Preview — This Is Us Season 5 Episodes 1 and 2: Forty: Part 1 / Forty: Part 2
In a time of so much uncertainty, it’s comforting to know we can once again count on the Pearsons to keep us entertained. And entertained we are sure to be as This Is Us Season 5 Episode 1 and 2, “Forty: Part 1,” and “Forty: Part 2,” promises us plenty of big drama and Big Three birthdays when the series makes its triumphant return.
This 2-hour premiere marks one of the first times we will see any new television content since production was initially shut down. That means all eyes will be on This Is Us to demonstrate how media can move on, while still finding a way to tell a story that will resonate with us in a time where drama in our own lives is not lacking.
Thankfully, the series is taking its new circumstances in stride.
Our first look at the premiere suggests there will be plenty of light-hearted moments to celebrate as Kevin lets his family in on the whole knocked-up with twins situation, and Kate’s neighbour Greggory happily observes this announcement from the safety of his lawn.
There will, of course, be turmoil because this is This Is Us we’re talking about after all. Thanks to that nasty fall-out with Kevin, Randall will have to navigate his first birthday without his siblings by his side, while reflecting on the details of his first day in the world — all of which we may not have yet.
From the photos and promo video below, you may notice this season will deal with conflict much bigger than America’s most unfortunate family. The series will also attempt to tackle the Black Lives Matter protests and the events of the pandemic that are still playing out.
It’s a decision that could become crucial to this season’s success, especially when bringing awareness to the BLM movement. However, when it comes to the pandemic, viewers may not respond well to TV characters recriting health and safety procedures until our ears bleed.
None the less, I’m here for all the Kevin Pearson following proper mask protocol content. So here for it.
And if any show can tackle this difficult subject matter, it’s the show that continues to be held in high praise despite constantly making us cry.
Celebrating the fifth season of This Is Us may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still have a good time. Well, at least until Kevin and Randall take the feud to the family cabin and inevitably burn the entire place down.
This wouldn’t be a proper birthday if the Pearsons just had cake and presents like normal people, now would it?
Check out the photos and promo video below for a preview!
Episode description: The Pearsons gather to celebrate their 40th birthday while musing about the day they were born.
Photos from This Is Us Season 5 Episode 1 and 2:
Promo video:
What are your hopes for this episode of This Is Us? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below, and be sure to catch up with our review of This Is Us Season 4 Episode 18, “Strangers: Part Two,” right here.
This Is Us premieres Tuesday, October 27th 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