Kate’s weight/eating disorder is an issue, just as Kevin and Jack’s respective struggles with drugs and alcohol are issues, just as Toby’s struggle with depression and Randall’s anxiety are issues. And eating disorders aren’t limited to the overweight – Kate’s “maid of honor” has a full-on eating disorder and is far from obese.
The writers have chosen not to focus on it in recent episodes, but Kate’s weight certainly is and has been an issue for Kate – so much so that she considered surgery, went to a weight loss camp, and regularly attends a support group. I think the whole issue of eating disorders is handled rather sensitively. Would I like to see Kate have a healthier relationship with food? Sure, but that’s not my call.
The actor who plays Toby wears a fat suit on the show. I’m thinking the actress who plays Kate does not want to weigh what she does. How could they possibly put it in her contract that she must lose weight when she has probably been trying to do it for years?
Kate can’t have a healthy relationship with food and make lifestyle changes unless the real person portraying Kate does something about her own situation.
I think grownup Tess and Randall are going to see Beth because they flash to her in the very next take. I don’t think Beth or Deja would be in prison, but who knows? Adult Kevin really has the magnetic personality like Jack. There is a lot of melodrama and I just wish there was a little less. Toby does seem like he’s the most unstable one.
With the Toby flash forward, my mind went to a terminal illness, or a serious complication with his heart. It wasn’t until someone up-thread mentioned a deep depression (which makes complete sense) that I thought of that! Arrrrrg!
Giving it more thought, Toby is Bipolar for sure. That explains all the grand gestures and hypomanic behavior we saw up until now. The future scenes of him in bed and immobile with Kate explaining his doctor wants to see him to change his meds, makes me think he needs a mood stabilizer. He definitely looks and sounds like he could be Bipolar. Visiting “Beth” (I’m filling in the blank with my own worst case scenario), makes me think she may have early Dementia, if Tess doesn’t want to see her, maybe its because she doesn’t recognize her any more and its too painful? All pure speculation.
Besides Kevin’s apparent bliss with cousin Zoe, I wish the other future previews weren’t so sad.
Since there are 6+ months to go till we find out, I was happy to find I liked the new show after This Is Us, Rise. It’s definitely more Friday Night Lights (by the same writer/creator) than Glee to me, which is a good thing.
I also thought someone might dead or possibly on their deathbed (Randall/Tessa flash-forward). I went back to the scene several times, trying to figure out what was in the background, in case that gave a clue. I figured it was probably Beth, since she wasn’t in the scene. Guess we will all have to just wait and see.
At one point in the season, I could swear we saw a flash-forward to one of Randall’s daughters as an adult - working as a foster-care placement worker. Am I imagining things?
Mandy Moore is not a small person. I bet she has to work hard to keep weight off (or will as she ages). Obviously, Kate is off-the-charts obese, but I don’t find it hard to believe at all that someone with Moore’s body type could have a daughter who struggles with weight.
I agree, though, with whoever said it above, that the teen-Kate actress is pretty much perfect. What a great casting job that was.
I fear it is Beth. I believe I remember in season one a reference to her having a cancer scare in the past. So I fear the cancer returns.
There were many tender moments in this episode for me. From Jack’s speech to Kate to the “game” Randall and Beth play (and he played with Kevin) - the let all your bad thoughts out with no judgement game. I think I could adopt that game when I’m anxious!!!
I don’t remember that Toby has battled depression. That makes me sad if that is where this is going. You all seem to remember this as an issue of his, so it must be right.
I have to agree that I worry, worry, worry about Chrissy Metz and her weight. Not to sound ridiculous but then they show her it’s all I can think about is how large she truly is. It is very worrisome.
The only reference to Toby’s depression that I saw was in this last episode when his parents are trying to talk him out of marrying Kate. I think they said he fell into a depression after his divorce.
I have to disagree with those of you who liked the wedding toast. I thought it was depressing and odd to go on and on about their dad at such an occasion. The toast should have focused on the bride and groom and their happiness. While no one will ever forget or get over the death of their dad, it’s not a fresh loss and I think it was strange to make it the focus of the reception.
