Change is always scary especially if youve been through what theThis Is Usensemble has been through.
The Big Three, at this moment in time, are but babies.
Its high school graduation time, and shes at a loss.
Credit: Ron Batzdorff/NBC
But then, as she leaves, he asks her out on a casual date.
The suggestion is so jarring it leaves Rebecca frozen.
The very notion of moving on in that way is heartbreaking.
In this past timeline, the Pearsons remain stuck in uncertainty and grief.
This fact also highlights the unique bond Kate and Kevin share, which takes center-stage in the present day.
The main event of The Graduates is actually adult Kates graduation from college.
But that can only last so long.
The second Kevin shows up very late to the ceremony, Kate senses something is off.
Hes lying about taking meetings with Steven Soderbergh.
Hes lying about going to the spa with Kate.
Kate says he has to tell Zoe; Kevin begs her not to do it.
This mirrors Rebeccas journey in The Graduates.
I dont want grief counseling, Miguel, she says.
I want to rewind the clock.
I just want to rewind the clock.
She lets it all out and walks with him back inside.
Later, Kate joins the siblings at a grad party while Rebecca returns to the apartment alone.
You feel the stuffiness, the isolation.
I really cant be here right now I cant be anywhere right now, she says.
She asks him to take him to a grief-support meeting.
Its a paralysis which Kate recognizes.
Not just the fear of change, but the pain of it.
(The essay was about the time she and her mom lived in a car.)
Randall, furious, heads right to the school.
The teacher immediately recognizes her mistake.
I am so sorry, I wasnt thinking, she says through tears.
I will take the post down right now.
But I never shouldve published it.
Randall brings the news to Deja; shes stunned and pushes back.
But later Deja confesses the deeper reason why she wants to stay where she is.
For the first time in my life, I dont want things to change.
Theres that theme again, manifesting from a very different set of circumstances.
The show, of course, has already mined one of these for some intense drama.
But to do it again and end the episode on a cliffhanger of all things?
Same goes for where we end up with Randall.
Beth comes home, elated by her first teaching day.
Randall tells her about what happened with Deja, breaking down every beat of the day.
So you get to have your dream and Im just supposed to quit mine?
Again, this is old hat a conflict which the show already played out a few weeks ago.
Beth and Randalls loving, playful dynamic has always been one of the shows highlights.
Now,This Is Usis clearly trying to test them.
But is the show, like Rebecca or Deja, too afraid of real change and growth?
The Graduates indicates that may be the case.
