This Is Us Review: Kamsahamnida (Season 3 Episode 6)
This Is Us Season 3 Episode 6, “Kamsahamnida,” is all about the unusual connections that come from the bonds formed by family.
In an episode still laying the groundwork for the bigger, louder, and more emotional episodes to come it is odd pairings like Kevin and Randall, Rebecca and Kate that make up for the lack of excitement surrounding the newest installment.
Unfortunately, it would seem This Is Us has hit that inevitable lull most tv shows experience in the first half of the season between the excitement of the premiere and the building momentum of the mid-season mark — and that lull can be particularly tough to navigate.
But for a show like This Is Us where the story depends on finding the ordinary human experience extraordinary it can be particularly difficult to hit the mark with every single episode.
“Kamsahamnida,” doesn’t exactly hit the mark but it’s still a passible hour of television that will occupy your time just fine.
There is a particular emphasis on Randall and Kevin’s present-day relationship in this episode and who can complain when they both command the audience’s attention so well. Not to mention how fun it is to be treated to some friendly sibling extortion as Randall uses Kevin’s star power to turn the election in his favor.
Extortion is a refreshing development when you consider no two Pearson have been alone in a room lately and not taken the chance to raise their voice over something the other one said.
Even Kate and Rebecca keep their cool as they have a heart to heart about the tough decisions they have to make as mothers, which is such a great development for both characters considering the state of their relationship in the past. Going forward more screen time for the supportive mother and daughter duo could greatly benefit this show.
This episode is all about supportive Pearsons and I am here for it.
You know what else I am here for? Storylines involving the adorable dog Audio.
If you are someone that treats your dog like one of your children, this episode has a thrilling arc involving a sinister park rock that threatens the life of a beloved character and two mothers who band together to save him — it is pawsitively thrilling.
I wouldn’t describe the rest of this episode as thrilling but I would call it fascinating as we get to see glimpses of how Randall’s brilliant mind works. More importantly, we see the impact Jack’s fatherly advice has had on Randall’s character and the fact that Jack never once let Randall think of himself as less of a son.
That moment when Jack stops teaching Randall how to box with his hands and starts teaching him the strategy of the game instead is such a perfect example of who Randall was raised to be and a perfect set up for this political storyline going forward.
Just as it’s a nice change of pace to see Rebecca parenting Kate, seeing Jack try to wrap his mind around Randall’s way of thinking is quite enjoyable. Plus the past storyline between them ties in nicely with Randall’s present-day storyline.
That powerful connection between past and present we are used to seeing on This Is Us has really been lacking lately. It is reassuring to see some of that connection restored in this newest episode.
It is also rather comforting to see this political arc for Randall start to pay off.
At first, a future as a council member seemed bleak for Randall but introducing a new element of Korean culture and intriguing new characters to help Randall win his electoral race has changed my attitude completely towards this arc.
In a world where politics are anything but enjoyable right now, you can’t help but feel appreciative of this career change and the potential it has to steer This Is Us in a completely new direction.
“Kamsahamnida,” is another piece to the puzzle we were given at the beginning of Season 3. Serving as a necessary step in the right direction, this episode reveals we will not have to wait long to learn more about that flash-forward scene with Randall and his daughter.
With Toby in the thick of his struggle with depression and Kevin ready to jump on a plane to Vietnam, we could very well find out who the mysterious her is by the halfway mark of this season.
One can only hope the lull This Is Us has found itself in doesn’t last long — and knowing the kind of punch this show can pack it likely won’t.
But just like Randall, This Is Us isn’t so much about the strength of the individual story as it is about the strategy of the entire story and for that you won’t regret sticking around.
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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Alicia Gilstorf
Alicia is a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Critic and a Critics Choice Association member. She credits her passion for TV to workplace sitcoms, paranormal dramedies, and coming-of-age stories. In her free time, Alicia loves to curl up with a good book and lose herself in a cozy game. Keep a lookout for her coverage of Ghosts. You can also find her work on Eulalie Magazine and Cool Girl Critiques. Follow Alicia on social media: @aliciagilstorf