Excellent episode! So many wonderful moments. I also loved Randall’s giddiness in the bar when they met the Mike. I loved what William said to Randall. I’m going to miss him. I loved how we saw his story and what a kind soul he really was. Loved his easy way and voice. I agree with the other poster, my 2nd favorite show. Ooohhhh…I can’t wait to see Randall interact with his Mom now.
Wow. I just watched it. One of the most beautiful episodes of anything on TV I’ve seen, including the music, especially the reprise of “Blues Run the Game” from early in the season and William’s own music. William is my favorite character on the show, my dad died of cancer when I was Randall’s age, and my D is adopted and thus far has had no luck finding her birth parents, so it was very emotional for me.
Since time is anything but linear on the show, do you think William will ever reappear, or was this the perfect coda?
@Barbalot, Vulture must love this episode as much as the CC community has because they have been all over this with several posts in my FB feed today. Found this interview with Ron Cephas Jones in my feed when I got home from my walk and I found it very insightful. I was particularly happy to read that the show has been renewed for two more seasons. He addresses the possibility of returning in the interview.
http://www.vulture.com/2017/02/this-is-us-ron-cephas-jones-chat-room.html?mid=facebook_vulture
So this week we all agree. 
<3
I have decided - I LOVEEEEE all the men in this show - I don’t mean sappy attractive love, but LOVEEEEE their character development. At this point the men WIN.
…I would’ve like to have met my son’s father…
And I lost it! I think this is the best episode of the season.
That’s the line that really got me.
I wonder if Randall will make the changes in his life that William urged him to make, or will he fall back into his old patterns once he returns home.
Magnificent episode. Agree that it was possibly the best episode of anything I have seen on tv.
Back tonight right? This week and next week is season finale?
That’s right. I’m really looking forward to tonight’s episode.
I am excited! Just read a preview. “buckle up”, “intense”, “Stressful but hopeful”, “dangerous”, … Yikes!!!
http://www.eonline.com/uk/news/834207/this-is-us-stars-want-to-make-sure-you-re-ready-for-the-dangerous-season-1-finale
Randall, Randall, Randall!! It’s going to be tough to wait for season 2 to know more about what makes you tick!! I know we have one more episode for this season, but I’m already starting to anticipate each week without a new episode. Don’t make me choose between the mailman scene and the office scene for my favorite.
The mailman scene, Beth losing it in the kitchen, Rebecca trying to explain herself to Randall . . . .
Not to mention the postcard. Lots of heartstring plucking in that episode.
On the other hand . . .
Randall’s allergy kind of got pulled out of someone’s butt. I know it was supposed to make his firm look callous, and it did, but that was lazy plotting. Kevin telling Sophie, “I came back to New York for you.” Ugh. Ron Howard: Yeah, right.
I agree with the scenes above, and I liked William’s continuing presence in the episode. But the ending is so ominous that I dread watching it next week.
Why does this show only have 18 episodes in a season? Isn’t a season. 22? Aarrgghhhh
I loved how William made so many friends the short time he was staying with Randall. Is Ron Howard somehow involved in the show? I was surprised to see him pop up. Randall was awesome. Oh Jack, don’t make bad decisions!!
The only thing that bothered me about the episode was Mandy Moore with the aging makeup on. She had a great speech to Randall, but the makeup distracts me.
At least we already knew Jack was going to die. It’s going to be sad next week… This is a great show.
I thought Mandy Moore’s acting when she was older just pales in comparison to so many other strong performances. I believe her as young Rebecca, but she just doesn’t have the chops to pull off elderly Rebecca.
Older Rebecca’s hair bugs me. Looks too much like a wig and seems crooked sometimes.
NBC’s “Parenthood,” which didn’t do as well in the ratings, but has drawn comparisons to “This is Us,” also had fewer episodes each season. I’m hoping next year will have a full 22 episodes.
I agree that Mandy Moore isn’t believable as a 66 year old woman (she was 30 when the kids were born).
So many parts of the episode were heartbreaking and heartwarming (the mailman, Beth’s toast and the postcard, Rebecca’s apology to Randall). I will miss William too, but I hope he makes appearances in future episodes.
I can’t wait to see how the next chapter in Randall’s life plays out. At least he took William’s advice to heart.