For its first Thanksgiving-themed episode, This Is Us reunites the entire Pearson family for the first time and here is what you can expect:
— Kate is actually MIA for most of the episode but she still has two pivotal scenes, one at the beginning and one at the very end that is going to change the trajectory of her storyline.
— One of the great things about the show is how remarkably well the flashbacks are intertwined with the present timeline and this episode probably exhibits this the best when the inception of the many family traditions are revealed via flashbacks.
— We finally find out more about Olivia and what kind of family she has.
— Miguel is also back and while Kevin is initially hostile towards him, he warms up to his stepfather by including him in a family tradition.
— William’s death has been confirmed at the end of 1.05 through a flashforward and there are quite a few scenes in this episode that put his mortality front and center and that serve as a stark reminder that his time with his newly-found family is limited. I particularly found his conversation with Olivia moving who asks him a question that completely caught me by surprise.
— As already spoiled by the press release, Randall does indeed find out about Rebecca and William knowing each other. The scene in which he confronts Rebecca is an emotional punch-in-the-gut, deeply rooted in Randall’s pain and superbly acted by Sterling K. Brown, and becomes even more poignant with the use of a flashback. You should have some Kleenex ready, you’re most likely gonna need it.
Here are some quotes from the episode. You’re welcome to guess whom they belong to. Also, feel free to ask me more about the episode and I’ll see if I can respnd to your questions without spoiling too much.
1) “My mother is married to my dead dad’s best friend.”
2) “How about a kiss for the old pilgrim?”
3) “You’re better than my wildest dreams.”
4) “We should try and find some time to talk today.”
5) “This may be his last Thanksgiving.”
6) “When a nice boy who adores you offers you pie, say thank you.”
