This Is Us Review: Sometimes (Season 3 Episode 7)
This Is Us Season 3 Episode 7, “Sometimes,” feels like the giddiness you get right before embarking on a new adventure. This episode is fun, exciting, comforting, and just so darn enjoyable.
Instead of biting off more than it can chew, the show chooses to focus on three prominent stories; Rebecca and Jack’s time in California, Kevin’s trip to Vietnam, and the origin of Jack’s necklace.
And underneath each one of these intriguing storylines is a powerful message that the strongest looking people are the ones who are struggling the most.
After several episodes that felt like they were leading the audience in no particular direction, This Is Us is ready to put us on a promising path to the finale with an episode that plays to its strengths.
Lately, it would seem This Is Us has been attempting to give us too much material at once. Juggling new arcs for the Big Three, as well as Beth and Toby, has made for an overwhelming experience that has felt somewhat like a jumbled mess at the worst of times.
In a show with multiple timelines in play at all times, allowing the audience the opportunity to make connections is crucial if we are to feel anything for these characters.
Using Jack’s budding relationship with Rebecca to explore his time in Vietnam further ties both storylines together nicely and not once does it feel like one is overstaying its welcome.
And while the simpler connection between Kevin’s present-day storyline and Jack’s past would be Vietnam, This Is Us thankfully goes much deeper than that.
As the episode proceeds, you start to identify similar traits between Zoe and Jack. They are both struggling with their past, both cutting part of themselves off from the people they love, and presenting themselves as strong even when they are far from it.
Both have been through unspeakable horrors and that trauma is the connection between the two storylines that really fleshes out this Vietnam centric episode — and gives “Sometimes,” some much needed emotional weight.
However, one can only presume all this trauma and PTSD isn’t foreshadowing Nick’s death on the battlefield, but rather his suicide.
Enough can not be said about how well thought out and graceful this episode is from start to finish.
The writing effortlessly builds tension in the battlefields of Vietnam while offering tranquility in the quieter moments with youthful Jack and Rebecca as they seize the day together.
The transitions are seamless, moving from one timeline to the next like it’s an easy thing to do, creating this kind of genuineness between the characters while still managing to have mystery, romance, and action at every turn. Nothing about this episode is easy and that just makes the sense of aw while watching it all the more profound.
Those snooty California producers could have been held captive for ransom for all I care and my take away from the episode would still be: “Ya but did you see the way Jack cried at the sound of Rebecca’s singing voice?”
By This Is Us creating these genuine human moments, we begin to fall in love with the reality of these relationships and the promise that these unflinchingly beautiful bonds could very well exist.
The fact these performances are so real we feel romances like Rebecca and Jack’s are not impractical makes connecting with them all the more easy to do — and all the more easy to love.
Rebecca may not have wowed anyone in California with her voice but her budding romance with Jack is truly what steals this show.
It’s everything from the origin of Jack’s nickname for Rebecca (and the last word he ever says) to the symbolism of booking a motel room with one bed. These two have always had an intense love and thankfully that intensity continues to drive the story even in the earliest moments of their relationship.
Lately, it has felt like the Pearsons have been distant from one another, leaving this undesirable hole in the plot.
“Sometimes” proves that while scenes that follow Jack and Rebecca on solo missions are necessary, their moments spent together are far more captivating. The same could also be said about the rest of the Pearsons and friends.
This is a phenomenal episode that showcases everything we have come to love about This Is Us. Everyone involved in this episode deserves a round of applause for another beautiful portrayal of trauma, war, expectations, and above all else, happiness.
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