This Is Us (5×12) Both Things Can Be True Review

For our review of the last episode of This Is Us, click here.

Synopsis: Jack and Miguel bond. Kevin and Madison navigate challenges. Randall seeks out a new kind of support network. (IMDB)

Grab your tissue boxes, This Is Us fans because this week’s episode was a tearjerker. But more importantly, it was an emotionally driven and redemptive episode for Miguel, who hasn’t had his moment to shine as a character. Up until now, most of us have harbored resentment towards him because he married Rebecca, but this week’s episode, Both Things Can Be True reminds us that there is more to understand and unravel there.

Let’s start with the flashbacks of the episode that focus on Jack getting ready to propose to Rebecca. His plan is to recreate their first date which was at the carnival (remember when he didn’t have much money at all but still made it work). Miguel helps him get everything set up and even has Jack practice the proposal on him with the ring and everything. Unfortunately, the engagement ring gets stuck on Miguel’s finger and the whole moment is worsened by Rebecca’s father, Dave (Tim Matheson), showing up.

Jack had been trying to get a hold of him for days at this point to get his blessing, but Dave purposely avoided calling him back. As we’ve seen in past episodes, Rebecca’s father isn’t the biggest fan of Jack’s, and it’s hard to pinpoint what he thinks is wrong with him. And so Miguel gains some major points when he stands up to Dave after he refuses to give Jack his blessing and tells him he will “tolerate” the marriage. Miguel tells him it’s not good enough and that Jack isn’t the type of guy that someone just “tolerates”. He goes on to explain all the things Jack has done in the name of Rebecca and how he’s worked so hard to be a better man for her. It’s an amazing speech, and it appears that it worked because Dave follows up that speech by offering to help them get the ring off of Miguel’s finger.

In the present, Kevin and Madison are planning their wedding, but it’s clear that Madison isn’t completely on board with every decision they’re making. Nicky decides to help out by offering to join Miguel in planning the rehearsal dinner. It’s quite hilarious to see Nicky and Miguel interact because while Miguel is composed and friendly the entire time, Nicky harbors some resentment towards him for not only “replacing” him as Jack’s best friend and best man, but also marrying Rebecca.

Miguel is quick to tell Nicky that he didn’t marry Rebecca until 13 years after Jack’s death. Moreso, he tells him Jack never replaced him. In fact, even though he asked Miguel to stand with him at the altar during his wedding, he never actually called him his best man, presumably because he had always imagined Nicky holding that title. All’s well that ends well because Nicky apologizes for his behavior and the two find a way to work together–and become friends in the process.

Speaking of best man, Kevin fully intends on asking Randall to be his best man but struggles to actually ask him. He starts writing an email but isn’t able to finish it, so he finally musters up the courage and calls him. Randall agrees in a heartbeat but shuts down Kevin’s conversation about talking out their issues, at least for then. Eager to fix their issues before walking down the aisle, Kevin says he will fly out to see Randall once he and Madison are vaccinated–and Randall agrees with the plan. That ought to be interesting!

As far as Madison’s reservations about the wedding plan go, she opens up to Kevin about where she wants to have the wedding. She shares a beautiful memory with her father and mother as a child which took place in a garden–and that’s exactly the type of place she wants to have her big day. Being the guy he is, Kevin agrees in a heartbeat.

Kate starts her new job during this week’s episode, but things are off to a rough start when her boss/co-worker, Philip (Chris Geere) doesn’t seem too pleased with her. From the get-go, he’s not convinced she’s the right person for the job but she proves him wrong when she gets through to one of the kids singing by explaining the story behind the song. Still not sure Philip cares much, but hey, Kate is a queen!

Beth has some trouble bonding with Tess when Alex (Presley Alexander) comes over to study. When she shows Beth attitude, Beth asks Alex to go home and attempts to have a conversation with Tess. It looks like things are going to take a while to adjust between them, but Mama C tells Beth that she can’t give up on Tess. She has to learn to adjust to what Tess wants, and not hold her to the fantasy and dream she had for.

The episode concludes with three people picking up the magazine that has Kevin and Madison’s engagement announcement in it and surprise, surprise, it’s the women of Kevin’s past–Zoe (Melanie Liburd), Cassidy, and Sophie. Nothing like an unexpected surprise!

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