I want to get into the recap, but all I can think about is “the song.” If you watch This Is Us, you know what song I’m talking about. I’ll get to it shortly.
This Is Us Season 6 Episode 16: “Family Meeting”
From taking care of babies, to those babies taking care of you – life’s sweetest and most difficult transitions. In the end, it’s all love.❤️ #ThisIsUspic.twitter.com/7WfVzEQufv
As the show gets better, things become sadder. Last week, we said goodbye to Miguel. This week, it’s time to start saying goodbye to Rebecca. But first, there are some important decisions to be made.
It’s been approximately 7 days since Miguel’s death, and Rebecca doesn’t remember as she calls out for him at night. Randall, Kate, and Kevin call a family meeting as they must decide on how to care for Rebecca during her final years. Beth, Sophie, and Philip head to the cabin as the Big Three are left to discuss their mother’s future over some delicious Chinese food.
In a typical fashion, an overprotective Randall believes Rebecca should move in with his family in Philadelphia. They flashback to a time when Rebecca thanked Randall for protecting Kate at a party where Kevin and Kate got drunk. Obviously, Kevin does not agree with Randall, saying that he built the house for Rebecca at her request. Kevin is not wrong. Rebecca did ask him to do this! The two brothers want to make their decision without Kate’s input, who is technically Rebecca’s guardian.
Rebecca interrupts their conversation to say she wants to go for a walk. She even did her makeup for the occasion. I’m not a fashion expert, but I’ve seen five-year-olds apply makeup better than Rebecca. But it’s not her fault! When Kate escorts her on a walk, both Kevin and Randall agree that Rebecca is not “magic” anymore. However, they still don’t agree on what to do.
We interrupt this break to joke with the Big Three Spouses – Beth, Sophie, and Philip – who joke in the cabin about what their significant others are saying. Was this a backdoor pilot for the spinoff?
Back to the family meeting. When it’s finally time to talk, Kate tells her brothers that they need to look at Rebecca like she’s their mother, not a woman with an illness. They need to see Rebecca again. She still has the magic. It’s just a little hidden at the moment. The boys share a nice and quiet moment with their mother and sister.
Finally, it’s decision time. Kate tells the family that Rebecca will be moving back to LA to be closer to her. Before she can even finish, Kevin pulls a “not so fast my friend.” Inspired by his time with Rebecca the day prior, Kevin steps up and says he will move in with Rebecca in the house he built for her. Sophie is game as are Madison and Isaac, who will relocate to the East Coast with the kids as well. Everything is all fine and dandy until…
The song.
This goddamn song! When accompanied by a montage, this song will always mess with my emotions. I still think about the time the show used it to show the crockpot starting the fire that killed Jack. So rude!
It’s a great song by the way. Now, the end is here as the goodbyes begin next week. See you then.
What are your thoughts on this episode? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
Every television show has an unsung hero. It’s the supporting character who’s perfect in their role, but when called upon to be in the spotlight, they deliver. On The Office, it was Kevin Malone. On Ted Lasso, it’s Higgins. On This Is Us, it’s Miguel. It’s always been, Miguel.
The episode starts with Miguel’s childhood in Puerto Rico. Led by Miguel’s father, the entire Rivas family moves to Pennsylvania. Miguel’s father finds work as a landscaper. When a young Miguel uses the bathroom in one of the homes, he stumbles upon the owner of the home and discusses Roberto Clemente and the Pittsburgh Pirates. When Miguel says he’ll sit anywhere in the stadium to watch Clemente, the man stresses that where you sit is all that matters, a lesson that stuck with Miguel for the entirety of his life.
We skip ahead to Miguel’s early days as an adult. Miguel lands the construction job because he changes his name to “Mike Rivers”. After all, “Miguel Rivas” never received a callback. On Christmas Eve, Miguel spars with his father over the choices in his life: a new car, straighter hair, and his willingness to pay for a nurse for his aunt. His father expresses his disappointment in Miguel, feeling as if he’s forgotten where he came from. An upset Miguel leaves in tears.
Miguel heads to the bar to meet Jack and Rebecca. Weirdly enough, Rebecca is not too kind to Miguel. Being the good guy that he is, Jack forces Miguel and Rebecca to talk and settle their differences. Future scenes at the bar highlight their budding friendship as well as Miguel’s courtship of his wife, Shelly, which unfortunately ends in divorce as their two kids witness the turmoil in their failed marriage.
“It’s been my absolute honor to be part of the Pearson journey with you…and while we may have gotten off on the wrong foot, now that you know the full picture, can we finally be Team Miguel??” – @JonHuertas#ThisIsUsFinalChapterpic.twitter.com/GrQtog4aqD
Miguel tries to do the right thing and moves to Houston to be closer to his kids even if that means leaving behind a heartbroken Rebecca. After his father dies, Miguel admits to his mother that he’s lost in life. His mother reassures Miguel that he will find love soon enough. Lo and behold, that love is Rebecca, who he reconnects with on Facebook in 2008. When the two friends meet up, their connection is seamless. They kiss, make love, and begin a relationship together in Pittsburgh. At this point, I bet most fans gave a fist pump to celebrate this new union. You know who didn’t approve of this relationship? A twentysomething Kevin, who voiced his displeasure on Thanksgiving at the cabin.
That concludes the happier part of the recap. Now, it’s time to go to the present where things become much sadder. Well, it’s bittersweet, but sad nonetheless as Rebecca’s Alzheimer’s worsens. Miguel borrows Jack’s Super Dad cape, and cares for Rebecca 24/7. Miguel is the first thing she sees in the morning and the last thing she sees at night. Between physical therapy, medicine consumption, and memory exercises, Miguel starts to wear down both physically and mentally, culminating with a bruised lower body after slipping on ice. Jack would be proud of Miguel. That’s for damn sure.
Thankfully, the Big Three step in and give Miguel the break that he so desperately deserves. They hire full-time care for Rebecca, which allows Miguel to receive the necessary treatment he needs both physically and mentally.
Cue Billy Joel. Let’s get sad.
The final montage covers Miguel’s final years. His health begins to deteriorate despite stepping back as Rebecca’s primary caregiver. His heart weakens along with the rest of the body. The writing is on the wall. Knowing Miguel’s time is limited, Kevin visits Miguel’s son, informing him about his dad’s illness. It’s here where Kevin finally sympathizes with Miguel and appreciates what he did for his entire family after Jack’s death. Kevin urges Miguel’s son to make things right with Miguel while he still has the chance. Thankfully, Miguel’s son listens to Kevin’s advice and spends time with his dying father.
I wrote this at the end of my recap last week. I was right. Sadly, Miguel dies. His ashes are spread at his two homes: Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico.
When the show finally ends at the end of the month, “Miguel” could crack the Top 10 list for best This Is Us episodes. Though not as good as “Memphis,” the best episode in the series, “Miguel” finally gave an unselfish character the tribute he so desperately deserved. “Miguel” reminded viewers like me that This Is Us can still reach back and throw a 99mph fastball. Go be with Jack, Miguel. Here’s to the final three episodes.
What are your thoughts on this episode? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
At the end of Episode 13, Randall asked Kevin about his night before the wedding. Through the flashback, Kevin thought about three women: Sophie, Cassidy, and Arielle (the wedding singer). Who will he choose?
Episode 14 kicks off with Sophie, or contestant number one. After Kevin learns about her missing luggage, he offers to drive her into town to pick up some clothes. After striking out at every store, Sophie cleverly enters a dry cleaner and secures an unclaimed dress. The former couple then begins to share details about their lives. Sophie is now a traveling nurse while Kevin is a family man and the head of his non-profit construction organization. When Kevin tells Sophie that he’s happy she found love, Sophie shockingly reveals she’s divorced. You can cut the sexual tension with a knife.
After a night of staring at each other from afar, Sophie and Kevin begin to passionately hook up in Kevin’s room. When Kevin makes a comment about how her hair’s smell hasn’t changed, Sophie panics, telling Kevin that she wants him to fall in love with her current self, not her teenage self. Sophie leaves the room, and Kevin is back to square one. For recapping purposes, the pink bra that Madison and Beth found the next morning belonged to Sophie. I had to say it.
Later at the hotel bar, Kevin meets Arielle, the wedding singer, who has been writing observations on things she’s seen in order to serve as future song lyrics. Arielle shares what she wrote about Kevin and how he’s longing for someone in his life. The napkin is what Madison and Beth found the next morning in Kevin’s room.
On his way back to the room, Kevin runs into Nicky, who is on an ice run for Edie as the older couple tries to… well, I’ll leave it to your imagination. As Nicky attempts to relate Kevin’s love life to a pinball machine, Cassidy interrupts and requests to speak with Kevin in private. She needs help unzipping her dress, and Kevin happily obliges. Inspired by Nicky’s words, Kevin asks Cassidy if they should be romantically together. However, Cassidy shoots his request down immediately, saying they are best friends and coworkers and that’s the way it should be. Kevin taking Ls left and right!
At the wedding, Rebecca approaches Sophie, and senses something is wrong with Kevin.* She calls her son an idiot (fair statement!) and reassures Sophie that he will one day figure it out and be a great partner. Meanwhile, with Kevin, Randall attempts to compare losing Buffalo Bills’ Super Bowl merchandise to how the world makes no sense. (I give Randall a pass on this mediocre speech because he absolutely crushed his speech to Kate.) However, he tells Kevin that his relationship with Sophie makes sense, and he needs to talk to her.
*Rebecca thinks Kevin and Sophie are 20-years-old and married.
When Kevin attempts to tell Sophie how she feels, Sophie cuts him off and tells him that it’s her turn to speak. Sophie explains how they are both the best versions of themselves at the current moment, and they need to love each other for who they are, not who they were. In one of his shortest speeches ever, Kevin pulls out a Valentine from elementary school that’s addressed to Sophie and tells her that he’s always carried her with him. The two kiss and the crowd goes wild!
I’ve been Team Sophie since Day 1 so I’m happy with this result despite having many questions about how it transpired. Did Kevin carry that Valentine while dating Madison? Anyways, some viewers might think this was rushed. It’s not exactly the shocking This Is Us twist we’ve grown accustomed to over the years.
Sometimes, you just have to play the hits. I’m a huge Billy Joel fan. Seeing Joel live is in my top 3 concerts of all time. I love lesser-known songs like Why Judy Why and Big Man On Mulberry Street, but that’s not what I want to hear at his concert. I want to hear Piano Man, Vienna, and Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. Play the hits. Don’t overcomplicate things.
That same mindset applies to Kevin and Sophie. Justin Hartley and Alexandra Breckenridge have undeniable chemistry. Why fight against it in the name of shock value? I’m sure there are quite a few painful moments in the four remaining episodes (Miguel’s death? Rebecca’s death?), which is why a happy ever after a moment feels great right now.
Tune in next week when Miguel FINALLY gets a spotlight episode. I’m afraid he dies. See you next week.
What are your thoughts on this episode of This Is Us? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
As someone who has always wanted to play the piano, tonight’s episode of This Is Us made me want to take out the keyboard from under my bed, and tickle some keys. But first, the recap.
This Is Us Season 6 Episode 13 Recap: “Day of the Wedding”
This Is Us is on the move once again as we say goodbye to Katoby and hello to Phate. The show picks up at Kate’s second wedding where the flash-forward from Season 5 left off. Kevin is practicing his speech, Randall is helping Nicky to his room, and Kate is preparing to marry Phillip.
For Rebecca, her health is rapidly deteriorating. It’s come to the point where she constantly mistakes Kevin for Jack. Being the good son that he is, Kevin plays along and pretends to be Jack whenever his mother calls him by his father’s name. Speaking of Kevin, Madison and Beth find a bra, poem, and floral jacket in his room. Did Kevin sleep with someone? More on that later.
When Randall visits his mother, he notices Miguel’s blood pressure medication and begins to wonder if Miguel is sick. Randall’s questions about Miguel’s health increase when he notices his constant shaking when lifting his glass up for some wine. When confronted by Randall, Miguel cracks and says that everything is happening too fast. Miguel is playing the role of caretaker and he can’t slow down Rebecca’s Alzheimer’s. The stress has caused “whiplash” for Miguel, and he confides to Randall that he just wanted one normal day where he doesn’t have to talk about Alzheimer’s or be reminded of his dead best friend. It’s a heartbreaking scene. I will drink wine with you, Miguel. Name the time and the place and I’m there.
Rebecca’s Hair
In the past, Rebecca decides to do something drastic in order to spice up her routine. She gets the Princess Diana haircut, and it’s met with mixed results. Kevin says the hair reminds him of Peter Pan while Kate compares it to He-Man, which are both funny jokes in this blogger’s opinion.
It’s clear Rebecca finds the stay-at-home wife pattern repetitive while Jack finds a routine comforting due to his tough upbringing. To comfort his wife, Super Jack puts on his cape and shaves his goatee, leaving only his signature mustache behind. Later that night, the happy couple spend date night at a restaurant, which ends with Rebecca behind the piano, singing a song.
Piano (Wo)Man
It was time for the actual wedding, and everything went according to plan. Kevin goes the comedic route during his speech while Randall elects for a touching (but depressing) speech about time. Randall gets the nod for a better speech. Then, Rebecca is summoned to the piano to play a special song. Despite her fading memory, Rebecca is able to remember her notes, find the right key, and play a beautiful song for Kate and Phillip.
I’d be lying if I said the most interesting aspect of the episode was Kate’s wedding. I’m more interested in Kevin’s mystery woman. At the end of the episode, Randall asks Kevin how his night went, which leads to a flashback of the night prior involving three women: Sophie, Cassidy, and the wedding singer. When asked if it’s a good story, Kevin says that he does not know yet.
Well, next week is titled “The Night Before the Wedding” so we will get answers. Sophie is the sentimental choice. Cassidy is the choice that makes the most sense. The wedding singer is not the right choice, but she will somehow share her wisdom with Kevin which will inspire him to chase Sophie or Cassidy.
See you next week.
What are your thoughts on this episode of This Is Us? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
It’s a matter of time before the “Book of Katoby” came to an end on This Is Us. Last night’s heartbreaking look at divorce is in the running with Jack’s trip to Ohio for the best episode of the season.
This Is Us Season 6 Episode 12 Recap: Katoby
"Just because our marriage is over doesn’t mean our story is over."
First of all, let’s revisit the original “Goodbye, Toby” from The Office. Hit it, Michael.
This Is Us sifts between multiple timelines in each episode, but this episode jumps back and forth through time like no other episode prior. It chronicles the downfall of Katoby, the rise of Phate (Phillip and Kate?), and the wedding of Phate.
The episode opens at Kate’s wedding to Phillip. She receives a call from Toby, and he tells her to remember what she told him on the day they signed divorce papers. If I were Kate, I would have hung up the phone on the spot. Receiving a call from an ex-spouse as you’re set to marry someone else is wrong.
Back in the present, Toby decides to take a job in LA and attend couples therapy in order to save his marriage. At first, things improve between Katoby, but as Kate becomes happier at school, Toby loses joy by the day. After Kate arrives late for a therapy session, a frustrated Toby leaves the session abruptly.
From there, the show jumps ahead to Kate’s engagement party with Phillip. Kevin brings a woman that won’t be in his life much longer to counteract the fact that Sophie is in the room with her husband. Randall finds time out of his busy Senate campaign to spend some time with the family. For Kate, she hits the stage to sing Chumbawumba’s “Tubthumping,” which changed her relationship with Phillip a few years prior. It turns out that Kate met Phillip in Koreatown the day she signed divorce papers and ended up singing that song at karaoke.
The episode then gets in the Delorean and travels back to the future to Nicky, Franny, and Hailey’s second birthday. Kevin brings a different girl this time who happens to be a spokesperson for Trojan condoms. Practice safe sex, everyone! The cracks in Toby and Kate’s relationship split open again after Toby comments about his wife’s low-paying job. Kate escapes to the other room in order to cry and reveals to Kevin that her marriage will probably end. Hold that thought as we jump forward to Phillip’s proposal to Kate a few years later. Obviously, she says yes thanks to some help from Jack and Hailey.
Back in the past, we go as we sit in on a dinner between Kate and Toby. The gloves come off in this fight as Toby screams that he is a good dad despite Kate’s constant remarks about the mistakes he makes. Kate accuses Toby of being miserable with the kids, and Toby says that he’s miserable with Kate in the room. YIKES. Furthermore, Toby says he’s unfairly compared to Jack Pearson, believing Kate will only accept a father as good as Jack. Sorry Kate, but I’m with Toby on this one. The fight comes to an end when Jack yells for help after his Boba Fett action figure goes in the toilet. The couple regroups, and Kate finally decides that their marriage is over.
After their divorce, Toby meets with Phillip to discuss his future with Kate and the children, and Phillip reveals that he will propose to Kate. Who knew Toby would be put in the same situation as Kevin with Madison and Elijah? After the meeting, the show goes back in the past to Phillip and Kate’s first official date. When Kate asks Phillip about his intentions, he tearfully reveals that he’s looking for happiness. His first marriage ended in tragedy when his blind wife died in a car accident after a huge argument concerning their marriage and infertility issues. Moved by his own speech, Phillip kisses Kate.
A few days before the divorce is final, Toby makes one heartfelt plea to stop Kate from going through with this decision. Unfortunately, Kate does not budge, and the result is heartbreaking.
Kate and Toby officially divorcing was heartbreaking to watch but SO realistic. The acting and the writing from the show really is gold. #ThisIsUspic.twitter.com/Uzky0sniFv
Once the papers are signed, Kate tells Toby that just because their marriage is over does not mean the story of Katoby has come to an end. A dejected Toby does not believe Kate and walks away. Guess what? Kate is right as a montage of Katoby post-divorce showcases happier times between the ex-spouses. Toby even starts a relationship with a new woman! This all culminates with an older Kate and Toby, alongside their significant others, meeting at a bar to watch Jack sing.
Do you know what else ended last night? My theory about Kate’s death. Oh well, you can’t be right about everything.
See you next week at the wedding.
What are your thoughts on this episode of This Is Us? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
Have you ever thought about what it would feel like to forget about work? Imagine you could shut out all of the struggles and hardships that come with commuting, date input, and awkward water cooler conversations as soon as you leave the building. If you could separate your work persona from your personal life, would you? After watching the (fictional) show, Severance, splitting up one’s memories is not as appealing as it sounds.
Severance follows Mark S (Adam Scott), an employee who works for Lumin Industries in the Macrodata Refinement division. Mark and his coworkers – Dylan (Zach Cherry), Helly R (Britt Lower), and Irving (John Turturro) – are all in the severance program, meaning work memories are completely separate from personal ones. Thanks to a computer chip implanted in their brains, severed employees have two different personas – innies (inside Lumin) and outies (outside Lumin). As soon as employees get into the elevator to enter or leave the office, the computer chip activates one’s innie or outie.
After watching last night’s brilliant season finale, this drama from Apple TV+ is now one of the best television shows in 2022. The show is equal parts sci-fi mystery and workplace comedy. It’s a true slow burn, but not one that wastes entire episodes on explaining exposition with little character development. Every episode peels back a layer of the show’s onion as the employees (and audience) try to figure out the underlying question of the season. What does Lumin do?
The four severed employees start as coworkers, but as the season progresses, they slowly become a family as they band together to figure out their purpose at Lumin. Unlike a lot of workplace dramas and comedies, Severance smartly focuses on the thoughts and feelings of its employees rather than those in charge. That doesn’t mean the higher-ups like Harmony Cobel (Patricia Arquette) and Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman), who both give terrific performances (“Defiant Jazz” is an Emmy worthy submission for Tillman), are neglected along the way. They’re just as clueless about Lumin’s powers and capabilities as the Macrodata Refinement division.
Somehow, the show made cubicles and long hallways visually appealing, and that’s a credit to the show’s creator, Dan Erickson, and primary director* and producer, Ben Stiller. When the employees begin to venture outside of their department and walk the halls that resemble a labyrinth, the music becomes more ominous, and the lighting incorporates more colors to symbolize curiosity and rebellion. Severance takes uneventful tasks such as inputting numbers into a computer and spits out a thrilling adventure about human interaction and responsibility.
*Of the nine episodes, Ben Still directed six while Aoife McArdle directed three.
At the core of the ensemble is Mark, who became a severed employee after the death of his wife. Instead of grieving, he chooses to forget about her for eight hours a day. Mark’s journey from a depressed outie and conservative innie to a curious outie and rebellious innie is the heart of the show. Mark and the rest of the employees want to combine their two halves and become whole again. It’s this idea that the show successfully develops sympathy and understanding as to how people deal with loss and grief.
This brings me to the real reason I’m writing this post, the season finale. It’s one of the tensest and most thrilling 40+ minutes of television I’ve witnessed in the last ten years. Without spoling the plot, every stylistic decision made by Erickson and Stiller is perfect. The fluid camerawork from each character’s innie and outie felt like one continuous movement. The eerie music increasing as the suspense picks up made me want to take a Xanax. Each character’s climactic moment brought me off the couch like I just witnessed a buzzer-beater at Madison Square Garden. (Let’s fix the Knicks, Ben.) The finale is a triumphant victory in how to build suspense and pay it off while still leaving enough on the table to explain in subsequent episodes.
SEVERANCE finale: Oh my god. That was one of the most tense, compelling, and dramatic episodes of television I have ever seen. Thank you, @BenStiller. Edge of your seat suspense. That was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. #Severance
The entire family flocks to Kate’s house for a barbeque to celebrate Rebecca and Miguel’s tenth anniversary. Kate and Toby are already on edge after the San Francisco trip, and their constant arguing starts to affect Jack. Despite a happy day at the park with the family, Kate and Toby cannot stop bickering, and it bleeds over to the party. When Randall and Beth arrive, Kate breaks down and cries on her brother’s shoulder. Kate remains hopeful that their marriage will turn around, but I’m not sure if she believes the words coming out of her mouth.
Things go from bad to worse when the ceiling starts leaking water from a plumbing issue. While yelling at each other, both Toby and Kate make careless mistakes. Toby does not lock the gate to Jack’s room and Kate fails to lock the door after letting the plumber in. Jack, who earlier tells Rebecca about his parents’ fighting, takes advantage of the situation, leaves the house, and walks to the park.
Upon realizing their blind son is missing, Kate, Toby, and the rest of the party begin to yell Jack’s name throughout every square inch of the house. Because of his missing rain boots, Rebecca realizes Jack went to the park, and sprints to catch up with him. However, the damage is done when Rebecca finds Jack on the ground with a cut on his head that requires stitches.
Tonight's episode was A LOT, and there's still so much more to come. 🥲
Tangent: Does anyone for a second believe that Jack could have made it to the park without being stopped by ONE person? There is no chance in hell that the kid makes it 20-feet down the sidewalk alone.
After returning from the hospital, Kate and Toby have their worst argument to date on the front lawn. It’s ugly, to say the least. Kate accuses Toby of only seeing Jack for his limitations while Toby counters by saying Kate is irresponsible for not admitting his deficiencies. Kate believes she’s the only parent in the family, and Toby says that’s the way Kate wants it to be.
As Toby starts to raise his voice, both Kevin and Randall intervene as they form the “Flying-V,” ready to take on their brother-in-law. An upset Toby laughs and infers that Kate has always put the Big Three over her marriage. This is a callback to a flashback in the episode when the Big Three defend each other from a babysitter who they feel was mean to Kate. Back to the fight, is Toby wrong? For Kate, it’s always been Kevin, Randall, and Toby in that order so he has grounds to be upset. The San Franciso debacle is Toby’s fault, but how would you feel if your significant other always sided with siblings instead of you? I, for one, would be quite upset!
At the end of the episode, Kevin and Randall console Kate after the argument with Toby. However, this blowup feels like the climax, not an early entry, to a rocky relationship. Even Kate doesn’t think the marriage will work. Unfortunately, her instincts will be proven correct.
Kevin Accepts The Truth
Meanwhile, Kevin heads to Madison’s house to visit the twins to escape the craziness at Kate’s house. While walking into her bedroom, Kevin catches Elijah with a ring sizer, meaning a proposal is on the horizon. This rocks Kevin to his core, who still holds out hope that he can rekindle his relationship with Madison.
Later that night, Kevin tells Madison that he’s removing her as an emergency contact aka he knows about the proposal and needs a way to break the ice. Funny enough, Madison admits she’s excited about her impending engagement to Elijah. Seeing her reaction is the “a-ha” moment that Kevin needs to finally move on and accept his co-parenting relationship with Madison.
I’m expecting Kevin to call Sophie in a future episode.
Next week marks the end of Katoby. Wear black and bring the tissues.
What are your thoughts on this episode of This Is Us? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
And with that, the final Big Three trilogy has come to an end on This Is Us. We’re onto the last eight episodes, but first, Randall gets his moment in the spotlight.
This Is Us Season 6 Episode 10 Recap: “Every Version Of You”
R&R time has come to an end for now. Thanks for joining us on another Big Three Trilogy.
Since the day he joined the family, Randall Pearson’s number one job involves protecting his mother, Rebecca. He is a good son, which is not a reference to the 1993 horror movie of the same name. When Deja leaves the cabin to visit Malik, Rebecca supports Randall and accompanies him on the car ride to Boston.
Using her motherly charm, Rebecca convinces Randall to spend some quality time with her in order to calm down and take his mind off Deja. The plan works as the two bond over lunch and a glass of red wine. While spending the night together at a hotel, Randall shares news of a potential senate run to replace the retiring incumbent. Despite encouragement from his mother, Randall tempers his expectations as he cites family drama as a reason to pass up this opportunity.
The next day, Rebecca explains to Randall why she did not pick him to be her executor when her health deteriorates. Rebecca knows Randall will drop heaven and earth to take care of her even if that means sacrificing his own needs in the process. Rebecca won’t let that happen, which is why she chose Kate. Randall has always been the “man of the house” ever since Jack died. In a flashback, Randall talked down a police officer from arresting the Big Three for trespassing at the pool. As a young kid, Randall successfully persuaded the entire family to join him in the pool.
The mother-son duo eventually reach Boston, where they’re greeted by Malik and Deja. Malik informs Randall of their breakup due to the distance and stress it put on their lives. Randall respects Malik’s heart and lets him know that if their relationship is meant to be, it will work out when the time is right. Deja later apologizes to Randall, and the two reconcile.
Big Three Plans
The episode ends by spotlighting each member of the Big Three.
Randall is going to meet with the senator to talk about a succession plan.
Kevin returns home to Madison with a smile on his face as he finally realizes he can be a good father.
Kate asks Philip to consider her for the teaching job, and tells Toby she can’t move to San Francisco.
Next week could be the day when everything changes for Kate and Toby. See you then.
What are your thoughts on this episode of This Is Us? Tweet me, at @danny_giro.
Did you happen to watch the Oscars? Well if you didn’t, they gave out some awards, edited some speeches, and oh yeah, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock across the face.
Will Smith just punched Chris Rock and told him "keep my wife's name out of your f***ing mouth" pic.twitter.com/1f1ytdbMRv
During the commercial break, Will Smith is pulled aside and comforted by Denzel Washington and Tyler Perry, who motion for him to brush it off. Will appears to wipe tears from his eyes as he sits back down with Jada, with Denzel comforting Jada and Will’s rep by his side. pic.twitter.com/uDGVnWrSS2
This moment is heading full-speed into the Take Cycle. I’m expecting think pieces with the following themes to dominate the Internet:
Will Smith is going through a mental breakdown.
Chris Rock needs to be canceled.
It was just a joke.
Talk shit, get hit.
You never know the battles someone is going through.
It was a cheap shot joke.
You can’t hit someone like that.
Whatever your take might be, tonight is why I “lace ’em up.” This is why I spend hundreds of hours watching movies, writing about the Oscars, and reading every piece of journalism I can get my hands on about actors and actresses. I will NEVER forget this moment.
I’m going to be a dweeb here, but I want to celebrate CODA running a fantastic campaign, capping it off with a win for Best Picture. I’ll let Twitter settle the Smith/Rock debate for me.
Middle Man Dan strikes again!
CODA winning Best Picture is truly an amazing feat. Dominated at Sundance, sold to Apple TV+ for a huge number, and had a quiet release last summer. However, it organically grew an audience as more people (like myself) fell in love with it. This is a great moment. #CODA#Oscars
After the long and winding road, awards season has reached the end of its journey with the 2022 Oscars.
Remember when Belfast was the frontrunner for Best Picture and House of Gucci was going to dominate the acting categories? That was Fall 2021, which feels like 10 years ago.
Things have drastically changed the last few weeks as new contenders have emerged. I won’t waste anymore more time. Below are my predictions for every category.
P.S. Please move the Oscars back to February 2023.
BEST PICTURE
Belfast CODA Don’t Look Up Drive My Car Dune King Richard Licorice Pizza Nightmare Alley The Power of the Dog West Side Story
This is a two-horse race between The Power of the Dog and CODA. The Power of the Dog dominated critics’ circles and picked up huge wins at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Critics’ Choice Awards. On the other hand, CODA is the sentimental favorite and surged to wins at the SAGs and PGAs.
Best Picture is a preferential ballot, which means voters rank the nominees from most favorite to least favorite (1-10). If a film gets 50% of the first-place votes on the first try, it’s over. That’s not going to happen. The film that receives the least number of votes is eliminated. For the ballots that were eliminated, the Academy then takes their number two selections and applies those votes to ballots with that film at number one. This process happens with selections three and four until one film receives 50% of the vote. Here’s a quick diagram to explain.
Voter A: 1) The Power of the Dog 2) CODA 3) Don’t Look Up Voter B: 1) Nightmare Alley 2) CODA 3) The Power of the Dog Voter C: 1) CODA 2) West Side Story 3) Dune
Let’s say Nightmare Alley comes in at 10th place after round one so it’s eliminated. Go to Voter B’s number two selection, which is CODA. Essentially, CODA becomes Voter B’s new number one so it’s redistributed to ballots with CODA at one (like Voter C) and adds to CODA‘s first-place tally. The elimination process will occur until a film receives 50% of the vote.
Because of this balloting system, Best Picture is an award given to the film that voters liked the most, or close to it. Don’t think about which film is number one on ballots, but think about which film will fall at numbers two and three. This is why CODA has a legit shot at winning because it will probably fall within the top 3 on many ballots. Can the same be said for The Power of the Dog?
My heart says Coda, and after thinking it over, so does my head. From Sundance to the Oscars, what a run for this heartwarming film.
Who Should Win:Dune Who Will Win: CODA
BEST DIRECTOR
Kenneth Branagh, Belfast Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Drive My Car Paul Thomas Anderson, Licorice Pizza Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog Stephen Spielberg, West Side Story
This is Jane Campion’s award to lose. The Power of the Dog is not my favorite movie, but I can’t deny Campion’s expertise and execution. Plus, she’s virtually won every directing award on the circuit. My vote would be for Denis Villeneuve and Dune… oh wait, he was completely snubbed. You deserve better, Denis.
Who Should Win: Denis Villeneuve, Dune (not nominated) Who Will Win: Jane Campion, The Power of the Dog
BEST ACTOR
Javier Bardem, Being the Ricardos Benedict Cumberbatch, The Power of the Dog Andrew Garfield, Tick, Tick… Boom! Will Smith, King Richard Denzel Washington, The Tragedy of Macbeth
The kid from West Philadelphia should give the speech of the night. I can’t wait.
Who Should Win: Will Smith, King Richard Who Will Win: Will Smith, King Richard
BEST ACTRESS
Jessica Chastain, The Eyes of Tammy Faye Olivia Colman, The Lost Daughter Penélope Cruz, Parallel Mothers Nicole Kidman, Being the Ricardos Kristen Stewart, Spencer
Do you want chaos? Then this is the category for you! Jessica Chastain is the favorite, and as much as I love Chastain, Olivia Colman is tied with Frances McDormand as the best working actress in Hollywood. Colman is a master of her craft. I like all of these actresses so I won’t be upset with whoever wins. I’ll go with Colman in a slight upset because the Academy loves her.
Who Should Win: Olivia Colman, The Lost Daughter Who Will Win: Olivia Colman, The Lost Daughter
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Ciarán Hinds, Belfast Troy Kostur, CODA Jesse Plemons, The Power of the Dog J.K. Simmons, Being the Ricardos Kodi Smit-McPhee, The Power of the Dog
Troy’s Oscar moment.
Who Should Win: Troy Kostur, CODA Who Will Win: Troy Kostur, CODA
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Jessie Buckley, The Lost Daughter Ariana DeBose, West Side Story Judi Dench, Belfast Kirsten Dunst, The Power of the Dog Aunjanue Ellis, King Richard
Finally saw WEST SIDE STORY. Folks, we should never doubt Steven Spielberg. I love the orginal film so I had my doubts, but those disappeared within the first 5 minutes. Beautiful to watch. Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, and Mike Faist jump off the screen. #WestSideStory
Who Should Win: Ariana DeBose, West Side Story Who Will Win: Ariana DeBose, West Side Story
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Belfast, Kenneth Branagh Don’t Look Up, Adam McKay; Story by Adam McKay & David Sirota King Richard, Zach Baylin Licorice Pizza, Paul Thomas Anderson The Worst Person in the World, Eskil Vogt, Joachim Trier
LICORICE PIZZA: Absolutely delightful. PTA setting his movie in the valley is comfort food. Cooper Hoffman was great. Alana Haim was brilliant. Both have long careers ahead of them. #LicoricePizza
The screenplay categories are the hardest of the night. Is this the spot where the Academy rewards Belfast? Does Don’t Look Up have enough momentum following its win at the WGAs? I’m predicting the Academy rewards the man who has been knocking at the door for over two decades, looking for his first Oscar win. That man is Mr. Paul Thomas Anderson.
Who Should Win:Licorice Pizza, Paul Thomas Anderson Who Will Win: Licorice Pizza, Paul Thomas Anderson
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
CODA, Sian Heder Drive My Car, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Takamasa Oe Dune, Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve, and Eric Roth The Lost Daughter, Maggie Gyllenhaal The Power of the Dog, Jane Campion
If Coda or The Power of the Dog wins this category, then they become the favorite for Best Picture. CODA picked up a huge win at the WGAs, but The Power of the Dog was ineligible. Campion previously won an Oscar for screenplay, and she’s a lock for Best Director. Does the Academy spread the wealth and reward Sian Heder of Maggie Gyllenhaal? I think they share the love so my pick is Heder.
Who Should Win:Dune, Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve, and Eric Roth Who Will Win: CODA, Sian Heder
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
Encanto Flee Luca The Mitchells vs. The Machines Raya and the Last Dragon
The Encanto momentum is real.
Who Should Win:The Mitchells vs. The Machines Who Will Win: Encanto
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM
Drive My Car, Japan Flee, Denmark The Hand of God, Italy Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom, Bhutan The Worst Person in the World, Norway
Had Drive My Car not been nominated for Best Picture, this would go to The Worst Person in the World. Both films are worthy of this win.
Who Should Win:Drive My Car, Japan and The Worst Person in the World, Norway (tie) Who Will Win: Drive My Car, Japan
BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Ascension Attica Flee Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised) Writing with Fire
Will Questlove be drumming on Fallon the next night after his win? That is the million-dollar question.
Who Should Win:Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised) Who Will Win: Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not be Televised)
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Don’t Look Up, Nicholas Britell Dune, Hans Zimmer Encanto, Germaine Franco Parallel Mothers, Alberto Iglesias The Power of the Dog, Jonny Greenwood
Who Should Win:Dune, Hans Zimmer Who Will Win: Dune, Hans Zimmer
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Be Alive, King Richard, Music and Lyric by DIXSON and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter Dos Oruguitas, Encanto, Music and Lyric by Lin-Manuel Miranda Down To Joy, Belfast, Music and Lyric by Van Morrison No Time To Die, No Time To Die, Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell Somehow You Do, Four Good Days, Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
Why Encanto submitted this song over “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” is something I’ll never understand. This comes down to who the Academy wants to give an Oscar to, Lin-Manuel or Billie & Finneas? I think not submitting“Bruno” will come back to haunt Encanto. James Bond wins the Oscar.
Who Should Win: No Time To Die, No Time To Die, Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell Who Will Win: No Time To Die, No Time To Die, Music and Lyric by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Dune, Greig Fraser Nightmare Alley, Dan Laustsen The Power of the Dog, Ari Wegner The Tragedy of Macbeth, Ari Wegner West Side Story, Janusz Kaminski
Let me just say that all five of these films look spectacular. But Dune is on another level, and its dominance in the technical categories continues.
Who Should Win:Dune, Greig Fraser Who Will Win: Dune, Greig Fraser
BEST SOUND
Belfast Dune No Time To Die The Power of the Dog West Side Story
I’m running out of ways to explain how Dune is a stunning technical achievement.
Who Should Win:Dune Who Will Win: Dune
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Dune Nightmare Alley The Power of the Dog The Tragedy of Macbeth West Side Story
One word: Arrakis.
DUNE: Wow. Denis Villeneuve is one of the five best living directors. That was beautiful to watch. It’s a lot of world-building for one movie, which may turn some people off. I’m praying we get a second film. But I’m in. Frankly, I will see anything Villeneuve directs. #Dunepic.twitter.com/k8dCv8mBiX
Coming 2 America Cruella Dune The Eyes of Tammy Faye House of Gucci
With Jessica Chastain the favorite to win Best Actress because of her big transformation,it makes sense to reward the people behind her makeup and hairstyling.
Who Should Win:Cruella Who Will Win: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Cruella Cyrano Dune Nightmare Alley West Side Story
Emma Stone in Cruella / Disney
Who Should Win:West Side Story Who Will Win: Cruella
BEST FILM EDITING
Don’t Look Up Dune King Richard The Power of the Dog Tick, Tick… Boom!
King Richard picked up a surprising victory at the ACE Eddies. However, Dune avenges its loss and wins yet another Oscar.
Who Should Win:Dune Who Will Win: Dune
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Dune Free Guy No Time To Die Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Spider-Man: No Way Home
In 10 years, we are going to look back and question why Dune won so many technical awards, but not Best Director nor Best Picture.
Who Should Win:Dune Who Will Win: Dune
***Full disclosure – I haven’t seen any nominees in the final three categories. I’m using my best judgment as well as gambling odds to determine winners.
BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT SUBJECT
Audible Lead Me Home The Queen of Basketball Three Songs for Benazir When We Were Bullies
Who Should Win:The Queen of Basketball Who Will Win: The Queen of Basketball
BEST LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM
Ala Kachuu – Take and Run The Dress The Long Goodbye On My Mind Please Hold
Who Should Win:The Long Goodbye Who Will Win: The Long Goodbye
BEST ANIMATED SHORT FILM
Aairs of the Art Bestia Boxballet Robin Robin The Windshield Wiper
Who Should Win:Robin Robin Who Will Win: Robin Robin
Thank you for reading my discussions about the Oscars all year. I really appreciate it. Follow me on Twitter, @danny_giro.
