This Is Us Review: 18,615 (Season 3 Episode 8)
While filled with wholesome thanksgiving moments, This Is Us Season 3 Episode 8, “18,615,” is no memorable family gathering. But that is only because we don’t get to spend enough time with the right Pearsons at the right moments.
It feels like This Is Us has served us a juicy plate of sides without any real meat to tie the dish together.
Now one could argue that the sides are the best part, but it wouldn’t be a traditional Thanksgiving meal without some turkey and unfortunately, the plot of this episode is missing its main course.
Don’t get me wrong this episode is charming, but “18,615,” has one major flaw in its formatting.
For a Thanksgiving-centric episode, the majority of the dialog takes place through one-on-one conversations rather than larger family gatherings.
Normally this wouldn’t be such an issue, but when a show — especially a family-centric show such as This Is Us — chooses a holiday that celebrates what people are thankful for, family togetherness doesn’t seem to be at the top of the list when it comes to this episodes priorities.
Weirdly enough when we do get a large family dinner it’s with members of Miguel’s estranged family, who by the way have no right to judge Rebecca’s life choices when that is clearly our job.
That being said Miguel sticking up for Rebecca is an unexpected and pleasant moment for the couple.
It speaks to the truth of family gatherings and that not all of them can be hosted by people as welcoming as the Pearsons. The reality is some Thanksgivings can be awkward, hostile, and painful, especially for the extended family.
It’s interesting to see that different side to the traditional dinner portrayed for people that know the horrors all too well.
We also haven’t gotten to see much of Miguel after Jack’s death and when we do it’s not in the most flattering light. Jack tells him to fight for his family earlier in the episode and now Miguel is fighting for Rebecca — there is such beautiful irony to the scene that you can’t help but admire.
Regardless of whether every scene worked with the theme of the episode or not, “18,615,” has countless moments that dazzle and impress.
Highlights include Tess, who manages to shock Toby with her first period and shock us with the revelation that she might want to date girls when she’s older. This episode defiantly does a good job of fleshing Tess’ character out more in preparation for her part in that future reveal later this season.
Seeing Toby almost back to his goofy loveable self is so comforting. Not necessarily so much when he steps into the turkey and briefly ruins Thanksgiving, but Kate’s happiness and her comparing Toby’s backup meal to one of Jack Pearson’s grand gestures makes everything better.
We also get to spend more time with William which is always a treat.
There is so much heart and uniqueness to these moments but unfortunately, there is nothing to tether them to the overall theme of the episode. This missed potential is disappointing because all the makings of a great episode are there for the taking — someone just forgot to set the table.
Only Jack Pearson could save Thanksgiving from the horrors of the Vietnam war — and as it turns out only Jack Pearson can save this episode.
Without the Vietnam storyline, I think this episode would have lost itself in the transitions between scenes. Jack himself embodies many of the values Thanksgiving celebrates, so to have a good chunk of the episode centered on him is a smart move. No one is more giving than Jack Pearson, that’s for sure.
Jack cleaning up the dinner table after all the soldiers are done their meal nearly brings me to tears. It’s such a mundane action but for Jack but the chore just speaks to his kindness and fatherly instincts.
It is refreshing to see a lighter side to Jack in Vietnam even if his good deeds are shrouded in warning from his fellow soldiers. If This Is Us knows anything it’s that it wouldn’t be a real Pearson thanksgiving without Jack.
“18,615” is a decent Thanksgiving meal with some memorable moments and plenty of family members, but not even the season of giving can bring the Pearsons together long enough to enjoy their company.
None the less this newest installment of This Is Us has all the makings of a decent holiday episode with festive storylines and a dash of unpredictability to satisfy hungry viewers once again.
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