This Is Us 3x17 "R&B" Episode Review

Major Spoilers are included in this episode review.

The grand love story we’ve all waited for came to a head in the worst possible way right before the season finale. Randall and Beth have their explosive fight behind closed doors, the same fight they’ve been having since they met… What does that mean, Beth?! By the end of the episode, we all learn what it means, and for some of us, it changes how we see the power couple, but at the same time, the flashback story sheds light on what makes them relationship goals.

We’re taken to R&B’s first date, the first of many marriage proposals, said wedding, taking care of first child, and finally the flashback ends at the time period of season one, when William and Kevin lived in the house. How I miss season one, and the emotional turmoil we all went through. Season 4 flash forwards better not disappoint, but I’m getting off-topic.

At the end of the flashback journey, Beth states its purpose for Randall and the rest of the audience. She is always making compromises and bending to Randall… and how he allowed her to break the one promise they made to each other… to be their own people and not get lost in each other. Randall, flabbergasted, does not accept her “revisionist history” and claims Beth didn’t figure out her life goals sooner, and now she’s blaming him for it… then cue in Beth shouting anxiety attack. The damage is done, and Randall, out of epic speeches, walks out to sleep at his office.

There are lots of small character moments and other things the show probably slipped in… giving it a season 1 / 2 vibe, similar to Beth’s origin episode earlier this season. Season 3 overall was a mess, and having powerful episodes like “R&B” make that problem more apparent.

Overall, the episode dealt a serious blow to Randall and Beth’s marriage, but there’s still hope. The two of them have a real chance to redefine the relationship that suits both their wants and needs without the past muddling their life goals. Next week is the season finale, “Her”, is coming back into the fold.