Actors Justin Hartley and Sterling K. Brown have a fun, playful dynamic that easily comes across on screen.
We pick up with the Pearsons of the 80s and 10s in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.
I hate going to grandma and grandpas, Randall exclaims.
Credit: Ron Batzdorff/NBC
And who can blame him?
They always ask for pictures of the twins (sans Randall).
It shatters to the floor.
Thanksgiving: Not off to a great start.
Cut to her and her still-not-dieting boyfriend Toby dining later that evening.
I think we should take a break, she says.
he asks, caught unawares.
Because Ive been dreading this date, she answers.
She just cant handle watching him eat whatever he wants.
Its too much of a trigger.
You were better than my wildest dreams, she says.
But Im still not happy, Toby.
And its not just about my weight.
Ive got to get a handle on myself.
The weight, all of it.
I need that more than anything right now.
I want it more than anything right now.
Even more than me?
After their final rehearsal before Thanksgiving, he asks costar Olivia about her plans for the holiday.
They apparently include a bar in Sunset Park,Rocky II, and plenty of bourbon.
You should celebrate Thanksgiving with me and my family, if you want, Kevin cautiously offers.
After Kevin explains his familys complicated dynamic, Olivia is intrigued and agrees to come.
(Also,Rocky IIisnt even the bestRocky.)
Of the Big Three, Randall is clearly the one most excited for turkey day.
He sets his alarm for 6:30 a.m. (I dont even get up that early on a workday!
), and proceeds to wake up the entire house to assist with preparations and traditions.
Kevin is bizarrely tasked with getting hot dogs.
Beth is told to plug in the VCR and warns William about all the Pearson family traditions to come.
Im pumped, Randall enthuses.
My mom and biological father eating at the same table.
How great is this?!
William and Beth look stricken.
And right on cue, Rebecca andMiguel(emphasis for Kevins disdain…and perhaps my own) arrive.
Beth welcomes them inside and immediately corners Rebecca about Williams admission that he had met Rebecca years before.
She tells her mother-in-law she better fess up to Randall that night, or else she will.
Rebecca, bless her, does try.
But then, Kevin returns with non-girlfriend Olivia in tow.
(Are we to read into this that her memory is beginning to fail her?
Is this foreshadowing some sort of future medical issue?
Dont worry, Kate says to her.
I bought both of these seats.
Yes, the movie.
Another Pearson tradition, watchingPolice Academy 3.
No matter what, shell make it to the pie this Thanksgiving, he says.
And then walks in Miguel, asking if he can wear the hat this year.
A task that used to be Jacks, but now falls to Kevin and Randall on alternating years.
When Kevin tells him as much, Miguel is crestfallen.
(Miguel Real Talk: Why is he so insistent upon assuming Jacks traditional duty?
NEXT: Mother knows best?
After walking those 3.4 miles to find a gas station, they call Rebeccas mom for a ride.
But an argument ensues, and Rebecca finally tells her they wont be coming for dinner after all.
Okay, so whats the new plan?
Jack asks his wife.
They turn and see a sign for a rustic motel.
I guess were having Thanksgiving at the Pinewood Lodge, Rebecca says.
At reception, theyre greeting by a self-styled Pilgrim Rick, wearing the now-infamous buckle-top hat.
Kevin, perhaps moved by Olivias gesture, passes it on, finally letting Miguel play Pilgrim Rick.
He has after 36 years learned his moms deepest, darkest secret.
I cant even look at you, he says, storming away from the table.
Your family is amazing, Olivia tells Kevin in awe.
The episode concludes back in the 80s, as the Pearsons all snuggle into their rooms queen-sized bed.
Randall has changed his mind about Thanksgiving as a grown-up.
I know how I want it to be, he tells Rebecca.
I want every Thanksgiving to be like this for the rest of my life.
