This Is Us 4x01 "Strangers" Episode Review
Major Spoilers are included in this episode review. Please read with caution.
Season Four returned last night with a bunch of new characters and a plot twist that made my heart swirl. This Is Us feels reenergized after a lackluster season three, and they’re ready to tackle more interesting character stories in the past, present, and future.
We meet Jennifer Morrison’s character Cassidy, a veteran who is struggling with PTSD. Malika (Asante Blackk), a teenage dad who is trying to balance parental responsibility and “normal teenage stuff”. Then, there’s Blind Artist who isn’t named until the end of the episode, which will factor into a major plot twist. These three have interesting connections to each of the Big Three that will define the rest of the reason.
Heavier spoilers are going to follow beyond this sentence. Read with even more caution to avoid being spoiled.
***You’ve been warned***
Cassidy is a potential love interest for Kevin because Uncle Nicky crashed her AA meeting. Kevin is making plans to bail Uncle Nicky out of jail, so according to the structure of this episode, these two will collide with each other. The How I Met Your Mother in me is saying, “It’s Not Zoey!” So, we’ll see how this goes.
Malika is Deja’s love interest. I was guessing one of Randall’s kids will meet / know Malika to give them a connection. So, I’m sensing a powerful story will come forward from this set-up. I’m impressed how this show made me care about Malika’s arc and his dynamic with Deja in one episode. Their signature music helped a lot on that front.
Blind Artist who falls in love with a waitress, gets married to said waitress, and father-to-be is none other than Jack Damon!! I screamed my loudest when he began to sing. Throughout this whole episode, I did say to myself, “Which one of these stories is in the present or future?” I ruled them out of the past once I noticed technology. He’s Kate and Toby’s adult son in the future. He became a singer, and he’s so happy. Damn it, This Is Us. You got me caring me, again!
The past has us centered on Rebecca and Jack’s first meeting with the parents. Rebecca’s parents are judgement and don’t take kindly to Jack. Of course, the dad is the one who disapproves the most, and practically vows to destroy their budding romance. So, I think I know where this is headed. And we got Jack’s first meeting with Miguel. The beginning of their friendship is coming for us.
Overall, I did some recapping, but it helped clear my mind on why I love this show so much. There’s so much character investment, emotional beats, and I’m so scared for Jack Damon! They’re going to give Kate and Toby’s son conflict so his story will be super emotional and beautiful. It isn’t fair!
Can’t wait for episode two!