I just watched the show (before reading these comments). I thought Rebecca’s confusion seemed more like a low blood sugar situation rather than an early dementia symptom.
I have always been bothered by the geography of this show. I can’t think of a storyline that needed Kate and Toby to be in CA. And east coast vs west coast never seems to be an obstacle to a storyline. And Randall in North Jersey. Maybe Randall and Beth will move to Philly to fix that hole in the story, especially if Rebecca moves to CA.
Aside from the ‘Pearsons stay till the bitter end’ theme, I think the tension and the different behaviors in the waiting room are plausible. It’s uncomfortable to watch.
Despite my complaints, I still watch the show and enjoy it.
I agree that normally I would attribute the confusion to a low blood sugar problem…except…they have had a couple of other occasions on episodes where Rebeccas did something wonky with memory or something (I can’t remember specifics - I feel like one was during the episode when she was with Tess and Tess revealed her questioning her possible preference for girls).
I guess it makes sense that the logistics of Randall’s new responsibilities and the long commute combined with Beth trying to figure out a new life would come to a head. I can feel Beth’s anger at supporting Randall when he left his high paying job in season 1 and now not feeling supported by his choices. I thought that something bad may have happened when Beth didn’t show up, but Randall went into attack mode assuming it was her choice. I guess the scenes from the dance with young Randall studying were to show his drive to win at all costs. Interesting episode. Not sure what to make of Kevin and Zoe. The kids/ no kids question is huge.
I thought the scene from the dance was to show Randall reneging on a commitment to Kate’s friend so he could study, but when he thought Beth did that to him with the dinner party, he was irate.
I just don’t get how he ever thought that the commute from Alpine to Phila. would be manageable and allow him the time he needs to fulfill his responsibilities as a councilman, husband and father.
I liked this episode. I’m still in Randall’s corner. She told him she would go to the dinner party, then tells him she has something else to attend the day of? Not cool. And…he races like all get out to make her first recital and gets there on time to see it, buys her flowers, lavishes praise, but she nitpicks at him for not being there to hear the nice things said about her? She didn’t even know that was coming, but makes him feel bad? What a jerky thing to say.
I know she wants her dream. But she let him have his first, before hers even came along.
I do agree he could have been angry and simultaneously not nasty on the phone call. Can’t wait to see them have it out.
I do have to give Beth credit for continuing to the dinner. If I had gotten a call like that, I probably would have left a message myself and gone back home.
Good point Conmama. She was not nice to him to start with, which may also have triggered his angry message.
I don’t think Beth got the message until she was already at the dinner. Given the circumstance, however, I can understand why Randall thought it was important for her to come to dinner.
I just can’t get past the distance between home and the council job when watching this story play out and it ruins any interest I have in it. Also, I read this elsewhere --they are worried about child care for the girls but leave them home alone (?) when they are out late at night? And where were the girls when Randall was at the dance recital? Wouldn’t they want to see their Mom and spend the time with their Dad? And the girls can’t do their own laundry, clean up dishes, etc.? And they are hurting for $ but live in that huge house? I really think the writers need to tighten up the details on this show. And, I don’t really like the Kevin/Zoie relationship and Kevin needs kids to be like Jack. I thought Toby’s reaction to their baby was understandable and I enjoyed the waiting room scene with the other Dad. On to next week!
I was too tired to watch one of my two favorite shows this season. So hopefully I can catch up tonight. I am also missing Death in Paradise and Better Call Saul. Also Dr Blake Murder Mysteries. Here’s hoping they come back. We need more good TV Shows besides Superstore and This is Us.
I really hope it’s eventually good news for Kate & Toby, i.e., that Jack doesn’t die or end up with serious disabilities. I too thought Toby’s reaction was very believable.
Thank goodness for IMDB. I couldn’t place the doctor who was taking blood and urine from baby Jack, but IMDB let me know it was Kirsten Nelson who I love from Two Cathedrals, one of the very best episodes of The West Wing, and from Psych. I was also able to place the other dad in the waiting room by looking at the episode cast list.
Right now I’m having a hard time caring for any of the characters. So much conflict!
@2VU0609 off topic but The West Wing is my favorite show ever and Two Cathedrals is an episode I go back and re-watch like every 6 months. I hadn’t recognized the doctor as being the young Mrs. Landlngham so thanks for pointing that out.
Yes - the young Mrs. Landingham! Love her in that episode. Really really off topic, but highly recommend the West Wing Weekly podcast for those of you who are WW junkies. Each week the hosts discuss an episode, and often interview the actors, writers, or subject matter experts. Kirsten Nelson is actually interviewed (along with Aaron Sorkin) on the Two Cathedrals episode of the podcast (Episode 2.22 3/22/17).
OK back to This is Us… I’m losing interest quickly, I really hate the Randall/Beth storyline at this point. Zoe is totally uninteresting and I think the writing for her part is poor. Sophie was actually a refreshing change! Not sure how much longer I will continue to watch, once the weather gets nice and I am spending more time outside.
Wandering towards TWW one more time, I agree about TWW Weekly podcast. Since they are in season 6 now, there aren’t that many more episodes to go - less than a year:(
I agree about how quickly the Randall/Beth storyline has gone south and how Zoe doesn’t have that much more to explore. After a little googling, it seems we only have 2 episodes left for the season, next week’s episode on Randall & Beth and the season finale which is listed as “Her.” I guess we will finally get an answer to the question we’ve been waiting on for a year. I won’t give this show up, but I’m ready for a break and I hope season 4 is a little stronger.
I don’t get Kevin and Zoe, especially now with the kid issue. She just doesn’t seem compelling enough to give up the possibility of having children for. Too bad Sophie is engaged to Grant!
But don’t you wonder if something will occur between Kevin and Sophie? I could see it going either to Kevin decides to really stay with Zoe or he and Sophie get together again and have a baby. Sounds like Sophie went with Grant fairly quickly after her relationship with Kevin fell apart.