This Is Us Season 2 Episode 1 review: Mystery around Jack’s death partially solved

This Is Us Season 2 Episode 1 review: Rebecca approaches Jack to save their marriage

The previous season of ‘This Is Us’ made you reach out for the tissues. With the very first episode of season 2, the makers explore joy, anger, jealousy, sadness and every other emotion a human being is capable of holding within.

Much like the pilot of ‘This Is Us’, the episode ‘A Father’s Advice’ begins with the birthday of the big three: Randall, Kate and Kevin. Randall still wants to adopt a baby boy to honour his two fathers, Kate is determined to pursue a career in singing and Kevin, you may think that he must be the happiest man on earth after being offered a role in a new Ron Howard movie. The director even arranges a cake for him with his face on it, but he still remains unhappy with the absence of Sophie on his special day. Kevin and Sophie’s affair is no longer a secret. At least, Kate and Toby know about them.

Soon we switch back to the time when Jack and Rebecca were temporarily separated. Randall, Kate and Kevin, who are now teenagers, go to visit their father. The silence in the car drops enough hints for them to realise that something is wrong in the family and they all suspect divorce. After hearing the truth from their parents, the three kids react differently.

Meanwhile, in the present time, Randall comes to know that his wife Beth is not completely on board with the idea of adopting another child. She also shares an imaginary conversation with her father-in-law William. Beth starts complaining about all the times when Randall imposed his decisions on her. Nevertheless, the imaginary presence of William helped Beth to turn more supportive towards her husband but differently. She suggested that Randall could adopt a troubled grown-up boy who hardly dreams of having a good future instead of an infant.

Finally, Rebecca approaches Jack to save their marriage. Jack opens up about his drinking problem and how it became a regular thing for him. Embracing all his problems a determined Rebecca accepts Jack back in her life and promises to rescue him. The scene jumps to another moment and we know that the makers are hinting at Jack’s death again. This time, Rebecca and the three kids were seen weeping in front of a burnt house. The details surrounding the fire are of course still unclear but it obviously hinted that Jack was inside the house when it was burning.

Season 2 of This Is Us starts 30 September, Saturdays at 9pm on Star World.