This Is Us Season 2 - TV Series Review

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Following the emotional impact of its debut season, This Is Us Season 2 (2017–2018) deepens the storytelling and expands on the themes of grief, identity, and personal transformation. This season continues the nonlinear narrative structure that made the first season so compelling, using flashbacks to reveal critical moments in the Pearson family's past while exploring the consequences of those events in the present.

Season 2 places a heavy focus on Jack Pearson’s (Milo Ventimiglia) long-foreshadowed death, which is finally revealed in devastating detail. At the same time, the season explores the personal struggles of each of the Pearson siblings—Kevin’s (Justin Hartley) downward spiral into addiction, Kate’s (Chrissy Metz) struggle with body image and fertility, and Randall’s (Sterling K Brown) journey of self-discovery as he steps into fatherhood in an unconventional way. The season also further develops Rebecca’s (Mandy Moore) resilience and grief, providing a fuller picture of her relationship with Jack and her role as a single mother after his passing.

Season 2 continues This Is Us’ hallmark non-linear storytelling, which allows for emotionally rich character arcs that span different time periods. While the first season focused on introducing the Pearson family and their interwoven past and present, Season 2 shifts its focus toward unresolved traumas and deeper character exploration.

Since the first season, Jack Pearson’s death had been a lingering mystery. Season 2 slowly builds up to the heart-breaking truth in Episode 14 (Super Bowl Sunday), one of the most emotionally devastating episodes of the series. The show reveals that Jack dies, not from a car accident or violence, as many fans speculated, but from complications caused by smoke inhalation during a house fire. This misdirection makes the moment even more painful, as it highlights the unpredictability and cruelty of fate.

The structure of this reveal, spread across multiple episodes, increases the emotional impact, allowing the audience to grieve alongside the Pearson family as they relive that tragic night.

Season 2 deepens the individual character arcs of Kevin, Kate, and Randall, highlighting how each sibling is dealing with their own pain and struggles. The show maintains its signature narrative symmetry by drawing parallels between their adult lives and childhood experiences, reinforcing the idea that our past shapes our future.

Season 1 painted Rebecca as a mother who, at times, made questionable choices, particularly in her relationship with Randall. Season 2 offers a more empathetic portrayal, showing how she struggled with grief after Jack’s death and worked to keep her family together. By expanding Rebecca’s backstory and giving her more depth, the season allows audiences to see her as both a loving mother and a woman who had to rebuild her life after profound loss.



Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia): Jack Pearson remains the emotional anchor of This Is Us, even though Season 2 finally brings closure to his storyline. The fire that takes Jack’s life becomes a defining moment for the Pearson family. The tragedy is heightened by the fact that he initially survives, only to later succumb to cardiac arrest due to smoke inhalation.

His final moments - calmly reassuring Rebecca and ensuring his family’s safety—solidify his status as an idealised father figure. Yet, the tragedy of his loss leaves the Pearson family permanently fractured. While Jack is often portrayed as the perfect husband and father, Season 2 also highlights his struggles with alcoholism. His attempts to overcome his addiction, especially in his final days, make his character more complex and relatable.

The show doesn’t shy away from showing how Jack’s demons affected his family. His past with an abusive father and his struggle to be a better man add layers to his character, making his journey all the more powerful.

Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore): Rebecca is given one of the most emotionally powerful arcs in Season 2, as she navigates life after Jack’s death and her evolving relationships with her children. In the past timeline, we see how Rebecca had to hold her family together after Jack’s sudden death. Her struggle to be both a mother and a grieving widow is portrayed with depth and nuance.

In the present, Rebecca continues to be a guiding force for her children, but tensions arise—particularly with Kate, who blames herself for Jack’s death. One of the most poignant relationships in Season 2 is the evolving mother-daughter dynamic between Rebecca and Kate. Their interactions reveal years of unspoken resentment, miscommunication, and unresolved grief. The season allows for a much-needed moment of reconciliation between them, as Kate finally expresses her love and appreciation for Rebecca.

Kevin Pearson (Justin Hartley): Kevin undergoes one of the most drastic transformations in Season 2. Kevin’s descent into painkiller addiction is one of the most gripping arcs of the season. His struggle stems from unresolved grief over Jack’s death, his failure to live up to expectations, and his feelings of being the "forgotten" sibling.

His downward spiral reaches a breaking point when he is arrested for a DUI with Randall’s daughter in the car, forcing him to confront his problems head-on. After hitting rock bottom, Kevin begins his journey to recovery, attending rehab and reconnecting with his family. His arc highlights themes of self-forgiveness and the importance of second chances.

Kate Pearson (Chrissy Metz): Kate faces her own challenges, primarily surrounding body image, self-worth, and her engagement to Toby (Chris Sullivan). Kate has always idolized Jack, and her grief remains a defining part of her character. She struggles with guilt, believing that she was responsible for Jack going back into the burning house to save their dog. Her grief manifests in emotional eating and self-destructive behaviour, making her journey to self-acceptance deeply personal.

Kate and Toby’s journey to parenthood is one of the most emotional subplots in Season 2. When Kate experiences a miscarriage, it forces her to confront her fears of being unworthy of happiness. This storyline allows Kate to grow emotionally, as she learns to open up and lean on Toby for support.

Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown): Randall embarks on a journey of self-discovery and fatherhood as he and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) adopt Deja (Lyric Ross), a troubled foster child. Randall’s decision to adopt Deja is deeply rooted in his own experience as an adoptee. However, the process proves more challenging than expected, as Deja struggles to adjust.

His relationship with Deja highlights his growth as a father and his ability to show compassion, even in difficult situations. Randall also explores William’s (Ron Cephas Jones) past, learning more about his biological father’s life before he was born. This journey helps him feel more connected to his heritage.

Every member of the Pearson family deals with Jack’s death in different ways, highlighting the long-term effects of loss. Kevin, Kate, and Randall all struggle with their identities and seek validation in different ways. Kevin’s battle with addiction, Rebecca and Kate’s strained relationship, and Randall’s journey as a father all revolve around the need for forgiveness.

Season 2 of This Is Us builds upon the emotional foundation of the first season, delivering some of the most heart-breaking and poignant moments in the series. With stellar performances, masterful storytelling, and deeply relatable themes, this season cements This Is Us as one of the most profound family dramas on television.

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