Hi, friends! It's me, I'm back with another bundled recap of This Is Us episodes I am behind on! This blog post is all about the marriage that was 'KaToby', one I never had any real stake in but is sad to say goodbye to nevertheless.

Since the season five finale, many fans (including myself) have been wondering, "How and when does Kate fall in love with that gorgeous British douchebag Philip?". Well, these two episodes hardly answer that question, my friends, but we do get two hours of yelling and fighting from two previously tame characters.

Alright pals, let's dive right in to utter sadness and a divorce no one asked for! (I promise I still love this show, I really do, I'm just so tired of the theatrics). 

​

Starting with "Saturday In The Park" aka "Baby Jack's Big Break", Kate and Toby seem to finally be reconciling after a day of fun with their children at -- you guessed it -- the park! Kate teaches Jack a little song so that he can remember how to get there with his cane and his rubber boots, which is SO sweet but also happens to be how he escapes later in the episode.

Seemingly a metaphor for their problems, Kate and Toby are having major leakage issues in their house. When they have everyone over for Miguel and Rebecca's 10 year wedding anniversary party (congrats, guys!), the roof can no longer handle the leak and a mess is made. Rebecca, for her part, tries her best to help the couple by looking after Jack and setting up the party, but everyone decides to be really fucking rude to her for no reason.

Meanwhile, Kevin and Randall go on a little road trip mostly as an excuse to get out of the house (so many negative vibes in that house). Kevin is reeling because Elijah is planning on proposing to Madison, leaving Kevin with all these questions like, "Do I love Madison?". The answer is still: no. He doesn't love Madison, he just hates seeing women he's hurt happy.

Randall and Beth are the real MVPs of this episode, coming all the way from Pittsburgh (or wherever they live now) to celebrate Miguel and Rebecca. Beth looks after Hailey all day while Randall babysits Kevin, leaving no one to pay close attention to precious baby Jack. Rebecca would've, but Toby and Kate are being rude as hell to her.

While Toby and Kate are arguing over the leak, Jack puts on his rubber boots and heads to the park; his safe space. You might be thinking, "That is incredibly dangerous." And it is! Luckily, little Jack remembered all the words to the song his mama taught him and makes it there no problem. The only problem being when he trips on the sidewalk and cuts his head :(. This part was especially sad.

And who is the one to find him? Rebecca! Despite all the bullshit that her family has been giving her about her failing memory, Bec is the one to locate her grandson and bring him back home. And you know what? Nobody thanks her! Not one person! Fuck all, y'all. (This episode made me cry a lot though. Baby Jack is the sweetest angel of them all.)

Onto, "KaToby", an episode that crammed five years into 40 minutes. I don't totally understand the approach, but I do appreciate the attempt.

After 16 months of marriage counseling, several snide remarks, and one massive blow-out where Toby says that the one crime he was always guilty of was never being Jack Pearson, KaToby calls it quits. That's right, it'll be a divorce for the two of them, marking the second failed marriage for a Pearson child (Kevin and Sophie being the first).

I don't blame KaToby for separating. It honestly makes sense. They grew apart, were incredibly rude to one another, and weren't functioning as a unit. It was heartbreaking to watch all of that unfold, especially as Toby realized he still wanted to make it work at the last minute. Meanwhile, Kate had finally found her calling and loved her independence, which I think helped lead her into her happier & healthier relationship with Philip.

Trying to squeeze multiple years worth of a love story into one episode is a hard task, and I don't know if This Is Us did a great job. Sure, I dig Philip. Chris Geere is effortlessly charming and handsome and I'm fine that he's with Kate in the future. However, I just don't get it! There was no buildup! They used to hate each other! There was no enemies to lovers here, just enemies to madly-in-love-and-married.

That being said, I did love the parts of their story we did get to see. His proposal was precious, and his talk with Toby was important and I feel we as an audience deserved it. The flash-forward at the end of Toby and his new partner and Kate and Philip coming to adult Jack's show was precious, and when he said "You're both here." as a toddler and a grown-up I sobbed. 

Now onto some "WTF?" moments from the five-ish years of flash-forwards in bullet-point fashion:
- Kevin really never settled down, and that is mildly infuriating because that's been his entire journey on this show! I! Am! So! Tired!
- Madison and Elijah having a baby together is...fine, I guess? She's become such an important character on the show I'd hoped she'd get her own episode, but I guess not. Instead she gets married to some dude off-screen and has another baby. Sad episode for Kevison shippers.
- Sophie is back and is married. If Kev and Sophie reunite at Kate's wedding I swear to God I am going to sue Dan Fogelman for emotional damages. That ship has sailed! Let the woman live! Without Kevin!!!!!!!!!!
- The amount of trauma they gave Philip for his backstory was totally ridiculous and uncalled for. First he and his wife couldn't have children. Then she was blind. Then they did IVF and it failed multiple times. Then they got in a massive fight. Then she left him. And then that night she DIED. One or two of those things would've been plenty.

The next six episodes will be set in 2025/2026 at Kate and Philip's wedding and onward. It's been a good run but we are officially in the future now. What do you think about that? Tell me all the thoughts in the comments.

XO,
​Em

Remember when I said I was going to recap the remaining episode of This Is Us in a timely manner. I am a LIAR.

JK, I'm not really a liar. I just have been very, very busy with life stuff which caused my recaps to get away from me. I don't think anyone will mind be bundling up some filler episodes of the last season, because they were slow and boring and I kinda wanted to skip their recaps anyway.

Big Three Trilogy episodes are hard. They focus on a single Pearson child and we all know how selfish and exhausting these Pearson children (adults technically) have become. Since I'm four recaps behind, I've decided to bundle the episodes up because honestly, they don't deserve their own entries.

Kate's Big Three episode was entitled "The Hill" and focused on her failing marriage with Toby. She decided to visit him in San Francisco, only to find out that he had put an offer on a house and was expecting her and the kiddos to move there. This is just one example of the massive communication issues these two have been having, and the looming awkwardness that occurs in every scene they're in together.

​Kate spends the episode mopey and unhappy, which isn't totally her fault because Toby has really sidelined her needs and everything she's doing as a mother in order to fulfill his own dreams of being a provider for his family. In my honest opinion? They're both the hero and the villain. 

By the episode's end Kate decides to ask Philip if she can be considered for a promotion at the school they both work at, and it's kind of the first major step in the dismantling of 'KaToby', as a couple.

In flashbacks at the pool, Kate refuses to swim. Instead, she watches as her brothers either behave irrationally (Kevin) or far too mature (Randall). It's further proof that Kate would rather stand on the sidelines than take risks, something she finally begins to undo at 41 years old.

In "Every Version Of You", Randall gets a chance to catch up with his mom after an uncomfortable Thanksgiving. When Deja leaves the cabin to reunite with Malik in Cambridge, Rebecca demands that she join Randall on the trip. Randall is less than enthusiastic, feeling disconnected from his mama after she named Kate POA. 

In flashbacks, we learn that Randall was always the most grown-up of his siblings (DUH) and learned to swim in classes and eventually got himself, Kate, and Kevin in the water together. He also got the Big Three out of a tricky situation involving a closed-down pool and police on Thanksgiving in 1999, proving he is the best Pearson sibling hands down.

Rebecca and Randall learn more about one another on their journey, with Randall revealing that he is thinking of running for senator. Rebecca is so proud, and it's so sweet to watch them have real, intimate moments despite her declining health. Rebecca doesn't want to be babied by her children anymore, she wants them to see her as a person, which is exactly what Randall begins to do.

When they get to Cambridge, it's revealed that Malik broke up with Deja as a way to 'set her free'. I'm real confused by this storyline because just a couple episodes ago we got a whole storyline dedicated to those lovebirds and now they're over. Classic This Is Us manipulation. 

I suppose the moral of these episodes is that every Pearson is growing and learning to become a better version of themselves, which is honestly just a long time coming. I wasn't wowed by Kevin, Kate, or Randall's individual episodes, and I think they took up too much time in a season that has hardly focused on Miguel and Rebecca.

​What did you think of these two episodes? Were you also really bored? Am I being too judgmental given that we only have a handful of episodes left? You absolutely agree with me? Tell me in the comments!

XO,
Em

Hi, friends and welcome to our last ten recaps of This Is Us! I can't believe it's ending in just a couple months, it truly feels bittersweet. I don't want it to go on forever, but also don't want to part with these characters and stories! 

That being said, you know what I can part with? The Big Three trilogies. You know, the set of three episodes that air back-to-back-to-back weeks about each individual Pearson child? Yeah, I'm over these. They've gotten boring and played out and the fact that we're spending our last few episodes rehashing the same storylines when I still don't know exactly how Bec and Miguel got together is...underwhelming to say the least.


So I guess let's just dive into it. Here's the last (maybe?) Kevin-centric episode of This Is Us, "The Guitar Man".

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

When we last left Kevin, he was struggling to accept that co-parenting is a thing and he needs to allow Madison her space in her new relationship with Eli (who, like Kevin, I think I hate). Kevin also decided he wanted to learn how to play guitar which like, good for you dude, but also: who cares?

After Thanksgiving, Kevin flies back to L.A. and then back to Philly again to take the twins to the cabin. He is greeted by Uncle Nicky, Uncle Nicky's new boo, Edie, and his somewhat platonic friend, Cassidy. If you thought this episode was going to give you any indication as to where Kevin's love life is headed you would be wrooooooong.

Anyway, mixed in with present-day Kevin trying to navigate fatherhood and learning new skills are flashbacks from when he first learned to swim as a child and his coping post-cheating on Sophie. I will sum these up as quickly as possible.

Sometime in the 80s, Kevin and his siblings went to the infamous pool with Jack and Rebecca, and Kevin wanted to touch the bottom of the pool but Jack was like "No son, you gotta learn how to swim first." Kevin was impatient, as always, and ended up thinking his dad was trying to drown him. His mother then informs him that he's just an impatient bitch. Not really, but that's basically what happens.

In 1999, Kevin is drinking as a way to hide the pain of his and Sophie's doomed marriage. Kate and Randall follow him to the pool that recently closed down, watching as he loses control of his life. They tell him how worried they are, but Kevin doesn't care, because he's Kevin and he's selfish.

In the present day, Cassidy is clearly struggling with her mental health following her own divorce and returning from war. Kevin fails to see that his friend is not well, and is surprised when he gets a call in the middle of the night that she's been in a car accident. He thinks she drove into a pole totally on accident, when in reality the problem was much deeper and complex.

Uncle Nicky is the voice of reason as he informs Kevin that Cassidy needs help, love, and support. She doesn't need a grand Pearson speech or money or gifts, she just needs someone to be there for her. Kevin finally decides to shut his mouth and shows up for Cassidy, which is sweet and all but I am confused as to where this story is going. I like Cassidy, I do. And I probably care more about her well-being than Kevin's at this point, but I really don't think she's his endgame and I don't know why they keep dragging this out.

Ultimately, this episode disappointed me. All the other Kevin-centric episodes gave me insight into why Kevin is the way he is, and how he was working to improve as a human. This one felt like several steps backward, and tried to entice viewers by making his love life more confusing when in reality, Cassidy just needs a friend. 

I don't know who Kevin will end up with, and I no longer think I care (sad). I do love Uncle Nicky though, and I'm so happy he's finally getting the happy ending he deserves. As for the next few episodes: I'm excited to see Kate reclaim herself by divorcing Toby and hitting it off with Philip, and I hope the Randall episode is different than the countless ones we've seen before.

What did you think of this episode? Were you as bored as I was? Who will Kevin end up with? Let me know in the comments!

XO,
Em

Look who's back, back again. Hint: It's ME! I'm back with a recap of This Is Us! In fact, I'm hoping to be back to recap the last batch of episodes of This Is Us before the much anticipated series finale on May 24th. 

I know what you're thinking, "Emily, why are you choosing to get back into recapping on your website an entire year later?" Well, my friends, I don't actually have an answer for you. The truth is that I just had feelings about the most recent episode and felt like I should write about it. I feel like that's all the explanation I need to give. 

This Is Us recaps are what really got me into this blog, and it seems like now is as good a time as any to write again. Plus I think (?) I've activated some sort of ads now so that I could potentially gain a little bit of money from y'all reading what I write, which is obviously a huge added bonus.

Anyway, shall we get into Tuesday's episode? Even though it's the 7th of the season and I didn't recap the previous six? Yes, yes we shall.

                                                          *SPOILERS AHEAD*

Thanksgiving has always been a big deal on This Is Us because the Pearsons are kind of crazy. Everything means something with them and they can't seem to just have a chill holiday. It's no wonder Madison wanted no part of it last episode (I'd get into my thoughts on that but truth me told, I don't want to). 

This episodes covers three Thanksgivings; 1975, 1999, and 2021. Each Thanksgiving, as one might expect, is a little off the rails. I think the best way to do this is to divide and conquer, so let's start with 1975.

Once upon a time Jack and Rebecca were engaged to be married and hosted her parents for Thanksgiving dinner. Rebecca and her mama were at each other's throats because honestly, her mom is a giant bitch. The moral of the story in each timeline I think is that the bond between mothers and daughters is so strong that it can overcome just about anything, but I'd like to still go on record and say that Janet Malone is a huge bitch, and if we remember, a racist one at that.

Anyway, Mama Malone is judging Becca's cooking, eating habits, and wedding planning. This causes Bec to spiral out of control and go off on her mom in the middle of dinner. It's fair but a little awkward, and causes Jack to try and break the ice between the mother-daughter duo. He succeeds because once Bec finds out that her parents are moving, her whole demeanor changes. She no longer cares that her mom is the worst. She wants to soak up every second she has left with her in Philly. That's fine for now I guess, but like, she's gonna be even bitchy in like 10 years.

In 1999, Rebecca is hosting Thanksgiving for her three kiddos, new boyfriend Matt, and Miguel and his French girlfriend. Sophie and Kevin have just broken up because he was a dipshit and cheated on her, meaning that they got divorced waaaaaay earlier than I thought. Side note: Am I crazy or did they previously state that the two of them were married until they were like 24? I guess it doesn't matter. 

Rebecca and Miguel's dates are total duds, despite seeming like perfectly nice people. It's obvious already that Bec and Miguel have a connection that is far deeper than a friendship, but neither of them really wants to acknowledge it because it's, well, taboo. Jack was Bec's husband and Miguel's best friend. It would just be wrong if they pursued each other, even if the chemistry is off the charts.

As far as the Big Three goes, they're whiny babies in 1999. Kevin is drinking his sorrows away (not sure why Rebecca hasn't said anything about this), Kate has gained weight and knows Randall is judging her for it, and Randall is judging Kate about her weight. The only good thing that comes from these scenes is the Kate/Beth friendship, which I really appreciate. Both brothers are being assholes. 

After dinner, everyone plays what I believe to be the actual game 'Taboo' and Rebecca and Miguel kill it. Everyone notices that they should probably be together, which pisses Kevin off so bad that he delivers the most out of line, disgusting punch to Miguel's gut. Jack Pearson wouldn't be mad at all about this pairing, in fact he'd probably find a lot of comfort in it.

Anyway, Miguel interrupts Rebecca's near acknowledgement of their connection by saying he's moving to Houston. She's heartbroken, he's heartbroken, and I'm...kind of heartbroken! I know they get together like 10 years later but damn! This show is making me ship Miguel and Rebecca! What the fuck!

Teen Kate comforts Rebecca as she sobs in her bed after Miguel leaves, and it's one of the softest, sweetest moments between the two of them. While Kevin is out here being a dick and Randall is trying to fix everything, Kate knows exactly what her mom needs and is willing to give it to her. 

Now onto 2022, where once again the Big Three have absolutely no chill. Randall wants to record every moment of Rebecca's life, Kevin is giving out unsolicited advice and playing the guitar (???) and Kate is, for once, being the most reasonable one! 

Kate and Toby are still having mega issues that are cringey as fuck. He's so fucking annoying right now, criticizing her every move and failing to recognize that she is a good mother to their two children. He is just being a bad husband and I want nothing to do with him. Sorry. 

Actually I do want one more thing to do with him. I want to say that his remarks about what Kate is feeding Jack were so out of line and cruel. People with eating disorders, disordered eating tendencies, etc. hate hearing that shit and he should've been so much more sensitive to his wife. How she didn't go OFF in front of everyone, I don't know. 

After dinner, Rebecca decides to sit everyone down and tell them exactly how they're going to handle her declining health. She says that Miguel will have full POA, which I think is totally justified. He's her husband and spends more time with her than any of her kids, so he probably knows what's best for her. Plus, last time Kevin and Randall tried to handle things they got into a huge blowout fight so...best not.

She goes on to say that if something happens to Miguel (which based on flashforwards, he probs dies) that Kate will be in charge of what happens to her. Kevin and Randall are clearly not pleased with this news, but again, it makes sense. While Randall may think he knows everything about his mom and Kevin wishes he knew everything about his mom, Kate ACTUALLY knows everything about Rebecca. Plus the two have a really sweet moment afterward where Bec says that it was always Kate and then I started to cry.

Before I wrap up, I just want to say that Mandy Moore deserves all the things, Emmy nominations, awards, and happiness included. The way she played so many different Rebecca's in this episode alone was incredible, and her speech to the kids was so damn good. 

Next week is the start of the final Big Three trilogy, and they're with Kevin. Cassidy is in the episode, it's rumored Sophie is coming back at some point, and I just really want him to end up with Madison because at one point I thought it made the most sense and I want to be right. Who do you want him to end up with? No one? Me too kinda. 

Gimme your thoughts on the episode and let me know if I should keep this thing going or not!

XO,
​Em

These next few recaps are going at you late because while I think my time management skills are great, it would appear they are anything but, and my poor blog has gotten the short end of the stick. Not to worry though, I've still been watching my favorite shows and have the intention of writing about them. I just have to actually do it.

My favorite episode of Zoey's last season was the one in which her powers completely malfunctioned, leading her to be the one singing heart songs instead of hearing them. It was such a cool plot device and I really enjoyed watch Zoey come to terms with her feelings for both Max and Simon, while also just completely embarrassing herself in every way possible.

This episode is similar in that her powers get glitchy, but instead of her doing the singing she has to figure what the glitch means, and with the help of Mo, she gets to the bottom of it.

*Spoilers ahead*

Zoey's gift from Mo for her birthday is a session with a medium, and Zoey hopes to connect with her recently deceased father. However, the medium is kind of a phony and ends up irritating Zoey and then screwing with her powers. 

Zoey first notices that something is wrong when she talks to Max at the restaurant about his relationship with Rose, which he claims is going well. However, he then breaks out into a (live!!! Skylar Astin did that!!!) chilling rendition of "Anyone" by Demi Lovato, which is a song about...being super depressed. Zoey is confused and asks if he is okay and he maintains that he is, but she doesn't buy it.

When she goes to work, lovebird programmers Tobin and Mackenzie bicker and then the entire squad sings "One" which is a song about being really super lonely and sad. Zoey is again confused, but begins to put two and two together and realizes that maybe the heart songs aren't being song by the right people.

As she goes to Mo's for assistance, Mo sings some country song about not drinking or having trouble drinking or --- let's just say there's alcohol involved (or is there?). Zoey tells him that he was singing a country song, and Mo immediately lets her know that he would never, ever do that. Zoey recalls a moment earlier in the day where her mother was singing a song meant for two people ("Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better", I actually performed that in a play once) and starts to write it all down. Side note: Maggie Steenburgen, whose voice I am famous for not liking, is actually really funny in that scene and does a brilliant job.

Because Zoey and Mo only have a handful of songs to complete their mystery, they put a pin in their work and go on sleuthing. After a flirty encounter with Simon at SPRQ Point, he starts singing "What Does The Fox Say?" which is super weird and kinda hot? 

That one gets cleared up pretty quickly when Zoey hears one of Perry's children singing "Love on the Brain" in a museum, and connects that he was the one who should've been singing the fox song (his stuffed animal was lost and Perry needed to return it to him). 

Next, Zoey hangs out with Mo, Rose, and Max at an event and is picking up sketchy vibes from Rose. She then hears Max's new girlfriend sing, "IDGAF" and realizes that that is definitely a Mo song. She explains to Mo that the Blake Shelton song she was singing about drinking must have been about Rose's sobriety, and Zoey and Rose have a nice little chat about it.

For the life of her, Zoey can't figure out why Max was singing that damn Demi Lovato song, and it isn't until she receives her third random text from sister-in-law Emily that she connects the dots. Emily is lonely, and she must need her help. When she rushes to David's apartment, she finds Emily singing "Rosanna", the missing heart song that was meant for Max to sing. 

As Zoey comes to be by her side, Emily's happy song turns sad, and she begins to cry-sing "Anyone". Y'all. Alice Lee is fucking incredible here. I got chills. Zoey comforts Emily as she regains control of her powers and discovers that while everything might appear perfect, things are a lot more complicated than they seem.

What did y'all think of this week's episode? Was it as good as last season's glitch? Do you think Emily is battling post-partum depression? Are you rooting for Max and Rose? Tell me!

XO,
​Em

It's Zoey's birthday! Though I maintain that the girl is definitely an Earth or an Air sign and not a fiery Aries like myself. She's far too analytical for any of the hot-headed shit us Aries get ourselves into but alas, television continuity is not as much of a thing as I wish it were.

*Spoilers ahead*

For Zoey's birthday, she decides to have a party at her mama's house (because the pandemic isn't real in the Zoey-verse and we're okay with that!). She invites all of her work friends and decides that she is going to be optimistic about the next decade of her life, but of course the party goes a little...awry.

While inviting her plethora of "friends" (Zoey doesn't really have a lot of friends, does she?), Zoey is introduced to Max's new/old love interest Rose. They duet a heart song in front of her and she is immediately put off by it, despite seemingly only having eyes for Simon scenes prior. Her and Max discuss their 'pause' and end up fighting because ya know, sexual tension and miscommunication and shit.

Max later apologizes and brings Zoey a thoughtful gift for her birthday, a framed record of "A Moment Like This" (the heart song they sang while they had sexy times). Max decides to pursue Rose, and Zoey decides to pursue Simon, and but only if he and Tatiana don't have something going on.

Everyone at the party sings "Kiss Me" because this show is basically a '90s movie, and it's revealed that not only do Mo and Perry have feelings for each other (duh) but Tobin and Mackenzie are crushing on one another as well (aww). Zoey feels incredibly alone at her own party, but notices that while Tatiana is singing to Simon, he is not singing back.

As a special treat, Aidan and his band (including David!) sing a song for Zoey's birthday. The song, titled "Crimson Love" is actually the first original song on the show, and is nothing short of cringeworthy perfection. The musical number is obviously a love letter to a redhead named Zoey, something her brother David only realizes halfway through the song.

It's adorable to see Emily so infatuated with her keyboard playing husband, as well as the look of disgust on her and David's face once they realize the song is a rather creepy and detailed confession of love. Zoey shoots Aidan down gently, and the Australian neighbor remains mostly unbothered, calling it Zoey's lost.

As the night wraps up, Zoey and Simon steal a moment together where he gifts her with a cheesequake (Season 1 callback!) and sings "Into You" by Ariana Grande because the man is in his feels. Zoey is smitten and the two kiss, which seems to mark the start of their romantic relationship. The question is: will it last? You be the judge! 

This episode was mostly entertaining but felt really long, and as much as I think that Simon and Zoey had good chemistry in Season 1, now I think it's a little forced. Additionally, I will always be aboard the Max train, but him and Zoey are just complete opposites right now and it makes me sad to see them interact. Oh well, at least we have Mo and Perry.

What did you think of this week'd episode? Are you looking forward to next week's glitch? Let me know!

XO,
​Em

Six weeks sure went by fast! It's amazing what a global pandemic can do to your perception of time. Clearly for me, time no longer exists!

After a month and a half long hiatus to make room for other NBC sitcoms (Kenan and Young Rock premiered, I did not watch them but I hear they're worth checking out!), Zoey's returned with a sentimental episode about what it means to watch the moment and be in it. It also introduced some new love interests for our favorite characters, and gave us the gift of drunk Simon. 

Without further ado, let's recap!

*Spoilers Ahead*

To start, we get a flashback of young Zoey and her dad watching meteor showers. Zoey is enamored by it, and Mitch loves sees his little girl so happy. Flash forward to the present day when a similar star sighting is happening and Zoey wants to go, but she doesn't want to burden her friends with more sad-dad stuff.

Meanwhile, Zoey's brother David is starved for human connection outside the realm of his wife and baby and is convinced by his sister to go check out Aiden's (remember Aiden? We love Aiden) band. He does, and Felix Mallard sings the second swooniest version of 'Watermelon Sugar' of all time (first place obviously goes to Harry Styles himself at the Grammy's, y'all). It really makes you think, why was Hunter Chen the musical love interest in Ginny & Georgia and not Marcus freakin' Baker?

Anyway, David plays keyboard with the guys and then mistakenly believes he has just auditioned to join their crew. They're like 'Ew, sir you are old' and he's like 'Yeah, but I have talent' and then they let him in the band I think. 

Zoey's attempt at finding company to recreate her childhood is ruined when it's Leif and Tobin that jump at the opportunity. Leif is having lady problems, and Tobin doesn't like the mountains at night. Zoey is frustrated and misses the moment because of Leif's heart song, and sulks in sad-dad.

On a lighter note, MaxiMo's is having its grand opening and if you're thinking 'Wow! That was fast!', you are correct! It was fast! I do not know a world where a restaurant could prosper that quickly but it's television so I will allow it. Anywho, the fire inspector man gives Mo a very hard time about he bedazzled exit sign and the location of the stage, but also it appears he kind of has a thing for him? Mo deserves love, especially in the form of someone who will protect him from any and all fires.

Max gets a visit from his first kiss, Rose, who is in California for a few months for whatever she does for work. There's some obvious connection there and a lot of social media slang that I absolutely detest, but it's fine. Rose serves as the fifth spot in our love star (?) between Zoey, Simon, Max, and I think Tatiana. It's going to be an interesting second half, y'all.

Simon shows up to MaxiMo's tipsy as hell and it is fantastic! He hits on Zoey, and on Mo and Max, and is just all around good vibes. I love it so much.

Elsewhere inside the restaurant, Leif is on a redo date with Kaia, his first attempt at dating post-Joan. It turns out she is just using him to get a job, and he is both furious with her and Zoey for allowing him to put himself out there again. Luckily, Mackenzie and Tobin are there for support, and also seem to be flirting with each other (insert side eye emoji of some sort). 

Zoey gives Danny Michael Davis's speech to Max and Mo which includes six too many star metaphors, bringing her to tears. When her friends question her sudden switch of emotions, she reveals that she just wants to watch the meteor shower, and they all climb in the car to support her. They explain that she isn't a burden at all, and that they want to be there for her.

So Leif, Tobin, Mackenzie, Max, and Simon go with Zoey to the mountains where they eat stale PB&J's, drink juice-boxes and stare at the sky. They sing in the car to a song Mitch loved, to which drunken Simon exclaims "My dead dad loved music too!". It's wholesome and beautiful and when Leif prompts Zoey to come look at the stars she reveals that she's happiest just watching her friends watch.

Ahhh! What a great episode. So much happiness and also sadness but like, in a good way. Next week is Zoey's 30th birthday and there's some ~drama~ when it comes to that love star I previously mentioned. 

What was your favorite part of this week's episode? Do you agree that Leif and Tobin are the best part of the show? What's gonna happen next week? Let me know in the comments!

XO,
​Em

You guys!!!!! You guys!!!!!! We finally got a phenomenal episode of This is Us Season 5! It took a while but we did it and we got it and I'm so happy about it! 

Additionally, I'd like to extend my deepest apologies for taking so long to get this one up. I got a new job writing for Screenrant which is amazing because now I'm like a fully paid writer. Check out my articles on there (all TV and movie related) or don't, because I cannot force you to read anything, even this darling little blog of mine.

Anywho, let's get into the greatness that is "In The Room", shall we? You cannot tell me I was the only one thinking of "I wanna be in the room where it happens," each time I read the episode title. Okay, *maybe* I was, but I stand by it and encourage everyone to go stream Hamilton on Disney+.

*MASSIVE SPOILERS AHEAD*

Last week, Kevin was on the mission of a lifetime. He ditched his big Hollywood movie to attend the birth of his twins, but things just kept getting in his way. Miguel and Rebecca tried to get him a flight out to LA, but because he was all heroic and Pearson-like, he lost his wallet and ID at the scene of a very scary car crash. Sad.

While Kevin bargains his heart out at the Seattle airport, everyone's favorite couple Beth and Randall talk to his laboring fiancé, Madison while she waited. Randall tells Madison all about inheriting property in Louisiana from his birth mother, and stories from when him and Kevin were teenagers and Kev got shitfaced and sang Hanson's "MmmBop". This is something I would pay money to see.

While singing the 90s hit over FaceTime, Madison's face goes from 'enjoying this weird moment' to 'holy shit' as she sees none other than Kevin Pearson standing in her hospital room doorway, an exhausted smile under his mask. Y'all. I think this is the most romantic moment on This is Us in a long time. It's just so...pure. And heartwarming. The simplicity of it all.  Kophie (Kevin and Sophie) shippers, eat your damn hearts out. This is true love right here.

Randall hangs up with "MCat", an adorable nickname he has placed upon her. Kevin is speechless and incredibly thankful that his estranged brother has been keeping his fiancé company for hours, and it's just another moment of pure love! This time brotherly love. God, I love it.

Meanwhile, at another hospital, Kate sits with Ellie as she is being induced and Toby camps out in the parking lot because only one visitor is allowed in the room (where it happens!). While he comes up with a list of potential middle names, an elderly man demands his parking spot from him. This man? GARY FUCKING CLARK from Grey's Anatomy. You know, the one who shoots up the hospital, kills a bunch of the staff, nearly kills Derek, etc. Mandy Moore is in that episode! 

Anyway, the sight of this man getting angry on hospital property triggered me immediately, and I was 90% sure he was going to pull a gun on Toby. Thankfully, he doesn't, and he instead explains that his wife of 50 years is on a ventilator (sounds familiar) with COVID. His wife's name is Rose and luckily she pulls through, and Toby is moved by this couple's love and strength and kindness that he chooses 'Rose' as his daughter's middle name.

Ellie is having a hard time with the adoption stuff, and although initially not wanting to hold the baby, she changes her mind after delivering. Kate is obviously nervous, if she's seen the season 3 finale of Parenthood it would explain the look on her face when Ellie asks for some privacy holding the daughter she's giving away. It's awkward and tense and I got real worried there for a minute.

Thankfully, Ellie goes through with the adoption, and we get to see Kate and her baby, Hailey Rose meet for the first time. We obviously know this ends well because of the flash-forward of Hailey meeting her brother, Jack's, daughter.

We are also graced with flashbacks this episode, because why the hell not? This one comes in the form of a 90s trip to the cabin with just Jack and Rebecca because the three teens want to hang out with their friends instead of their ~lame~ parents. 

Bec is all about the kid-free time, but Jack is sad that their kids don't want to spend time with them. In just a few short years they'll be moving out, and (Jack doesn't know this) he'll be dead. Rebecca promises that they will both be there for all of the big stuff in their kids' lives, and it's a bittersweet moment because we as the audience know that it's not true. 

In the present, Rebecca is anxious and frustrated that she can't be with her children as they have children of their own. She feels like she's letting down her late husband, and her eyes constantly look to the blotchy painting of handprints on the cabin wall. Miguel asks her about it and she explains that she and Jack framed that the day they vowed to be there for the big moments. She asks for a drink, and you know what? She deserves one.

For those worried that Madison would die during childbirth: fear not! Mads makes it out just fine, delivering two perfect angel babies, Frances and Nicholas. Franny, named after her grandmother and Nicholas, of course after Kev's Uncle Nicky (who makes a delightful cameo!).

Kevin calls Randall afterward and apologizes for being a dick the past nine months, and Randall apologizes too. Kevin wants to talk through all the stuff between them, including the different childhood Randall experienced because of his race. Randall assures him they can have this conversation in due time, but for now he needs to go be with his family.

There's a subplot about a man named Nasir Ahmed and his wife Ester. We witness the birth of their son and the trials of their marriage, and Nasir explains that he is working on inventing video interface technology. This technology, of course, led us to videochatting as we do today, and the storyline is a love letter to Nasir and Ester for giving the Pearson's (and all of us) what we need during a global pandemic: a way to connect with our loved one. To be there, even if we can't physically be there.

What do you think of the new Big Three entering the world? Are you excited to see Kevin as a father? Are you a fan of the baby names? Comment below!

XO,
​Em

After an another break, This is Us is back with the episode we have all been waiting for -- or have we? You see, this episode gives the impression that we will finally get to see Kevin become a father, but instead it's just a long race against the clock interspersed with flashbacks of two different father-son relationships. 

Let's dive in, shall we?

*Spoilers Ahead*

At the end of the last episode we learned that Madison had gone into early labor and needed Kevin to get to her ASAP. Kev, of course, was stuck in Canada shooting his new movie that apparently stars Robert De Niro. Anyway, Randall wants to chit-chat about the new property he and Beth own in Louisiana, but Kevin tells them he's got to get back to LA, and then there's this ominous shot of a car up in flames and Kevin's lost ID and you can't help but assume the worst.

This episode takes it back a few hours, showing us Kevin receiving the phone call from Madison, who explains that the twins are coming six weeks early. She is clearly nervous and unprepared and Kevin is at a loss. Twins? Coming early??? Who would've thought???? (Literally everyone, Kevin. Everyone.)

Although Madison makes it clear on the phone that she needs him by her side, he still acts like a lost puppy when it comes to making an actual decision, and kind of wanders around asking anyone and anything their opinion on what he should do. His director tells him that in six or seven hours he can go be with fiancé, but for now he needs to shoot this really important court room scene with De Niro. Kevin has the typical Kevin outburst, runs off in his (I'm assuming) rental car and quits the movie? Kind of extreme, but like also I get it.

Meanwhile in flashbacks, Jack's dad is a total dick and gets wasted at his baseball games, tells Jack he sucks, and then makes him drive them home when his son questions his sobriety. It's hard and sad to watch. In 90s flashbacks, Jack takes little Kev to football camp/a game/I'm not sure it just definitely involves sports and is the best dad ever, showing a stark contrast between the two eras.

In fact, Jack even sticks up for Kevin to his coach, who has called Kevin stupid a number of times. What an asshole. He makes it super clear to never speak that way to his child again, and then he and Kev sip cokes and eat steaks and it's super cute and it explains why Kevin wants to be so much like his father. He idolizes the man because he was always so good with him. 

Madison is in the hospital alone because her backstory is still unexplained and apparently she isn't close with any of her family members. What about her best friend, Kate, you ask? Well, it just so happens that Ellie is being induced at the same time and so Kate has another birth to be present for. Honestly, if I were in Madison's position I would be scared shitless, and although she clearly is, she does a good job holding it together.

Kevin calls Bec and Miguel as they browse last minute flights for him, and eventually they find one from Seattle to LA. On his way to the Seattle airport, Kevin rescues a man who has crashed his car (the one we saw up in flames) and is extremely injured and out of it. Because he's a Pearson, he gets this man (played by Josh Malina! I love him.) to the hospital, possibly ruining his chances of being present for the birth of his children.

Everything seems like it might be okay when Kevin makes it to the airport in time for his flight, however, he has lost his wallet that contained his ID (the preview!) which makes it impossible to board. He explains to the TSA lady that his fiancé (he uses this word a lot guys, and I love it) is in labor and he has to make that flight, he just has to. We never see the resolution but in this day and age it doesn't look good for Kev. They can't let you on an airplane without any identification, even under the most intense of circumstances. 

Although Kevin's fate is undetermined, Beth and Randall are able to temporarily save the day by calling Madison as they drive back from Louisiana. They tell her that she's family, and because of that they will keep her company while she waits for Kevin so she doesn't have to be alone. Of course I started to cry because THIS IS SO DAMN SWEET. Madison tells them they don't have to, but of course she wants them to, and so they do. She cries, they smile, and we all just hold our breaths and hope Kevin is able to get there. 

*also holding my breath that all the babies (Kate and Toby's included) arrive safely next week!*

What did you think of the episode? What is slow-moving for you as well? I found it feeling like a really long time, even though it seemed like Kevin was so short on time. What do you think will happen with all the births next week? Let me know!

XO,
​Em

 Hi, friends! Today we (I) will be recapping the midseason finale of season 2 of Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist. Thinking about having to go approximately 6 weeks without this delightful show breaks my heart a lot, but I'm so happy with the episodes we've been given so far and can't wait to see what's to come. 

This week's episode focuses heavily on racism and most notably, racism in the workplace. I was nervous to see how this episode would play out, especially given that Zoey's has a white showrunner in Austin Winsberg. I think it's a heavy weight to put on your BIPOC characters/actors to use their own personal experiences on a show created by a white person. It's like asking to relive all of your trauma, give said trauma to the character you play, and then sit back and watch it unfold on national television. 

Then again, I would like to acknowledge my privilege as a white woman, and also say that it is not my place to say whether or not racism in the workplace was handled correctly or incorrectly in this episode, because it is not something I have ever had to experience personally. With that being said, I enjoyed the episode and the use of the show's platform, and look forward to what's to come.

​*spoilers ahead*

Immediately following Simon's press conference where he called out the glaringly obvious race issue at SPRQ Point, Zoey attempts to create conversation and apologize for her actions in last week's episode (she was high and he needed advice on what to do with the Chirp). 

Simon needs some time to process what he just said to a bunch of media outlets, meanwhile Zoey tries to think of a way to create comfortable race conversations on the fourth floor. She tells Max and Mo everything that happened at work, and she suggests that they pitch their restaurant idea to the one and only Danny Michael Davis because he is in an extra generous mood when it comes to donating to BIPOC businesses given the current allegations at SPRQ Point. I must say, this is a super creative way to get Max and Mo's business going. 

At first her friends are hesitant, but Zoey assures them that her and DMD are "besties now" and that she not only did drugs, but gave him drugs. Max and Mo are both impressed and a little disturbed, and ultimately agree to take DMD's guilt money if he offers it. 

Zoey decides to send her team a message via Slack (I use Slack! I write for Screenrant now, guys!) to invite them to a 'town hall' of sorts where everyone can have an open conversation about race.

This doesn't go as planned, because all the white people are the first to speak on their own thoughts regarding the matter. Leif passes the 'talking ball' to Tobin who simply says, "Racism's wack, yo." A white woman goes on and on about her Filipino fiancé, and Simon's face at that moment is so brilliant (thank u JCS). He begins to sing "White Man in a Black World" and Zoey realizes she has made a grave mistake in giving all of these senseless white people a place to speak on an issue that is not theirs. 

Tobin approaches Simon after the failed town hall to express his feelings on what Simon has done, thanking him for speaking out in the most Tobin way possible ("I feel you, bro."). Simon isn't in the mood for Tobin's lack of emotional energy, or for Zoey's simultaneous over-and-under compensating for her blunder. 

DMD then lets Zoey know that she, as Simon's supervisor, needs to advise him to retract his statement per the board of SPRQ Point's request. Zoey is overwhelmed and confused, so she does probably the dumbest thing she could do and asks Mo how she should tell Simon that he needs to say that his thoughts don't speak for the company as a whole.
​
Appropriately, Mo tells Zoey that he can't be her 'Black friend that tells her how to talk to her other Black friend' and then sings Mary J. Blige with his beautiful voice. Zoey knows she is wrong, but isn't sure what to do, and honestly it all feels very real and raw. Even though Zoey's intentions are positive, she isn't thinking thoroughly before acting, and it's beginning to cause more harm than good.

Like when she does finally approach Simon, and he tells her that he will not be retracting his statement because he knows he is not the only Black person at SPRQ Point who feels this way. Unfortunately, everyone else is too afraid to speak out, leaving him feeling isolated. He is feeling like all hope is lost and he needs to quit, and Zoey rightfully gives him some space during this time.

Meanwhile, Mo and Max pitch their restaurant to DMD, and he agrees to invest. Max has to go back to the fourth floor (his old home!) to ask for some help in fixing a glitch in the app. He is hit on by Mackenzie, one of the new coders, and Tobin saves the day with his input. Another coder makes a racist joke referring to Tobin as 'slumdog', and Tobin laughs it off before singing "The Track of My Tears" to Zoey. I. Love. Tobin.

Zoey pulls Tobin into her office to ask how he feels about everything going on, and he masterfully deflects any and all of her questions. He makes fun of her for trying to therapize (it's a word, I'm making it a word) him before eventually turning around and telling her that of course he is upset. Of course he experiences racism daily. But he doesn't want to "stir the pot", and when Zoey asks him to on Simon's behalf, he declines.

The next day Zoey is pleasantly surprised when she finds out that Tobin has shared his story on Twitter, which has led to employees at SPRQ worldwide sharing theirs. Zoey is ecstatic! Simon is not alone! Tobin and Zoey run to DMD's office where Simon is about to resign, and urge him to stop by looking at the tweets from coworkers around the world. Danny Michael Davis stops them, "I have the internet too, I saw the posts." Ha!

DMD vows to walk into the board meeting and stand up to the white men, declaring himself a hero. Zoey, Tobin, and Simon remind him that he is not a hero, he is doing the bare minimum. The four of them enter the board meeting and Simon shows them the messages that all include the hashtag #BIPOCatSPRQPoint. 

Leif and Tobin share a sweet moment at the end when Leif apologizes for not being a better friend and listener, and then begins to virtue signal like crazy so Tobin calls him out and asks him to tone it down. They got get a beer. It's cute.

Later, everyone is at Maximo celebrating Simon's victory, and he reminds them that there is a lot of work to be done. Racism isn't solved, but there is progress being made. Then Tatiana, Simon, and Mo sing "Tightrope" by Janelle Monae and it is beautiful and lovely and Alex Newell has one of the best voices I have truly ever heard. And now we wait 6 weeks for more!

Zoey's is creating conversations on television that you don't normally see, and it's about time these 'tough' conversations are had. This is everyday life for BIPOC people, and bringing awareness and posing solutions to these problems even with fictional characters is monumental, responsible, and informative.

Lastly, if any readers want a little more insight in a comedic and vulnerable sense about the toll racism can take over the course of one's life, I want to recommend Lacey Lamar and Amber Ruffin's book, "You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories About Racism". 

XO,
​Em