Post — Aaron Ngo

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please Read with Caution.

The episode is titled “Toby”, which gives us more background on this beloved man, but there are so many other storylines going on too! There’s a lot to dig through in this packed episode. Let’s start with the man of the tour.

We’re shown different phases of Toby’s life that dives into his depression and how he became the great character we know today. A 10-year-old Toby hides from his parents’ screaming match, a shopping trip that forces Toby to comfort his mother, and then a grown Toby who is going through his first divorce.

In the present, Kate and Toby await the results of the IVF. This means Toby can get back on his meds but doesn’t want Kate to find out. He ends up at the arcade and misses the call from the doctor… but Kate tells him that she’s pregnant!

This puts Toby over the edge and into the bed like in the flash forward from the season 2 finale. The lovebirds hug it out while Toby cries. Kate sets up another appointment for Toby to readjust the meds. She comforts him and won’t leave him. I am hoping that this doesn’t last for too long.

Kevin and Zoe meet Jack’s veteran friend, Don Robinson. The man who lost his leg in last week’s “Vietnam” episode. On the way, Kevin is clueless about why Zoe forgetting her silk pillowcase is important or the racism she experienced at the gas station. She doesn’t bother saying anything about it until the end of the episode.

Zoe thinks it’s worth explaining “being black” to him, moving them forward in the relationship.

Then Kevin finds a photograph of Jack and the Vietnamese woman wearing his necklace. This mystery is building up nicely. I think those Jack and the woman were former lovers or it holds a connection to Jack’s brother.

Randall and Beth start on his campaign for city councilman. In my opinion, this is the weakest part of the episode despite it having the best character. I have no idea how Randall can fight against something like loyalty, and a part of me hopes he doesn’t win, but change needs to happen.

Beth’s small scene this episode had me feeling for her. She is so strong and had a meltdown talking about her old job. Randall! You need to help your wife! Beth! You have to pull it together! It’s going to be okay! Now tell me… How did you two meet? I really want to know.

Miguel’s involvement in the flashback portion was actually decent… revealing to the audience that he made a promise to Jack to look out for the family if he were gone (RIP Jack). He tries to help Randall with the racism he experienced with Allison’s dad and lets Kevin stay at his apartment after too much drinking.

There was so much going on in this episode. It was hard to invest in all of it. I’m not usually this critical on This Is Us, but there it is.

back to blog