Warning: this post contains major spoilers for the fall finale of This is Us
First off, whichever television executive came up with this “fall finale” thing needs to be strung up by their pinkie toes and left to ponder what they’ve done wrong. I, like many of you, have once again gotten fully, emotionally immersed in the trials and triumphs of the Pearson clan on This is Us. Right before the holidays, I’m left with so many unanswered questions. Thanks, NBC.
On Tuesday, we were treated to the last part of a three-part trilogy dealing with the “Big Three,” both in the present and on that fateful night when Kevin sustained his football career-ending injury. This week’s episode focused on Sterling K. Brown’s Randall, and in my humble opinion, it was the best of the three. Heck, I could watch a whole season of Randall just telling dad jokes. Anyone else?
Unfortunately for Randall and Beth, their foster child, Deja, goes back to her birth mother, who was released from prison (the charges against her were dropped). Randall and Beth initially vow to lawyer up and fight the mom from That 70s Show in order to gain custody of the girl, but, thanks to a flashback, Randall changes his mind. He recalls how his father William stepped back and let Randall live his best life with Rebecca and Jack. He then bids a fond farewell to Deja.
Of course, no episode of This is Us can come without some pathos, so cue Kevin, who gets busted for a DUI with Randall’s daughter Tess in the car (yes, he was unaware that she was hiding in the back seat, eager to talk about her family troubles wit her Uncle Kevin). Randall is not happy, and Beth is fuming, so I’m sure the Pearson Family Christmas is not going to be a festive occasion. On a lighter note, Randall and Beth haven’t been put off by the fostering process to not do it again, so there’s that – and an adorable little boy who just happens to be going through the system at the same time. Hmmm.
When asked by Vulture about the last episode, Sterling talked about having to say goodbye to Deja, played by the wonderful Lyric Ross. He also danced around what we can expect from This is Us in 2018:
Was it hard for Randall and Beth to let Deja go?
Oh yeah. I don’t know how to engender an emotional response to someone outside of the way in which I authentically feel about them. Most of my job is developing a relationship off-camera and, in doing that, I have something that I can authentically play on-camera. I don’t have to force it or anything. The relationship is there. I just have to say, “Sterling has to say good-bye to Lyric. Sterling doesn’t want to say good-bye to Lyric. Randall doesn’t want to say good-bye to Deja.” That’s how it works for me.On that adorable boy in foster care:
He’s very cute. He’s a very cute little boy! And I do know that Randall is eager for the possibility of getting a little bit more testosterone in the crib. So, yeah, we’ll see. That’s pretty much all I can say. I tell you what, the payoff is gonna be worth it. It’s gonna be good. It’s a good payoff.On how he feels the show is different in season two:
I feel like the show is really doing some wonderful things, and also making sure that everyone gets their shine. I personally herald my brother Justin Hartley and the tremendous work that he is doing this season with Kevin facing addiction and fighting through what that is all about.
As for Kevin, Justin Hartley, told Entertainment Tonight that his storyline isn’t going to be tied up in a neat little bow anytime soon. He warned:
I will tell you that it’s not in Kevin’s personality to reach out and ask for help. It’s Kevin’s personality to bury things and try to deal them on his own. I know people who have gone through this kind of thing and this is not something that you can possibly kick on your own. You need a group, you need help. For him to think that he can kick this on his own is a bit much.
I can’t believe we are going to be left hanging until 2018. Let’s hope for more Randall, Beth and (a hopefully expanding) family when This is Us returns for the second half of the season – in a post-Super Bowl episode. At least we can all stock up on tissues before then.
Photos: Getty Images, WENN.com
The big three episodes should definitely be their Emmy submissions. They were so good. Of course Three was my favorite as I think the trio of Randall’s are the strongest collectively. However I found the triology just so good. Wow.
And I LOVE that Kevin is being peeled back. Justin Hartley has really emerged this year.
I agree on the ridiculous fall finale bs. I understand a lot of people travel and it’s a busy time, but I’m home and would like to have my shows to help me unwind after crazy family interactions.
I love this show so much, even if it makes me cry every episode. I think this season really stepped it up with the cheese factor but it works, the beautiful music always playing in the background kills me, lol. Personally I think Justin Hartley is killing it, when he was on the lawn screaming for someone to help him….just wow. All the actors are amazing, I can’t pick a favorite because I’m wrapped up in all of them.
I thought Kevin and Randall had the best episodes. Although Kevin becoming a drug addict seemed to happen so quickly. Kate’s episode was boring to me but had some nice moments. As for doing the Fall finale, I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. Networks have always done this. There would be repeats or shows taken off from Thanksgiving through New Years. There’s a lot of specials doing this time of year.
He might be the most talented actor working today, cant wait to see his long career progress
I think Randall is everyone’s fav! All of my friends and lots of people here.
I might be alone but I think that Kevin or whatever his name is in real life is the weak link of the show. I find him insufferable and really can’t stand the character or the acting. But week after week I tune in and watch. I really hope he grows on me.
My all time fav though is William. I just love him. And Beth, the relationship Beth had with William was so lovely.
Totally agree. I don’t care at all about his addiction or his ex wife. Mandy Moore/Rebecca is a close second. I just don’t care for the character or Mandy’s acting. I used to love Kate, but they can’t seem to decide on a direction for her… first weight loss, then a super quick engagement, then bad singing, then a miscarriage… Geez. Pick a storyline and see it through!
I need more Sterling in more shows and more movies. Right now please.
I got my hands on the dvds and binge watched the entire season one. I really like Randall. The other storylines were ok but I never nod off on the Randall stories. I especially loved the Memphis episode. That was such a well written episode.
TBH, Randall and Beth are the only two I’m interested in at this point. The others are just so…exhausting. I wish they would get a spin off show!