Photo: People
This Is Us’ first installation of three episodes aired on Wednesday. This “trilogy” is an annual tradition of three installments in a row of the NBC family drama that beams a spotlight at each Big Three member.
First comes Kevin (Justin Hartley), then Kate (Chrissy Metz), and then Randall (Sterling K. Brown). The last three episodes will showcase the triplets’ choices in the event after Rebecca’s powerful speech to her children at the cabin. She encouraged them to take huge risks and not end up making their lives “smaller” as she fights early-onset Alzheimer’s.
“You’re going to see the impact that had on the three kids and what they choose to do because of that very powerful speech,” said Harley in an interview. “[They’re] very clear about what she wanted – until they go to do it. And that’s one of the things that happened in the episode: Kevin has this idea of what his mom wants, and he’s on a mission, like, ‘Okay, this is going to be my thing.'”
And following a shocking event, “He discovers a really beautiful part of himself through all of that tragedy,” added Hartley. “All three kids do that [in their spotlight installment].”
In the episode, Kevin moves towards the east with the twins to hang around at the Pearson cabin with Cassidy (Jennifer Morrison) and Uncle Nicky (Griffin Dunne), who are supervising the building of the family “mecca” that Kevin is financially backing.
There may be a few struggles in the process; however, they cannot compare to what will be revealed with Cassidy. Hartley said, “He doesn’t quite understand how dark her darkness gets,” referring to Cassidy.
On the other hand, Nicky unexpectedly becomes a source of wisdom for Kevin. “And he gives him some of the most important advice,” said Hartley.
The episode aired next week will follow Kate’s journey. As her marriage to Toby (Chris Sullivan) falters, she moves north to San Francisco to idle away time with him.
Meanwhile, Randall will find himself having a significant conversation with Rebecca, and his political career will begin to boost.
The first out of the three episodes aired Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Opinions expressed by NY Weekly contributors are their own.
