No I don’t have a twin or an adopted sibling, and yes both of my parents are still alive and well, but somehow every week I find some connection with "This Is Us" that makes me think of my own family. There is no other show on television that is so honest and raw in my opinion, and I absolutely love it.
I find myself relating to Kevin, Kate, and Randall in so many different ways. Each one of them is so complex but yet I’m still able to understand them and see myself in their characters.
Kevin is the version of me when I try to be on top of the world when I know I should be pacing myself instead. Just like him, the stressors of life build up and sometimes I break under the pressure. School, relationships, family and just life, in general, can be so overwhelming for me and instead of identifying my problems and working on them I sometimes put on a facade that everything is perfect.
When Kevin finally hits rock bottom and tries to rebuild a relationship with his mother is a reminder that it’s okay to be vulnerable and it’s ok to lean on your family even when you want to handle things on your own.
Then there’s Randall, the side of me that wants nothing more than to be a good daughter and sister to my family. I love knowing that I’m making my family proud and that I have such a strong relationship with them. However, just like Randall, trying so hard to not disappoint anyone can be too much to handle. His character shows that even the strongest of people have their weak moments too, and that’s okay.
And Kate, oh Kate, how you have officially made me feel like I am not alone. From the teenage you to the adult you I find it hard not to find something in common with you every single episode. Growing up with self-esteem issues and a negative body image of myself, it’s such a relief to see a character with those same issues.
Never before have I seen a television program represent insecure women and young girls so well. It brings awareness to the underlying issues of why women view themselves the way they do. Thank you, "This Is Us" for giving us Kate, truly.
Lastly but surely not least is Jack and Rebecca. The TV couple that brings us so many ups and downs our emotions don’t know which way to go. One minute you’re laughing at the flashbacks and smiling at Jack’s charming essence, then it shows present day and your smile fades knowing Jack isn’t in their lives anymore. This is one tragic ending that I don't think I’ll ever be able to get over.
I can’t help but appreciate Rebecca’s strength to do the best she can raising her children without her partner. She didn’t always make the best decisions but she did what she thought was right and that’s enough for me, given her circumstances. I’m still trying to like Miguel but it’s hard when you know the love Rebecca and Jack had for each other.
Here are some honorable mentions that deserve an entire article to themselves. Toby, I mean come on, he would definitely get the Jack stamp of approval and he's certainly got mine. There’s Beth who is strong-minded and so protective of her husband, I am pretty sure I am going to be just like her once I’m married.
And then there’s Sophie who keeps getting the short end of the stick. I hope her and Kevin works things out but he’s pretty much dug himself into such a deep hole he can probably see China by now.
If you haven’t started watching this show then you are missing out on the best emotional rollercoaster ride ever. Grab a box of tissues and tune in to fall in love with the Pearson’s just like I did.