Last week was a tough one for the Pearsons. The Big Three tried to help their Uncle Nick but after it became clear he was unwilling to accept it, Randall and Kate had to return home. As they fought over their differing recollections of the past, Kevin was left to help Nick on his own. Well, Rebecca was there too but, she was there more for her son’s sake than her ex-brother-in-law’s. Ultimately, Kevin convinced Nick to attend at least one meeting at the VA and Rebecca is proud of him. Unbeknownst to her though, the entire experience had caused Kevin to relapse and start drinking again.
Stay caught up with This Is Us by checking out last week’s full review here.
This week focuses solely on Beth as she and Zoe take a road trip to Washington D.C. to check on Beth’s mother after a bad fall. The flashbacks this week also focus on Beth as we see the most of her past we have on the show to date. She was a gifted young dancer and her father, Abe, lovingly pushed her to pursue her dream while her mother, Carol, questioned it. After Abe’s death, Carol told Beth it was time to focus on college and she gave up dancing in favor of a law degree. The last we see of young Beth she is at a freshman mixer, bumping into a young Randall, who falls for her at first sight.
Back in the present, Carol is as stubborn and difficult as ever. At dinner, Beth and Zoe try to talk to Carol about retiring but she’s having none of it. Beth also tells her mother about losing her job after avoiding it for weeks. After dinner, Zoe and Beth have a heart to heart over a long-hidden joint and Beth goes to talk to her mother. Carol begins to list off firms Beth can apply at but she shuts that down. She regrets not living her dream and even mentions her envy of Randall for pursuing his. Beth explains that Carol’s domineering, controlling presence has hurt Beth and her sibling’s lives before storming off to bed.
The next morning, Carol tries to apologize but Beth doesn’t let her. Instead, she hugs her and all is forgiven between the two. When she gets back home, Beth tells Randall what her next move is. In the last scene, we see her warming up alone at a dance studio, where she now plans on teaching.
This Is Us airs Tuesdays on NBC.
