This is Us Season 6 Episode 5 review: Rebecca returns to the dating scene; Deja’s set to move to Boston

3.5/5

Story: When Rebecca is finally ready to get back into the dating pool, teenaged Kate doesn’t take too kindly to it. And in present day, Kate’s not sure if Rebecca can still be trusted with caring for the kids with no one else around, given her Alzheimer’s prognosis. Deja’s plan to graduate early and take a break year to be with Malik in Boston runs into rough weather, while Kevin wonders about the nature of his relationship with Cassidy. 

Review: It’s always refreshing when there’s an episode that actually allows for story progression, even if it is only by a few inches. On this week’s episode, a lot is happening for all the Pearsons. One the one hand, we have a much younger Rebecca trying out speed dating at the behest of Miguel, after teenaged Kate mocks her for spending too much time with him watching a stupid TV show. The date night goes fairly well for Rebecca, who runs into an old acquaintance there and heads off for late coffee, but ends badly when Kate berates her ‘sl***y’ behaviour and Rebecca’s instant reaction is to slap her across the face.

Kate has, for the most part, had a difficult relationship with Rebecca and is torn at the latter’s Alzheimer diagnosis, just as things started getting better between them. Rebecca’s prognosis is also a cause for concern for Kate, especially after the last scan that showed plaque build up in her brain. Both Kate and Toby are not sure if letting Rebecca care for the kids without supervision is an option anymore, which Kate drops on Rebecca. Understandably, Rebecca is upset and leaves, but Kate has a change of heart and drops by to apologize to her mother and ask her to teach baby Jack to play the piano, something they’d done together often. 

Also read: This is Us Season 6 Episode 4 review: Jack discovers who his mom Marilyn truly is

In Randall’s household, meanwhile, Deja is all set to drop a bomb, quite literally. Remember when Randall told her that going to meet Malik in Boston was not an option anymore and she said that’s going to be a problem. Well, that problem’s here – she has enough credit to graduate early and the plan is to take a gap year and move in with Malik. Oh boy, you could literally see steam coming out Randall’s ears at that. 

As for Kevin, well, he’s still conflicted with Madison’s new relationship and the limited time he gets with the twins, and he’s getting mixed signals from Cassidy. She is game to come over to the cabin and maybe even sleep with him, but she won’t hold hands after an ice cream outing. 

Verdict: This is Us is going into a short break for the duration of the Winter Olympics and should, hopefully, be back by the end of the month. In the meantime, watch this one as it steers several plot points on to the right course.