Summary

• This Is Us finale ties up all loose ends, delivering an emotional and gripping conclusion to each main character's story arc.
• Revealing Jack's early death adds mystery and depth to the series, highlighting the impact he had on everyone's lives.
• The show's perfect ending circles back to Jack and Rebecca, showcasing love, loss, and the importance of family in a moving final episode.

After six moving and well-crafted seasons, the This Is Us finale offered an ending that was as gripping as the rest of the series, and each main character's arc was wrapped up in a meaningful way. The fact that the story of Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore) raising their three adopted children, Randall (Sterling K. Brown), Kate (Chrissy Metz), and Kevin (Justin Hartley) is told in both the past and the present brings more weight and emotion to every episode.

This Is Us cleverly structured the show by revealing that Jack died early in the series, which results in a compelling mystery of what happened to this character along with how it impacts everyone else. It was clear that the This Is Us finale would be a tearjerker, as the series had a lot of loose ends to tie up. It not only finished off Jack's story but showed the end of Rebecca's and set up the kids for their future. By the end, the This is Us finale ended up as one of the show's best episodes.

Rebecca And Jack's Love Story Feels Complete In The Finale

In season 6, Rebecca boards a train, which is a metaphor for moving into the afterlife. As she passes away in 2032, Rebecca sees Jack which is the only natural conclusion and proves Jack is her real soulmate. When Jack says he is proud of Rebecca for raising their three children, she knows she achieved the goal of being a strong, compassionate mother. If the two characters didn't interact in the series finale, something would be missing, as the show begins and ends with this couple.

The finale proves Rebecca always belonged with Jack.

While it's possible to debate Miguel or Jack as Rebecca's best love story, the finale proves Rebecca always belonged with Jack. Since she felt guilt over moving on and re-marrying after Jack's death, the series finale expertly shows the difficult balance of remembering a loved one but needing to still live life. With this train scene, This Is Us comes full circle, as at the end of the pilot episode, Miguel is revealed as Rebecca's second husband, which is unexpected given her love for Jack.

Why Kevin And Kate's Stories End As They Should

This Is Us has a flawless ending because Kevin and Kate's storylines are wrapped up properly. Kevin has loved Sophie Inman since they met as children. They got married at 18, and while Kevin and Sophie got divorced on This Is Us, they have always been in love. Kevin, now older, appreciates what he lost and finally commits. The series has them reunite and hints at a happy, healthier future, playing on the themes of the power of family and how fate ensures that people end up where they are meant to be.

Kate, on the other hand, doesn't end up with Toby, and the series makes clear they remain divorced. This works because it wouldn't feel realistic or logical if they stayed together given the pain and resentment that they feel. Toby feels that Kate wants and expects him to be the perfect family man like Jack and that isn't fair to him. This Is Us revealed Toby and Kate's divorce earlier in season 6, and the characters will never be truly at peace or happy together because they have been too hurt.

Since Kate stays married to her second husband, Phillip, she still receives a happy ending. The show also makes it clear Philip is the better partner for her. It's also important that Randall has the most stable romantic life throughout the series, but the show makes sure to keep this aspect grounded in reality. Beth and Randall experience ups and downs, but she supports him through his struggles with anxiety, and she is still his biggest support system as he wants to run for President.

Why This Is Us' Ending Was So Perfect

Every This Is Us character ending is perfect, as the show wraps up the main arcs but dives deeper by bringing the series full circle. Since the show begins with Jack and Rebecca adopting The Big Three, it's beautiful to see the three children living the lives they were meant to. From Kate co-parenting her children with Toby to Kevin admitting his feelings for Sophie and Randall becoming a grandparent, the characters learn lessons from Rebecca and Jack about having a happy family life.

They are better equipped to handle the loss of Rebecca.

Kevin, Kate, and Randall are also prepared for the next phase of their lives now that they are without both of their parents and, because they learned how to process their grief the first time around, they are better equipped to handle the loss of Rebecca. The Big Three are the best This Is Us characters and agree to remain a big part of each other's lives, and they will take care of each other, as they appreciate that they are the only family that they have left.

What This Is Us' Final Shot Means

The last shot of the This Is Us finale sees Jack and a young Randall sitting together, with Randall seeing that his father is looking at Rebecca, Kevin, and Kate. This is an important, beautiful, and memorable way to end the show. Although it could have worked with Kevin or Kate, it makes more sense for Randall to be there. Because of his anxiety and concerns that he isn't doing what he should for his family, this is a clear reminder that Jack has always known the strong person that he can become.

Although Jack's passing is heartbreaking, the fact he isn't around for much of Randall's life makes the series finale meaningful and powerful. In this brief scene, he sits with his son, content to be at home with the people he cares about most. The final shot ties into the This Is Us theme of remembering a loved one after their death. Even though they are gone, they are never truly far away. Jack showed Randall he could be happy, appreciate his family, and feel lucky and grateful.