"This Is Us" "The Best Washing Machine In the World" (Recap & Analysis) SPOILERS!!!
What's up, everyone! I hope you've all had a wonderful week and resolved years of sibling hostility over an episode of "Who's The Boss?" This week, we finally saw some progress on the Kevin/Randall front as their sibling relationship gets put under a microscope. Let's get into it!
As the episode opens, we're treated to a montage of different Pearson family washing machines, which each represent a new phase in their lives. Then we subtly transition to Kevin (Logan Shroyer) and Randall's (Niles Fitch) bedroom, where it's 2:00 a.m. and a now, 15-year-old Kevin is trying to sleep while Randall does homework. Kevin, insisting that Randall turn out the light, throws a football at his desk lamp, knocking over his can of Coca-Cola, which ends up spilling all over Randall's work. Kevin tries to clean up the mess using Randall's baby blanket, which leads to an argument. Rebecca comes in to mediate and reminds Kevin that since Randall is on the football team, he has a lot less time to do his homework; Kevin is unsympathetic. When Rebecca asks if she has to separate them, Kevin jumps at the opportunity despite her telling him the only other room available is in the basement. Although Randall offers to do his homework in the kitchen, Kevin dismisses him and heads downstairs.
This is a heavy episode devoted to the burgeoning animosity between Kevin and Randall. Their dynamic as adults is so interesting and continuing to see them deal with very deep issues as children and adults, just to have it culminate in two big blow-outs during this episode was well worth the wait!
As the episode opens, we're treated to a montage of different Pearson family washing machines, which each represent a new phase in their lives. Then we subtly transition to Kevin (Logan Shroyer) and Randall's (Niles Fitch) bedroom, where it's 2:00 a.m. and a now, 15-year-old Kevin is trying to sleep while Randall does homework. Kevin, insisting that Randall turn out the light, throws a football at his desk lamp, knocking over his can of Coca-Cola, which ends up spilling all over Randall's work. Kevin tries to clean up the mess using Randall's baby blanket, which leads to an argument. Rebecca comes in to mediate and reminds Kevin that since Randall is on the football team, he has a lot less time to do his homework; Kevin is unsympathetic. When Rebecca asks if she has to separate them, Kevin jumps at the opportunity despite her telling him the only other room available is in the basement. Although Randall offers to do his homework in the kitchen, Kevin dismisses him and heads downstairs.
This is a heavy episode devoted to the burgeoning animosity between Kevin and Randall. Their dynamic as adults is so interesting and continuing to see them deal with very deep issues as children and adults, just to have it culminate in two big blow-outs during this episode was well worth the wait!
In the present, the brothers are cordial with each other although the tension is palpable. The friction between them is so apparent that when Randall tells Beth he's going out to dinner with Kevin, Beth is until she learns they're meeting Miguel and Rebecca.
In Los Angeles, Kate's staying on track with her and Toby's diet and exercise regiment, so, she's pumped when her next weigh-in comes around and is, understandably, disappointed when she finds out she's only lost a pound--and a quarter--since last time. She feels even more discouraged to find out that Toby has lost eight MORE pounds hitting his goal for the month. Kate, not looking to drag Toby down with her, shows her support although, she's visibly upset.
Last week, we found out that one of the catalysts for Kate's weight struggles might be her envy of Rebecca. This had led to Kate becoming distant from Rebecca into adulthood, but she's still struggling nonetheless.
At work, Randall's in the middle of a presentation, when he's interrupted by Kevin's arrival.
Later on, we see Kevin walking around Randall's office, bored out of his mind. Randall, who's on the phone with Rebecca, enters. What follows is a laughably awkward exchange as Randall repeatedly ignores Kevin's requests to put Rebecca on speakerphone. When he gets off the phone, he gives Kevin the bad news, Rebecca and Miguel can't make it; Miguel's got gout. Although the brothers try their darndest to get out of the world's most awkward dinner, neither man has an excuse handy, so they head out.
Then we're headed back to the past. After a ten-year hiatus, Rebecca's getting back on stage, heading into a rehearsal that morning as the lead singer in her old keyboardist's band. Jack, on the other hand, is still working the same old desk-job and just closed a big deal. It seems he and Rebecca are a bit too preoccupied these days, which is evident when Jack almost walks out the door without giving her a goodbye kiss. Rebecca also reminds him that the boys have a game that night, on opposing teams, and there'll be a scout coming to watch Kevin.
Back at Randall's, Beth's putting dinner on the table when William comes downstairs, looking unwell. Before the girls come downstairs, Beth suggests that, after the girls are asleep, she'll bake them some "special brownies." Although William says marijuana isn't likely to help his pain, he's willing to give it a try.
Kevin and Randall arrive at a trendy restaurant, which allows Kevin to flaunt his "celebrity" in front of Randall.
In the past, Jack's mind is elsewhere as he sits in Miguel's office. When Miguel asks what's wrong, Jack tells him he almost forgot to kiss Rebecca goodbye, the first time in 18 years to which Miguel chuckles. In walks Miguel's assistant, whom Miguel engages in a bit of back-and-forth flirtation. Once she leaves, Jack gives him an accusatory look to which Miguel assures him nothing fishy is going on. Meanwhile, Rebecca arrives late for her rehearsal, apologizing profusely. We're then introduced to her old keyboardist played by Sam Trammell ("The Fault In Our Stars"), and it's clear from the get-go that they have a history. They jump into Nat King Cole's "Straighten Up & Fly Right" and Rebecca kills it!
In ten years, Jack and Rebecca's relationship has changed considerably. They have found "something bigger" than themselves, and their relationship has had to adjust. They're caught up in one of life's cycles, and they just need to get out of it, without spinning off in different directions.
In Los Angeles, Kate, who's worried that she upset Toby, by leaving the meeting early drives over to his apartment. When she arrives, Toby looks a bit worried. She soon finds out why when she walks into his apartment to find mounds of junk food. Immediately, he confesses that he's no longer willing to follow their diet on his own time but will eat healthy around her. Kate is reluctant but does not voice any objections. Will this end well? Time will tell.
We then cut to a teenage Kate (Hannah Zeile) putting makeup on in her room, as Randall enters. She congratulates him on getting his own room to which he replies less than enthusiastically. When Kate asks him what's wrong he asks her why Kevin hates him.
Randall tries to make some polite conversation, asking Kevin how the play is going. Kevin begins to answer but they're interrupted by one of Kevin's friends. After he leaves, Randall asks how they know each other. That's when we learn two things; that man played Kevin's best friend on "The Manny" and Randall's never seen "The Manny." That's the last straw for Kevin, who storms out of the restaurant, leaving Randall angered.
Kate and Toby, on the other hand, are having a much nicer, heart-healthy meal at least, until the waiter comes to take their plates and offers them dessert. Toby, trying to be supportive of Kate, shuts him down immediately. Kate feels guilty, however, and tells Toby he should get dessert. She ends up regretting that decision as Toby stuffs vanilla ice cream slathered in syrup into his mouth.
On her way home, she stops to fill up her car with gas and, unable to fight the urge, go inside to buy some mini donuts. She gets back in her car, and after some hesitation, opens the box and starts eating.
In the past, Jack meets Rebecca at the game. The two try to have some much-needed bonding time, as Rebecca tries to tell Jack about her day, but keep getting interrupted.
On the field, Kate is working the Gatorade table, while Kevin leads warm-ups for his team, and Randall looks on with disdain. Soon, it's game time. Kevin immediately gains possession of the ball but is tackled by Randall. Kevin gets up and gives Randall a harsh stare before getting back into formation. The whistle blows, and Kevin has the ball. Randall tackles him, but this time immediately begins wailing on him. Soon, the brothers are full-on battling it out, on the field, and have to be broken apart as Jack and Rebecca watch. Cut to Jack, Rebecca, and "The Big Three" walking silently through the parking lot. Once they approach the car, Jack turns to Kevin and Randall and tells them they're going to "talk big-time at home." However, that's a conversation we don't end up seeing.
Throughout the series, I'm sure we'll see the brothers grow closer as adults, but in the past, they're just two, 15-year-old boys dealing with deeply-rooted insecurities that neither wants to confess. They don't have the maturity to talk through their issues, so instead, they get physical.
In the present, those years of pent-up anger finally culminates in a climactic war-of-words on the streets of New York, as Randall and Kevin, are forced to finally talk about their deeper issues when Kevin spots a billboard showcasing his replacement on "The Manny" and responds:
At that comment, Randall can no longer keep quiet:
There's a very subtle difference between these past and present fights. The first is purely physical, and you feel their anger, and the scene is emotionally charged. In the second fight, they're older now but can find the words to express their emotions, in a way that is just as emotionally-charged; so, when they begin wailing on each other, in the streets, they look ridiculous. To drive home the ridiculousness of the situation, comedian Seth Meyers is the one to "break it up." It's a turning point because now they're mature enough to realize that they can't resolve their issues through fisticuffs.
On the other side of town, Beth and William are feeling no pain as they sit outside on lawn chairs, wrapped in blankets, looking up at the night sky. Beth begins telling William about her childhood and growing up in a house with her parents, siblings, cousins, and aunts.
Meanwhile, Randall and Kevin pull into the driveway, parked and sitting in silence before Randall breaks the tension.
Kevin claims that can't be true, but Randall is adamant. Kevin, looking ashamed replies, "Well, then, that really sucks." For the first time, the men are seeing each other as human. With that, they leave me to hope their relationship can grow.
Unfortunately for Rebecca and Randall, their relationship may soon change as Beth urges William to tell Randall the truth. William, of course, refuses to do so, prompting Beth to take matters into her own hands by leaving a voicemail for Rebecca. Before that happens, though, Randall and Kevin enter the backyard.
Beth rushes up to bed, and before Kevin heads upstairs himself, William lets him know he's been moved. Cut to Randall and Kevin in the basement where Kevin's stuff is sprawled out. Kevin chuckles, and although Randall offers to move him back upstairs, Kevin rejects the offer, telling him that it'll do just fine and that he'll be getting out of their hair soon. Randall begins heading up the stairs, but Kevin calls to him, asking if he'd like to stay and hang with him. Randall agrees with a very confused look on his face. Cut to the brothers, laughing watching "The Manny."
In the past, unfortunately, the brothers just have to make their way through the cycle. Randall's sitting up in bed with the light on staring at Kevin's empty bed. In the basement, Kevin's also sitting up in bed, lost in thought. A bit later, he calls out to Rebecca, telling her when she comes down that he can't turn the washing machine off to which she replies:
We're treated, once again, to a montage of Jack and Rebecca's washing machines throughout the years before Jack brings home "The Best Washing Machine In The World." With this final montage, we're reminded that change doesn't always happen overnight sometimes, you just gotta get through a few rough cycles.
What did you think of the episode? Will Randall and Kevin's relationship grow stronger? Will Randall and Rebecca's relationship deteriorate when her secret is revealed? Let me know what you think in the comments. Don't forget to subscribe to the blog and like my page on FB @TheTelevisionZone and follow me on Twitter @TelevisionZone. Remember, you can follow along on this journey by watching "This Is Us" on the NBC website by finding your cable provider. See ya next week!
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| Courtesy of NBC |
In Los Angeles, Kate's staying on track with her and Toby's diet and exercise regiment, so, she's pumped when her next weigh-in comes around and is, understandably, disappointed when she finds out she's only lost a pound--and a quarter--since last time. She feels even more discouraged to find out that Toby has lost eight MORE pounds hitting his goal for the month. Kate, not looking to drag Toby down with her, shows her support although, she's visibly upset.
Last week, we found out that one of the catalysts for Kate's weight struggles might be her envy of Rebecca. This had led to Kate becoming distant from Rebecca into adulthood, but she's still struggling nonetheless.
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| Courtesy of NBC |
At work, Randall's in the middle of a presentation, when he's interrupted by Kevin's arrival.
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| Courtesy of NBC |
Later on, we see Kevin walking around Randall's office, bored out of his mind. Randall, who's on the phone with Rebecca, enters. What follows is a laughably awkward exchange as Randall repeatedly ignores Kevin's requests to put Rebecca on speakerphone. When he gets off the phone, he gives Kevin the bad news, Rebecca and Miguel can't make it; Miguel's got gout. Although the brothers try their darndest to get out of the world's most awkward dinner, neither man has an excuse handy, so they head out.
Then we're headed back to the past. After a ten-year hiatus, Rebecca's getting back on stage, heading into a rehearsal that morning as the lead singer in her old keyboardist's band. Jack, on the other hand, is still working the same old desk-job and just closed a big deal. It seems he and Rebecca are a bit too preoccupied these days, which is evident when Jack almost walks out the door without giving her a goodbye kiss. Rebecca also reminds him that the boys have a game that night, on opposing teams, and there'll be a scout coming to watch Kevin.
 |
| Courtesy of NBC |
Back at Randall's, Beth's putting dinner on the table when William comes downstairs, looking unwell. Before the girls come downstairs, Beth suggests that, after the girls are asleep, she'll bake them some "special brownies." Although William says marijuana isn't likely to help his pain, he's willing to give it a try.
Kevin and Randall arrive at a trendy restaurant, which allows Kevin to flaunt his "celebrity" in front of Randall.
 |
| Courtesy of NBC |
In the past, Jack's mind is elsewhere as he sits in Miguel's office. When Miguel asks what's wrong, Jack tells him he almost forgot to kiss Rebecca goodbye, the first time in 18 years to which Miguel chuckles. In walks Miguel's assistant, whom Miguel engages in a bit of back-and-forth flirtation. Once she leaves, Jack gives him an accusatory look to which Miguel assures him nothing fishy is going on. Meanwhile, Rebecca arrives late for her rehearsal, apologizing profusely. We're then introduced to her old keyboardist played by Sam Trammell ("The Fault In Our Stars"), and it's clear from the get-go that they have a history. They jump into Nat King Cole's "Straighten Up & Fly Right" and Rebecca kills it!
 |
| Courtesy of NBC |
In ten years, Jack and Rebecca's relationship has changed considerably. They have found "something bigger" than themselves, and their relationship has had to adjust. They're caught up in one of life's cycles, and they just need to get out of it, without spinning off in different directions.
In Los Angeles, Kate, who's worried that she upset Toby, by leaving the meeting early drives over to his apartment. When she arrives, Toby looks a bit worried. She soon finds out why when she walks into his apartment to find mounds of junk food. Immediately, he confesses that he's no longer willing to follow their diet on his own time but will eat healthy around her. Kate is reluctant but does not voice any objections. Will this end well? Time will tell.
 |
| Courtesy of NBC |
We then cut to a teenage Kate (Hannah Zeile) putting makeup on in her room, as Randall enters. She congratulates him on getting his own room to which he replies less than enthusiastically. When Kate asks him what's wrong he asks her why Kevin hates him.
"Kevin doesn't hate you," she says. "You guys are just so intense with each other, you know? Try lightening things up a little. Joke around with him more."So, Randall takes her advice and goes down to Kevin's man-cave. Although he tries to joke around with Kevin, Kevin's not having it:
"Randall, can you please just get out of here, man? Look, I came down here to get away from you."In the present, Beth and William are in the basement getting "lit" on brownies and trying to contain their laughter. Suddenly, Annie comes downstairs, having been woken by the smell of sweets. Beth ushers her off to bed, after promising to make her brownies the next day. Once she leaves, William says that he feels bad the girls have to share a room on account of him, but Beth assures him that he's welcome. Kevin, on the other hand, she says, needs to leave.
"My office used to be my haven. Now, it's Kevin's hamper."Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Kevin and Randall are quietly having dinner. Randall attempts to make small-talk but is stopped when they are suddenly approached by a friend of Kevin's.
Randall tries to make some polite conversation, asking Kevin how the play is going. Kevin begins to answer but they're interrupted by one of Kevin's friends. After he leaves, Randall asks how they know each other. That's when we learn two things; that man played Kevin's best friend on "The Manny" and Randall's never seen "The Manny." That's the last straw for Kevin, who storms out of the restaurant, leaving Randall angered.
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| Courtesy of NBC |
Kate and Toby, on the other hand, are having a much nicer, heart-healthy meal at least, until the waiter comes to take their plates and offers them dessert. Toby, trying to be supportive of Kate, shuts him down immediately. Kate feels guilty, however, and tells Toby he should get dessert. She ends up regretting that decision as Toby stuffs vanilla ice cream slathered in syrup into his mouth.
 |
| Courtesy of NBC |
On her way home, she stops to fill up her car with gas and, unable to fight the urge, go inside to buy some mini donuts. She gets back in her car, and after some hesitation, opens the box and starts eating.
In the past, Jack meets Rebecca at the game. The two try to have some much-needed bonding time, as Rebecca tries to tell Jack about her day, but keep getting interrupted.
 |
| Courtesy of NBC |
On the field, Kate is working the Gatorade table, while Kevin leads warm-ups for his team, and Randall looks on with disdain. Soon, it's game time. Kevin immediately gains possession of the ball but is tackled by Randall. Kevin gets up and gives Randall a harsh stare before getting back into formation. The whistle blows, and Kevin has the ball. Randall tackles him, but this time immediately begins wailing on him. Soon, the brothers are full-on battling it out, on the field, and have to be broken apart as Jack and Rebecca watch. Cut to Jack, Rebecca, and "The Big Three" walking silently through the parking lot. Once they approach the car, Jack turns to Kevin and Randall and tells them they're going to "talk big-time at home." However, that's a conversation we don't end up seeing.
Throughout the series, I'm sure we'll see the brothers grow closer as adults, but in the past, they're just two, 15-year-old boys dealing with deeply-rooted insecurities that neither wants to confess. They don't have the maturity to talk through their issues, so instead, they get physical.
In the present, those years of pent-up anger finally culminates in a climactic war-of-words on the streets of New York, as Randall and Kevin, are forced to finally talk about their deeper issues when Kevin spots a billboard showcasing his replacement on "The Manny" and responds:
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| Courtesy of NBC |
At that comment, Randall can no longer keep quiet:
Randall: "What are you harboring? 'Cause God knows I would really love to hear this."
Kevin: "You always got special treatment."
Randall: "Because I'm black?"
Kevin: "No, because you're black and you're adopted."
Randall: "Oh, yeah, hit the jackpot with that combination. Couldn't have had it any easier."
Kevin: "In our house, you did. With our mother, you did. [...] Why can't you just admit it, man? [...] Just admit that you were more important to her and that she wanted to make sure that you felt special every single minute of every single day so that you wouldn't feel like the odd man out."
Randall: "Well, gee, Kevin, I wonder why she was worried about me feeling that way. [...] You treated me like a dog. And just like a dog, I kept coming back again and again, just hoping for a scrap from you, like a crumb of affection or kindness or respect."
Kevin: "Respect? You wanted my respect? [...] No, you wanted to show me up, Randall. Which is what you did every single change you got. You showed me up. [...] In any other family, I would've been the star."The brothers then begin pushing and soon grappling on the pavement. Several people gather to watch and record the fight. Among the watchers, is late-night host Seth Meyers calls out to Kevin and asks him if he needs assistance. Kevin awkwardly declines, telling him that Randall is his brother. The men, embarrassed, quickly get up and run the other way.
There's a very subtle difference between these past and present fights. The first is purely physical, and you feel their anger, and the scene is emotionally charged. In the second fight, they're older now but can find the words to express their emotions, in a way that is just as emotionally-charged; so, when they begin wailing on each other, in the streets, they look ridiculous. To drive home the ridiculousness of the situation, comedian Seth Meyers is the one to "break it up." It's a turning point because now they're mature enough to realize that they can't resolve their issues through fisticuffs.
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| Courtesy of NBC/TVFanatic.com |
On the other side of town, Beth and William are feeling no pain as they sit outside on lawn chairs, wrapped in blankets, looking up at the night sky. Beth begins telling William about her childhood and growing up in a house with her parents, siblings, cousins, and aunts.
Beth: "[...] When I was young, all I did was dream of living alone. Like some hippie life, you know? Like in some artist loft downtown. No husband. Definitely no kids."
Randall: "So what happened?"
Beth: "I met your damn son. One look in his eyes, he ruined everything."William tells her that he's pretty much always lived by himself but now, he's got a family to go to sleep to and wake up to every morning. He tells her:
"Makes me feel sad to die."As they look up at the sky, Beth comments about the beauty of the New Moon, and William starts to recite a poem by Dudley Randall. Beth joins in, to William's surprise, which prompts her to explain that she read it in a book of poems Randall owns. William stoned out of his mind, reveals to her that he's the one that gave Rebecca the book. William, realizing his mistake, tries to rush off to bed, but Beth wants answers.
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| Courtesy of NBC |
Meanwhile, Randall and Kevin pull into the driveway, parked and sitting in silence before Randall breaks the tension.
"You're right. Mom did favor me. She did. Showered me with attention. Took my side more often than not. And I ate every bit of her love up. Ate it up like Pac-Man. You know why? Because the one person I wanted it from mo...You know, back there with those people, it's the first time in 36 years you've said the words, 'He's my brother.'"
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| Courtesy of NBC |
Kevin claims that can't be true, but Randall is adamant. Kevin, looking ashamed replies, "Well, then, that really sucks." For the first time, the men are seeing each other as human. With that, they leave me to hope their relationship can grow.
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| Courtesy of NBC |
Unfortunately for Rebecca and Randall, their relationship may soon change as Beth urges William to tell Randall the truth. William, of course, refuses to do so, prompting Beth to take matters into her own hands by leaving a voicemail for Rebecca. Before that happens, though, Randall and Kevin enter the backyard.
Beth rushes up to bed, and before Kevin heads upstairs himself, William lets him know he's been moved. Cut to Randall and Kevin in the basement where Kevin's stuff is sprawled out. Kevin chuckles, and although Randall offers to move him back upstairs, Kevin rejects the offer, telling him that it'll do just fine and that he'll be getting out of their hair soon. Randall begins heading up the stairs, but Kevin calls to him, asking if he'd like to stay and hang with him. Randall agrees with a very confused look on his face. Cut to the brothers, laughing watching "The Manny."
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| Courtesy of NBC |
In the past, unfortunately, the brothers just have to make their way through the cycle. Randall's sitting up in bed with the light on staring at Kevin's empty bed. In the basement, Kevin's also sitting up in bed, lost in thought. A bit later, he calls out to Rebecca, telling her when she comes down that he can't turn the washing machine off to which she replies:
"Kev, you know you can always go back to your old room with Randall."To that, Kevin just stares at her and then goes to lay back down. Rebecca, exasperated, turns off the washing machine and begins folding clothes while admiring their new washing machine. She then walks over to the laundry basket and begins folding clothes while looking at their new washing machine.
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| Courtesy of NBC |
We're treated, once again, to a montage of Jack and Rebecca's washing machines throughout the years before Jack brings home "The Best Washing Machine In The World." With this final montage, we're reminded that change doesn't always happen overnight sometimes, you just gotta get through a few rough cycles.
What did you think of the episode? Will Randall and Kevin's relationship grow stronger? Will Randall and Rebecca's relationship deteriorate when her secret is revealed? Let me know what you think in the comments. Don't forget to subscribe to the blog and like my page on FB @TheTelevisionZone and follow me on Twitter @TelevisionZone. Remember, you can follow along on this journey by watching "This Is Us" on the NBC website by finding your cable provider. See ya next week!
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