After six wildly popular and successful seasons, the hit family drama This Is Us came to a close on May 24, 2022 with a beautiful finale. The story flashed between Rebecca's memorial and the immediate aftermath of her death, a typical Saturday with a younger Pearson family, and little precious moments in between.
It was quiet, poignant season finale that was very reflective and captured the spirit of what the show has been and added to the pearls of wisdom and speculations about life it has dropped in each episode thus far. There were many meaningful moments with beloved characters as well. The following quotes contributed to the finale's magic.
Beth Plays A Solo Game Of Worst Case Scenario
"No Parents Left To Bury, You Spend The Rest Of Your Days Going To Other Peoples' Parents Funerals. Just Crying Single Tears At Funerals Of Parents You Don't Even Know."
A beloved funny and related through line of the series is Beth and Randall's "Worst Case Scenario" game they play when they are both worried about the same thing.
In the finale, Beth worries that Randall will go off the rails after the loss of Rebecca, but this time, Randall isn't worried. It's fun to see Beth roll through three separate scenarios of how Randall could go off the deep end. It's a celebration of her character that fans love and how well she knows Randall, and it even makes references to previous events in the series.
Toby Shares Words Of Comfort With Kate
"Number One. She Was Extraordinarily Proud Of You. I Am Extraordinarily Proud Of You. That Was Number Two. They Get Progressively More And More Intense As We Go...And The Third One Is A Real Doozy...I love You, Kid. I Love You."
The original power couple "Katoby" told a beautiful love story across six seasons of two people who ultimately outgrew each other when they came into their own.
These words Toby shares with Kate after getting her permission to say unusual things for an ex husband to say are such simple, yet comforting words to share with a loved one who is grieving. It's a nice reminder that there are so many other types of love beyond romantic love.
Nicky Levels With Kevin
"Before You Came Banging On The Door Of That Trailer Of Mine, I Had It Pretty Good, You Know? I Didn't Care About Anything... You Really Effed Up My Life, Kid. And Your Mother And Father Would Be Ashamed If They Knew What You Did To A Sweet And Sensitive Old Man Like Me."
Uncle Nicky becomes one of the best characters in This Is Us not long after he arrives in the third season. He journeys from a dark, sympathetic character to one that brings much needed comedic relief.
This scene with these words that Nicky shares with Kevin is a special one. For once, Kevin is now talking at a mile a minute, he is really listening to Nicky and it is a beautiful full circle moment that acknowledges where they started and lightens the mood of the day in a very Nicky fashion.
Jack's Words Of Wisdom
"When You're Young, You're Always Trying To Be Older. Then When You Get Old, You're Always Trying To Go Back... Try And Appreciate The Moments, You Know?"
The famous saying "youth is wasted on the young," is popular for a reason, and this is exactly the feeling Jack is addressing when he shares this with young, but desperately-wanting-to-mature Kevin and Randall.
There is a moment in this episode where older Kevin examines his beard in the mirror and smiles, and he is likely thinking of this conversation. Randall certainly thinks of it too as he sits and reflects. Jack and Rebecca learn to live in the moment throughout the series and impart the wisdom steadily onto their kids and viewers.
The Smells Of Grandparents
William: "I Wonder What They'll Remember About Me...Selfish Thing To Worry About, I Know.."
Randall: "A Lot...Plus You Got That Really Nice, Really Distinctive Smell."
Once William shares that he mostly remembers the smells of pies and pipes when he thinks of his Grandmother and Grandfather, Randall reassures him that his girls will grow to remember William well, but he poetically circles back to the smells with a smile.
Randall and William share one of the most special and rewarding relationships to watch unfold throughout the series, so it is genius that the This Is Us team chose to save a special moment between them for the finale. It's nice to see a younger Randall joking with his father, and the descriptive language and discussion of specific smells appeal to the senses, with Randall stating William smells "Like shaving cream and old sweaters."
Rebecca's Words Of Wisdom
"When The World Puts Something This Obvious In Front Of You, You Don't Just Walk Away From It. You Could Be Missing Out On Something Very Important."
This Is Us has brought many beautiful gems and quotes into the world, and this is certainly another timeless classic. Rebecca doesn't mention fate or the universe or anything specific by name, but it's alluded to as she states this very simply.
This is the type of line that is both vague and specific enough at the same time that it triggers personal memories and examples to anyone who hears it, which is such a powerful way for the show to reach out to its fan base in the finale. Rebecca is talking about a little game here while shopping, but both in and out of the world of the show, it means so much more.
Kate Honoring Rebecca's Wants
"We're Gonna Do What She Wanted Us To Do. We're Gonna Live Fearlessly."
Before Rebecca gets too sick in the final season, she tells her kids to chase their dreams and do big things without letting her hold them back. They have already gone on to follow this advice as her illness took over, and then Kate brings back these words with excellent timing.
People often feel directionless after a big loss, and in this moment Kate reminds herself and her brothers of their mother's wants. Rebecca did put this out very clearly, and even though she was referring to her sickness, the desire she has for them rings even more true after her death. She chose Kate for a reason before, and Kate is demonstrating this connection they have once again.
Kevin's Home
"I Like My Home. Took Me A Long Time To Get It."
In the flashbacks of the finale, a young Rebecca addresses a young Kevin about how hard he must have to work to become the man she knows he can be. This line from Kevin alludes to that moment, but also the series as a whole.
A lot of present-day scenes and storylines in This Is Us take place at either Kate or Randall's houses, but Kevin spends most of the series staying with family members, bouncing between hotels, or being in a temporary living situation. He builds his home in the final season both figuratively with Sophie and hit kids, and literally. It's powerful to hear how he values this.
Kevin's Brotherly Banter With Randall
"Yeah I'm Just Sayin', You Know, People Don't Like Their Presidents All Weepy And Stuff, You Know What I Mean? You Got To Button That Up."
In every timeline of the show, for better or worse, Randall and Kevin always know how to mess with each other. Sometimes it appears in fights, sometimes in jokes, but it is always some form of brotherly love deep down.
The finale showcases great back and forth between the brothers as Randall jokes about Kevin learning to swim, which leads Kevin to pick at Randall for being emotional. This is a hilarious, classic comment for Kevin that also boldly states the big "P" word that Randall manages to avoid when he shares his news. The scene represents both of them and the relationship so well.
Jack And Rebecca
Rebecca: "There Was So Much Left I Wanted To Do With Them."
Jack: "You Will. It's Hard To Explain, But You'll Do All Those Things With Them."
The last dialogue of the show is between the two characters who started the family fans have fallen in love with over the past six seasons: Jack and Rebecca.
It's a beautiful scene that is written in a way that reaches both religious and non-religious audiences. Once again, while no specifics of an afterlife are stated, Jack comforts Rebecca about how she will still get to be a part of the kid's lives in a deep, loving, meaningful way that also stays open for audience interpretation. The lessons and love from Jack and Rebecca live on for all.