
However, he makes the heartbreaking decision to let Randall live a stable life without distractions. We also see another gut-wrenching moment, when Randall's dad, William, recalls following Rebecca home to potentially re-enter Randall's life. This messy interaction leaves everyone reeling and overwhelmed for the rough Thanksgiving ahead. Throughout "Number Three," we see present-day Randall and his family navigate the complicated role of foster parents after Deja's (Lyric Ross) mom shows up unannounced to tell them that she will be fighting to regain custody. He then confronts her during their traditional "What I’m Thankful For Yarn Game," and a dramatic confrontation ensues. The conversation encourages Olivia to share an intimate kiss with Kevin ( Justin Hartley).ĭuring another pivotal moment, Randall discovers his mother Rebecca was in contact with his biological father during his childhood and kept it from him. Brown) biological father William (Ron Cephas-Jones) as they discuss his imminent death. In the present, Olivia (Kevin's not-quite girlfriend) is invited into the Pearson family holiday bubble and shares a beautiful moment with Randall's ( Sterling K. Instead, they spend the night at the lodge, roasting cold hotdogs on the fire with cheese and saltines, watching the Police Academy 3, and listening to Jack tell stories in a silly pilgrim hat. After reaching a breaking point under the immense pressure to present a perfect family image, Rebecca ( Mandy Moore) finally tells her mom off.Īll the mishaps lead to a Pearson family heart-to-heart, where everyone reveals how much they dread going to grandma's for Thanksgiving. Then, the flat tire on the way to grandma's-and just when things can't get worse, they get stranded at a nearby lodge. It's no surprise that some of the most touching moments are born from the effort Jack ( Milo Ventimiglia) makes to save the day from ruin.įirst, there's the spilled cranberry sauce. Season 1, Episode 8 ("Pilgrim Rick")Īs the first This Is Us Thanksgiving episode ever, "Pilgrim Rick" explores how the Pearson family's holiday traditions came to be, and the meaning they still hold in the present. So in the spirit of the season, let's reminisces on some of the best moments from This Is Us' Thanksgiving episodes. Fewer things go together more seamlessly than This Is Us and Thanksgiving.
