I really liked their showing of Rebecca observing the Big Three (I think they showed all three?? Did they show Kate?) interacting with themselves on the train at their different ages with all the actors who played them. I’m not phrasing that well - I hope I am being descriptive enough for people to remember that little blip.
I think as moms we tend to usually see our kids at whatever age they currently are, but certain triggers or events can make us really remember and visualize them at all ages and stages of their lives.
I do totally respect the decision to go with Jack at the end. I have a soft spot for Miguel, but I think a lot of fans — and Milo — wanted a happy ending with Jack. Given that he was the emotional center of the family and of the first couple of seasons, the story makes sense. I would have chosen a different direction, but I don’t fault the one they took.
I thought the episode was confusing. Watched it again late last night which helped. Was great to see William and Dr. K (using a Terrible Towel) again. Beth was great as usual. Was interesting to see Kevin and Randall trying hard to be agreeable one last time in front of Rebecca (were silly things to disagree about in any event). Miquel seemed to come full circle and play second fiddle to Jack like he did when the show first started. Liked when Toby asked Rebecca if she loved him more than Phillip (writers didn’t seem to buy into Phillip/Kate relationship either based on roles/lines last night).
Maybe it was how everyone talked about being prepared for heavy emotions. Sterling Brown said something to the effect if you don’t cry watching that one you are not human. Three non-humans at our house watching I guess. Could have been just so prepared to be overwhelmed that we were braced for it (though ultimately, our house was less on the emotional scale during the series than most in this thread).
Did bring me back to my mom passing. Family all present at the end. Similar but she waited until my dad left to pass. No one knows why he picked that moment to go check his mail (dementia issues played a role no doubt). But maybe she didn’t want to let go with him still there. Or didn’t think he could make it if he saw the end. Not clear at all.
But the dichotomy that Randall mentioned is so real and all around us. Every day people are getting bad news in their lives while at the same time others are getting good news. And some people are getting both at the same time. All part of the circle of life.
I really think Beth’s time was most touching. I mean, she is well loved but her words - they covered the gamut of friendship, respect, sisterhood, motherhood, Randall, admiration - I almost wish she hadn’t been the first to say good bye. It was so meaningful it was hard for anyone else -even the big three - to eclipse.
It was the only time I cried. I was expecting to blubber from there on out, but Beth’s goodbye and William’s monologue were the only words that touched me as deeply as I had expected.
I just finished watching. I sobbed at the beginning, and again when Kate was running toward the door to come in. And at the end “Hey.” “Hey.”
Last week’s episode was emotional start to finish. This one was more like a few little gut punches.
This helped me put a finger on why I’m so conflicted about putting my mom with Alzheimer’s in a nursing home. I’ve been with her virtually 24/7 for the past five years. I’ve had two respite breaks - the last one in October 2019. She’s declined substantially since then. If I place her, and she goes while I’m not there, I will feel like I let her down.
I’m glad Kate made it in time. It felt right to me that Rebecca was with Jack at the end.
Something I read in a review – maybe on Miguel’s train he ends up spending more time with Rebecca. I’m adding - maybe on his train she’s in the caboose with him. Nice idea - we each have our own train/caboose. Even though I dreaded the everyone says goodbye aspect I was surprised each character didn’t have at least a brief time with her. Maybe they cut a good bit to get in alllllll thosssssse commmmmmmmercials. As the scene with Marcus was playing out I was convinced he had gotten Jack’s heart. Was a little disappointed that wasn’t how it went. “Malik is the father” reveal was pretty expected and underwhelming. Liked Randall’s excitement about being a grandfather – and don’t call Beth MeeMaw – the best. Next week seems like more of a retrospective of the entire series than any new developments.
I was a bit underwhelmed - definitely would have preferred more family & less Marcus - but some parts got to me. My mom waited for my brothers to get there (then was mad when it took her another 3 days to make her exit after they arrived). I shepherded my brother through a fatal stroke & the hours until he finally passed - the train & the final scene hit me hard, because I kept thinking about my brother’s journey. While the episode as a whole was a bit underwhelming, I thought it was well done. It certainly evoked emotions in me.
But one scene in the caboose confused me. I swear I saw what I thought was a child sitting in the chair next to the bed when Kate entered the room. Did anyone else notice anyone in the chair?
I liked the episode but did not find myself sobbing (which I was expecting LOL). I agree with many others that the introduction of a new family into the mix (despite the connection) was not ideal at this point-- I understand the writers love misdirection – but this late in the game it felt to me like it took away rather than added to the story. I would have preferred to see some more “goodbye” moments (such as Beth and Toby had), more about how the last years have treated the family (we only heard about Kate’s success), and/or more family bonding. I thought it was well done, but too rushed.
I have mixed feelings about the last scene with Jack. He was her true love so it was fine – but I do feel Miguel, who was her beloved companion and later her caretaker, got a bit short-changed.
I’m hoping the last episode will catch us up on what Kevin and Randall (and families) have been doing over the last bunch of years and maybe update the future Jack story.
I thought it was really well done. They could have gone all weeping-grandchildren, pushing all the emotional buttons, but instead they made the beautiful train ride analogy. I much preferred that over possible emotional manipulation.
It reminded me so much of being at the hospice with my MIL. We definitely sat around and chatted and even laughed a bit and then went in individually to say goodbye. I remember thanking her for raising such a great man, so seeing Beth last night really got to me.
I didn’t get to be with either of my parents when they passed, so seeing them all gathered there made me sad. I do think holding vigil there is not uncommon for families. For me, it was a satisfying episode.
