Undoubtedly this seasons new hit show, This Is Us, has been jabbing us right in the feels since the first episode aired back in September. With its beautifully written story lines this show manages to be both heart wrenching and heart warming at the same time, and I'm not ashamed to admit that a single episode hasn't gone by that didn't draw at least one round of ugly crying. It's no wonder the show, and two of its actors, were just nominated for three golden globes.
Perhaps the top selling point of This Is Us is how relatable the characters are as they battle the intricacies of what it means to love each other unconditionally.
With that, some of the TIS characters just flat out suck. Lets discuss the worst to the best of them.
11. Olivia: To be honest, I feel sorry for Olivia's empty existence, but I really just want her to go live it elsewhere. She seemed redeemable for about half a second during the Thanksgiving episode and then proved herself yet again to be awful during the cabin episode. Personally, I couldn't be more glad she dropped from the play. So long. (Also excited to see what happens with Sloane, she's cute.)
10. Miguel: I'm not entirely sure this is a fair ranking for Miguel but still, not knowing just HOW he ended up with Rebecca, I've been left with no other choice. He seems to be trying to be a family man, but getting with your best friends girl after he dies just seems like a gross violation of guy code. Plus, his nasty flirtation with his secretary while he's married in earlier episodes left a bad taste in my mouth. The jury is still out, but for now, number ten.
9. Kevin: Try as I may, I find it difficult to muster sympathy for Kevin. While I understand this whole "forgotten child" crisis that he's seemingly been battling his entire life, look around Kevin, you have a wonderful family, you're attractive, you're rich. I really am just bothered by your consistent selfishness and pretension. You need to figure out who you are without your constant external validation. I hope to see more redemptive qualities from you next season. Figure it out.
8. Kate: While I'm happy to see that you're slowly discovering the path to self-love, you've made a hell of a mess along the way. From one fat girl to another, I sympathize with your life long struggle, but do everyone a favor and seek some therapy before going through with this surgery, because as much as I hate to admit it, Olivia is right. Losing the weight may help physically, but mentally you've got a lot going on, much like your twin brother, you need to work it out.
7. Toby: LAWD that cliffhanger amirite?! Sweet Toby, here's hoping you're okay. Toby is every guy who has treated a girl like a princess only to be stepped on because the girl is too self centered to realize how lucky she is. You're a champion Tobe, 6 hours in a middle seat IS love, and Kate doesn't deserve you, but your perseverance and that beautiful declaration-of-love speech at the Christmas party did not go unnoticed.
6. Rebecca: I can make a lot of excuses for Rebecca, if she is guilty of anything it's that motherhood is the most impossible love and all of her actions are in the name of protecting and loving her children. Still, a lie is a lie, and keeping Randall from William even after he got clean, simply because of her own jealousy, was selfish. More over, keeping that secret from her husband was a low blow, and she definitely deserves at least part of the contempt currently coming her way from her family. Also it takes two to tango, WHY are you married to your dead husbands best friend? WHY?! I have hope for full forgiveness but I'm still a little disappointed in you myself, ma.
5. Beth: My god, she is just everything I want to be. As a professional, a wife, a mother, and a woman. Beautiful, graceful, funny, with understanding and patience that knows no bounds. There aren't enough words for Beth but we can just leave it here, she's the best.
4. Dr. Katowsky: Though I think he is only present in 3 episodes throughout the season, he is the catalyst behind the formation of the Pearson Big 3. A brilliant, life-saving doctor, a compassionate and honest friend, and the creator of the lemonade analogy that makes me cry every time. Dr. K is the doctor we all hope for in our most vulnerable moments, and I pray he's around for many more episodes.
3. William: I find myself constantly in tears over the inevitability of William's death from cancer. I wish for more time for him, to spend with Randall and his family, but in the time he has had, I think he has found redemption. Knowing you are incapable of caring for your infant is not an easy admittance, and in leaving him at the fire house that day, despite the constant wondering about his birth family, Randall was blessed with a better life than William ever could have hoped. I think here is beauty in the peace he will now have. And the newest development of his male love interest is heartwarming.
2. Jack: Jack is the definition of a model husband and father. Constantly searching for ways to go above and beyond to make each child feel wholly loved and accepted, even in the most difficult situations, all the while supporting and adoring his wife. He's not without fault, as is evident in earlier episodes when he had a clear drinking and priority problem, but it was just as quickly corrected. Despite my undying curiosity, no part of me is emotionally ready for the episode that explains his mysterious death.
1. Randall: Was it even a question? If Randall isn't your favorite Pearson during every stage of their life you're sadly mistaken. Brilliant, adorable, hardworking, and above all, forgiving, he is Jack Jr. in the department of being an exception father, husband, and man in general. Much like his wife, I find it difficult to put my adoration for Randall into words, so again, we'll call him the best and leave it at that.
Much like everyone else, I am simply biding my time until January 10th, when the show comes back and life has meaning again.
