‘This Is Us’: 3 of Season 2’s Most Moving Episodes

This Is Us - Season 2
Ron Batzdorff/NBC
Hannah Zeile as Kate, Logan Shroyer as Kevin, Niles Fitch as Randall and Mandy Moore as Rebecca.

Be careful what you wish for. Fans of sophomore hit This Is Us wanted closure on the death of Pearson patriarch Jack (Milo Ventimiglia). And, boy, did they get it, with an emotional gut punch that sent viewers sobbing into their Super Bowl chips. But this drama isn’t keen on giving us a chance to regroup—so while we brace ourselves for this week’s finale, here’s a glimpse at Season 2’s most moving moments.

“Déjà Vu,” Episode 3

When Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) decided to open their home to a foster child, we knew it couldn’t be smooth sailing. Enter Deja (Lyric Ross), a skittish teen who’d obviously been through the wringer. Which made it all the more poignant that she sought out the youngest members of the household, daughters Tess (Eris Baker) and Annie (Faithe Herman), for answers about her new lot.

“Number One,” Episode 8

Watching Kevin (Justin Hartley) spiral into substance abuse, we too felt the urge to dull the pain. But nothing did us in like that visit to his old high school, where the jock turned celebrity was honored. During the ensuing bender, he lost the treasured necklace given to him by his late dad, Jack—bringing the broken man to his knees. Kevin and Randall’s sister (Chrissy Metz) also miscarried.

“The Car,” Episode 15

We thought it couldn’t get worse than Jack dying. Then came his funeral. There he was in flashbacks, providing for his brood in the form of a Jeep. There were the three grieving kids. Finally, there was Dr. K (Gerald McRaney)—witness to the family’s most profound highs and lows—consoling widowed Rebecca (Mandy Moore). Make our lemonade a double, please.

This Is Us, Season Finale, Tuesday, March 13, 9/8c, NBC