This Is Us (TV Series) After the Fire (2020) User Reviews

Stop Randall. Just stop please

[strawberry-60502 · 9/10 · 18 March 2020]

This is one of the most brilliant episodes of this incredible show. Not surprised. I loved the "what-if" jack was an alive possibility, but Randall should know that he can't draw his own conclusions for every situation in his life: he couldn't have saved his father from the smoke inhalation, because Jack will die anyway unfortunately because of his heart condition. He couldn't have saved William from dying from cancer even if he discovered it way earlier. And he also shouldn't think he has the ability to save his mom from Alzheimer EVEN if he forced her to go on with the clinical trial. He would a lot less anxious and would have solved his anxiety problems if he just accepts that he doesn't have be the fixer of all his family's problems.

The emotional tipping point

[lesterholt · 8/10 · 18 March 2020]

This before-the-finale episode sets up the audience to expect a tumultuous season ending. We explore Randall's world of "what-ifs" including what would life have been like if Jack never died. The whole episode builds up to an ending decision that can easily be deemed as the center point of this three episode arc. The finale is sure to show the reactions of the whole Pearson clan reacting to this decision. As far as the episode, we get plenty of callbacks and Easter eggs from all 4 seasons of this show. We explore the psyche of Randall like never before, even in ways that are not so flattering for the character, but still relatable. This episode serves as a great kindling for what can only be presumed to be an explosive ending of Season 4.

Man .. what was that?

[saifeliya · 10/10 · 20 March 2020]

Both scenarios were amazing ! Both had me in tears .. and the final scene was AMAZING also I don't know how they manage to do this to us ... Definitely one of my fav episodes of the season and the show... 10000000 out of 10

Exeptionally good

[niels_hedel · 21 March 2020]

Let me begin with saying that this is the first time I've posted anything and I've watched hundreds of series and movies. However, I've found this episode of This Is Us remarkable.

The process Randall goes through is insightful and lets us contemplate if knowing the future is in our best interest. Furthermore, the acting is great. Normally I am not a big fan of the acting Mandy Moore does, but in this episode she's amazing.

I would recommend anyone to watch this episode. Even if it takes almost 4 seasons to reach this point.

Right in the Feels!

[barnsleylad4949 · 10/10 · 19 March 2020]

Just when you think TIU can't through any more emotions at you they do this to you! Brilliant episode and a great concept well written. Probably my favorite episode to date.

Soapbox Time!!!

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 10 May 2024]

I'm looking at "reviewers." There are some nice ones. But what I have trouble with is when people give low scores because they don't like a particular character. This time it's Randall. I also tire of his character, but that's the person he is. They are all characters and their interactions are what make the show. With Randall it doesn't matter if you like him or not. He is what he is in the development of the show. What do you want to do? Enter the screen and explain to him that he should change? This actor is amazing with all issues coming out; all his insecurities. And his smug self centeredness. I guess people just want everyone to be nice. The business with the counselor is about as it gets. And the reality of it, is he doesn't change overnight because there is so much ingrained in him. He has a savior complex but that's him being a good character.

So annoying

[elisabethcarstairs · 3/10 · 7 May 2022]

Although I seem to be pretty lonely with my opinion, I am terribly annoyed with Randall at this point.

He is so self centered. He imagines what could have been if his father hadn't died and the very first thing that comes up in his mind is William. Don't get me wrong, William I liked very much, brilliant character. But what I'm getting at is, that Randall is instantly going from one father to the other. From the one he's been thinking about for sooooo long to his birth father. Like, oh well, now that Jack is safe, cast him aside and get my real Das out of the closet..... From the saving of one parent to being mad at the other one, the same one he is trying to save atm. And let's face it, he is just jealous of Kevin, because for once he is not the center of attention from his mom.

I'm so annoyed, not even 10 minutes into the episodes and I feel so..... bored.

I know, the conclusion will probably be good, Randall will work through his stuff at some piubt, but still, it's annoying to see a character that startet out so good, acting like a huge..... And also: shouldn't his "what ifs" include stuff from other family members too? Not just his? That is selfish and again: so self centered. And now I have to watch a entire episode of "what could have beens" imagined by an arrogant, jealous and whiney...... Well, better get on with it.

and Randall gets his way again.....but at what cost?

[orthohawk · 5 June 2022]

So, through all this story arc, Randall bulls his way through all obstacles, save one: his mother has decided. That should be the end of it, but no! The Great and All-knowing Randall cannot accept that the decision is HIS MOTHER's and not anyone else's, including his. So he essentially bullies his mother and emotionally blackmails her to change her mind, thus cementing the idea in his mind that he knows best and when he wants he gets. He needs to learn the exact opposite, but now he never will. Bad character "growth," writers.

Time to give up?

[mellabella-93401 · 2/10 · 22 July 2022]

I don't review. However I had to express, how am I the only one tired of Randall? He is controlling, manipulating and self important.

So many great moments throughout until this point but I am still struggling to genuinely like one character. Actually, Kevin is starting to pull ahead. Please tell me it gets better?

Saviour Complex!

[ddbmschmidt · 3/10 · 31 May 2022]

This is the lowest point of the whole series. The shift towards everything revolving around Randall is complete, and the show was worse for it.

He has to be the control freak about everything to the detriment of his siblings.

Of course Randall has to "save" Jack and William from their addictions. Then have TWO fathers, but then dropping his mom to the side. Taking away from Kevin that he reunites Jack and Nicky.

Randall probably wouldn't have met Beth, there would not have been a ceiling fan to name his daughter after.

This "what if" episode is definitely a "filler". The series picks up again, thank goodness and travels wonderfully towards the recently aired series finale.

Farewell to Randall's saviour complex.

Cheers to the Therapist! She is awesome!!

disappointed episode

[jerfguo · 4/10 · 18 March 2020]

Just can't understand why Randall can decided and change everything in the show. It should be a story of the whole family, not Randall's one-man show.