*Spoilers ahead for This is Us, so catch up on all the episodes before you read this.*
This is Us is one of the biggest shows on TV right now. It’s definitely the standout of this latest television season, which is a feat made all the more impressive considering that it’s a network show. A non-cable series to become the hot, new show that everyone is talking about is not something that’s been accomplished for quite some time. It’s hard to say exactly what it is about the show that has made it such a success. Surely at least one of the things that makes it work so well is that there’s something for everyone. With so many characters going through so many different things, there is at least one story that’s bound to be relatable for every viewer.
It’s not that I don’t love all of the characters. Is there a better TV dad right now than Jack Pearson? No. I’m secretly rooting for Kevin even though I’m pretty sure I’d hate a guy like him in real life. Kate and Toby are relationship goals. I’m even warming up to Miguel after last week’s episode. But from very early on Randall’s story line has been my favorite. I’m not going to touch on the fact that the character in the show that struggles with perfectionism, being uptight, and suffering from anxiety and control issues is my favorite. And I’m definitely not going to talk about this:
All of that is going to sit in the corner and remain unexamined. It helps that I can simply say that he’s my favorite because Sterling K. Brown is so fantastic, because that’s true. I mean did you see the video of his reaction to last week’s episode. I love him. The reasons to adore Randall Pearson are many, but these are what I consider to be some of his best moments.
His conversations with Jack
Jack Pearson is it. Good husband, good Dad, mustache, he’s the whole package. Jack has had great parenting moments with all of his children, but one scene with Randall was particularly heartbreaking.
Poor little Randall, he’s such a sweetie. That’s the kind of conversation that a kid remembers forever. And even though the moment between Jack and Randall at the cabin was a hallucination, it was still beautiful. Everyone has to work through their stuff, and if getting high on mushrooms and talking it out with your dead father is your way of doing it, so be it.
His goofy sense of humor
Sterling K. Brown makes the best faces of anyone in the cast, and brings a really fun aspect to Randall’s personality. His “What’s happening?” moment in the first episode? Please.
His Moments with William
Last week’s episode was brutal. Randall’s desire to know who he came from and forming a relationship with his biological father William has been the bulk of his story so far. Becoming close with him and being there with William as he died…ugh. There’s a reason everyone watches this show even though it makes us cry. So devastatingly beautiful. William and Randall’s relationship brought about a change in Randall, something that will be touched upon in the next episode.
His Thanksgiving freakout
YES, Randall. Cause that scene at Thanksgiving, you’re more than entitled. That dumb crap with tossing the yarn ball back and forth was corny anyway, and him plopping that thing to the side and letting his mother have it was fantastic. Holidays are the worst, and I think a lot of us did some vicarious venting when Randall lost his shit all over Rebecca.
His nerdiness
I loved the episode where all three kids had their differently themed parties simultaneously and Randall was totally cool that he only had his few friends there. Because what did he really need more friends than that for anyway? Quality over quantity is always the way to go.
It didn’t matter that nobody else thought that magic was cool. He did, and that’s what matters. Let that nerd flag fly Randall.
What’s your favorite Randall moment? Who’s your favorite character on This Is Us?
