Last week on This Is Us we learned a lot more about the history of Beth and Randall. Their first date was just about as awkward as you can imagine, so bad that Beth even told Randall not to call her afterward. He did though and seven years later they’re on another awkward date with Rebecca present. She encouraged Beth to stay strong as Randall proposed nearly non-stop. Later that night she put her foot down and set boundaries for their life together before finally accepting Randall’s proposal. Then, we got a glimpse at their wedding and a touching moment when they wrote their vows together. The present wasn’t quite as touching though. After fighting for the better part of the hour, both go too far and it seems like there’s no turning back as Randall left to stay at his office.
Stay caught up with This Is Us by checking out last week’s full review here.
This week picks up Randall and Beth’s story the next day as Randall comes home to drive Deja to a meeting. He and Beth are surprisingly civil with each other but short. On the car ride, Deja confesses that she and Tess can tell something’s wrong but Randall doesn’t share much with her. That is until they arrive at her ‘meeting,’ which turns out to be a lie. Deja then gives Randall a pep talk, reminding him how much he loves Beth. Later, a reenergized Randall tries to give up his councilman seat but Beth doesn’t let him. Instead, she announces that the family will be moving to Philadelphia, where she will start a dance studio. The couple then makes up from the fight, stronger than ever.
Elsewhere, Kevin and Zoe watch Tess and Annie for Beth. While they are, Kevin reiterates his desire for children to Zoe. However, she stays resolute in her desire to not have kids. So, after Tess and Annie leave, she sits him down and has a hard talk with him. Ultimately, the couple decides to go their separate ways and Zoe begins packing. Kevin impulsively flies out to Los Angeles to be with his family. He plans on staying “indefinitely.”
In California, Kate and Toby struggle with baby Jack and adult Rebecca. As the boy’s condition improves, Kate becomes agitated at her mother’s constant presence. During a scare when Jack stops breathing, Kate snaps at Rebecca, cutting deeply and causing the elder Pearson to rush out of the room. After getting Jack stable, Kate goes to find her mother. The two women have a transparent chat and Kate reveals her insecurities about living up to Rebecca’s legacy as a mother. They share a tearful hug as they make up and Rebecca reassures Kate that she can do it.
In the past, Rebecca is hospitalized after a car accident. She breaks her arm and suffers a few bruises but it’s still enough to scare he pre-teen children. Jack, whos still alive in this flashback, takes the kids home to get some rest. But, after a sleepless night, he brings the family back up to the hospital to be with their matriarch. In classic Jack fashion, he gives a fired up speech to the nurse, who then allows the family back to see Rebecca before the scheduled visiting hours.
Then, in a hospital much further in the future, the show gives us a better look at a scene they’ve been teasing for some time. An ailing Rebecca is bed-ridden as the Pearson family arrives to pay her a visit. Beth arrives to meet Randall and an older Tess. The couple is still very much married, thought the show made us believe otherwise. We also get a quick glimpse at Kevin’s future son as he greets ‘Uncle Randall.’ Toby then arrives bringing sidewalk chalk, a puzzling choice for a hospital visit. The season then ends with a massive, confusing cliffhanger. As Randall goes to see his mother he greets Nicky, his father’s brother, as he sits at Rebecca’s side. That’s all we get though, as the episode cuts to black.
This Is Us airs Tuesdays on NBC. It will return for a fourth season in the fall.
