This Is Us series-finale spoilers follow.
First came me, and Dad said: "Gee".
And then came me, and Mom said: "Wee!".
And then came me, and they said: "That's three. Big three!".
From the moment this series first began, This Is Us was a pro at interweaving past and present. It offered us standout moments between family to make us think, make us angry, and most notably, to make us cry. And along the way, as the Big Three learned life lessons, we were there to learn right along with them.
Its series-finale episode is a perfect culmination, though it leans more heavily on the teachable moments than it does on the tears. And it works stunningly well.
This Is Us has always existed in a world close to our own; not perfect or free from our ills, but from many of them. This bookend episode centres simply on how life goes on, as it ebbed and flowed through passages of time with the Big Three, their memories, and a muffled view of Rebecca's funeral. Which, has now too, become a memory.
And while a big portion of the finale takes place during this point in time, it isn't the focus. A look back to find memories, and a look forward at the horizon, of what life can bring, is the point. Not Rebecca being laid to rest.
A key moment for the opening: Jack and Bec are in bed, much like we last saw them in the previous episode. Except they aren't on the train, it's a true flashback. The light hits Rebecca's face in just the right way so that Jack is able to notice something he never has before: a small scar just beneath her eyebrow.
She recounts a story about how she got it, as a girl on the playground with her father. But it's not so much the how that takes her attention.
Young Rebecca was being pushed on the swing by her father, and instead of enjoying that moment, she found herself worrying about when it would all end… This was a clear set up for the final note of the series and in certain respects, life.
This episode, slow paced and low key, was meant to serve as a reminder to savour the small moments, and to reflect fondly on all of the little instances that lead to the now. Because many of us forget; many of us are too busy rushing through life. Sometimes in thinking about tomorrow, we forget to savour today.
The final episode in all its stillness serves as both a lesson to the audience, as well as a love note to the Pearsons.
Some of the highlights include touching moments with Randall and Beth, where she once again holds firm as his rock and sounding board, a sorely needed resolution between Kate and Toby, and a jokingly caustic thank you to Kevin from Nicky. And, news of the future, from Deja to Randall.
At one point, Kate and Kevin join Randall on the steps of the cabin. Kevin notices Randall's glow from Deja's good news, to which Randall replies: "I got some really good news on a really sad day", compounding the theme of time marching on, and with the sad, the passing of the torch, can come something new, happy and thrilling.
Kevin laments that they're now without either of their parents. Randall tells him that's not true, that they'll always have them – but it doesn't change that heavy feeling of loss.
Kate fears that they'll begin to drift apart, living their separate lives now that their mother is gone. What will reunite them? Her brothers are quick to remind her that their bond, strong as ever, is what will bring them together always.
So just before the series comes to a close, the audience gets a reassurance that their faves will always be there for each other. Realistically, things don't necessarily always work out that way, and drifting is sometimes just a natural occurrence without malicious intent. But we know that they're gonna make damn sure that they will try, keeping the family traditions, and passing on the stories that the younger generations weren't around for.
Deja tells Randall that she's naming her son after William, a man she never met, because she does in fact know him. "I know him because I know you."
The episode and the series ends at the funeral repast, with the Big Three observing the children playing.
It closes in on Randall as it flashes back to that one lazy Saturday where Jack, Rebecca, and the kids were hanging out, watching home movies and playing pin the tail on the donkey. As Kate and Kevin play-fight, Jack watches on from the couch. A young Randall sits adjacent to him, and they share a knowing smile before it goes back to Randall from today, who watches his family with a small smile of quiet contemplation.
As far as series finales go, while subdued and modest, this one was solidly done, a fitting end to this series. This was perfect. Perfectly Pearson.
Oh, and should they do a spinoff with Dulé Hill's guest star character and that family, it's safe to say we're all in. As long as the scheduling doesn't conflict with The Wonder Years.
This Is Us aired on NBC in the US. Viewers in the UK can watch every Thursday via Amazon Prime Video or Disney+.
Disney+ Stream This is Us s1-6 with Disney+
NBC Universal This is Us: Season 1
NBC Universal This is Us: Season 2
NBC Universal This is Us: Season 3
NBC Universal This is Us: Season 4
NBC Universal This Is Us: Season 5
