This Is Us Review: Kyle (Season 1 Episode 3)
Since Episode 2 of This Is Us aired, many were worried that the show relied too heavily on twists and reveals. After all, they delivered two big ones in a row.
However, Season 1 Episode 3 succeeds in surprising us without falling back on a shocking twist. We peel back the layers of these people, but there is no big reveal — just small, divulging, character-building details that inform us on who these people are.
“Kyle” centers largely on Randall, Rebecca, and William, and the long-kept secret that ties them together.
The timeline jumps back to the early 80’s. In a swift, tragic montage, we get the spirit of Randall’s conception. His birth parents met on a bus, his father charmed his mother by reciting poetry, and their courtship turned tragic once drugs took over their lives.
Unbeknownst to Randall, Rebecca and William have already met shortly after his birth. When she tracks him, she makes it clear that he was to stay out of Randall’s (who they named Kyle at the time) life.
But, something about visiting William, a soft-spoken, weakened man, prompts Rebecca to ask for advice out loud.
She wasn’t bonding with the baby despite her best efforts, so William suggests giving the child his own, individual name to help smooth the transition. He hands her the book of poems he’d read to Randall’s birth mother, and there within she finds the inspiration.
The exchange not only adds a whole other layer to this rich, interconnected story, but it also highlights William’s own lies. He claimed that he didn’t even remember leaving Randall at the firehouse because he was so high off his mind, but clearly, he not only remembered, but a part of him wanted to know the son that he gave up.
It’s also noteworthy that this secret is a Rebecca-thing. Jack is in no way involved and probably doesn’t know about it. It’s a unique incident that speaks to Rebecca’s commitment to her family, and her inner struggle to be the best mother she could be.
Meanwhile, Jack, who has taken a back seat in this episode, has another great chat with Doctor K. about his concerns for Rebecca and the newly minted babies. Again, the fragmented storytelling emphasizes how different Jack is here, who is a completely hands on father. It makes me wonder how things changed.
Later, Jack and Rebecca talk about the unrelenting pain they’re experiencing from losing their child, and they talk about healing and embracing Randall into the family wholeheartedly. It’s a great scene that truly highlights how fantastic Rebecca and Jack’s chemistry is. Their relationship is unquestionably the heart of the show.
Finally, Kate and Kevin acknowledge their co-dependency as twins, and decide to cut the cord with Kevin leaving for New York without her.
I really love this sibling dynamic because there is something so interesting about how twins interact with each other. The psychic abilities, the feeling of the other one’s pain — it’s all pretty cool. Toby’s frustration here is completely understandable, but as Kate says, the bond she shares with her twin brother is like no other.
I’m curious to see how the distance strengthens or perhaps disrupts their relationship. I’d love to see them thrive without each other for a while.
Other final thoughts:
- Kate’s story has been the most controversial these last few episodes, but I had been reserving judgement because it’s still too early to tell where the story will take her. “Kyle” establishes a side of Kate that has nothing to do with her weight, and instead focuses on her pretty, melodic voice – a hidden talent that Toby urges her to share with the world. I loved this plot and I love her and Toby together.
- Next week’s episode will reunite Kevin and Randall, and I’m really excited to explore this brotherhood.
- I love how much of a mess Kevin is. Shallow, self-absorbed, insecure, but harmless.
- Where Jack is present-day remains a mystery. There has been no mention of him and I’m not OK with this.
- Randall’s passive aggressive shade on Miguel was hilarious and much appreciated. (Go away, Miguel.)
- I’m not super familiar with Mandy Moore as an actress apart from A Walk to Remember, but I’m really enjoying her portrayal of Rebecca. Even though I don’t completely agree with the character’s actions, I get where she’s coming from, and that’s no small feat by Moore.
What did you think of this episode of This Is Us? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Shabnaj Chowdhury
Shabnaj is a pop-culture enthusiast who spends much of her time enabling her coffee addiction and thinking about Jon Snow's hair. Some of her favorite shows include Friday Night Lights, The Leftovers, and Game of Thrones. Shabnaj also loves to write creative non-fiction.