Andrew Robinson
This review will be as spoiler-free as possible, though possible minor spoilers may come up.
Summary
This Is Us finally returned on Tuesday night. In an episode that feels a bit more like it is setting up future episodes rather than attempting to stand alone, we get to see the root of the Pearson family tree, as Jack and Rebecca’s first date is shown. Randall continues to work with Deja to help her feel connected to the family. Beth suspects that something is going on between Kevin and Zoe. Kate and Toby struggle with the aftermath from her miscarriage in season two, as well as with their longing for a child.
Analysis
“Ave Maria” is a solid season premiere. We get to see all of the Pearsons again (though the absence of the Young and Teenage Big Threes is felt), and a lot happens to set up future episodes in the season.
Again deciding to start out the episode with a character that we aren’t familiar with, TIU brings flashbacks to the old couple with good intentions, but also the Crockpot From Hell, from season two. I enjoy meeting new seemingly-random characters that end up having a profound effect on the Pearsons in one way or another, and think that it’s a very unique thing that Dan Fogelman and Co. are able to do, though it certainly may be off-putting and confusing to newer viewers. However, the fact that everything comes around to connect by the end of the episode (the voice-over is brilliant, by the way; the symbolism and connections present are fantastic) makes meeting the new, likely one-off characters a unique and fun experience for me.
It is really cool to see Jack and Rebecca’s first meeting, and the fact that everything isn’t always perfect between the two of them. While seasons one and two brought some struggles to light between the two, their relationship has still always felt a little too perfect, and it was nice (and a bit humorous) to see how their first date went (spoiler alert: it was far from perfect). TIU also does a good job at making the viewer connect on a deeper level with Jack, who has always been the Superman of romance, and thus a tad difficult to relate to.
Susan Kelechi Watson, who plays Beth, continues to be one of the most impressive actresses on a show featuring many. Her one-liners are hilarious, and the way she approaches every situation in “Ave Maria” is just funny, plain and simple. The delivery of her lines is perfect, and her facial expressions make everything even better. It’s a shame that she has yet to receive major award recognition for her work on This Is Us, because her mere presence makes the show that much better.
The relationship that is continuing to develop between Randall and Deja is very sweet, and is one of my favorite aspects of the show. While some of Randall’s actions in “Ave Maria” are misguided, he, along with Beth and the kids, clearly loves Deja, and wants the best for her, no matter what. Plus, Lyric Ross portrays Deja in a way that feels entirely authentic, boosting the show as a whole. After being promoted to series regular for season three, it seems likely that we’ll see a lot more of Ross. I, for one, am excited.
Kate and Toby have perhaps the most difficult storyline of the episode (and things only appear to be going downhill, considering what we saw in the season two finale, as well as in the final moments of “Ave Maria”). Chrissy Metz and Chris Sullivan bring their A-game in “Ave Maria,” and are likely the MVPs of the episode. The viewer feels extremely empathetic towards the two throughout the entirety of the episode, as their struggles are something that many, in one way or another, can relate to. Kate’s monologue at her birthday party is extremely sad, and I found myself agreeing with her in many aspects (though not all). Hopefully, good things are in store for the newly-wedded couple, but I wouldn’t hold my breath, considering everything we already know.
Finally, another flash-forward scene at the tail end of the episode shines some light on the Randall- adult Tess situation, though we still aren’t blessed with any direct information. The implication that the woman they discuss may not be who initially believed it to be after the season two finale is interesting, and a tad confusing. According to Sterling K. Brown (Randall), we are supposed to find out who the woman is sometime this season, so keep your eyes and ears open. The show’s willingness to introduce another timeline into the show, no matter how little it may be used, is interesting and ambitious. Hopefully, the idea works out for them, and they don’t try to do too much with their new toy. Despite the potential difficulties, I trust Fogelman, and think it will be used well.
Verdict
“Ave Maria” is a solid episode that features the return of one of television’s best shows. Watson, Metz, and Sullivan star, and the building of the relationship between Randall and Deja, as well as that between Rebecca and Jack, is portrayed beautifully. The episode sets up a lot for the future, and gets the viewer excited for Tuesday nights at 9 PM again.
8.5/10
