5 times we cried during This Is Us season 2, episode 18
By Reed Gaudens
In the season finale of This Is Us, Kate and Toby’s wedding features a visit from present-day Jack. Here are the five moments that brought the tears.
Once again, This Is Us pulled off the impossible and delivered a season finale everyone will be talking about. We might not be wondering how Jack died anymore, but the series sprinted out of the shadow of that enormous storyline with the introduction of three — count them! — new cliffhangers that’ll have you theorizing all summer long. But before the summer sun can dry our Season 2 tears, there’s still time to revel in the bittersweet season finale.
The season finale of This Is Us found Kate coming to terms with saying goodbye to Jack once and for all in order to make room in her heart to fully commit to a marriage with Toby. Elsewhere, a dream sequence gave us a glimpse into what could have been for the Pearsons, as the series previewed the future struggles that will plague the family and comprise Season 3. These are the five times we cried during the final episode of This Is Us Season 2!
1. Jack and Rebecca renew their vows.
Never in a million years did any of us expect that the smallest sight of present-day Jack would elicit so much emotion. Merely watching Rebecca walk down the aisle to renew her vows with Jack on their 40th anniversary unleashed the full body chills. But This Is Us packs a mean punch with Kate’s dream, culminating with Rebecca singing “Moonshadow” and bringing Jack to tears. Oh, what could have been…
2. Kevin and Randall’s wedding toasts channel Jack.
Because they’re the Pearsons, Kate’s wedding was an emotional event. There was never really any other option was there? From the prep to the hours leading up to “I do,” everyone was four seconds away from bursting into tears for different reasons. However, during Kevin and Randall’s differing takes on wedding toasts, everyone cried for the same reason. Kevin mentioned Jack a lot and allowed the four Pearsons a much-needed deep breath, while Randall reflected on how Kate and Toby have “chosen perfectly.” Number 1 and 3 channeled their dad in the best ways.
3. Kate and Rebecca have a special moment.
The tension between Kate and Rebecca has been a major component of This Is Us Season 2. In the beginning of the season, Rebecca was only starting to understand how her actions affected Kate, even when she wasn’t intending to hurt her feelings. Kate, too, understood the depth to her responses to Rebecca’s words and actions. Finally, the two Pearson women have reached an intersection of complete support and compassion. Rebecca is Kate’s way. Tears!
4. Deja spirals downward.
After last week’s episode devoted to telling Deja’s backstory, which was a series-best episode, Deja can’t quite seem to adapt to the mounting uphill battles of her life. Deja’s mother believed she was doing what was best for her daughter by leaving her in the care of Beth and Randall, but nothing soothes the sting of rejection brought on by watching your mother terminate her parental rights in court. In response, Deja talks back to Beth and Randall and ultimately attacks Randall’s car in a fit of resentment.
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5. Those cliffhangers!
Of course, This Is Us leaves us hanging on three different ledges, where we’ll be waiting for nearly six months until next season pulls us up for exploration. First, Kevin flies to Vietnam with Beth’s cousin Zoe and a photo of Jack in war. Then, Kate sits at Toby’s bedside as he has apparently been diagnosed with a serious illness. Finally, future Randall levels with Tess that “It’s time to go see her.” See who?! Beth? Deja? Why is Kevin going to Vietnam, and what illness does Toby have? We’ll be here crying until we find out.
Which moments from the finale made you cry? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to keep the conversation going over on Twitter at @thisisuscrying!
This Is Us returns for Season 3 in September on NBC.