For our review of the last episode of This Is Us, click here.
Synopsis: Randall’s campaign comes to a close; Kevin meets someone from Zoe’s past; Kate and Toby get ready for the baby. (TVGuide)
Writer: Roxann Dawson
Director: Laura Kenar
Rating: TV-14
Running Time: 45mins
Airs: Tuesdays at 9pm on CTV (Canada)/NBC (United States)
This Is Us is back–finally! And once again, nothing about this episode disappoints. But we’ve come to expect that from the series, haven’t we? The episode focuses on a time period of seven weeks ending with election night for Randall. And who would have thought, Randall is just behind by 4%. It’s actually baffling considering where we left off in the winter finale.
Things are definitely tense all around but specifically with Zoe and Kevin. At this point in time, we have no idea what’s going on but we do see Zoe hand back Kevin a pair of keys on a John Stamos keychain. Taking it back seven weeks brings us the morning after Randall and Beth’s huge fight about him running for office. But spoiler alert Beth, Randall is still going through with it.
Kate and Toby are in full baby mode as Kate suggests that they turn their storage room into a nursery. But this would call for Toby selling all of his “toys” aka vintage collection. If you’re a collector, you know much this moment pains Toby. We feel for you, Toby.
After an interesting trip to Vietnam, Zoe and Kevin return pondering what the deal is with Kevin’s uncle Nick. The conversation shifts after Zoe refers to being home and Kevin presumes it to mean that she means his apartment. One thing leads to another and Kevin asks Zoe to officially move in–and she says yes!
With five weeks left until the election, things are getting tense for Randall and his campaign. At this point in time, he’s about ten points behind despite all the efforts and long hours he’s been putting in. Not to mention the sacrifices he’s making with his family by not being at home and missing out on a lot of things. In a flashback, young Randall and Jack are in D.C. and Randall confesses that he’s worried about his future family and future job and how he’ll balance it all.
Remember the “toys” Toby and Kate were going to sell? Well, Kate accidentally sold Toby’s box of Star Wars action figures. He’s heartbroken because of the sentimental value they held and the fact he won’t be able to share it with their kid. Like the amazing wife she is, Kate locates the guy she sold the figures to but when they go to see him–he refuses to sell.
Zoe and Kevin visit the V.A. Department of Affairs to see what they can learn about Nicky Pearson. Unfortunately, without proof, there’s not much they can find out. Zoe says she has a connection (an old boyfriend she broke up with over email) and despite still feeling salty, her ex promises to come through.
We’re now at three weeks before the election and Randall’s campaign manager is starting to notice that Randall’s family has been M.I.A. As someone running for office, it doesn’t bode well for his reputation. This results in another fight between Beth and Randall (no!) and some harsh words are exchanged. Randall basically says he deserves to be doing this because he stayed home and basically, she doesn’t have anything she’s excited about right now.
Randall’s campaign manager finds some dirt on the opponent but after a serendipitous encounter with a Reverend, Randall decides not to use it. In fact, this random encounter reminds Randall that his family is most important and nothing else matters. He heads home and apologizes for his behavior–and once again, all is well in the Pearson household.
After getting the papers from Zoe’s ex, Kevin doesn’t learn too much except for that his uncle Nick was taken from Vietnam in 1971. His discharge papers were signed Clark Kent and once again, Kevin runs into a dead-end. Kevin’s mood is definitely off and he takes it out on Zoe and starts demanding her to move in properly. Zoe feels attacked and cornered and ends up leaving the apartment. Ugh, please don’t break up!
While Kate isn’t able to get the original action figures back, she purchases another set from E-Bay. Of course, it’s not his figures but Kate makes him feel better when she says that Toby will be their son’s favorite thing–not the action figures. And grab your tissues folks, because what Toby does in return is the best thing ever. He has the football stadium recreated just like the one Kate had when she was a kid. Sigh, how cute are they?!
Election Night finally arrives but per usual, results are going to take all night. Randall gives a motivational speech to his team and tells everyone to go home and get some rest. Kevin and Zoe are still being weird until Zoe falls Kevin out and confesses why she’s been so hesitant. After everything that has happened to her, her home is her safe place. It’s hard for her to imagine leaving it but she’s in love with Kevin, and she has realized she wants home to be with him.
Back at home while unpacking Zoe’s things, Zoe finds a postcard that is signed off as C.K. and mentions Jack. C.K., huh? You mean Clark Kent, as in Clark Kent, the name Nicky used to sign his discharge papers? This can only mean one thing–Jack knew that Nicky was alive the whole time.
There’s optimism all around because as Randall and Beth settle in for the night they get a call–Randall won the election.
Score: 8/10
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