Things look a lot different for the This Is Us characters after “The Big Three” episodes.
This Is Us aired “The Big Three” episodes leading up to the fall finale of season 2. Each episode focused almost entirely on one of the Pearson siblings, allowing us to focus on their story in a way that we’ve never been able to before.
With so much attention on each character, Kevin, Kate and Randall have all been set on very different paths, leading into the hiatus. Let’s talk about what “The Big Three” episodes mean for the future of This Is Us.
Number 1
Much like in the character’s life, Kevin Pearson is often overlooked by fans of This Is Us. In comparison to the deep, dramatic storylines that Kate and Randall enjoyed in season 1, Kevin’s struggle to “find himself” professionally didn’t quite resonate.
In season 2, however, Kevin is really hitting his stride as a character. His rekindled relationship with Sophie is bringing up some of his past issues and mistakes with regards to romance, he’s facing the death of his dad in a way that he never has before, and he’s edging ever closer to rock bottom with his newfound addiction.
We’ve always seen hints that Kevin has felt overshadowed, but never has it been more clear than in “The Big Three” episodes. Because Kevin felt like Kate and Randall always got more attention, and because he usually had things so easy in comparison, he learned to bury his problems or deal with them himself. He’s not overly experienced with asking for help.
Kevin’s breakdown on the lawn, in which he was truly crying out for help, and for someone to see him, was a breakthrough moment. He looked back at his life and realized that he needed to let people in, and he actually deeply needed someone’s help. He can’t handle this one alone.
Swallowing his pride, he drove to Randall’s house to seek the help that he was so desperate for. He almost got the words out, only to be overshadowed again by Kate’s miscarriage. That, along with the guilt that he felt for not being there for his sister, was the last straw. If he felt guilty before, that’ll only be enhanced by the fact that he put Tess in danger by driving drunk. Unfortunately, that will be the least of his problems now that he’s been arrested with a DUI.
Kevin’s storyline in the second half of season 2, on a surface level, will likely focus on some of the legal ramifications that will follow the arrest and ditching his drug problem. It’s likely that he’ll end up joining a program, much like his father did with AA.
On a deeper, character level, we’ll hopefully get to see Kevin reach out to his family for real support, and to atone for some of the guilt and regret that he’s been carrying ever since his father died. He’s Kevin Pearson, he can make it out of this.
Number 2
Kate’s story took a drastic turn right before “The Big Three” episodes of This Is Us with the announcement of her pregnancy. Although she was careful not to get her hopes too high, it was clear that both she and Toby were getting very excited about the addition to their family.
Unfortunately, Kate’s episode resulted in the loss of the baby. Understandably, she and Toby were both devastated, and Kate felt more than a little guilty. Fortunately, she knew someone who understood that guilt all too well.
The biggest thing that could change for Kate, going forward in This Is Us season 2, is her relationship with her mother. Rebecca’s speech to Kate in the hospital was so incredibly touching, and it looks like all of her waiting has finally paid off. It will be interesting to explore Kate and Rebecca forging a new mother-daughter relationship in Kate’s adulthood.
The other huge difference will be that Kate and Toby will soon be trying to get pregnant! The loss of this child will certainly continue to be difficult for them, but hopefully they’ll be bringing home a healthy baby very soon.
Number 3
Randall and Beth’s journey with Deja has been a highlight of This Is Us season 2. They’ve grown to love her as one of their own, and she was really becoming a member of the Pearson family.
Then, “The Big Three” episodes happened. Deja’s mother was released from jail and everything changed. When she came back for her daughter, nobody knew quite what to do.
In a way, Randall was forced to make a similar choice as Rebecca, when she chose to exclude William from her son’s life, and as William, when he chose to respect Rebecca’s wishes. Randall and Beth firmly believed that their home was the best place for Deja, but when they considered that Deja had an entire life with this woman, they changed their minds. That choice could deeply affect Randall’s relationship with his mother, going forward, as it still hasn’t fully recovered.
In a surprising twist, Tess snuck into Kevin’s car because she “hates” her house. Randall’s daughters always seems so sweet that this was a huge shock, but considering what she’s been through with William, and now Deja, it makes sense that she’s having a difficult time. Once Randall gets over his anger at Kevin, he’ll definitely have to take a hard look at his daughter’s feelings.
This could even affect the momentary glimpse of hope that we got at the end of “The Big Three” episodes. Randall and Beth are hoping to get back into the fostering game, once their hearts heal from losing Deja, and there seems to be an adorable little boy waiting for them. However, Tess’ happiness will undoubtedly come first, so Randall’s family will have a lot to consider in the second half of This Is Us season 2.
This Is Us season 2 returns on Tuesday, January 2 on NBC.