I think it’s Beth’s job (at the ballet). The assistant called her “boss.”
I agree with some others that the Vietnam subplot isn’t a favorite. I also don’t feel connected to Nicky - maybe that will change as his character develops. And it seems as though that may happen.
I am also not buying the big Randall/Beth fight. Perhaps they could have worked up to it. They go from a lovey-dovey couple to him sleeping on the couch after one big fight? A bit lazy of the writers, IMO. In 30 years of marriage, neither of us has ever slept on the couch because of a fight/argument! Struck me as unrealistic.
Kate and Toby – I am always a sucker for a baby! And, of course, its a baby boy… Jack Jr. 
What about the scenes with Rebecca and Miguel, who helped her after Jack died. According to a Thanksgiving scene, they married at some point? I think that was last week’s episode…
And I missed what Kevin didn’t find out about Jack’s mystery woman and the necklace. Can someone advise please?
Since the noise was a boat blast, maybe Nicky was smoking crack or something on the boat when it blew, and used it as a cover to escape and go AWOL. Maybe the mystery woman with the necklace helped Nicky escape?? Just musing…
I think Rebecca and Miguel reconnected after tess was born when Beth showed her how to get on Facebook.
Griffin Dunne will be playing the adult Nicky when the series returns in January.
I definitely felt compassion for Nicky as a kid - sucked me right in. And moments as an adult - when he punched Jack - you could see that a move like that was physically out of his character as the “misfit” kid they sort of portray him as.
Raising my hand that I have spent a night or two on the couch as has H! Just happens and is sometimes the right decision!
One thing I do really hope- is that Kate and Toby’s baby is born alive and healthy. Selfishly I wish that mostly for Toby - who I just really adore.
I didn’t think Beth turned into a selfish, destructive person. What makes you say that JHS? I though Beth was rightfully mad at Randall for not seeing that the family needed him and he needed to put them first. But the idea that she would become a ballet director or something similar seemed off to me. Has there been anything about her dancing? I think the idea that she was going with Randall to see Rebecca suggests they are still together. Maybe celebrating Rebecca’s birthday with Pin the Tail?
I had thought Nicky was dead and the revelation that he is alive was an interesting twist.
There are some spoiler alerts on the web about Nicky and the story line.
No spoilers here please!!
I too thought the ballet was random - so I’m guessing there is a story behind it. Maybe Annie is a ballerina? That didn’t look like your average ballet company venue - had to be in a bigger city.
Randall is trying to once again overachieve. He wants it ALL and to help and be everyone. With his mental health past, he may once again crash.
Anyone know what Toby does for a living? It’s not clear how Kate and Toby earn money outside of the singing telegrams.
I found this in regards to Toby’s job:
TVGuide.com caught up with Sullivan at the Los Angeles screening of the season finale to get to the bottom of one of the show’s best kept secrets, only to find out it’s not really a secret at all.
“He’s an IT guy,” Sullivan said. “There’s one line about it, in like, Episode 4. So yeah. He specializes in technology and computers.”
I assumed Pin The Tail was for Kate’s son. Maybe birthday party? He would be 8 or so, assuming Tess aged from 13 to 21. Also, i am not a fan of the Vietnam subplot.
I think Tess must be older than 21 in the future episodes. Maybe at least 25, since social work requires a master’s degree in many states (if not all). I know I have mentioned Vulture recaps before, but the one for this episode is very much in keeping with the debates we have been having here on the future of Randall and Beth. It also reminds us of Dan Fogelman’s comments on the back half of the season focusing on Randall and Beth (previously mentioned here, I believe) and leads us to hope that chances are good that Randall and Beth will come through their speed bumps. Lots of speculation, but no spoilers.
https://www.vulture.com/2018/11/this-is-us-randall-beth-divorce-theories.html
@brantly The actor who plays Nick had a small role when he was young in Almost Famous. I only know since it’s one of my favorites and I’ve seen it many times. Then in 2015, Michael Angarano was part of an excellent medical/history show on Cinemax, The Knick. It was a 2 season show, only 20 episodes, well worth a watch (can be graphic!). Funny, another star of the show was Toby, Chris Sullivan.
I think the writers should have given Nicky at least one redeeming quality if they want us to care about him. He is just so unlikable.
I think Randall wins the election. I would prefer he didn’t since I can’t stand that storyline but it would just be one of those crazy twists.
@uwalummom I don’t think he’s so unlikable. He’s a pacifist. He can’t tolerate animal abuse, or human abuse for that matter.
I also thought that maybe Annie became a dancer. Had to look up Michael Angarano’s part in Almost Famous - also one of my all-time favorite movies. He was very cute as Young William.
I’m also in the camp they wind up the Vietnam story soon, I’m not enjoying it. They need another story line.