“This Is Us” … this is you, this is me. If you’re one of the few people NOT watching this show, read on and see why you should be. If you’re already a viewer, let me break this down…see where you fit in…
We all relate to these characters…we either had a similar childhood, or in my case, we wish we did.
Let’s start with Dad, because let’s face it, it’s all about Dad! His legacy is one of sainthood status. Yes, Jack is flawed, but one can’t help but love him. His daughter (Kate) worshipped him, and still does long after his departure. He was her hero – and every week, I shed tears for the little girl inside that also had an alcoholic father, and also loved her dad in spite of it. One glaring difference is that Jack puts Kate on a shining pedestal, intent on being her champion, and he succeeds mightily. My craving to have a dad like that – loving me no matter what – is so strong that it affects me deeply – making it paramount to never miss an episode. I can project those emotions into Jack and vicariously experience that utter devotion between them.
This leaves some heavy-duty shoes to fill! Any man in Kate’s life has a high bar to measure up to…and yet…enter Toby…the insanely witty, crazily empathetic dude who eventually becomes her husband. Short of donning a cape (which he would if the occasion warranted), he’s her advocate and her rock. He loves her AS IS. He’s also my husband, providing me with that unconditional love I never received.
Kate is me – most like a majority of women who aren’t a size 4…or 6…9…or even 12. She grapples with her weight & her strained relationship with her mother. Sometimes perceiving slights that weren’t intended…comparing herself to her mother, and feeling she’ll never measure up. My issues are similar – not feeling good enough, and almost rebelling by gaining weight, which provides a subconscious sense of control.
Let’s talk about Randall…the adopted son who struggles with his place in the world and is prone to acts of perfectionism and OCD. He’s the sensitive son who feels things at a core level, and much like me, sometimes to the detriment of his own mental health. He’s got a kick-ass wife who’s supportive yet pragmatic – much like my husband, who must dwell in my crazy orbit, quell my mini-meltdowns, and keep things real. Randall can spin out of control, and she’s there to make sure his feet remain on the ground.
Kevin is the aspiring actor – the son who never felt seen. His brother bonding with Mom and sister bonding with Dad. Where does that leave him? For all his looks & charm, he’s still a little boy crying out to be heard. This is also me – being overshadowed by a brother who excelled at sports & making friends while I remained introverted, instead taking pen to paper, writing in my diary, and confiding in my loyal dog.
So you see, this show strikes a chord (or symphony, in my case) in all of us, for we are combinations of them – and they are reflections of us. With the perfect balance of humor & heart, it allows us to be vulnerable and actually feel. In these days of looking inside ourselves to get in touch with who we really are, that can only be a good thing.
