Kevin Pearson will be the ultimate Transformation Tuesday on 'This Is Us'

There’s tons to love about the handsome and talented Kevin Pearson. But his privilege could use a little Transformation Tuesday magic, and he’s up for the challenge.

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Let’s be honest: None of the Pearsons are perfect. Even though Beth believes Randall is too perfect, each character on This Is Us isn’t without their beautiful flaws and welcome imperfections. Such is life, and that’s why the series has hit home with millions of viewers. However, one member of the Big Three is due for a shift in point of view, and his name is Kevin Pearson.

Not to call Kevin out on his crap, but we can all admit without pause that Kevin’s actions in the first season of This Is Us were definite head-scratchers. When it comes to love, the Kevin Pearson game plan is questionable at best, and in the realm of career, he’s flying by the seat of his precisely tailored pants. From the minute he stormed off the set of his ratings monster, creative clunker sitcom, he became our favorite problematic prince of privilege. Who else could make an on-set meltdown look endearing and also 100% warranted? Kevin Pearson, that’s who. But ever since, Kevin’s path has been carved toward betterment, and if he follows the right road map, he could be the ultimate Transformation Tuesday.

Of course, it’s true that Kevin Pearson could never be called the worst, Liz Lemon style with an epic eye-roll and all. He’s kind and innocent and generous, and maybe that does make his unknowing dominance that much more infuriating. One episode after another, Kevin grabs everything he wants. Beginning with his second-wind career as a theatre actor and ending with his last-ditch effort in winning back his ex-wife Sophie. In short, his oblivion to it all can be grating.

Kevin gripes about being objectified (we’ll let him off for that one — his money-hungry Manny boss hired him for his abs) and being worth more than cheap laughs from a thin script. The truth of these worries doesn’t diminish the reality that he walks through life unburdened by his immediate entitlement. Those three sentences of his are cute, but they’re a touch too slick. He needs to recognize when he’s exerting his power as a physically attractive straight white male. Sure, it’s in his very being, and he can’t help it.

Oh, except that he absolutely can help it.

THIS IS US — “The Trip” Episode 109 — Pictured: Justin Hartley as Kevin — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

Kevin Pearson hasn’t nearly been the cringiest offender we have ever seen (paging Dr. Danny Castellano of The Mindy Project), but he still toes the line of problematic. His innate understanding that people will shuffle their seats for him if he asks sweetly enough or drop everything to lend their support for his latest dramas comes with celebrity but also with who he biologically is. While he might not consciously take advantage of his good looks and privileges as a straight white man, he reaps the benefits nonetheless.

Growing up in a household where attention was unequally divided between three children of the same age helped develop Kevin’s inferiority complex. Kate and Randall required more of Jack and Rebecca’s parenting prowess, leaving Kevin literally drowning in a swimming pool. Although he works to fight back these feelings of second-class status, they are hard-fought and lead him to stroke his competitive ego and even objectify himself for exposure. Can you blame they guy for giving into the pressure of his demons?

Next: Kevin's unnecessary beanie and 4 other things you missed in 'The Big Three'

In most of his scenes in the first season, Kevin makes it apparent that he wants to be a better person. Hell, he wants to be the best version of himself that he can. Running out on his play’s opening night to rush to Randall’s side as he crumbled with anxiety exemplifies the highest level of selflessness Kevin can attain. As This Is Us continues to grow and evolve with each season, so can Kevin with an incredible Transformation Tuesday of character.

Like any person trying to function as an emotionally stable, socially responsible human being on a daily basis, he’s not always equipped with the proper tools. Instead, he’s a hot mess with harmless intentions. Kevin Pearson may be a well-intentioned hot mess, but he’s our well-intentioned hot mess, damn it! Similarly to his work on stage and screen, he’s a work in progress. After all, he can’t blame his problems on the Challenger explosion forever.

This Is Us returns for Season 2 on Tuesday, September 26 at 9/8c on NBC.

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Kevin Pearson will be the ultimate Transformation Tuesday on ‘This Is Us’

By Reed Gaudens | Jul 18, 2017

There’s tons to love about the handsome and talented Kevin Pearson. But his privilege could use a little Transformation Tuesday magic, and he’s up for the challenge.