I have just been reading recaps of all the episodes of season two, because unlike most of the shows I watch, This Is Us is drip-fed to us weekly, and I can't just binge it all in a few days, and oh my god so much has happened this season!
Fans of the show have been tuning in, waiting desperately for the episode that will show us how Jack died. Knowing it's been a long time coming, from the hints that have been gradually revealed to us, it wasn't a shock, but heartbreaking all the same. We have felt the effects of Jack's death, as his family carry it into with them in their lives, but it was interesting to see how they handled it in the moment.
This season we have also been through so many other big moments with the Pearsons, including Randall and Beth's decision to become foster parents, Kevin's downward spiral and breakdown, which for me, was one of the hardest moments to watch. There is a scene where the culmination of all the grief and feelings he has been repressing for such a long time finally comes to a head and in that moment you can feel his raw pain, and if you have ever felt lost, or at breaking point, it is likely to resonate with you.
Season two also dips further into the relationship between Kevin and Randall, Randall finds out more about William's life, and Kate suffers a loss and makes a new friend.
One of the best episodes didn't revolve around the Pearsons at all, but instead went back to look at the life of Deja, Randall and Beth's foster daughter, before she came to live with them. To use a whole episode to focus on a secondary character was a risky move for the writers, but in their genius way they made us care so much about this girl, as they do with every character, because the show is not just about the Pearson family, who we have come to love, but is about people in general, and their stories.
The season finale focuses on Kate and Toby's wedding, with Jack still playing a major role, especially for Kate, as she tries to navigate her special day without her dad. Finding a way to keep him with her, while also letting him go so that she can be completely present in her relationship with Toby, allows her to finally relax and enjoy her day. This is with help from Kevin and Randall, who do everything they can to make sure everything runs smoothly for their sister, perhaps in part because they feel like they haven't been there for her in the past, as they discuss while sharing a rare brotherly bonding moment.
This season we saw a bit more of Kate and Rebecca's, at times, rocky relationship, with Rebecca being there for Kate during a difficult time, and then the final episode bringing them together in a beautiful moment as Kate was getting ready for the wedding. It felt like a much-needed resolution, a sign that they can finally have a happy mother-daughter relationship.
There are still so many characters I want to see explored, and I think the writers do a brilliant job of leaving us hooked, without dragging out the storylines too long. With the little sneak peek that the last episode gave us, it looks like we'll see Toby going through a hard time with his health, a new relationship for Kevin, and a deeper look into Jack's earlier life. We will see how Randall and Beth are going to deal with having Deja in their lives, as she struggles to adapt to her new situation.
I have no doubt that season three will bring us more tear-inducing, heartwarming episodes, some new character development, and some brilliant acting, as always.
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