THIS IS US: “The Best Washing Machine in the Whole World” {Roundtable}

In this week’s episode of NBC’s This Is Us, revelations are brought to the surface and the show’s flashbacks take us to the ’90s where past events inform the present. Nice Girls Ange, Leah and Melissa discuss what went on during last night’s episode…

THIS IS US — “The Best Washing Machine in the Whole World ” Episode 107 — Pictured: (l-r) Ron Cephas Jones as William, Susan Kelechi Watson as Beth — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

I liked that we got to see more of William and Beth bonding and over “adult” (*cough* pot *cough*) brownies nonetheless! I think that was probably my favorite thing about this episode.
Melissa: That was fun to watch! We needed to see them bonding given William’s sudden appearance in her life and all the baggage he brings with him. I also liked Randall’s response when he realized his birth father and his wife got high together: “That’s pretty cool.”
Leah: I really like the character of Beth. She is the perfect “free spirit” to Randall’s serious.

As a result of adult brownie bonding time, Beth now knows the truth about William and Rebecca’s relationship. What do you think will happen next?
Leah: I assume Beth gets confirmation from Rebecca and tells Rebecca either she says something or Beth will. It would be best coming from Rebecca but you don’t want Randall to find out Beth knew and didn’t say something either.
Melissa: “You ain’t cancering your way out of this one, old man.” Ha! I’m glad Beth isn’t willing to keep this a secret from Randall. She’s a warrior and she’ll fight for her husband and his right to know the truth here. From the previews, it does look like Rebecca comes clean next week.
Ange: I hope that this revelation brings Randall and Beth closer together rather than pushing them apart. Between this and the slow healing of his relationship with Kevin, Randall has a lot on his plate right now and I hope that he doesn’t shut down and shut people out.

THIS IS US — “The Best Washing Machine in the Whole World ” Episode 107 — Pictured: (l-r) Justin Hartley as Kevin, Sterling K. Brown as Randall — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

We finally discovered why Randall and Kevin aren’t that close. What’s your take on everything that was revealed in this episode? Did you see that coming before it was revealed? Also, was it just me or was the physical fight between the brothers in the present one of the most tamest fights ever?
Leah: Not once has this show shown us that they were ever close but every episode I want them to get along. Be this Big Three that Jack and Rebecca envisioned. I’m just sad they couldn’t ever be here for each other brothers but I am glad they seem to finally be on the mend. Baby steps. The fight was the most embarrassing bout of fisticuffs ever!
Melissa: I have two brothers who also shared a bedroom until one moved to the basement around the same age. I did recognize that relationship and why it’s strained; I wonder if my brothers would see themselves if they watched this episode. Hopefully these fictional brothers can start to build a stronger relationship after that airing of grievances and the lamest fight ever.

THIS IS US — “The Best Washing Machine in the Whole World ” Episode 107 — Pictured: (l-r) Chrissy Metz as Kate, Chris Sullivan as Toby — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

Thoughts on Toby ditching the diet? I for one thought it was a bit selfish of him to have dessert in front of Kate especially after he swore that it wasn’t going to change things for them even though you so knew it would.
Leah: If Toby wants to ditch the diet I guess that is his business. Dieting is hard and not everyone is going to succeed. Eating crap in front of Kate though – that is not at all acceptable. He knows how hard she is trying and that is just throwing it in her face. Shame on him.
Melissa: This is part of the journey of learning to have a healthy relationship with food, for both of them. Toby clearly does not have his under control, and eventually Kate will have to be strong enough to be around people who eat unhealthy without spiraling into binge mode. Unfortunately she’s not there yet, so I see a break up on the horizon.

THIS IS US — “The Best Washing Machine in the Whole World ” Episode 107 — Pictured: (l-r) Mandy Moore as Rebecca, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

The flashbacks this week take us 18 years into Rebecca and Jack’s relationship where there seems to be some distance between them. Do we think the distance continued to grow (and maybe even Miguel swooped in) or was this just a rough patch?
Leah: I feel like rough patch leading up to Jack’s demise. I don’t want to believe she “got with” Miguel while still with Jack.
Melissa: First, yay for the introduction of Sam Trammell’s character! I loved him on True Blood and was delighted when it was announced he’d be recurring on This Is Us. And as a sexy musician, too! I wonder if he’s going to exacerbate the disconnect between Jack and Rebecca? I’d say yes. I also don’t think it’s unusual for a couple to be where they are after 18 years and 3 kids. I hope they come back to each other before Jack’s demise, though.

Also an interesting parallel – Beth wanting to lead a hippie life and then she met Randall and we know that Rebecca was a bit of a free spirit back in the day.
Leah: That is one of the great things about this show. They do the flashbacks and character connections so well.
Ange: Yes, I absolutely agree!
Melissa: Randall found a woman who is very much like his mother.

THIS IS US — “The Best Washing Machine in the Whole World ” Episode 107 — Pictured: (l-r) Sterling K. Brown as Randall, Justin Hartley as Kevin — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

Random musing: how does Randall not know what a selfie is? Surely his oldest daughter at the very least would know what it is or at least tried it at one point. (My younger sister is almost 5 and knows what a selfie is.)
Leah: Oh Randall. You pretty pretty man.
Melissa: I think that was just Randall trying to be courteous and offering to take the photo. And possibly a subconscious attempt to be part of the moment, even if it was from behind the camera.

This is Us airs Tuesday 9/8c on NBC.

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