When This Is Us returns for its sixth and final season in 2022, there are many relationships that need closure. But the on-again, off-again romance between Kevin Pearson (Justin Hartley) and his ex-wife Sophie (Alexandra Breckenridge) is a storyline that the series has left unresolved since its very first season.
It's clear that there are only two options for how this relationship could end up: either they get back together (again), or they go their separate ways for good. At this point, either outcome seems likely, as the series has made a compelling case for both. But after all these years, which end do Kevin and Sophie really deserve?
End Up Together: They Both Want A Second Chance
This Is Us has many burning questions to answer in its sixth and final season, and whether Kevin and Sophie find their way back to each other is one of the biggest of them all. For at least two seasons, the series has been dropping hints that these former lovers aren't over each other and even want to pursue a renewed romance.
In season 4, Kevin expressed a real regret that he never got another chance with Sophie when visiting her mother's grave. Meanwhile, Sophie looked wistfully at her grandmother's wedding ring, which her mother had planned for Kevin to give to Sophie. These hints indicate a reconciliation between the popular couple that most fans would like to see.
Move On: Kevin Cheated On Her When They Were Married
Most relationships on television are far from perfect, but it's pretty rare to find a couple that successfully stays together in the long run once cheating is involved. The series has never explicitly detailed what happened in Kevin and Sophie's younger years of marriage, but one thing has been established: Kevin cheated on Sophie.
Recent seasons have started to offer a glimpse of their young love after they secretly got married, so it stands to reason that season 6 could show their marriage in greater detail including Kevin's flaws. As a result, it could become clearer that their relationship was never meant to last due to a past indiscretion on Kevin's part or Sophie's refusal to forgive him for his initial act of infidelity.
End Up Together: Kevin Is At His Best With Sophie
Kevin might be the worst male Pearson sibling, but all of that changes when he has Sophie in his life. Kevin is a character who is often entirely in his own head who is self-involved and somewhat egotistical. He is also often burdened by his history of trauma and insecurity, and unable to understand others' feelings and struggles.
But Sophie grounds him and reminds him of his humble origins. With her limitless compassion and her ability to see through all of Kevin's pretenses, Sophie is one of the only people to understand and accept the real Kevin - the man she has always known, long before he was known for his sitcom persona as "The Manny."
Move On: Kevin Has Put Sophie Through Too Much
Although they were only teenagers when it happened, Kevin cheated on Sophie when the two were married. But that isn't the only painful experience that Kevin has put Sophie through, and at this point, they may well be past their ultimate breaking point.
On more than one occasion, Kevin publicly embarrasses himself and Sophie, including at an important dinner the two attend for Sophie's hospital. After pleading with Sophie for a second chance, Kevin routinely shuts her out and refuses her help as he succumbs to his alcoholic tendencies, ultimately breaking it off with her and leaving her hurt.
End Up Together: Undeniable Chemistry
Chemistry might be a subjective thing, but This Is Us has been lucky in terms of finding a core cast of characters with believable, natural chemistry. The Pearson family feels like a real family due to the strength of the actors' performances, and the ease with which they act together.
Out of all of the actresses who have played Kevin's love interests, Alexandra Breckenridge is the only actress who feels like a natural fit for the series. From their first episode, it has been clear that Kevin and Sophie are perfect together. But this may not have been the case if it weren't for the undeniable chemistry between Breckenridge and Justin Hartley, who makes Kevin's love for Sophie seem believable.
Move On: They Don't Live In Each Other's Worlds Anymore
When Kevin and Sophie were growing up together in Pittsburgh, they were constantly in each other's orbit because of school and Kate's friendship with Sophie. As they began to date in their high school years, they only grew closer. Even when Kevin moved to California to try out his acting career, their long-distance marriage kept them in each other's lives.
But their lives have changed a lot since then. Kevin's acting career has had fits and starts in California, he's fathered twins, and he almost even got married in season 5. Sophie also nearly got married in season 4, and her life is busy with her work in medicine in New York. It's not clear how compatible their worlds are anymore.
End Up Together: They're Still Each Other's Support System
When Pearson patriarch Jack died in the 1990s, Kevin was an absolute wreck. Sophie was really the only person who was able to get through to him during those turbulent times, and soon after, the two wound up getting married.
Years later, Kevin is able to return the support favor to Sophie following her mother's passing in season 4. Kevin is one of the first people that Sophie reaches out to when this occurs, and Kevin drops everything to be there for her. They quickly lapse into familiar habits and shorthand during their time together, showing that they can still support one another in their own uniquely intimate way.
Move On: Kevin Needs To Focus On Himself
As This Is Us heads into its final season, it might be time for the series to focus on making Kevin a sympathetic character. More than any other Pearson family member, Kevin's characterization has been incredibly inconsistent. One moment, he is an incredible brother, giving up career opportunities to support his brother Randall in a time of crisis, or giving Kate the empowering speech she needs to hear.
But many other times, Kevin is selfish, reckless, and emotionally stunted. Kevin now has two children to take care of, and a social life to reconfigure after his engagement ended. He has quite the journey of self-discovery ahead of him in season 6, and that might be all that he can handle at this point.
End Up Together: Sometimes, First Love Is Forever
Kevin has had many romantic relationships, but somehow, it always comes back to Sophie. When Kevin has flirtations with Olivia and Sloane in season 1, he still decides Sophie is who he wants. While dating Zoe and imagining a future with her, it's Sophie's opinion and guidance that Kevin seeks.
Even while getting ready to marry Madison, Kevin is desperate to reconnect with Sophie, having secret phone calls with her in the days leading up to his ultimately canceled wedding. Kevin has been in love with Sophie ever since they were children. Maybe in this instance, Kevin and Sophie's first love deserves to be a forever love, too.
Move On: Sophie Has Given Kevin Too Many Chances
This Is Us is a show known for its sentimentality, saccharine family speeches, and grand romantic gestures that stretch the limits of believability. But the show can only push the suspension of disbelief so far. At this point, it's impossible to ignore the fact that Sophie simply just deserves better than Kevin.
Sophie has had her heart broken by Kevin too many times. Yet even after spending 12 years apart, she's let him back into her life every single time he has asked. Sooner or later, Sophie needs to put herself first, even if that means cutting Kevin off once and for all. This would stay true to her character, who has always been portrayed as smart and sensible. At this point, it just doesn't make sense for Sophie to take Kevin back again.