This Is Us Review: I Call Marriage (Season 1 Episode 14)

Marriage is a focal point on This Is Us Season 1 Episode 14 “I Call Marriage.”

As we watch Jack and Rebecca struggle to regain some momentum in their relationship circa mid 90s, we also learn why Kevin and  Sophie’s marriage ended years ago.

Elsewhere, Randall and Beth, who have thus far epitomized the ideal marriage, continue to set the tone for what partnerships are made of.

We open with Jack and Rebecca on their wedding day. Miguel (who I’m still kind of undecided on) gives a speech that is spliced with some classic Jack and Rebecca newlywed goodness. You know, Jack and Rebecca making out in the shower and goofing around — just good stuff.

And then we make a hard transition into 1996, and all the playfulness and laughter are wiped away. It’s a pretty great visual that proves why jumping around time can be so effective in conveying an emotional journey for these characters. Marriage is a lot harder for Jack and Rebecca during this period.

But not all hope is lost.

When Jack and Rebecca learn that Miguel and Shelly are getting divorced, the two are confronted with their own distanced relationship, and try to recapture the spirit of the past before they end up like their friends.

Jack and Rebecca both have two uniquely good moments. Rebecca’s moment is when she comes to Jack’s defense when her bandmate questions his love for her, and Jack’s moment is when he surprises Rebecca with a trip to their old apartment — lights and champagne in tow! They read their vows to each other, and it’s beautiful.

The love is still there.

The marriage is a lot harder, but the love is still clearly there. And while we’ll continue to see that Jack and Rebecca’s relationship is far from perfect, that love and respect with always be a constant.

We should also remember that this period is around the time that Jack dies, so it’s hard to imagine things get so bad that they’re not still devoted to each other when that happens.

Meanwhile, Kevin is trying to win Sophie back, and he seems pretty sincere in his efforts. Sophie is mostly reluctant, especially since Kevin cheated on her and ruined their marriage in the process.

Since divorcing Kevin, she struggled to get back on her feet but she eventually did. She had another failed relationship in between, but is now dating a good guy and is Nurse Manager at her hospital.

It’s clear that Kevin dropping in out of nowhere is an intrusion on her life, and yet, she can’t help but get pulled back in. During their conversation in the subway, it’s easy to see why these two fell for each other. There is a natural rapport between them, especially when they ask about each other’s families.

Kevin makes it clear that he’s still very much in love with Sophie, and while she’s hesitant, she ultimately agrees to see him again.

I’m interested to learn the backstory of Kevin’s infidelity and hope we get some flashbacks to some early stages of their relationship.

Kevin has been the biggest surprise out of all the characters. When we first met him, he was shallow and vain, with moments of  insight and earnestness.  His failed marriage with Sophie has added another dimension to the character that has only made him more interesting and it’ll be exciting to explore their past.

Meanwhile, Randall, is struggling to accept William’s impeding death. While Beth and the girls are delicately trying to confront this harsh reality, Randall seems closed off and is bottling in his emotions.

Add to this the stress he’s having from work, and Randall is manifesting a physical problem from his distress. Not sure where the show is going with this, but hope nothing is too seriously wrong with him.

Randall’s fears are understandable, especially given that he has already lost one father.

But, I want him to be able to open up and share his emotions with Beth, who had the best line in the episode when she called “marriage tonight,” signifying that she was prioritizing their marriage over everything else, rounding out the theme of tonight’s episode.

Lastly, Kate, whose story I could not be more uninterested in, is having some trouble with Toby (yet again). I’m having a hard time paying attention when these two are at it. It’s become pretty repetitive at this point.

I’m not sure getting engaged was the right decision for Kate at this moment in time. She still needs to focus on her weight loss journey, and as terrible as it sounds, Toby is just a distraction, and she should be able to be selfish and choose herself.

Other final thoughts:

• I know I sound like a broken record, but Jack is just the literal best. That’s it. That’s my only last thought.

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.

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