NBC’s ‘This Is Us’ Returns for the New Year
This Is Us is kicking off 2021 with new episodes, returning with episode five, of their fifth season; beware spoilers ahead. WARNING: This article discusses sensitive topics such as abortion, abuse, addiction, and more. If you are experiencing any abuse and need help, call 800.799.SAFE (7233).
This episode, titled “A Long Road From Home,” tackles topics such as Kate’s abortion, Randall’s biological mother, and Kevin possibly having to leave his family to go film in Vancouver.
The Pearsons are back.
— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) January 5, 2021
Who’s watching an all-new #ThisIsUs at 9/8c on @NBC? pic.twitter.com/dqCDYPn2gy
This Is Us is a drama following the lives of three siblings, born on the same day, navigating adulthood; they are referred to as the “Big Three.” The series tells their stories through timelines between their childhood in the 1980s and adulthood set in modern-day.
Season five began production in late September of last year during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter Movement. All actors were regularly tested and practiced social distancing when they could. Creator Dan Fagelman commented in a Deadline interview that, “actors are literally in plastic bubbles between sets.” The production crew also wear face shields and masks while filming.
In this episode, Kate (Chrissy Metz) recounts her experience of having an abortion after getting pregnant by her abusive ex-boyfriend when she was eighteen. She decides to confront her ex by driving down to see him in San Diego.
Kate’s standing up for everyone who are dealing with past relationship trauma.
— This Is Us (@Thisispearson) January 6, 2021
Watch this incredible performance from @ChrissyMetz ! #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/GZCBauqgC6
Meanwhile, Kevin (Justin Hartley) was offered an acting gig, but due to COVID-19 regulations, the production would be shot in Vancouver, Canada. The production would film for four weeks, and Madison is due to have their babies shortly after. This brings up the conversation of what their future together will look like.
Is he all in? He’s all in. Right? #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/MhhxtHDfDV
— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) January 6, 2021
Finally, there is Randall (Sterling K. Brown). He finds out that his mother, who he had been told died from a drug overdose after he was born, actually survived and died in 2015.
struggles and psychology regarding how growing up in that situation feels and reflecting back on it as an adult. I don’t get to really talk about how being adopted has affected me much, so this show is very cathartic for me and refreshing 👽 #Adoption #feels
— Twilight Wolven (@AllLeahWrote) January 6, 2021
This episode brings up strong feelings, hard truths, and confronting the past. This Is Us airs on NBC Tuesdays at 9/8 PM central time.
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