just because they were all at that meeting together and/or Nicky threw something through that window, etc.? Seems flimsy to me. I mean, sure, you might want to tag along if a celebrity asks you to go RV shopping (ha ha), but she didn't seem all that enamored of Kevin at ALL and was very standoffish for most of the episode. That whole bit seemed forced.

I think the baby-bonding thing with Kevin and The Manny was simply to find a way for the woman soldier (we gotta find out her name <snort>) to soften toward Kevin. Notice that she DID soften a little and even laughed. Still, though, a long scene and anecdote just to get a chuckle out of that woman.

I think the scenes with Toby and Kate bickering in the car are the seeds of (perhaps) why we seen future-Toby without Kate. Perhaps the beginning of the end? EXCEPT that, of course, why wouldn't Kate be at a family gathering in the future instead of Toby? It's HER family. Either they're tricking us and she just shows up later (and possibly because they're divorced and not living together), or she has died. They can torture us with that unknown bit for years if they want to. :D

I do love this stupid show, too, though.

And I love how Phylicia Rashad (sp?) can so easily play the younger version of herself and it doesn't look stupid or forced.

[Gideon58]

I think the reason lady solider accompanied Kevin and Nicky was because she REALLY needed a meeting and Kevin just wanted to keep her from drinking if he could by distracting her in whatever way possible.

[Austruck]

A stretch for the show but would make sense in real life. :D

[Austruck]

One of us should try to remember her character's name. :D :D

[gbgoodies]

One of us should try to remember her character's name. :D :D


The female soldier's name is Cassidy Sharp, and she's played by Jennifer Morrison (Emma Swan from "Once Upon A Time").

[Gideon58]

Ep 5 was a very edgy combination of quirky and pretentious that was difficult to stay invested in. The writers seemed obsessed with bringing the quirky with this episode...what was with the title cards? This isn't a Woody Allen movie and they weren't any help in deciphering what was going on. After three seasons, why did the writers all of a sudden feel the need to title the segments? Teen Kate worked my last nerve. I guess this incestuous obsession she had with Jack spread to Kevin as well...her whole attitude with Kevin and Sophie sucked and whether or not Kevin and Sophie were ready to marry was irrelevant. Loved when Rebecca told off the kids in the kitchen and when Beth did the same to Randall and Tess...Susan Kelechi Watson is all kinds of awesome. The cutting the ice cream thing was silly and why are we just now learning that Jack loved hot sauce on everything and was afraid of birds? Loved Nick Weschler as Cassidy's husband...he nailed that monologue with Kevin. This character is so much darker than the one he played on Revenge. And I have to say it again...I HATE Miguel and that whole wine seduction scene worked my last nerve. Despite Miguel, I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

The title cards = maybe they're taking cues from The Affair. :D

I'm not sure teenage Kate's reaction to Kevin and Sophie bothered me. She and Kevin are twins, after all. She's bound to feel betrayed that he didn't tell her or invite her or anything.

I caught an article today about that final scene with Kate finding Polaroids of Mark in the piano bench and showing them to Rebecca. We know she doesn't marry Mark, so her reaction to those Polaroids makes me wonder what's going to happen to break them up. Is he abusive or something? Well, we'll find out. :)

[Gideon58]

Yeah, that final scene piqued my curiosity too...clearly something very ugly happened between her and Mark, which makes me kind of sad, because after this episode, I really liked Mark.

[Austruck]

The article said him showing up uninvited was creepy, but as I was watching the episode (before I'd read the article), I didn't feel that way. I thought it was more like he felt close enough to her to want to be introduced to her family.

I suppose we'll see!

[gbgoodies]

Yeah, that final scene piqued my curiosity too...clearly something very ugly happened between her and Mark, which makes me kind of sad, because after this episode, I really liked Mark.

The article said him showing up uninvited was creepy, but as I was watching the episode (before I'd read the article), I didn't feel that way. I thought it was more like he felt close enough to her to want to be introduced to her family.

I suppose we'll see!


When Rebecca and Kate looked at the pictures, and Rebecca told Kate that she wanted to believe they were happy, but she didn’t see what was happening, I thought that it has to mean one of two things.

1) My first thought was that Mark abused Kate, especially after seeing the way he just showed up uninvited, and then announced that he was her boyfriend. It shows his dominance over her.

2) But the way Kate looked at the picture of the two of them together, it didn't look like she hated him, or was mad at him in any way. It looked more like she missed him, and maybe she even loved him. That, combined with Rebecca's remark about thinking they were happy, made me think that maybe he committed suicide, and they never saw it coming.

I'm not sure which way I'm leaning right now, but I think it's probably one of those two scenarios.

[Gideon58]

Interesting theory

[Gideon58]

The whole golf motif of episode 6 just came off as very dated to me and made this one rough going at times. There was some hidden gold in this episode but you really had to mine for it. Glad to see Tim Matheson back as Rebecca's father, still trying to undermine Jack, which it turned out was impossible. Loved that Toby put Kate in her place because I really think Kate does want Toby to put the weight back on, even if the desire is unconscious and I think there was a lot of truth in what Toby said to her, but that's no surprise because Toby always says exactly what's on his mind, a rarity for a television character. My favorite part of the golf stories was watching Randall struggle with sport...anytime on this show watching Randall struggle with anything is appointment television. I do think there was some validity to a subject that hasn't been addressed too much on the show lately...that Jack and Rebecca bend over so far backwards to make Randall feel accepted that it sometimes looks like they want to deny his blackness. Kevin sleeping with Cassidy was an inevitability, but I don't have to be happy about it. I still love this stupid show

[Austruck]

You said everything I would have said, had I gotten to this thread first. :)

[Austruck]

Oh, and I'd add that Rebecca always tried too hard with Kate, too. It's like those parents bent over backwards to smooth out life for their two children who were different ... only to allow Kevin to slip through the cracks and end up with his own set of insecurities and issues. When you're seen as the Golden Child, you have nowhere to go but down.

[Gideon58]

Ep 7 was AMAZING! Now that was the stupid show that I have come to know and love. The dinner motif was a big improvement over the golf motif because these situations were more universal and relatable. First of all, I think Malik made a huge mistake bringing the baby to dinner. I don't think anyone involved saw that coming and it brought an instant tension to their first meeting together that they really didn't need. Loved the instant hostility between Beth and Malik's mom when they were alone in the hallway while Randall and Malik's dad were actually getting along. So glad Mr. Lawrence told Jack that he can't teach Randall how to be black and I loved that Jack was honest with Rebecca about his need to compete with Mr. Lawrence. Loved Daija's speech in the park about being scared of Malik and the kind of person he is and Malik's response to her fears. Omar Epps scored when he knew he had to have his son's back. Everything worked here. Love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

It definitely punched all the right buttons in this episode. Agreed! The back-and-forth between the two dinners worked well, too. And the problems at each awkward dinner were handled honestly and realistically. I too was a bit shocked to see they'd brought the baby. But then I realized they wouldn't have paid for a babysitter, either. Might as well get everything out in the open, I guess.

I'm not sure we'll ever get this part of the story, but I AM curious how a teen boy got custody of his daughter like that. Probably had to involve his parents being interviewed by various folks (counselors, legal reps, etc.). Strange that the baby's mother is completely out of the picture -- or seems to be. You gotta hope that whole part of the baby's family just moved away or something.

Anyway, great episode that was well handled all around!

[Gideon58]

It is strange that Malik has custody of the child. I have to wonder if his parents don't actually have custody on paper. I agree that it is very strange that the mother is out of the picture too, I hope we're going to get more details on that.

[gbgoodies]

I'm not sure we'll ever get this part of the story, but I AM curious how a teen boy got custody of his daughter like that. Probably had to involve his parents being interviewed by various folks (counselors, legal reps, etc.). Strange that the baby's mother is completely out of the picture -- or seems to be. You gotta hope that whole part of the baby's family just moved away or something.

Anyway, great episode that was well handled all around!

It is strange that Malik has custody of the child. I have to wonder if his parents don't actually have custody on paper. I agree that it is very strange that the mother is out of the picture too, I hope we're going to get more details on that.


It looks like we will eventually find out what happened between Malik and his daughter's mother. This is from an article on TVLine.com:

"Series creator Dan Fogelman confirms to TVLine that he is planning to introduce the MIA mother of Malik’s daughter Janelle — and it could happen “potentially this season.”"

https://tvline.com/2019/11/06/this-is-us-season-4-cast-malik-baby-mother/


This is from the same article:

"Little is known about Janelle’s mom, save for that she signed over full parental rights of her daughter to Malik. Fogelman says that when the character does arrive, the storyline will be “less about” her relationship with Malik and “more about what it means from Deja’s point of view,” adding, “This young girl is not just Malik’s ex-girlfriend. She’s an ex-girlfriend who is the mother of his child — a child he spends all of his time and energy on. So it makes it complicated for her.”"

[Gideon58]

Ep 8 was a little on the low key side, but it had its moments. I got a lot more insight into Kevin's connection with his Uncle. Loved Nicky's speech to the judge. Beth's handling of Malik and Daija was perfection even though I had a hard time buying Daija still being so connected with her birth mother, a woman who made her early childhood a living hell. And even if it worked, I think teen Randall going into that boss' office and telling him all about Rebecca's life was a mistake and he may have gotten his mother in over her head. Is he really going to be able to keep up with his own studies and teach his mother how to operate state of the art software? I hope we've seen the last of Cassidy...she's so icy and humorless I don't get what Kevin sees in her. And I'm very uncomfortable with Kate's blossoming relationship with Gregory. And might I say that Chris Sullivan is looking absolutely amazing?. I also have a feeling that if Rebecca is in the early stages of Alzheimers, I'm really going to start hating her again, since the beginning stages of the disease involve a whole lot of denial. Love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I think I disagree with the Deja stuff. Family ties are tough ones to unravel, and perhaps Deja now feels comfortable enough with the Pearsons to have contact with her mom again -- now that the adoption is official and everything. It might also be a little bit of guilt -- that she's doing so well but feels she's left her mother behind. Family emotions are complicated things.

I think Chris Sullivan was wearing a "fat suit" in earlier seasons. At least I remember him catching flak for that. Pretty sure that was simply to make the storyline make more sense as his character changed.

And I have a feeling we *have* seen the last of Cassidy. That felt like a wrap-up to that relationship, dropping her off at the diner like that. Especially with a season finale next week. That's totally fine with me.

Seems obvious they're moving toward an Alzheimer's diagnosis for Rebecca... but using that scene with her misplacing her phone seemed like a stretch. I have KIDS who misplace their phones like this and I don't immediately think, "Alzheimer's!" Since Rebecca is just visiting, this is the one time he's seen this. If he'd seen her forgetting things multiple times, then I'd have found it less pushy. And I'm 58 and nearly all of my friends this age have many moments like this. Doesn't mean Alzheimer's.

But, having said that, the scene where she snaps at Randall over it was well done. And yes, she was annoying! But it felt realistic.

[gbgoodies]

I loved everything about the scenes with Kevin, his Uncle Nicky, and Cassidy. I loved when they showed Nicky talking to Kevin, and they showed Kevin seeing his father talking to him with those important words. I loved Nicky's speech to the judge. And it felt like they were wrapping up Cassidy's storyline, and they even had a nice nod to Jennifer Morrison's previous show "Once Upon A Time". (For those of you who aren't familiar with OUAT, an important part of the show was about each character finding their "happy ending", so her final line to Kevin, "I hope you find your happy ending, Kevin.", was a nice touch.)

It's nice to see that Beth is starting to see that Malik is a good influence for Deja. I think that Deja wanting to see her mother made sense. No matter what her mother put her through, she's still her mother, and Deja still loves her. Malik seems like a smart young man, and I'm glad that he spoke up about why Deja was upset. I thought it was cute when Beth let them be alone just long enough for a goodbye kiss.

I don't know why they seem to be making Kate more and more unlikable, while making Toby more and more likable. They seem to be headed down the wrong path with Kate.

While the lost phone doesn't mean that Rebecca has Alzheimer's, the final scene made it look possible, and that matches up with a previous episode where they hinted that something was wrong with Rebecca in the future.

[Gideon58]

The Thanksgiving episode displayed flashes of brilliance. I was totally fooled by everything that happened with Rebecca. I'm wondering where it was in Pierson time that the birthday party at the cabin took place and why Kevin and Randall weren't speaking. It was great to see Michael Angarano return as we saw pre-Nam Jack and Nicky create their own Thanksgiving tradition. Loved when Beth and Kate confessed their awful things to each other. I understood exactly how they felt but Kate is going to destroy her marriage if she keeps all this hidden from Toby. Daija is killing me...last week she begs Beth to have her mom for Thanksgiving and this week she's upset that her mom now isn't the mom she had growing up. The past is history that Daija needs to move on from and be happy that her mom is getting her life together. Tess coming out at the drive through window was stupid but I'm glad she came out on Instagram. And when Nicky told Kevin he's going to be just fine, I actually believed it. Love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I was fooled by the Rebecca flash-forward stuff too, EXCEPT that when she was in the park, the weather looked WAY too temperate for Philly at Thanksgiving. (I grew up near there and still live in Pennsylvania.) The weird thing is, in that scene she asks that guy about the nearest bakery so I'm thinking that WAS present time, not future. Dunno. Will have to rewatch and pay better attention to the clothing, etc.

The birthday party is only nine months ahead of present time, so something happens soon to make Randall and Kevin stop speaking to each other. And Rebecca obviously starts to go downhill fast after this point. And I'll have to rewatch to also see whether Toby was in that last cabin scene. Kate was, but I don't remember seeing Toby.

Also, just a reminder: her name is spelled Deja, as in deja vu. :) I think they mentioned that when she first appeared on the show. And I don't blame a 14/15-year-old girl for having swings in perspective like this. (I raised two teen girls, so I know that stage well.) Anyway, I didn't find that so hard to believe. Deja was so ready to see her usual mom, and now here's her mom being all healthy... too late for Deja, though. I think it would make her think her mom's bad situations in the past were her fault somehow... "Mom's fine now that I'm gone."

YES, the drive-thru window thing was dumb. That would be harder than school.

I too believed the Nicky line was genuine this time. I hope that's not because they're phasing him out of the show, though. He adds a nice dimension and gives us another person to keep us in Jack flashbacks. :)

Based on the pacing with Rebecca's illness, I'm wondering how many more seasons of this show we'll get. Maybe 2-3? Or will they continue it with just the kids once we hit that future timeline where Randall's visiting Rebecca and she's clearly debilitated?

[gbgoodies]

The birthday party is only nine months ahead of present time, so something happens soon to make Randall and Kevin stop speaking to each other. And Rebecca obviously starts to go downhill fast after this point. And I'll have to rewatch to also see whether Toby was in that last cabin scene. Kate was, but I don't remember seeing Toby.



I don't remember seeing Toby in the cabin scene either. I like him, but it's not looking good for Kate and Toby. I'm not sure, but it looked like there was a text from another woman when Kate looked at his phone.

[Austruck]

Oh yes, that text! From LadyKryptonite5! Who is she, and why is Toby complaining about his marriage to her? Not good at all!

[gbgoodies]

I was thinking about Kate and Toby, and this doesn't make much sense. If I remember correctly, Toby was not in the final scene at the cabin in this week's episode, but I think I also remember a previous episode with a family gathering in the future where Toby was there, but Kate wasn't there. Maybe she was on her way, or maybe she wasn't coming at all, but these two scenes seem to be complete opposites. :confused:

Does anyone else remember that previous scene with Toby there, but not Kate?

[Gideon58]

Well the long awaited episode 10 had my stomach in knots and yelling at the screen. I'm really having trouble with this whole thing of Kevin being so romantically challenged and right after being led on by that married woman, he magically gets a phone call from Sophie? Please. And my long standing hate for Miguel was definitely refueled with this episode as well. There is no excuse for him either not noticing something was wrong with Rebecca or being in denial about it. And when that doctor called them in the office for her results? Could these results and her alleged prognosis have been anymore vague? Having that juxtaposed with Rebecca flashing back to rocking Randall as a child just made think the writers haven't decided what they want Rebecca to have now or that Mandy Moore is renegotiating her contract for more money. Her scene with Elizabeth Perkins was excellent though. I absolutely HATE what they're doing to Toby. He's pulling away from Kate because Jack is blind and just when they're about to end things, the baby starts seeing light? I don't buy that Toby was never in the long haul where Jack was concerned, but I guess that's why we got hints in the last episode that Kate and Toby aren't going to make it. And who the hell was that in Randall's house?

[gbgoodies]

Well the long awaited episode 10 had my stomach in knots and yelling at the screen. I'm really having trouble with this whole thing of Kevin being so romantically challenged and right after being led on by that married woman, he magically gets a phone call from Sophie? Please. And my long standing hate for Miguel was definitely refueled with this episode as well. There is no excuse for him either not noticing something was wrong with Rebecca being in denial about. And when that doctor called them in the office for her results? Could these results and her alleged prognosis be anymore vague? Having that juxtaposed with Rebecca flashing back to rocking Randall as a child just made think the writers haven't decided what they want Rebecca to have now or Mandy Moore is renegotiating her contract for more money. Her scene with Elizabeth Perkins was excellent though. I absolutely HATE what they're doing to Toby? He's pulling away from Kate because Jack is blind and just when they're about to end things, the baby starts seeing light? I don't buy that Toby was never in the long haul where Jack was concerned, but I guess that's why we got hints in the last episode that Kate and Toby aren't going to make it. And who the hell was that in Randall's house?


I felt so bad for Kevin when she finally told him that she was married. He tried so hard to have the perfect date with her. Now it seems like the writers are determined to get Kevin and Sophie together again.

I think the writers have a plan for Rebecca, but they just don't want to let us in on the secret yet. At this pace, we probably won't find out until the final episode.

I agree 100% about what they're doing to Toby. He's been such a great guy until now. I find it hard to believe that he would even think about turning his back on his son just because his son is blind. :rolleyes:

I don't know who was in Randall's house, but in the preview of the next episode, it looked like that guy might have been holding a knife. :eek:

And on a side note, in the flashback of Rebecca rocking Randall as a child, that baby had one of the cutest smiles ever. :)

[Gideon58]

I didn't know where they were going to go with that intruder in Randall's house at the end of ep 10, but it morphed into an emotionally charged ep 11 that I really enjoyed. It was so refreshing seeing a vulnerable side of Randall, rich with demons from his past that we hadn't been privy to up to this point. Randall has always been projected as this all-knowing tower of strength who know what's best for everyone, save that one breakdown with Kevin a couple of seasons ago. It was wonderful seeing this addressed again. I swear I was actually holding my breath during that initial encounter with the intruder and I loved watching Randall jump every time he got a notification from his security app. I'm also enjoying the tentative relationship that's developing between Randall and Darnell (Omar Epps) and the way Randall bristled at Darnell's suggestion of therapy. Loved that final phone call between Randall and his personal therapist, Kevin. I was also glad that the phone call from Sophie wasn't what I thought it was. This episode was extremely well-directed featuring Emmy-worthy work from Sterling K. Brown and Niles Fitch as teenage Randall. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Big bouquet to the director and writing teams for a meticulously crafted ep 12 that made a beautiful 360 degree trip back to ep 11. I was so afraid when Kevin got that phone call on the set that it was going to lead to a reconciliation between him and Sophie, but luckily the writers remembered that even though Kevin and Sophie will always be connected that their relationship is over The love story of young Kevin and Sophie was so romantic...the party in the woods, the donuts, their connection to Good Will Hunting...I loved all of it. And leave it to this show to introduce and make us fall in love with a character who is dead. Jennifer Westfeldt was absolutely luminous as Sophie's mother and I loved her relationship with Kevin. The scene where he asked her for the ring was especially effective. And once again, Justin Hartley proved that he is more than a pretty face and perfect pecs. Hartley's work in this show was on the money and if I were him, I might even submit this episode for Emmy consideration. There was some wonderful camera work too. LOVED when Kevin was outside of the house where the reception was and we see Sophie on the phone talking to Kevin whose reflection was in the window...God, I loved that. And who saw Kevin hooking up with Kate's BFF coming? Couldn't believe it. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I love how they explained to us the "I got one for you" stuff between Kevin and Sophie. Hadn't a clue where those were coming from, especially when Sophie's wasn't humorous. Then, of course, we find out it's them trying to make up endings to Good Will Hunting. Nicely woven in.

Add in the missing sheep mobile, and the segues forward and back at various points in time (all smoothly done), and I have to agree this was a very nice episode. Sophie and Kevin sitting in the car reminiscing about her mom was really poignant. Not much was actually said, but both actors really captured the quiet grief of newly losing someone important to both of them.

[Gideon58]

I must confess that ep 13 was a bit of a letdown since it was supposed to be the conclusion of a three part story arc and I really didn't feel any resolution to any of the stories that have been presented during the arc. I hate the way Toby wiggled his way out of that seminar with Kate. My heart sank when Kate asked Toby if he could be a father to Jack and he replied that he wanted to be. Then he turned around and said he wanted to take care of Jack while Kate went to the cabin? This isn't the Toby we were introduced to four years ago and I don't know where this change is coming from. The Jack and toddler Kate scenes were just creepy and reinforced the oddly incestuous relationship between these two and Mark's treatment of teen Kate was just disgusting...I hope we find out what's behind this psychopath's behavior pretty soon because the way he treats Kate and her fascination with him are both difficult to gauge. Despite solid direction by Justin Hartley (Kevin), this episode was oddly disturbing, but I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

It was a bit of a letdown, wasn't it? I felt like we really didn't get any new information about anybody -- we just got a lot of scenes playing out things we already mostly know.

And I'm glad I wasn't the only one who felt the scenes with Jack and young Kate were just... off. I reminded myself that this was more about Kate's perceptions (as a child, as a teen, as an adult) and not really about Jack's feelings for his only daughter. "Daddy's girl" worked fine for me in smoothing that out.

[Gideon58]

Ep 14 was a mixed bag, but it was a big improvement over 13. The idea of the Pearson siblings gathering at the cabin together was a good one on the surface, but the three of them were so wrapped up in their own issues, that they really didn't handle anything until they dug up the time capsule. What the hell is wrong with Madison? Who leaves a voice mail with their BFF confessing she slept with her BFF's brother? I was hoping we could get through one episode where Kate wouldn't fantasize about her father, but I guess that was too much to ask for. I loved that scene when Mark broke Kate's cup...I loved that the camera was not on the cup when it broke so that we had to decide whether or not he did it on purpose, kind of like Melinda Dillon breaking Darren McGavin's leg lamp in A Christmas Story. And who the hell is this psycho to lock Kate out of HER family's cabin? Loved when Rebecca made him leave, I was actually holding my breath because I didn't know how he was going to react. That scene of baby Jack choking was frighteningly realistic, one of the scariest things I have ever seen on this show. How did they get that baby to react that way? I also loved Chrissy Metz' playing of that scene where she's giving Toby last minute instructions on caring for the baby. You could see the inner terror Kate was feeling about leaving her son alone with his father. I love this stupid show.

[gbgoodies]

Ep 14 was a mixed bag, but it was a big improvement over 13. The idea of the Pearson siblings gathering at the cabin together was a good one on the surface, but the three of them were so wrapped up in their own issues, that they really didn't handle anything until they dug up the time capsule. What the hell is wrong with Madison? Who leaves a voice mail with their BFF confessing she slept with her BFF's brother? I was hoping we could get through one episode where Kate wouldn't fantasize about her father, but I guess that was too much to ask for. I loved that scene when Mark broke Kate's cup...I loved that the camera was not on the cup when it broke so that we had to decide whether or not he did it on purpose, kind of like Melinda Dillon breaking Darren McGavin's leg lamp in A Christmas Story. And who the hell is this psycho to lock Kate out of HER family's cabin? Loved when Rebecca made him leave, I was actually holding my breath because I didn't know how he was going to react.

I loved when Rebecca told Mark to leave, but a small part of me really wanted to see Kevin hit him.


That scene of baby Jack choking was frighteningly realistic, one of the scariest things I have ever seen on this show. How did they get that baby to react that way? I also loved Chrissy Metz' playing of that scene where she's giving Toby last minute instructions on caring for the baby. You could see the inner terror Kate was feeling about leaving her son alone with his father. I love this stupid show.

This whole storyline about Toby having trouble accepting his son Jack seems a bit out of character for him. He was always Kate's rock, and now he just seems like a different person. :skeptical:

.

[Gideon58]

Yeah, I mentioned that a few posts ago...this is not the Toby we were introduced to 4 years ago.

[gbgoodies]

Yeah, I mentioned that a few posts ago...this is not the Toby we were introduced to 4 years ago.


I hope they bring the old Toby back soon. The episodes that focus on Kate are lacking when he's not himself. :(

[Gideon58]

Ep 15 was a mixed bag...the highlight of the show, hands down, was Randall's attempt at therapy. It was so Randall that he seemed to be totally open to the idea, but still completely trying to control it at the same time. It did seem odd that with what's going on with Rebecca, that he didn't want to talk about her. Loved Beth's speech when he got home where she talked him into going back. Sterling K. Brown and Susan Kelechi Watson were superb. The scenes with Kevin and Rebecca were odd, couldn't quite put my finger on what bothered me. I guess I didn't really catch the connection between baseball cards and Joni Mitchell's house. Loved Jack's pancake analogy and it seems like the old Toby might be on his way back to us, but the committee's still out on that. I did love that final montage showing Jack growing up though. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

For me, the thing that completely dominated Ep 16 was what a complete jerk Randall was being and I mean in all three stories being presented. This whole thing of him being the only person on the planet being able to take care of Rebecca? Seriously? And blaming Kevin for the fact that Rebecca would not agree to participate in that clinical trial? I knew the second Randall brought it up that Rebecca would want nothing to do with it. And telling Rebecca about the trial at the premiere after promising Kevin he wouldn't just because she forgot the name of the hotel (though I did have a hard time swallowing the fact that Rebecca forgot "The Plaza", the most famous hotel on the planet). All three Randalls were completely invested in the negative things this character had to do in this episode. It was great to see Dave Annable, who I have loved ever since Brothers and Sisters and is aging oh so gracefully, as Kevin's acting teacher and dare I say, there was actually some chemistry between him and Mandy Moore? Loved every moment they shared onscreen. And I'm glad that Rebecca finally got to see her painting. I'm also guessing that what happened between Kevin and Randall tonight explains why they weren't speaking to each other in that episode at the cabin a month or so ago. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Yeah, Randall needs to take it all down a few notches, doesn't he? Kevin's insistence that their mom have "one great day" was marvelous, and then Randall goes and spoils it, supposedly for her benefit. Well, we saw what he envisioned himself doing to save Jack from the fire, so it's clear that Randall is a huge Type-A control freak. "If I don't do it, it won't get done right."

Not sure how anyone could live with someone like that. Beth deserves a medal or something.

[Gideon58]

Ep 17 was another one of those evenings of television that had me yelling back at the screen for the majority of the time. I should have expected the premise of this episode after watching the end of ep 16 and watching this stupid show delve into It's a Wonderful Life territory was a no brainer but it sure didn't play out the way I expected. I was thrilled when Randall's first version of Life with Jack was interrupted and he decided to take a more realistic look at what might have happened. I was glad the therapist brought up the fact about Randall learning the truth about Rebecca and William was the first thing that happened in both stories. I was a little confused by Jack making a toast at Randall and Beth's wedding in the first story and in the second Jack is toasting Kevin and Sophie and Randall is with some random girl and he supposedly never meets Beth. I did love when teen Beth pulled teen Randall into the kitchen and chastised him for being rude to his mother. Sadly, the emotional turmoil that this episode put us and Randall thriough was all for naught, because after everything he had supposedly learned, he got on the phone and bullied his mother into going to St. Louis. I don't think I have ever hated Randall more than I did in that scene and I hate that it worked, because now Randall will think he's king of the world. Loved Pamela Adlon as the therapist and I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I'm not sure I hated Randall for "bullying" Rebecca there. I saw it this way: that Randall's therapy session sharpened his awareness that he missed his dad and would really miss his mom.

However, the other half of me realizes that this was Randall being Randall (not the good side of him, either). That Randall didn't learn anything from his therapist when she tried to tell him Jack might have died anyway and that Randall can't just force-fit everything if he tries hard enough. So, he always wished he had forced Jack to not go back into the house. His therapist supposedly helps him see the folly of this view...

...and then he goes and shoehorns his mom into this clinical trial. As if he's thinking, "Well, I didn't bully my dad into not going back into the house, but I can still bully my mom into living a little bit longer... even if she'll be miserable doing so."

So, yeah, I get your point. But honestly, Randall wasn't going to change because this therapist was showing him legitimate problems he has with being a control freak. I just don't see Randall as changing in this area, sad to say.

[Gideon58]

I completely agree with you that Randall learned nothing from his therapy and that he will probably never change.

[Gideon58]

Ep 18 was an uncomfortable combination of undeniable tension, surprising lump-in-the-throat moments and confusing story directions. I understand the parallel between the three birthdays, but we know so little about the life of Kate and Toby's son that it was hard to be invested in their scenes. I found the whole thing of Toby and Kate returning to the hospital odd as well. They're trying to backtrack with the mistakes they've made with Toby and it's unconvincing. The birthday parties were effectively edited, especially loving the standout tension between Rebecca and Randall until Rebecca made her announcement. I was thrilled when my girl Beth was honest with Randall about what he did. Mandy Moore nailed that scene when Rebecca and Jack were talking about Kyle. It was also nice to see Gerald McRaney reprise his Emmy-winning role as the doctor. The best part of this episode was actually underneath the surface of what we were shown and that is the slowly-simmering tension between Toby and Kate and between Kevin and Randall. The tension between Kevin and Randall was viable LONG before their final confrontation. Definitely didn't see Madison's news coming AT ALL. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I'm pretty sure that Kate and Toby in the parking lot talking about whether they still wanted it is that Kate is pregnant again. In the future with adult Jack and his new baby Hope, the woman with black hair rushes into the room to see the baby and Jack says, "It's okay. She's my SISTER."

So I think this episode was mainly about all these pregnancies.

I think they did a LITTLE too much timeline jumping in this episode. More than they needed to, and it got a tad annoying. But otherwise, I think the emotional tugs felt genuine. And Randall really just pisses me off. And why did Rebecca let everyone believe that she just changed her mind? Protecting Randall? If Randall is truly the only one who wants this clinical trial, then why wouldn't she just be honest about that? SHE didn't even want it.

Well, just one of those nagging questions. :)

[Gideon58]

Agreed that there was too much time jumping and about Rebecca protecting Randall...even Beth made it clear that she felt what Randall did was wrong.

[gbgoodies]

Ep 18 was an uncomfortable combination of undeniable tension, surprising lump-in-the-throat moments and confusing story directions. I understand the parallel between the three birthdays, but we know so little about the life of Kate and Toby's son that it was hard to be invested in their scenes. I found the whole thing of Toby and Kate returning to the hospital odd as well. They're trying to backtrack with the mistakes they've made with Toby and it's unconvincing.

I think the idea of Toby and Kate returning to the hospital is that they wanted to add their family picture to the bulletin board because it's supposed to show that the baby and the family survived the first year. I could be wrong, but I think all of those pictures are supposed to be of babies who were in an incubator when they were born, and their chances for survival were less than a normal baby.

I disagree about the backtracking with Toby. I think we're finally starting to see the Toby that we know and love from earlier in the series.

.

[gbgoodies]

I'm pretty sure that Kate and Toby in the parking lot talking about whether they still wanted it is that Kate is pregnant again. In the future with adult Jack and his new baby Hope, the woman with black hair rushes into the room to see the baby and Jack says, "It's okay. She's my SISTER."

I don't think that Kate is pregnant again. Toby was talking about adopting a baby as a sibling for Jack. He made a comment about how the Pearson family has a good track record with adoption, and Kate mentioned that she couldn't go through pregnancy again.

I think the girl who ran into the room is Jack's adopted sister.

[Austruck]

Agreed on the adoption. I had missed that bit on my first watch, for some reason. ADOPTION was the key there, not pregnancy.

[Gideon58]

Watched the season five premiere last night and I am happy to report that the extraordinary writing team for this show has not lost their touch, providing two hours of gut-wrenching warmth and sadness combined perfectly with some squirm-worthy tension. I was also glad to see that they learned from the mistake they made during the season 4 premiere, where they introduced about a dozen new characters. For a show that jumps back and forth in time, it's kind of risky introducing too many new characters at once. I was impressed that the show not only addressed the pandemic and had the cast masked up for some scenes, but they addressed the death of George Floyd as well. Did not see that coming. Centering the show around Madison's sonogram was an effective hook for the rest of the show. I'm glad Kevin is stepping up to his responsibilities as a Dad, but relationships based on accidental pregnancies never work and I don't think this one is any exception. Kevin did and said all the right things, until that out of the blue proposal and that scene in the car where they both tried to backtrack was proof positive that these two might be good parents, but they are not in love. Everything that happened with Rebecca was heartbreaking...Mandy Moore did a beautiful job of conveying Rebecca's fear about what is happening to her. Not crazy about they way the writers seem to be making Randall seem like he's the only one who cares about Rebecca and knows what's best for her. Also loved Jack trying to find a radio and crossing paths with young William, not once, but twice in the hospital. Love that actor playing young William too. Would love to get some more backstory regarding Jack and his dad (Peter Onorati). Did love Randall's advice to Kevin about parenting a girl, but I hate this gulf between him and Kevin and now it seems to be affecting his relationship with Kate as well. What Kate was so awkwardly trying to say to Randall probably should have been left unsaid, but Randall didn't need to come back at her the way he did. Can't believe I have to wait two weeks for the next episode. I still love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 2 found the relationship between Kevin and Madison beginning to fall apart sooner than I thought. Just because he got a new movie role, it wouldn't have killed Kevin to eat Madison's pancakes and the fact that he didn't see that was classic Kevin. I'm glad the writers didn't forget about Madison's eating disorder. Loved when they encountered that fan on the street and Kevin and Madison immediately masked up. I liked Kevin's spilling of his iwb insecurities later though. The first meeting Toby and Kate had with their possible adoption mother went way too well...something's going to go really wrong here, which will absolutely destroy Kate. Watching teenage Kate being rejected by another guy was hard, but I understand its importance in seeing why Kate is who she is today. It's nice to see Randall and Beth having to deal with raising an actual teenager other than Deja. As much as I enjoyed watching Randall and Beth deal with Tess, there's a cloud over all of their scenes ever since we learned last season that they divorce at some point. Clueless about the scene with the Vietnamese father and daughter and the fact that I couldn't tell who was in the picture didn't help. though I suspect it wqas Rebecca.. One thing that confused me about this episode is the lack of connection between the separate stories. Usually the separate stories being presented have a common hook but I didn't see it here. I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I just scrolled past your posts because I have to catch up. I did see the season premiere but haven't seen Tuesday's episode yet. I'll watch soon and then come back... and we can continue our "I love this stupid show" series of posts. :D

[Gideon58]

Wondered where you were...I thought you didn't know the season had started.

[gbgoodies]

Ep 2 found the relationship between Kevin and Madison beginning to fall apart sooner than I thought. Just because he got a new movie role, it wouldn't have killed Kevin to eat Madison's pancakes and the fact that he didn't see that was classic Kevin. I'm glad the writers didn't forget about Madison's eating disorder. Loved when they encountered that fan on the street and Kevin and Madison immediately masked up. I liked Kevin's spilling of his iwb insecurities later though. The first meeting Toby and Kate had with their possible adoption mother went way too well...something's going to go really wrong here, which will absolutely destroy Kate. Watching teenage Kate being rejected by another guy was hard, but I understand its importance in seeing why Kate is who she is today. It's nice to see Randall and Beth having to deal with raising an actual teenager other than Deja. As much as I enjoyed watching Randall and Beth deal with Tess, there's a cloud over all of their scenes ever since we learned last season that they divorce at some point. Clueless about the scene with the Vietnamese father and daughter and the fact that I couldn't tell who was in the picture didn't help. though I suspect it was Rebecca. One thing that confused me about this episode is the lack of connection between the separate stories. Usually the separate stories being presented have a common hook but I didn't see it here. I still love this stupid show.


I Googled it after the episode, and the woman in the picture was Randall's birth mother.

[Gideon58]

Not really interested in learning anything else about Randall's mother, but I understand the plot move because she is probably going to be instrumental in Randall's therapy.

[Austruck]

Thanks for finding that info, gbgoodies. I couldn't tell who was in the picture, either. (FWIW, that was a grandfather/granddaughter in those scenes. He calls her granddaughter several times.)

Agreed that the upcoming adoption is not going to go well, although we HAVE seen grown Jack and his (assumed adopted) sister when his own baby is born and she comes to the hospital. So, at SOME point it seems they do adopt... but it may not necessarily be this baby we're seeing now.

[gbgoodies]

Thanks for finding that info, gbgoodies. I couldn't tell who was in the picture, either. (FWIW, that was a grandfather/granddaughter in those scenes. He calls her granddaughter several times.)

Agreed that the upcoming adoption is not going to go well, although we HAVE seen grown Jack and his (assumed adopted) sister when his own baby is born and she comes to the hospital. So, at SOME point it seems they do adopt... but it may not necessarily be this baby we're seeing now.


You're welcome. (It always annoys me when I can't figure out something that looks like it should be obvious, so I usually Google things like that after I watch the episode.)

I may have to rewatch that episode with Jack grown up because I didn't remember that we already saw that Jack has a sister.

[Austruck]

The hospital staff don't want to let her into the hospital room where Jack and his wife and the baby are... and Jack says it's all right because she's his sister. (Or maybe SHE says she's his sister. Either way, that's how we find out that, at some point, Jack gains a sister.)

[gbgoodies]

The hospital staff don't want to let her into the hospital room where Jack and his wife and the baby are... and Jack says it's all right because she's his sister. (Or maybe SHE says she's his sister. Either way, that's how we find out that, at some point, Jack gains a sister.)


That sounds vaguely familiar. Thanks.

[Gideon58]

The hospital staff don't want to let her into the hospital room where Jack and his wife and the baby are... and Jack says it's all right because she's his sister. (Or maybe SHE says she's his sister. Either way, that's how we find out that, at some point, Jack gains a sister.)


I don't remember that scene at all

[gbgoodies]

The hospital staff don't want to let her into the hospital room where Jack and his wife and the baby are... and Jack says it's all right because she's his sister. (Or maybe SHE says she's his sister. Either way, that's how we find out that, at some point, Jack gains a sister.)

I don't remember that scene at all


I found that scene on YouTube. Jack's sister's name is Hailey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0c5d-JenJo

[xSookieStackhouse]

i never watched the show but loved mandy moore on the shes one of my favorite actress and singer

[Austruck]

i never watched the show but loved mandy moore on the shes one of my favorite actress and singer

Then you've got a lot of catching up to do. :D

[Gideon58]

Just watched ep 3...I knew Malik shadowing Randall had trouble written all over it. I understand that Malik messed up, but why would Randall get undressed IMMEDIATELY after that live stream? Malik's speech about his daughter was very sincere, but it's no excuse for what he did. I do like the way the scene played out though...Randall was a lot cooler about it than I thought he was going to be. I completely understand Toby's apprehension about this adoption. This whole adoption thing is making me queasy in the stomach...I did love the Chloe story though. I loved the idea of watching Jack and Rebecca learning how to let Kevin self-soothe...they were absolutely adorable. This is a part of Jack and Rebecca's story that I never would have thought to explore. I did eventually see the connection between that story and teen Kevin's football anxiety. And am I remembering incorrectly, or was this the first episode where Deja referred to Randall as "Dad"? LOVED that scene of Kevin and Kate in their cars...it played like they were face to face. I love that Kevin wants to take Rebecca to the Oscars. And Kate's big reveal definitely had my jaw dropped. I love this stupid show.

[xSookieStackhouse]

Then you've got a lot of catching up to do. :D

well the show is not that kind of show i watch

[Gideon58]

God, I thought January 5th would never get here. I was freaking when I learned after the last episode that the next one was today. It seemed like six months. Anyway...Toby was right that the subject of her first pregnancy should have been broached though I understand her hesitation. Still can't believe it has taken five seasons for Kate's teen pregnancy to be revealed. A teenage pregnancy is a real insight into why Kate the way she is, it should have been revealed before season five. I hate that the guy turned out to be Marc because he is, in his words, a dick. Can't believe Kate went through that abortion alone...so is Toby the only one who knows about it? I don't recall it being mentioned before. Chrissy Metz was excellent in that scene where she confronted Marc, despite some really cheesy dialogue that she made work. That scene of Kevin and Madison interviewing that prospective nanny was very telling about what different pages Kevin and Madison are on, and not just about these babies. I like that Madison is being honest with Kevin even if he's not being honest with her. This relationship is already dead in the water and I think Madison is beginning to realize it. I don't believe what that therapist asked Randall...he was a black child raised with a white family, what does he think? Has anyone noticed that teen Randall is way more arrogant and self-absorbed than adult Randall? That condescending phone call he made to Kevin? He needs to get over himself. Though I hate that Kevin told him he actually thought what would Randall do in his situation. That last scene between Justin Hartey and Sterling K Brown was wonderful. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 6 was a mixed bag that had a few issues that I really had trouble getting past. At its core, I understand the reasoning behind this episode, which introduced yet another new set of characters onto this already very large canvas, but was considered necessary to get at the root of what has driven Randall to therapy. First of all, I had a hard time with the writers completely reinventing Laurel's death. It's hard to believe that she was pronounced dead but she really wasn't. The whole episode seemed to reinvent the Laurel character in order to legitimize some kind of change in Randall. Randall's meeting Laurel in the water was just a little too much in the fantasy realm for a show that is known for being rooted in realism. Loved Chi McBride as Laurel's father though. I still love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Agree with everything! The Laurel-wasn't-dead thing felt very much like a soap opera plot twist to me. What's next, evil twins? :D But I did enjoy the story itself. Sometimes episodes like this feel like filler when you want to just hear more about your favorite characters, but I enjoyed this one. Hai was an interesting guy, and it was fun to see that William and Laurel weren't the "couple" Randall might have assumed they were.

I knew he was heading into the lake to have his own scream therapy, and I think they should have left it at that. Sure, we often envision conversations that might have been (usually with exes or people who've wronged us, so that in our heads, at least, we can have that last word), but that scene felt more like we were supposed to think it was something almost supernatural. Ridiculous for this show at this stage.

Also, are they really gonna hand us a Randall-is-cured thing now? Because to my mind, he simply would be trading his frustration over his mother for frustration over his father (who wasn't very truthful about his relationship with Laurel, really). And if William dumped the baby at the station, then why didn't he see whether Laurel was buried or go tell her family what happened? Still some loose ends... and the kinds of thing Randall's anxiety-laden self would still struggle with.

I keep remembering that flash-forward scene with Kevin and his son... do we see the other twin at all? So now I feel as if we're going to lose one of the twins in this early labor...and that Madison might end up blaming Kevin in her heart for not being there for her.

From last week: I thought the confronting-Marc scene was ridiculous. I'm sorry, but scenes like that never play out that beautifully. They're often a hot mess, with the confronted party defending themselves at least a LITTLE more than Marc did. And, to be blunt, why didn't he comment on her weight? If he's a dick (and he is), he'd have said something, even if only to make himself feel better or less attacked.

It seemed too soap opera-ish there too.

But yeah, I'm still clinging to every word of this crazy show! :D

[Gideon58]

Yeah, there are a whole lot of holes in William's story about his relationship with Laurel that still need to be addressed but with both William and Laurel deceased. I'm not sure how that can be.

[Gideon58]

Just finished ep 7. Didn't understand initially why the story went back to Madison going into labor after we were shown that car in the ditch, but they fooled me. Looks like Kevin's going to be assumed dead. Someone must have read an earlier post of mine that wished for more of a look into the relationship between Jack and his father. Love Peter Onorati as Jack's dad and hope to see more of him. How convenient that Madison has spent the last couple of episodes trying to give Kevin an out of the relationship and now that she's in labor, she's acting helpless without him. Loved when teenage Jack talked his obviously impaired dad out of driving. It's weird how adult Jack could not see Kevin's apprehension about the football camp. I also have a feeling teen Kevin isn't telling Jack the entire truth about the football camp and his coach. Despite the coach's reaction when Jack found him in the bathroom, I'm still not sure that Kevin is being truthful. I loved Kevin trying to handle everything he needed to handle over the phone in his car...it reminded me of the Tom Hardy movie Locke. That last scene between Kevin and the airport security guard was a heartbreaker...loved that she had no idea who Kevin was. Believe it or not, the scene had a lot more power because both actors were wearing masks and all their emotions were in their eyes. Love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Ep 8 definitely ignited the tear ducts for me. I was absolutely terrified for Kate when the birth mother said she wanted to hold her baby...Chrissy Metz played that scene brilliantly, the look on her face when the birth mom said she wanted a minute alone with the baby was absolutely heartbreaking. Even though it was a little convenient considering the position he was in the last time we saw him, I'm glad Kevin got there in time to see his twins born. Mandy Moore was excellent in the present day scenes when all she could think about were her kids and she was unconsciously shutting Miguel out. Loved that the very last thing they showed was the kids making the faded hand paintings. And it's probably just me, but I found the scenes of the alleged inventor of video chatting unnecessary. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I read an interview/article today where they explained how that added stuff about Nasir came about. And another it sounded like a good idea in the article, I just don't think it worked the way they wanted it to for the actual episode. I mean, we're still coming to terms with how they introduced us to Malik... and this felt similar. So at one point I wondered, "Whose backstory are they showing us?" and all I could come up with was Miguel. (The article said we'll see more of his backstory, probably next season... of how he and Rebecca came to be as a couple.)

SO I agree, that bit was unnecessary. It felt like a false lead from a show that has thrown important characters at us with this very same sort of style.

And I'm glad they didn't cop out with the birth mother bit. They got to show the angst and fear of Kate without turning it into a soap opera. (Well, more of a soap opera than the show already is.)

They totally should have shown us that TSA clerk getting fired over her lapse in judgment, though. :D :D

[Gideon58]

I read an interview/article today where they explained how that added stuff about Nasir came about. And another it sounded like a good idea in the article, I just don't think it worked the way they wanted it to for the actual episode. I mean, we're still coming to terms with how they introduced us to Malik... and this felt similar. So at one point I wondered, "Whose backstory are they showing us?" and all I could come up with was Miguel. (The article said we'll see more of his backstory, probably next season... of how he and Rebecca came to be as a couple.)

SO I agree, that bit was unnecessary. It felt like a false lead from a show that has thrown important characters at us with this very same sort of style.

And I'm glad they didn't cop out with the birth mother bit. They got to show the angst and fear of Kate without turning it into a soap opera. (Well, more of a soap opera than the show already is.)

They totally should have shown us that TSA clerk getting fired over her lapse in judgment, though. :D :D


I have no interest in Miguel's backstory...I have never liked the character and have no interest in learning anything else about him.

[Austruck]

Well, to be clearer, I think they meant the backstory of how he swings back into Rebecca's life post-Jack's death. I don't think they meant his childhood or anything. (Gosh, I hope not!)

[Gideon58]

Bringing the babies home made an interesting motif for Ep 9. Jack and Kevin struggling with installing the car seats was adorable. The camerawork has been expertly covering up Mandy Moore's real pregnancy without having her carrying large purses or anything else obvious like that. Just keeping her in the car legitimized the whole thing. I hate Randall's new glasses, but forgot it was the past so they were actually his old glasses. I was so relieved that Ellie decided to have a closed adoption because I was certain she still wanted to keep the baby. Kate and Toby's handling of the revelation was perfect though. The looks on their faces when Ellie said she couldn't do this were perfect. Jack's panic and confusion about bringing the babies home is just the polar opposite of everything we've been shown about Jack up to this point. The thing of both couples being followed home was a little too coincidental for my taste. How typical that Randall made his first conversation with his new daughter all about him. It was sweet that Jack appeared to Kevin to offer advice, but it took me out of the show for a bit...one thing I've always enjoyed about this show is that, despite the leaps from the past to present and future and back again, the past, present, and future have always remained separate. As sweet as Kevin's proposal was, I still think these two getting married has disaster written all over it because they really don't love each other. Didn't figure out who the nurse was in the opening scene until the final scene. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Loved the newborns depriving the parents of sleep at the opening of ep 10. Also loved Toby's "wax on wax off" as he was putting lotion on the baby. It's so funny watching intelligent and commanding people like Randall and Beth being brought to their knees by Beth's mother, beautifully played by Phylicia Rashad. It's a little hard to believe that Carol didn't get that Beth and Randall are ready for her to leave. The attempt to make Carol sympathetic near the end of the episode was lost on me...too little too late, though Carol staying has disaster written all over it. Toby's viral job interview was funny as hell. It was nice seeing Chris Sullivan get some real screentime, Toby has been quietly pushed to the back burner the last couple of months. There was a brief shot of Mandy Moore that revealed she might have already had her baby IRL. If she hasn't she is doing an AMAZING job of carrying this baby, she's barely showing. Love Milo with the beard...with just a mustache, he looks like a 70's porn star. I like that Malik went to Randall for advice, but I'm not sure if it was a good idea for Randall to give it. That's going to bite him in the ass later. I lost it when Kate thanked Madison for sleeping with her brother. Chris Sullivan nailed that scene at the dinner table. I think Kevin was coming from a genuine place, but I understand how Toby feels. The dinner scene at the Piersons was equally brilliant and I wanted to slap Carol for her silent reactions to what was going on at the table. And if Jack had told those guys that he had three newborns at home, I'm sure they would have understood his not putting in his credit card. And is it just me, or are Kevin and Madison actually falling in love? I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Agree with everything. But at the end when Carol mentions that her own house is too quiet and she envies her daughter's situation, then one can see that silent look from Carol at the earlier dinner scene a little differently. She's soaking it up. And if she gives unwanted advice that feels judgy (and she does), then it can also be seen as her trying to find a needed place in her extended family, trying to feel needed again. And sadly, the only way she knows how to do that is by making remarks that are largely critical.

What I felt was unrealistic was Beth's sudden glee at her mom staying indefinitely. I just doubt that her mom's single statement about the quietness of her own lonely life was going to completely turn Beth's feelings around. I have an extended family member who is largely a negative gripey person, but who doesn't realize she IS this way and who thinks she is a grateful, cheerful person. So, it's tough to be around her for long periods of time because the gripey always surfaces and brings everyone down. And even when she is being thankful and complimentary to me, I never forget that it doesn't last long.

There's just no way, with Beth's history with her mom, that she'd so easily (and seemingly happily, judging by her face as she tells Randall) acquiesce to letting her mom stay indefinitely.

I also loved Toby getting more screen time, and that Zoom interview was hilarious. When he stood up and we saw that he really WASN'T wearing pants, I busted out laughing.

[Gideon58]

I agree with you about Beth and I'm pretty sure whatever Beth is in denial will come screaming to the surface with Carol there permanently.

[Gideon58]

The Moon was an interesting theme for ep 11. The return of Griffin Dunne and Michael Angarano to the canvas as Nicky was definitely a highlight. I think it's great that Nicky wanted to meet Kevin's twins, but it did seem a little out of character for Nicky, who has been a social hermit for so long, to want to travel like that, especially during the pandemic. That was a heartbreaking and slightly scary moment when he broke the snow globes at the airport. Also loved Nicky talking to the babies...a perfect blend of warm and squirm-worthy. And is it me or does Milo Ventimiglia look about 17 years old when he's clean-shaven? We really got some terrific insight into Jack and Nicky's relationship here. Milo and Angarano are so wonderful together. The romance with Sally the hippie seemed a little rushed but loved the twist provided regarding Sally's life. Peter Onorati scored as Jack and Mickey's dad, conveying his joy and awe at the moon landing without saying a word. Love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

The connections between the separate stories weren't as clear in ep 12 but it was still a slid show. Nicky wanting to help out with Kevin and Madison's rehearsal dinner has disaster written all over it. I'm not feeling this sudden desire of Nicky's to be part of his family again at all. It's fascinating though watching Griffin Dunne investing in a character unlike anything he's ever played and he seems to be having a ball doing it. I liked what Miguel said to Nicky, but as we longtime fans know, Miguel was in love with Rebecca long before she even married Jack. Loved the way he stood up for Jack with Rebecca's father though. On the same subject, Phylicia Rashad really is throwing herself into the very unpleasant character of Beth's mother. Hate the way she calls Beth "Bethany". Susan Kelechi Watson was excellent in that scene where she caught Tess with her girlfriend on the bed. That final moment between Beth and her Mom was lovely. I think Toby is going to be an awesome Mr. Mom no matter what he told Madison. The scene with Toby and Madison was weird because these two have never really had a relationship prior to this episode, it just seemed a little convenient. Those wigs on Jack and Miguel were the worst and did nothing to make the actors look younger. And didn't help the scene of Jack rehearsing proposing to Rebecca any less silly. It's beginning to look like Kate is not going to last long on this new job and it's too bad because this job would have been really good for her. Hate her new boss and the actor playing him...hated him on Modern Family and am already hating him here. Really didn't understand the connection between Randall's adoption therapy group and the rest of the show, but I thought it was a really interesting choice that Randall chose to listen for most of it, considering Randall's not really much of a listener. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Agree with you on most stuff, as usual.

I don't have a problem with her mom calling her "Bethany." Yoda's sibs and Yoda himself all use "Chris" to identify him, but I, as his mommy, still call him Christopher most of the time. It's partly just a mommy thing, I think, harking back to when you're choosing baby names. At least I don't use his middle name much. :D

I thought it was odd that Beth never came out and mentioned to Tess that the rules just have to be the same for both her and Deja, which was part of the main point of her going upstairs to check on them in the first place: the door being shut.

I too thought the wigs were terrible, especially Miguel's. Jack--was that really a wig or just shorter hair on the actor? His wasn't as bad, if it was a wig.

See, I thought Kate redeemed herself at her job by helping that girl identify with My Fair Lady. I'm not sure if the instructor will just be the main source of tension for Kate at this job or if it's really a signal that she won't last long (coupled with being away from the kids). Or maybe they're just going to eventually find Toby another job and then they can write Kate back into a home-mom position for a while. I did chuckle at his admission that he really doesn't want to spend ten hours a day with them. :D Heck, I had four kids and was a single mom for a while: I HEAR YA, TOBY. :D

And even if he and Madison hadn't had much in common before, THEY DO NOW. I think they'd both grab at the chance to have a familiar person to talk to at the playground, or anywhere. When you have infants, just having another adult to talk to is pure gold. The only thing I found odd about that was that, since they've both been grafted into the Pearson family, they weren't talking mainly about THAT. Also, I have a handful of friends who've had twins. There is NO WAY that either Madison or Kevin would routinely look that "together," or look that well rested, or still have a sense of humor at all with new twins. Sure, we heard about a nanny, but we rarely see her. IS there still a nanny? Is she there overnight? I assume not. I'm rambling. :D

I guess with Randall they're shifting his issues. Now that he apparently has resolved his issues with his birth parents (tied up in a neat little bow, in some respects), they're exploring his childhood issues being raised in a white family. That's fine, and it makes sense. (And I felt terrible hearing that Asian man's story of living with white Jewish parents.) But it's convenient that we're moving from Randall's birth parent issues to his adoptive parent issues, with little overlap. I suspect in real life a person would likely struggle under the surface with both sets of problems for a long time, if not their whole life.

I dunno. Sometimes I think the writers for this show have a laundry list of Hot Topics We Need to Address, and that they check off the boxes as they write:

__ Gender issues
__ Pronouns
__ COVID
__ Masks
__ Racial tension

I'm waiting for an episode where they mention the Suez Canal. :D

[Austruck]

Also, wasn't it Madison who "found" this playground? Why is she taking newborn twins to a playground? Anyone who's had even ONE kid that young knows that it's a major production to get them all ready, get them dressed, get the "gear" and the stroller into the car (or out the door if you're completely walking there and back), and then have to deal with feedings, diapers, and fussiness the whole time you're out. And I didn't see the nanny anywhere to help her. I'm assuming the only reason they have to be at a playground is for toddler Jack to play. But he's blind, so why isn't Toby helping him/keeping an eye on him more? That whole scene felt contrived in terms of *location* for me more so than dialogue. :D

[Gideon58]

Your reasons for the contrivance of that scene are a lot more practical than mine...it just felt like they were trying to invent this instant relationship between Madison and Toby.

[gbgoodies]

It's beginning to look like Kate is not going to last long on this new job and it's too bad because this job would have been really good for her. Hate her new boss and the actor playing him...hated him on Modern Family and am already hating him here.

Isn't the guy who plays Kate's boss the same guy who plays Jamie on "A Million Little Things"? I haven't seen him in anything else, but I like him as Jamie.

[Gideon58]

I thought it was the guy who played Alex's teacher on Modern Family who fell for Haley, but maybe I'm wrong.

[Austruck]

Meanwhile, I'm over here finding it humorous since the guy in This Is Us was wearing a mask during all of his onscreen time so I have NO idea who he is! :D

[gbgoodies]

Isn't the guy who plays Kate's boss the same guy who plays Jamie on "A Million Little Things"? I haven't seen him in anything else, but I like him as Jamie.

I thought it was the guy who played Alex's teacher on Modern Family who fell for Haley, but maybe I'm wrong.

I've never seen "Modern Family", so I don't know who played Alex's teacher. We might be talking about the same actor.

Do you still watch "A Million Little Things"? I think it's as good as "This Is Us". (It might even be better.)


Meanwhile, I'm over here finding it humorous since the guy in This Is Us was wearing a mask during all of his onscreen time so I have NO idea who he is! :D

Jamie on "A Million Little Things" is played by Chris Geere. Here's a picture of him without a mask:

76320

[Gideon58]

Loved the specificity of ep 13, zeroing right in on the relationship between Kevin and Randall. Wasn't thrilled the way it started introducing a never before seen character, even if it was supposed to be an imaginary William. Loved the casting of Brandon Victor Dixon in the role, who was so impressive in the John Legend production of Jesus Christ Superstar, though it still seemed an odd way to open the episode. That opening scene between Justin and Sterling was excellent, even if it did punch me in the gut a little. Kevin's sincerity was genuine,. but I got the impression that no matter what he would have said, Randall wouldn't have been happy with it and wouldn't give Kevin a clue about what would have mended their fences. As a black man who was raised around white people my entire life, I understand a lot of Randall's issues, but he was way too hard on Kevin. It was almost as if Randall didn't really know what he wanted from Kevin. Despite all of that, I will say that that Sterling and Justin did the strongest work together on this episode that they've ever done. Did love the idea of Kevin and Randall getting locked out of the house as opposed to getting locked inside somewhere. That scene of college Kevin and Randall in the cab was superb and Kevin losing his keys was a perfect connection to the grown brothers. Didn't see that coming at all. Didn't really care for the whole Jack/Mister Rogers part of the story because I really didn't like the boys playing Kevin and Randall, but maybe that's just me, but still a rock solid episode. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

It was definitely a solid episode, and as a white woman over here, I wasn't sure how to react to the conversation between Kevin and Randall. If I try really hard to be objective about how people should behave when another person is trying to sincerely apologize (even if they still don't "get" the reason you're upset), I think I would be more understanding than Randall was being in that conversation.

At some point I think he would just have to understand that Kevin is never going to be able to truly EMPATHIZE with him. The best he can do, as a white man raised in his biological white family, is to SYMPATHIZE. And Randall is just going to have to accept Kevin's sincerity and desire to mend the relationship and not let his inherent inability to walk in Randall's shoes hinder their relationship going forward.

I would say you could substitute any number of issues for the racial one here and still come out with similar results: one party unable to fully grasp the other's problem, despite WANTING to, and the other party eventually realizing that and finding another way to let it go and deal with it. I would hope that Randall's transracial adoptee support group would help him with that: coming to terms with his family's inability to truly fathom what it must be like for him. I just don't think that's something Randall can continue to expect from Kevin.

At some point, I think this show is going to run out of ways to milk this topic out of these two particular characters. Many of us have had traumatic things happen to us in our younger years. And frankly, the way we move forward is to work through them and then, well, move forward. :)

If Randall doesn't feel that Kevin is racist--which he said clearly in this episode--then he's going to have to let some of that bitterness go for good. My two cents on that.

[Gideon58]

Work and dads seemed to be the underlying themes of ep 14. I hope they're not going where it seems they're going with the closing of Beth's dance studio...we already know that it's going to re-open at some point so I just don't see someone as smart and level-headed as Beth having some sort of meltdown because her dance studio had to close. Susan Kelechi Watson nailed that scene where her virtual job interview was cancelled...I didn't know what Beth was going to do. Loved Dan Lauria as Toby's father...looking forward to learning more about that relationship. Liked that meeting with Kevin's handlers, though I found it hard to believe that Nicky would be allowed to sit in on that meeting and that reunion with Sally just struck me as awfully convenient. Not sure what the purpose was of the reunion with Sally, if you have any thoughts on that Austruck. As for Madison's fashion show, I personally liked the first dress with the feathers the best. I'm seeing some real struggle coming down the pike for Kevin and Madison. And I'm sorry, buy Deja has no business telling Randall how to tell Randall to handle Beth, even if she is right. Loved the re-bonding of Kate and Rebecca in this episode, though I didn't really understand the scenes with teen Kate and the diner. I also wouldn't have minded hearing the rest of that performance of "Big Yellow Taxi." The final dance with the Beths and Randalls was lovely. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Well, since we've seen fast-forward Kevin with kids but no visible spouse, I do wonder if this is the beginning of the end for Kevin/Madison. They show him reconnecting with Sally briefly and... either Madison finds out and just gets jealous, which causes strife, or Kevin really does reconnect with Sally in too many ways. I don't think we know if future-Kevin is married or has ever married, so we don't know if this wedding is going to happen at all at this point. But they're beginning to show us a Madison that has some jitters about things: the wedding, her future mother-in-law, her dad. Add on Kevin's iffy job situation and it feels like a huge setup for the breakdown of that relationship.

[Gideon58]

Everything you're saying about Kevin and Madison makes sense. I have always felt the relationship was doomed from the start. A relationship that springs from, an accidental pregnancy rarely works.

[Gideon58]

We were just talking about the status of Kevin and Madison and it, incredibly was the focus of ep 15, featuring sensitive direction by Milo Ventimiglia. That unexpected telephone reunion between Kevin and Sophie was wrought with all kinds of tension. Justin Hartley played the mixed emotions he was clearly feeling so well. LOVED that the model was an ex of Madison's, very clever touch. As was the idea of them doing drawings of him rather than the expected stripper. Never really thought of the connection between Kevin and Jerry Maguire, but I see it, even though Nicky could have been a little more subtle about it. Also loved that Madison brought up the fact that she and Kevin might not be where they are without the pregnancy. And am I the only one who is over Griffin Dunne as Nicky? I guess he's supposed to be some sort of comic relief but I'm not finding him terribly funny. And I also have no desire to learn about Nicky's "romance" with Dr. Sally Brooks. I LOVE teenage Beth...her resemblance to Susan Kelachi Watson just astonishes me. Speaking of adult Beth, I have no idea what she's looking for in terms of a new job opportunity...it sounds like she needs to create her own opportunity. Didn't understand Kate's reaction to Kevin's answers during that game, how about you Austruck? That scene with the guys in front of the fire was excellent, though I didn't like the way Randall began it. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Kevin's long-awaited wedding and the memories it revived for the rest of the family made for an emotionally charged Season 5 finale. Really didn't understand Randall's reluctance to discuss New Orleans with Rebecca...it's not like Rebecca doesn't know that Randall had a real mother. Mandy Moore's playing of her apology to Randall was lovely. Loved Rebecca freaking out about missing the Moldavian Massacre on Dynasty and Jack not understanding what all the fuss was about. That was odd when the kids suggested Jack and Rebecca renew their vows. Kids don't know anything about vow renewals. I'm so over Griffin Dunne as Uncle Nicky...hope they find a way to get rid of the character for next season. Thrilled that Toby got a job and Kate refused to quit hers. Justin Hartley's impression of Peter Cook had me on the floor. I felt bad for him trying so hard to make sure everything is perfect almost cracking under the pressure. I liked what happened between Beth and Alex though I hated Alex's revamped wedding dress. I was glad we got a long overdue glimpse into Madison's past. I hated that Kevin couldn't say to Madison what she needed to hear, but I loved his honesty about it, which I saw coming. The final scene with Rebecca and her kids was a heartbreaking and perfect season finale, complete withthe perfect final scene plot twist. I read somewhere today that this stupid show has been cancelled and that season six will be its last, and I have to say Tuesday nights will never be the same and I will always love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I don't think it was canceled. I think they're choosing to wrap up the stories with a final season, on purpose. After all, we've seen some flash-forwards that they are slowing starting to edge toward and stitch together with the present, so at least it will be a satisfying ending instead of endings of some series that are canceled without the writers seeing it coming. (I'm looking at you, Carnivale!)

I hadn't seen it coming that the Kevin in the beginning of the episode, wearing wedding finery and practicing his silly jokes in the mirror, was NOT Kevin at his own wedding. Kudos to the writing and directing for hiding that because the whole way through the episode I was sure Kevin and Madison would at least make it that far toward their wedding. It was also less stressful for me that Madison called it off (instead of Kevin). We at least know enough about Kevin and his family to know he'll have support to get through it. It'll be interesting to see if they show us how they co-parent, though, going forward. It's not like it was a couple breaking up who did not already have kids. That changes things since neither one can completely walk away from the other.

I also didn't like what they did with Alex and the revamped bridesmaid dress. I mean, I've been a bridesmaid twice, and you just suck it up and wear what the BRIDE wants. It's HER day, not yours. (This was back in the day when bridesmaids' dresses always matched one another. Nowadays many brides give bridesmaids some leeway in subtle differences in things such as color or sleeve length--trying to be flattering to all types and body sizes.)

Anyway, I think that gave Alex the wrong signal that she can make anything about HER... and that's not a good life lesson, IMHO. I too am getting annoyed with Nicky. It's like they're manufacturing ways to make him NOT fit in, and most of them now feel forced or just silly.

I think Randall's choice to not initially discuss New Orleans with Rebecca stems from her having withheld information from him about his birth father/parents for so many years. So he struck out on his own (with Beth) to discover what he could, but I could definitely see someone in that situation wanting to hold onto that information for themselves and not share it with the one person who made FINDING that information harder in the first place.

I too am going to miss this show. Heck, I missed it just this WEEK because the season ended. But if we get a satisfying ending because they have time to plan it, then I'll be okay with that. As long as they don't ruin it with stupid crap, I'm good. (No "Lost" endings, for instance.) But it seems as if they already kinda know where they're heading with these interwoven stories, so I have confidence that we'll find the ending to our liking.

[gbgoodies]

I read somewhere today that this stupid show has been cancelled and that season six will be its last, and I have to say Tuesday nights will never be the same and I will always love this stupid show.

I don't think it was canceled. I think they're choosing to wrap up the stories with a final season, on purpose. After all, we've seen some flash-forwards that they are slowing starting to edge toward and stitch together with the present, so at least it will be a satisfying ending instead of endings of some series that are canceled without the writers seeing it coming. (I'm looking at you, Carnivale!)

I too am going to miss this show. Heck, I missed it just this WEEK because the season ended. But if we get a satisfying ending because they have time to plan it, then I'll be okay with that. As long as they don't ruin it with stupid crap, I'm good. (No "Lost" endings, for instance.) But it seems as if they already kinda know where they're heading with these interwoven stories, so I have confidence that we'll find the ending to our liking.


I read that the show was only cancelled because it is reaching the end of the story. It has nothing to do with the ratings. They realize that the cast is getting older, so eventually the flashback scenes won't be easy to film as the characters get younger, but the actors get older. The show was written to be this specific length, and everything will be neatly tied up in the final season, and all of our questions will be answered by the time we reach the series finale.

[Gideon58]

The season six opener, as I suspected, spent a little too much time trying to recap the last five seasons, though I did like that it began on the Pierson siblings birthday, like the pilot did. When Randall was contacted about the guy who broke into his house being apprehended, I couldn't help but wonder if his swift apprehension would have been as swift if Randall wasn't a city councilman. Randall confronting that guy was almost laughable? Was he expecting apology from this guy? Loved that Randall's trust of this man turned out to be misplaced, and I have a feeling it might be the beginning of the end of Randall and Beth. Really liked the idea of Kevin and Madison being honest about their feelings and agreeing to be the world's best co-parents. Not happy that they've already brought in a love interest for Madison...they couldn't have waited a couple more weeks? Loved the way Kate's boss dumped his wife...that scene was supposed to be sort of a throwaway, but I thought it was BRILLIANT. I thought it an interesting story move for the Challenger explosion story to have it occur at a time that forced TPTB to cast three new children we've never seen before a young Kevin, Kate, and Randall. Why cast new children during the final season? The kids singing to Kate was lovely, but they shouldn't have cut it short. A little disappointed that Tim Matheson wasn't allowed to reprise his role as Rebecca's father? That was messed up that Kevin was asked to reboot THE MANNY, but he was too old to play the Manny. Whoever wrote that arraignment scene for Randall's crook has never actually been in a courtroom..."offensive weapon"...seriously? LOVED the story of Rebecca being unable to remember the word caboose. Ironically, I hated Rebecca when this show first started, but everything she's done onscreen last season and in this episode is just breaking my heart. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Well, as for the new kids as the young Pearsons... they had to do that. The kids were only about six when the Challenger exploded, so the actors they'd used for younger Pearsons were already older than that. I thought they did a good job matching up looks, especially with whoever is playing young Kevin now.

And, would Kevin have chosen to live in Madison's GARAGE rather than, well, move everyone into a larger house with spare bedrooms or separate wings? Honestly, that was just silly.

I'm getting tired of Randall not listening to Beth's common sense and doing stupid stuff. It seems hard to believe she would continue to find this a positive trait since it gets in the way of SO much. And frankly, it smells like narcissism to me. Randall's always thinking he can solve the problems of the world, but that shows his huge ego and his inability to put his family before his own "noble" causes. It's really getting tiresome to watch. :D

I too love Rebecca's story, old and new. She plays both versions of herself well, and they're presenting it in a believable way.

[Gideon58]

Liked the packing montage that opened ep 2. It was weird looking at the liver spots on Rebecca's hands while Mandy Moore still looks like she's in her late 30's, early 40's. It cracked me up that Malik thought Deja would be excited about meeting his baby mama. I hope this is the last we've seen of Griffin Dunne's Nick...no offense to Dunn, but every scene he does I want to strangle the character. How Rebecca and Miguel didn't strangle the guy is beyond me. My jaw dropped when Rebecca confessed to having Alzheimers at the dinner table. Loved Dey Young and Jeffrey Nordling as Sally and Eric. That dinner scene was brilliantly written. i can't believe they got Michael Angarano to film that brief flashback of young Nicky.I love what her romance with Malik has done to Deja. She doesn't even resemble the bitter, resentful hot mess who first came on the show. Deja and Malik's forst time...how sweet was that? And I feel funny saying it, but after six seasons, I still am not feeling Rebecca and Miguel as a couple. I love this stupid show though.

[Austruck]

I kinda AM finally seeing Miguel and Rebecca as a couple, especially once Rebecca kinda talked it out with Sally: first loves versus older, more stable loves later. She sees the difference in her two marriages, and that's a good thing. And when Miguel promised her he would be there for her through her Alzheimer's, well, I really believed it. He's presented as boring and dull, but honestly, in the real world that can also be seen as stable and solid if you look at it the right way. And that's precisely what Rebecca has needed all along, especially now.

I'm curious about what will happen if/when Randall and Beth find out where Deja really went. And of course, my mind was asking whether or not Malik and Deja used protection. I mean, THEY SHOULD HAVE, but did they? We got no indication either way. He wouldn't necessarily have protection with him, but did SHE bring it along? If so, trust me, a teenage girl with no experience is not going to easily go buy condoms. I'd be curious why they chose not to include any reference to that part of the experience at all. In my mind, it would be formative.

I admit I had a few times where I got misty in this episode. I too love this stupid show. :D

[Gideon58]

Malik already has a child he can't support, I can't believe he would be stupid enough to have sex with Deja without protection.

[Austruck]

Malik already has a child he can't support, I can't believe he would be stupid enough to have sex with Deja without protection.

Yes, but we're talking about a situation he didn't see coming, so was he ready? Was she? And this is fictional, and they'll definitely use whatever means necessary to ramp up the tension and conflict. :)

[Gideon58]

Loved the opening connecting thread of ep 3 with the Pierson dads not having enough timee for their kids. Though I understand the initial embarrassment, I'm glad Kevin took the Manny reboot...he dos have a family to support; loved the table read scene...glad the new manny isn't rubbing it in Kevin's face; I felt both sides of the argument when Kevin missed his daughter walk for the first time; Susan Kelechi Watson was SO funny when they found abut Deja; Not sure why Kate all off a sudden doesn't trust Toby's parenting skills; Sorry, not buying that little Kevin would just get up and walk out of a movie theater, a move that was supposed to make Jack feel guilty, but I just don't buy it; the parallel between this story and Kevin missing his daughter walk smacked me right in the face; loving the relationship between Kevin and Toby; And who is Deja to demand that she and Randall not have a conservation about what she did? Did she say that was going to be a problem? Seriously? If she wants to be with Malik, then she needs to move in with him; it took a long time for the connection between Kate and her husband and her son, but it did. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

You really summed everything up in one paragraph! Good job! :D

Yeah, I was totally fine with the good way Randall handled his conversation with Deja. He knew he should go have a run first to burn off his anger before speaking. For Randall that's a big step in self-awareness. Then he said all the right things to her, especially considering his feelings about this. Then what? Deja's response about it being a problem not seeing Malik? I mean, he's in Boston. She's in Philly. She's in high school. She should just be happy enough to see him when he's home on break. That's what I did when faced with a long-distance relationship in college. (I was in Pittsburgh at CMU; he was north of Philly in high school.) We just got together at breaks, although he did take a bus out to see me once that year (but didn't sneak off to do it).

Considering what she'd just heard from Randall--which most parents would NOT have been able to say--she should have been grateful for his overall response.

I wouldn't say Kate doesn't trust Toby's parenting skills. But it does matter if the kid has a routine--a routine that Toby's not currently aware of. When I babysit my grandson, I purposely ASK what his schedule is with regarding to sleeping and eating, precisely because I'm not there on a daily basis to know what it is. It has nothing to do with my own parenting skills. (I raised four kids so everyone involved knows I know how to take care of a toddler.) Toby should have understood that he needed to get up to speed on what Jack's schedule and routine were now. Still, it's clear this is how they're creating tension between Kate and Toby, and some of it seems exaggerated or just false. I still wonder if they'll just show us present-day Kate and Toby together, like they've been handing us a false lead up until now to create tension.

How many episodes do we have left? Are they splitting up this final season with a break in the middle?

[Gideon58]

I have no idea how many episodes are left, but it sure feels like they're wrapping things up, since they started mid-season, I'm hoping it goes at least until May.

[gbgoodies]

How many episodes do we have left? Are they splitting up this final season with a break in the middle?

I have no idea how many episodes are left, but it sure feels like they're wrapping things up, since they started mid-season, I'm hoping it goes at least until May.


This week's episode, (aired Jan 18th), was episode 3. According to EW, the final season will be 18 episodes.

https://ew.com/tv/this-is-us-creator-final-season-preview/

"The sixth and final season of the NBC series that revitalized the family drama will begin to dole out its last 18 episodes on Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. "

[Austruck]

This week's episode, (aired Jan 18th), was episode 3. According to EW, the final season will be 18 episodes.

https://ew.com/tv/this-is-us-creator-final-season-preview/

"The sixth and final season of the NBC series that revitalized the family drama will begin to dole out its last 18 episodes on Jan. 4 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. "

Which totally means that they're gonna slice it up into parts. At least two--maybe three, each six episodes?

[gbgoodies]

Which totally means that they're gonna slice it up into parts. At least two--maybe three, each six episodes?


I don't know the schedule, but I vaguely remember reading somewhere that it's supposed to end in May.

[Gideon58]

I was thrilled when I realized that ep 4 was going to be a Jack-centered episode. That over head shot of young Jack dragging the sled in the snow was breathtaking; Camryn Manheim's richly internalized Debbie was a one-woman acting class; loved the slow defrosting between Jack and Mike; Milo played the tension between them perfect and it didn't keep Mike from being a total sweetheart; I almost cried when Mike told Jack that he was his mother's hero; loved the phone calls between Jack and his mother, you always got the feeling that Marilyn was hiding something from her son; loved that scene in the bar where Jack is magically replaced by Marilyn; That phone call from Jack to his dad sizzled with tension, beautifully played by Milo and Peter Onorati; loved the "hot dogs and tomato soup" scene because we're not really sure if it really was Jack's favorite or Jack just conceded to make Marilyn happy; I almost lost it when Jack found that box with his kids name on it under Marilyn's bed. Never really understand Debbie's coldness toward Jack, but that's OK. Managed to keep the tear ducts intact until Jack's eulogy. I love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

Some solid work by Mandy Moore anchored ep 5, which seemed to be crafted in order to get Moore an Emmy nomination; LOVED that beautifully edited sequence of the speed dating where all Rebecca could talk about was Jack's death; And I sill am not feeling Rebecca and Miguel; I liked Matt though...he was sweet; Teen Kate was totally out of line with Rebecca and deserved that slap across the street; That was heartbreaking when Kate told Rebecca she wasn't comfortable with her watching the kids; Would love to see Rebecca come out of this people-pleasing thing before it's too late; Loved Kevin's reaction to Elijah coming out of the bedroom; Surprised about the return of Cassidy, she's such a Debbie Downer; Didn't occur to me until Randall said it, but Kevin is incapable of casual sex and one night stands, he always works for "the relationship"; Cassidy referring to Kevin as a "big blonde wrecking ball" was on the money. Randall and Beth were funny trying to figure out why Malik wants to cook dinner for them; Wasn't feeling Griffin Dunne and Vanessa Bell Callaway as a couple either; Malik's dinner party with the Piersons crackled with tension, brilliantly done; Malik and Deja really crossed the line here, this idea is all kinds of crazy and they don't see it; Totally with Randall and Beth on this one; I wanted to slap the taste out of Malik's mouth after what he said to Randall. An intense and entertaining hour. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I was thrilled when I realized that ep 4 was going to be a Jack-centered episode. That over head shot of young Jack dragging the sled in the snow was breathtaking; Camryn Manheim's richly internalized Debbie was a one-woman acting class; loved the slow defrosting between Jack and Mike; Milo played the tension between them perfect and it didn't keep Mike from being a total sweetheart; I almost cried when Mike told Jack that he was his mother's hero; loved the phone calls between Jack and his mother, you always got the feeling that Marilyn was hiding something from her son; loved that scene in the bar where Jack is magically replaced by Marilyn; That phone call from Jack to his dad sizzled with tension, beautifully played by Milo and Peter Onorati; loved the "hot dogs and tomato soup" scene because we're not really sure if it really was Jack's favorite or Jack just conceded to make Marilyn happy; I almost lost it when Jack found that box with his kids name on it under Marilyn's bed. Never really understand Debbie's coldness toward Jack, but that's OK. Managed to keep the tear ducts intact until Jack's eulogy. I love this stupid show.

SAME.

The eulogy was appropriate and tear-inducing without being sappy. Terrific writing AND acting in that scene.

I assume Debbie's coldness toward jack was because we saw how short those phone calls were. His mom looked forward all week to what amounted to a perfunctory three-minute phone call.

The only part I found a bit over the top was how they were worried Jack's dad would show up at the funeral. After all, Jack never told her where she was--not even what city--so how would the guy even know what STATE to look in for an obit? Especially back in the 1980s, pre-internet usage? Wasn't even remotely going to happen, so that tension felt too manufactured to me.

Otherwise, great episode. Was glad Jack got to hear that his mom had been happy with Mike, even if he never got to actually see it. So glad to see that Rebecca just brought the kids on her own.

[Austruck]

Some solid work by Mandy Moore anchored ep 5, which seemed to be crafted in order to get Moore an Emmy nomination; LOVED that beautifully edited sequence of the speed dating where all Rebecca could talk about was Jack's death; And I sill am not feeling Rebecca and Miguel; I liked Matt though...he was sweet; Teen Kate was totally out of line with Rebecca and deserved that slap across the street; That was heartbreaking when Kate told Rebecca she wasn't comfortable with her watching the kids; Would love to see Rebecca come out of this people-pleasing thing before it's too late; Loved Kevin's reaction to Elijah coming out of the bedroom; Surprised about the return of Cassidy, she's such a Debbie Downer; Didn't occur to me until Randall said it, but Kevin is incapable of casual sex and one night stands, he always works for "the relationship"; Cassidy referring to Kevin as a "big blonde wrecking ball" was on the money. Randall and Beth were funny trying to figure out why Malik wants to cook dinner for them; Wasn't feeling Griffin Dunne and Vanessa Bell Callaway as a couple either; Malik's dinner party with the Piersons crackled with tension, brilliantly done; Malik and Deja really crossed the line here, this idea is all kinds of crazy and they don't see it; Totally with Randall and Beth on this one; I wanted to slap the taste out of Malik's mouth after what he said to Randall. An intense and entertaining hour. I love this stupid show.

SAME AGAIN. :D

Malike and Deja are definitely pushing in the wrong direction, but that is definitely how "young love" tends to feel: as if you do know everything and that nothing is ever going to come between you. The thought of everyday life--a mundane life filled with bill-paying, low-level jobs, etc.--is so much harder on a relationship than young people would ever guess. (Don't ask me how I know this.) You somehow tell yourself it'll be okay "as long as we have each other," but as you get older you realize what a load of horse hockey that really is. If Deja and Malik continue in this, they're going to learn right-quick just how tough it is for love to outlast the rigors of daily low-income life.

And yes, the "worst-case scenario" game between Beth and Randall is always hilarious. Beth's comic timing for her lines during those scenes is impeccable.

And I didn't realize what bad news Kate was going to tell Rebecca. For some reason, I thought it might be that they wanted to move (to be closer to Toby's work, maybe). So when she said what it really was, I had a tough time not getting teary-eyed then. It's the right thing to do, but you could see how much it bothered Kate that it had come to this.

And yes, teenage Kate said some horrible things. It would have been tough for any parent not to cuff her upside da head. :D

[Gideon58]

Just finished ep 6...loving that we're getting to the genesis of Beth's dance studio which has only been hinted at up to this point...it's the first time I've seen a real passion in Beth's eyes in quite awhile. I hate that Toby and Kate seem to be drifting apart. Loved the return of the teen Kevin, Kate, and Randall that we've grown to love. Loved the looks between Kate and Madison every time Kevin mentioned Thanksgiving, but honestly didn't see that coming. I originally thought the teacher, beautifully played by Goran Visnjic had sexually harassed Beth but the outcome was so much classier. Miguel was out of line saying Matt got himself invited to Thanksgiving. I don't recall Kate and Sophie being that tight. Teen Kevin and Teen Kate nailed every moment they had onscreen. Chrissy Metz's Kate was absolutely correct about everything she said to Kevin. The Susan and the Ballerina scene didn't need the Randall insert. When Elijah was talking to Kevin, I couldn't help thinking what would Madison feel about that encounter? Loved that moment between Toby and Kevin too...it's so weird that Kevin is living with them, I don't get that. Solid hour, though, I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Yeah, Kevin can afford to live anywhere, right? Why bunk in with them? Just get the closest place to Madison and the twins...

I'm sorry but one thing I thought was melodramatic was Beth's phone call to Vincent toward the end. We're talking decades later and she basically calls him up to vent about her teenage angst issues. Granted, I do know that a bad experience with a teacher you idolized can stick with you for a long time. And in her case she apparently changed her own goals because of him. But you would have thought by now she could have realized that all of those decisions are on HER. What good was that phone call? It was just a way for us to hear her vent and figure things out about herself.

I mean, I made some poor choices and decisions at the same ages she did--based on limited or faulty information about other people--but I don't blame anyone but myself for those choices. And I've moved on and made the best of things with what I have, rather than calling those people out on the undue influence they might have had on me when I was younger.

I guess I just saw that whole phone call as So Not Beth and the way she does things. Reminded me of when Kate called out her previous boyfriend in the present--just to have a lovely self-righteous conversation that was supposed to make us proud of her. Sorry, but conversations like those in real life rarely go that way and often end up being regrettable.

Also, Miguel is clearly showing his budding jealousy of Rebecca dating. If they show us that Thanksgiving--with Marguerite and Matt in tow--it's going to be an epic failure on all fronts. :D

As for Thanksgiving and Madison/Kevin... Well, my side of my extended family pretty much has never had Thanksgiving or Christmas ON Thanksgiving or Christmas--for decades. It was the only way to have time with kids in a divorce/remarriage situation over the years. Somebody had to be flexible. It tended to be me. So, having such ridiculous scenes over a specific day that doesn't NEED to be ON that day just made me roll my eyes. Easy solution right in front of everybody, and nobody took it. Felt like more fake drama. :)

Gosh, I'm a skeptic this week. :D

Also, why are we skipping a new episode next week? The next new one is on March 8, not March 1.

[Gideon58]

Now that you explain it, that phone call really was so not Beth...she's a much stronger woman than that. When teenage Beth saw him in the restaurant, I jumped to the conclusion that he had sexually assaulted her and if that had been the case, the phone call would have made a lot more sense.

[Gideon58]

Thanksgiving with the Piersons was fraught with the expected tensions...loved Beth's epitaph regarding Thanksgiving with the Piersons...loved the return of Tim Matheson and Elizabeth Perkins as Rebecca's parents. With each appearance he makes on the show, college Randall is less and less likable...he's so arrogant and judgmental. And he does think he can fix everything. So weird what's happening between Toby and Kate...when he was unemployed, being the best Mr. Mom ever was his priority, but now that his job as become his priority, he seems to resent Kate for not doing everything the way he would do it. That final scene with Chrissy Metz and Chris SulIivan was wonderful and I understood both sides. loved that Rebecca insisted that Jack carve the turkey instead of her father; loved that exchange between Miguel and Rebecca while Miguel was carving where they were both speaking between the lines; the sweet potato connection between the three dinners was brilliant; LOVED when Rebecca exploded on her mother and can't believe her mother refused to acknowledge here part in it; loved the connection that developed between Rebecca and Miguel during the game of taboo.;
felt bad for Matt though; Logan Shroyer was solid in that scene where he confessed to Miguel and didn't get what he wanted from him; that family meeting scene had me weeping, thanks primarily to a deeply moving performance from Mandy Moore. I would have placed that scene at the end of the show though. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I agree with everything you wrote! I burst into tears during that family meeting scene. It wasn't overdone. The writing was exactly the way a real person would have had that conversation. They didn't inject any unnecessary drama or tension into it. The writers clearly knew that just presenting it the way a real family would experience it was enough of a tug without adding extra problems. So well done.

This episode was very well sculpted, and it tugged us along easily through each scene and transition. The Kate/Toby tensions feel like the artificially ramped-up drama that this show sometimes engages in. It doesn't feel like it has any real depth. The biggest tensions seemed to come because they were having these disagreements in front of the whole family--which I'm not sure they would have. So, once again I felt as if the show artificially added that extra drama to a situation that Kate and Toby would have found other ways to talk through together, alone, earlier than this. I guess I do understand how couples drift apart over things like this--but their drifting has seemed silly sometimes and not the kind of thing they'd allow to happen to their relationship. Unlike real-life couples, these two have a good history of talking things over, honestly and thoroughly. This season it just suddenly stopped, and neither one seems willing to restart the conversations.

I know it happens. But in this situation, it has felt like a stretch. Not enough to undo my love for the show, though. Just a minor gripe. :)

[Gideon58]

Ep 8 was rich with squirm-worthy, classic "This is Us" moments. I guess we're starting with Kevin. Sure love seeing him working so hard at being a good dad to those adorable twins. Trying to fly with twins? Seriously? Nice that Cassidy refused pain medication after her accident and loved the ego on Kevin immediately thinking it was all his fault. That scene with Justin Hartley and Griffin Dunne in the hospital had my stomach in in knots. Loved the way Justin Hartley's eyes welled up with water as he was listening to Cassidy in her hospital room. That was Nick Weschler as Matty's dad...loved him on Revenge. Loved that Randall and Kate called Kevin on his blind trust of Nicky cause I don't get it either. Even though I'm not feeling her character with Nicky, I'm loving Vanessa Bell Calloway...she looks amazing for a woman whose been in the business 40 years; this whole thing of Kevin building this compound has disaster written all over it. This might be the first episode where I saw Cassidy smile more than once; Love that little Kevin couldn't wait to go off the diving board yet little Kate was afraid to step foot in the pool; Logan Shroyer nailed that pity party scene in the empty pool. And that cabin...that was "the cabin" that has been the setting so much Pierson drama? Didn't connect that until this episode. Cassidy built the family cabin? Love this stupid show.

[Gideon58]

OK, what we seem to be getting in ep 9 is the second part of individual looks at the triplets and this episode seems to be about Kate. I love the way this trilogy is being mounted in the form of a Tarantino movie. Loved Kate and Madison's obsession with Fight Club and how Kate connected it to "New Toby.". As much as he might be in denial about, the current Toby is not the Toby we met six years ago. Loved when she was talking to the "Old Toby" hallucination. Liked what they did with "Old Toby"...didn't see that coming. Chris Sullivan looks amazing. It's really sad watching what is happening to Toby and Kate because they are both working so hard at trying to believe that nothing's wrong. Chrissy Metz is doing a wonderful job of showing Kate's conflict through internalizing Kate's feelings. Toby seems to be making a lot of decisions about his family unilaterally. Really wanted to smack Toby at that party instructing Kate about what subjects she can talk about. Chrissy Metz really did some strong work during those party scenes. That fight scene with Toby and Kate after the party was painful to watch. This episode was a total heartbreaker, but I still love this stupid show and plan to see it out to the end.

[Austruck]

Ep 8 was rich with squirm-worthy, classic "This is Us" moments. I guess we're starting with Kevin. Sure love seeing him working so hard at being a good dad to those adorable twins. Trying to fly with twins? Seriously? Nice that Cassidy refused pain medication after her accident and loved the ego on Kevin immediately thinking it was all his fault. That scene with Justin Hartley and Griffin Dunne in the hospital had my stomach in in knots. Loved the way Justin Hartley's eyes welled up with water as he was listening to Cassidy in her hospital room. That was Nick Weschler as Matty's dad...loved him on Revenge. Loved that Randall and Kate called Kevin on his blind trust of Nicky cause I don't get it either. Even though I'm not feeling her character with Nicky, I'm loving Vanessa Bell Calloway...she looks amazing for a woman whose been in the business 40 years; this whole thing of Kevin building this compound has disaster written all over it. This might be the first episode where I saw Cassidy smile more than once; Love that little Kevin couldn't wait to go off the diving board yet little Kate was afraid to step foot in the pool; Logan Shroyer nailed that pity party scene in the empty pool. And that cabin...that was "the cabin" that has been the setting so much Pierson drama? Didn't connect that until this episode. Cassidy built the family cabin? Love this stupid show.

Yeah, we've seen them go up to that cabin a lot throughout the series (back in the 1980s and present time). No, Cassidy didn't build that cabin (if that's what you were asking). She's helping, along with Nicky, on the compound project.

Honestly, do you remember the earlier flash-forwards where we see people getting together--older Kevin with his kids but no spouse around, Toby showing up without Kate, etc. I assume THAT is the future compound. I think we also initially saw the flash-forwards of older Randall and family visiting Rebecca on her deathbed (or soon/around that time). No? It was a house/area we hadn't seen before. I also assume now that this was the future compound being built now by Kevin.

[Gideon58]

Yeah, we've seen them go up to that cabin a lot throughout the series (back in the 1980s and present time). No, Cassidy didn't build that cabin (if that's what you were asking). She's helping, along with Nicky, on the compound project.

Honestly, do you remember the earlier flash-forwards where we see people getting together--older Kevin with his kids but no spouse around, Toby showing up without Kate, etc. I assume THAT is the future compound. I think we also initially saw the flash-forwards of older Randall and family visiting Rebecca on her deathbed (or soon/around that time). No? It was a house/area we hadn't seen before. I also assume now that this was the future compound being built now by Kevin.


Thanks for clarifying regarding the compound and the cabin...I was definitely confused about that.

[Gideon58]

As I suspected it might, the Randall part of this story arc brings out all of the things I hate about Randall. I was on Randall's side when Deja was yelling at him; love the way she plays the orphan card when it's convenient for her; As I suspected, Randall was insulted that Rebecca made Kate the executor of her estate, because Randall thinks he knows better than anyone about anything; Of course, Randall's arrogance is always center stage where Rebecca is concerned. I got the feeling that if Randall had gotten that advice about giving Deja space from anyone but Rebecca, he would have ignored it. I did like every moment Mandy Moore and Sterling K Brown had onscreen together in this episode. I agree that Randall can't put Beth through another campaign, but you know he's going to do it anyway. He's going to talk himself into believing he can do this without disrupting his family. Didn't understand the point of little Randle being all excited about going in the deep end of the pool but not being able to take his eyes off the rest of his family. Glad that Deja and Malik came to their senses even if it came off as a little pat and convenient. Couldn't tell who came to their senses first and I think that was intentional. I didn't need to hear teen Randall tell a cop that he's been carrying his family on his back for two years. Teen Randall's arrogance as never known any bounds, but he grew out of some of it. Seeing the entire family in the pool and the peek at the other two parts of the arc were a perfect wrap-up. I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

Can't disagree with you on any of this. I reeeeeally hated when Randall snipped at Rebecca about choosing Kate as executor. I think that showed his main view of this whole situation. And the only reason he accepted it later in the episode was when Rebecca basically said that the only reason she didn't choose him was, well, because he would have done TOO good a job and it would have taken up his whole life. In other words, it's not about Kate being a better choice for the job--but about Randall perhaps ending up too committed to it.

And of course he sees that not as the character flaw that it is (jumping in 100% to anything, no matter how it affects everyone else), but rather as a compliment. And he goes and schedules the meeting with the senator. I used to know someone whose ego was very much like Randall's (minus the noble qualities Randall sometimes exhibits). He used to tell me privately that he was sure he could become president someday. He since stopped saying such things when his inflated ego got the better of him and he let it break apart his own family. Now he still thinks he could be president but wouldn't risk the world finding out about his past (because the media always scrutinizes political candidates).

I suppose that's partly why I reacted so much to Randall's ego in this episode, even though we saw some of the tamer sides of it. He's really not noble, when that nobility comes from his ego--from his WANTING to look noble to everyone.

I sure hope they don't end his story arc with the presidency, although I could see them ending it with him being a senator and starting to climb in that direction. And I'll try hard not to puke. :D

--

Side note: Pittsburgh really does have a chain of restaurants called Eat'n Park, and they really do have Smiley cookies. I used to take Yoda and his siblings there quite a bit when they were younger. Inexpensive, but clean and nice, something each kid liked to eat, and Smiley cookies for the kids at the end of the meal. Fond memories of those trips...

https://www.eatnpark.com/

[Gideon58]

Can't disagree with you on any of this. I reeeeeally hated when Randall snipped at Rebecca about choosing Kate as executor. I think that showed his main view of this whole situation. And the only reason he accepted it later in the episode was when Rebecca basically said that the only reason she didn't choose him was, well, because he would have done TOO good a job and it would have taken up his whole life. In other words, it's not about Kate being a better choice for the job--but about Randall perhaps ending up too committed to it.

And of course he sees that not as the character flaw that it is (jumping in 100% to anything, no matter how it affects everyone else), but rather as a compliment. And he goes and schedules the meeting with the senator. I used to know someone whose ego was very much like Randall's (minus the noble qualities Randall sometimes exhibits). He used to tell me privately that he was sure he could become president someday. He since stopped saying such things when his inflated ego got the better of him and he let it break apart his own family. Now he still thinks he could be president but wouldn't risk the world finding out about his past (because the media always scrutinizes political candidates).

I suppose that's partly why I reacted so much to Randall's ego in this episode, even though we saw some of the tamer sides of it. He's really not noble, when that nobility comes from his ego--from his WANTING to look noble to everyone.

I sure hope they don't end his story arc with the presidency, although I could see them ending it with him being a senator and starting to climb in that direction. And I'll try hard not to puke. :D

--

Side note: Pittsburgh really does have a chain of restaurants called Eat'n Park, and they really do have Smiley cookies. I used to take Yoda and his siblings there quite a bit when they were younger. Inexpensive, but clean and nice, something each kid liked to eat, and Smiley cookies for the kids at the end of the meal. Fond memories of those trips...

https://www.eatnpark.com/

If Randall or Rebecca had uttered the word "presidency" during that scene, I would have thrown a rock at the TV set.

[Austruck]

If Randall or Rebecca had uttered the word "presidency" during that scene, I would have thrown a rock at the TV set.

And yet we know they were thinking it--because we were thinking it too! :D

[Gideon58]

Ep 11 provided us with a squirm-worthy opening as we got to see several shots of the world from Jack's impaired point of view. Also, this is the first episode where I noticed that Jack is played by an actual visually impaired child. And when did Jack all of a sudden become so chatty? I wish Kevin and Kate's conversation about the gate hadn't telegraphed what was coming, she could have just told Kevin it was nothing for him to worry about. Loved when Kate loved Randall and wouldn't let go. Even though they both joked about it being uncomfortable, I LOVE where Kevin and Madison are now...co-parents doing what's best for their children. I'm glad he caught Elijah but he's overreacting. Couldn't believe Madison told Kevin about the proposal, didn't see that coming. You would think the Piersons would learn to stop throwing parties by now, they do nothing but cause tension. Glad Randall admitted at the end that the party sucked. Loved watching Rebecca get drink at the anniversary dinner...it was nice seeing Rebecca lighten up. Drunk Rebecca was so much fun, but I think the kids got off way too easy, if I had done that to a babysitter when I was a kid, I would have been beaten severely. Even though we saw it coming, my heart still stopped when Jack walked out that door. The camera work on Jack alone on the street was superb. Loved that take Chrissy Metz did when Kate realized the front door was unlocked. That scene of Jack getting stitches was nearly impossible to watch, it reminded me of Billy getting stitches in Kramer VS Kramer. What's happening to Toby and Kate is ripping my guts. This show features one of the best television ensemble casts I have ever scene in 50 years of television viewing. Just magical...I love this stupid show.

[Austruck]

I think the tiny actor playing Jack has been in the last few episodes showing us Jack. I noticed back then that it was likely a visually impaired child. And I think they just needed him to be suddenly completely articulate in order for the storyline to work. My grandson is not quite four, obviously older than Jack in this episode, and doesn't often articulate things quite that clearly and perfectly. Kids' thoughts and words tend to meander a little more than this kid's. But hey... it mostly worked.

Note to self: Never accept an invitation to a Pearson party... unless you like train wrecks. :D

I agree that the younger Pearsons should have punished their kids. They could have expressed appreciation for their kids sticking up for each other, but what they did to the babysitter was downright dangerous for all of them. And it's not like she had been abusive. But of course, what do we expect when a drunk mom gets to lay down the law? :D

I too loved the camera work showing us Jack's perspective throughout the episode.

The stitches stuff was a bit of PTSD for me. I had stitches seven times in my head as a kid growing up. It's a scary thing. Then, when I was very pregnant with Yoda's little brother, my two-year-old Yoda fell at his grandparents' house and needed stitches on his chin. Taking him to the hospital was worse than when I myself got stitches. They even had to ask me to leave the room because I was so upset and not handling it well. (Yoda, on the other hand, chattered away with the doctor and nurse while he was strapped onto the "papoose board" to keep him still. They told him those black stitches were his "boo-boo whiskers.")

While watching that part, I had to remind myself that grown-up Jack is FINE so all would turn out okay in that whole scene.

Ya know, I wasn't buying much of the tension between Kate and Toby up until this episode. They brought out how many little annoyances can add up in a relationship if you don't deal with them along the way. And the part in the yard where the Pearson Three are sitting next to each other and Toby sees them and makes a comment about how this is always how it is (the three of them sticking together against *whoever* is opposite them--and this time it's him) *really* hit home. You can almost see Toby making a break with them emotionally, like he knows he's outnumbered and always will be.

That, after all, is the ongoing undercurrent of this show: how this family's pieces and parts stick together no matter what happens to any of them individually. I'm seeing how smoothly they're starting to tie individual storylines together to form a workable series ending.

[Gideon58]

You can almost see Toby making a break with them emotionally, like he knows he's outnumbered and always will be.



Yeah, that shot in the front yard where Toby was standing on one side of the yard and the triplets were standing together a few feet away, but together...that shot really got to me.

[Gideon58]

Well ep 12 started off in jts typical foreboding fashion with Beth telling Kate it was going to be a perfect day. These people continue to have parties of some kind, no matter how much they continue to suck. What a shocking way to confirm the end of Toby and Kate's marriage...didn't see it happening so abruptly. Loved the couples therapy scenes...it looked like Kate and Toby were both trying to sway the therapist to their individual side. Loved that little dinner scene with them though. Can't believe Kate is engaged to Phillip...seriously? I am not feeling them as a couple at all. Most unmoving marriage proposal I've seen on television ever. What the hell are they doing to Toby? He may have gone over the line comparing himself to Jack, but he wasn't entirely wrong. Superb work by Chris Sullivan throughout this episode. And I have to say my heart sank when Toby took down his Young Frankenstein poster. Phillip's monologue with Kate about his last wife was a bit over the top for me. And did that Elijah guy actually get Madison pregnant again? Love that Kevin had a different date in every set of scenes. Despite the problems I had with this episode, it was still a heartbreaker. I love this stupid show..

[Austruck]

Wow, do I have to rewatch this episode? Where did Madison look pregnant?

I don't overly mind the Philip storyline, but what I didn't find believable was that she was dating so heavily... by the time they were signing divorce papers. However long it took to get through the paperwork of a divorce, I just don't see either one of them jumping back into the dating pool so fast. SOME people do date right away, but if we're supposed to believe their earlier story at all, then we'd have to think that Kate wouldn't be seriously dating so soon. And yeah, Philip's sob story about his first wife was a bit TOO melodramatic. The writers didn't need to go that far.

And I'm sorry, but I just don't see Toby being QUITE that okay with Philip being the stepdad. Even in the best of circumstances, stepparents often have a rough time dealing with the biological parents. The best you can usually hope for is that the bio parent will keep his/her opinions to themselves. That bar scene with Toby and Philip just seemed a little too "This Is Us" dramatic to me. And is he really gonna explain football to Philip?? Male bonding? Really?

Otherwise, though, I too enjoyed seeing Kevin with various shallow women in every scene. And Toby comparing himself to Jack seems like exactly what he would do in that moment. It's been an underlying issue for him since the beginning: competing with that family and the odd Jack-glue that has held it together for too many years. The same issue Miguel has had to endure.

There are, I believe, six episodes left.