We see a young Rebecca (Ava Castro), observing her mother fully dedicated to her household role, while her dad is watching football with full attention. With her memory of her parents, Rebecca (Mandy Moore) keeps in mind that she doesn't want to be like her mother: "I refuse to be my mother staring at my father as he stares at the television," she tells Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) years later. Nevertheless, she asks him to explain football to her, and as a result, becomes a Steelers' fan. They drink tequila in the morning and spend time at the bar, watching the Super Bowl. Another couple at the bar, Miguel (Jon Huertas) with his wife Shelly (Wynn Everett), already has children and complain about troubles of their parenthood. For the second time, Rebecca reveals that she refuses to have kids, making Jack unsure about their future. When he asks Rebecca for clarification, the tension gets higher, and they leave the bar, as their arguing disturbs other fans watching the game. Outside they have a touching conversation about the future, as Jack brings his aspirations to the table and admits his thoughts about "something more than just the two of us." They both agree that the issue is only about timing and their actual happiness is all that matters.
The viewers can see how their life was different before The Big Three family came into existence. However, football is still a big part of the family life, as the present shows Kate (Chrissy Metz) in anticipation of the Super Bowl. She makes breakfast in bed for Toby (Chris Sullivan) and tells him that she will watch the game alone. The disagreement takes place when Toby insists they should watch the game together and even invites his old friend to join them. As the conflict evolves, the mystery of Jack's disappearance from the future storyline is being disclosed. Spoiler alert: unfortunately, the reality is that Jack is dead, as Kate recalls her watching the football with her dad and reveals that she continues to do this despite he is in an urn now. "I was conceived in a bathroom during the Super Bowl," she tells Toby. And the viewers confront the issue of timing again, as Rebecca doesn't seem to think of becoming pregnant that evening at the bar. She liked their relationship as it was, however, winded up as a mother for the triplets. As for Kate's relationship with Toby in the present time, the fact that he has no idea about Kate's backstory for watching the Super Bowl is not enough excuse, as Kate has every right for her own space.
Meanwhile, Kevin (Justin Hartley) it still staying at Randall's (Sterling K. Brown) house, disturbing his wife Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson), who asks Kevin in a straight way: "When're you leaving?" He describes his lonely time spending in the hotel, accidentally inspiring Randall to use the free hotel room, while Kevin can watch the kids. Beth seems to be confused, but Randall is determined to spend at least one completely adult night in the hotel with his beloved wife.
As they arrive at the hotel, Randall starts to make plans to have shower sex and excellent room-service. Beth is clearly distracted by her own thoughts, which turn out to be concerns about possible pregnancy. As a result, Randall's fancy plans are doomed to be ignored in favor of late night shopping at a drugstore. The two have a fierce conflict about their ambitions, while Randall seems to grab all attention to his expectations of an early retirement. His behavior arouses the audience's sympathy to Beth, as her feelings are completely omitted.
At this time, Kevin spends time with their children and Randall's father, facing sudden challenges from the young daughters. As they are wondering, whether there is a afterlife, Kevin seems to have no answer, and instead, tries to make awkward jokes. In addition, William (Ron Cephas Jones) is present during their conversation, adding even more tension, as the kids are aware of him taking a lot of medications. Their concern about Grandpa William's possible death from the disease brings the situation to the point, at which Kevin realizes the best option is to send the girls to bed before the conversation goes further.
William convinces Kevin to not be frustrated about his acting and personal qualities, as he has the potential for success on Broadway and for being a good uncle. Kevin takes William's advice into consideration and gives an inspiring speech to his nieces.
The episode ends with Kevin, showing his nieces his painting as an example of his vision on life and everyone's place in this circle of events. Meanwhile, Kate watches the game with Toby and Jack's urn, and Beth learns she isn't pregnant.
Reach Staff Reporter Mariia Kovaleva here.
Annenberg Media