This Is Us recap: 5 things you might have missed in season 1, episode 8

Have you forgotten the smaller moments of This Is Us? Let’s rewind to Season 1, Episode 8 and recap five things you might have missed.

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Every year when Thanksgiving rolls around, we like to think that our families put the fun in dysfunctional and have the strangest holiday traditions. But when it comes to Turkey Day on This Is Us, the Pearsons take the cake — no, wishbone — on odd holiday traditions and dysfunctional family gatherings. In may ways, we fans are still emotionally recovering from the explosive “Pilgrim Rick.”

In Season 1, Episode 8, This Is Us makes a brave turning point in bringing revelations from the third episode to light. While sitting around the Thanksgiving table, truth and consequences change the course of the season and the lives of the Pearsons. Back when the Big Three were eight, their routine holiday at Rebecca’s parents’ house goes awry, leaving the Pearson 5 to create traditions of their own. Meanwhile, Kate rethinks her future thanks to a near death experience, Kevin steps up his game with Olivia, and Randall’s in for a surprise as he upholds the rituals of Pearson Thanksgiving.

Do you remember how Randall discovers the truth? What about the pressures that drive Kate to make life-changing decisions? And can you recall William’s most inspiring monologue ever? Let’s rewind and revisit five things you might have missed in Season 1, Episode 8.

1. Thanksgiving dad is a hot dad.

Before we even know the story of the Pearsons’ out-there Thanksgiving traditions, Randall’s up and at ’em like he’s a child on Christmas morning. He giddily ties on his apron and gets to work bright and early to the chagrin of his entire family. Despite the emotional upheaval the holiday winds up having for him, Randall delivers one of the best quotes in This Is Us history: “Thanksgiving dad is a hot dad.”

2. Kate breaks up with Toby.

While having dinner together, Kate abruptly announces that she wants to take a break from her relationship with Toby. Sure, it’s seemingly out of the blue. However, she did tell Toby she didn’t want to get involved with a “fat person.” Somehow, it doesn’t seem plausible that Kate was in the headspace to fall in love with anybody quite yet. On the way to Randall’s house, Kate’s plane hits frightening turbulence, leading Kate to resolve to undergo surgery.

THIS IS US — “Pilgrim Rick” Episode 108 — Pictured: (l-r) Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, Mandy Moore as Rebecca — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC). Acquired from NBCUniversal Media Village. /

3. Kevin gives Olivia pie.

During their final play rehearsal before breaking for the holiday, Kevin invites Olivia to his family Thanksgiving with the pitch that his family is an unconventional and diverse bunch. Well, you can’t say that Kevin didn’t deliver on his pitch. Still, the normally unattached Olivia can’t hang with the normalcy of it all and nearly leaves until William tells her to grab the moments of her life while she has the opportunity. She’s glad she stayed, too, because the dinner table drama replenishes her more than a slice of pumpkin pie ever could.

4. Pilgrim Rick saves the day.

On the way to Rebecca’s parents’ house for Thanksgiving dinner, the Pearson 5 lose time replacing the ruined cranberry sauce and end up suffering a blown out tire. Stranded in the middle of nowhere, they take a 3.4 mile hike to find help and turn up at the Pinewood Lodge. They encounter a man who goes by the name of Pilgrim Rick and spend the night watching Police Academy 3, eating hot dogs wrapped in sliced cheese and crushed saltines, and using an unraveling knit sweater to share what they’re thankful for.

Next: This Is Us rewind recap: 5 things you might have missed in season 1, episode 7

5. The cat’s out of the bag.

In present day, Randall holds onto the Pilgrim Rick traditions and honors them to every little detail, in the exact order in which they occurred. But while on the annual hike, he learns that William has given up a tradition of listening to his old jazz tapes. Randall rushes to pick up the tapes at his apartment and unearths an old letter from Rebecca containing a photo of young Randall. Beth had pressed Rebecca to tell Randall the truth, but she hadn’t found the correct moment. Turns out, right before the turkey had even been carved is as perfect as it’ll get.

What were your favorite moments from “Pilgrim Rick”? Let us know in the comments, and keep the conversation going on Twitter!

This Is Us returns for Season 2 on Tuesday, September 26 at 9/8c on NBC. Season 1 is currently available to stream online.

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This Is Us rewind recap: 5 things you might have missed in season 1, episode 8

By Reed Gaudens | Aug 13, 2017