Review Bytes [S02E40]: This is Us [S05E12]

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So 'This is Us' returned after a week's gap and personally I feel this season's schedule is very hard to follow. Even though the reasons are solid and no one can argue about that, but we as fans miss the weekly dose of This is Us. The schedule of dropping a single episode now and then is not helping. Putting those aside, let us see how well they made the recent episode.

After a few episodes, the characters have settled into the place where the conversations and actions made are so natural and perfect. The global pandemic restricted the show to have group interactions or interactions with a person outside the main cast. But as the season progressed the characters have started to group together. The Mama C character staying at the Randall-Beth household is one such case. It helps the show in a big way as her character is bouncing really well with Beth. The same goes for Nicky, whose chemistry with Kevin is just amazing.

Coming to this week's episode they had a lot of stories to tell. Beth who prepares poppers and getting the pronouns right for Alex's first visit forgets to adjust to the situation. Toby and Maddison meet up at the park with their kids where they discuss the problems which they feel are burdening them. Nicky and Miguel have their first interaction which does not go well. Randall joins a group therapy that is dedicated to people who are adopted by a family of a different race. Kate inspires the kids on the first day of her job. In the flashback, Jack runs into the problem while preparing his proposal to Rebecca. Though Kevin had very little to play in this episode, the lead-up to the next big episode is perfectly set.

In the 43 minutes, the episode deals with these many plots and most importantly handles most of them pretty well. The episode deals with some very interesting questions and one important issue. Beth's storyline of her trying really hard to let go of the expectations she has for her firstborn and the way she is trying to adjust in the latter half is the key to this episode. Dealing with these important issues makes the show better. Jack preparing his proposal is not only fun to watch but also the emotional block at the end made it better. Jack recreating their first date is the perfect Jack thing to do. Miguel scores well in the present with Nicky and also in the past with Jack. Miguel's respect and wonder for his friend can be seen at both times.

As I said above these storylines are made better by having more supporting characters in the mix. Mama C and Beth's interaction of adjusting is one of the best moments. Handling these many plots within the stipulated time would have been a very difficult job, so we really have to applaud the direction and editing team for making this a good episode.

Episode Rating: A-

Favorite Quote: I know you are trying. I also know you don't have to try with Annie. Or Deja. And it makes me sad.

Little Things:

• It is Mevin, not Kadison. Haha

• I think the proposal may change from the one Jack is currently planning

• We are going to get the next episode in a week which is a nice thing to hear

Until next week, bye-bye...