‘This Is Us’: Will Sophie Return After That Text Exchange With Kate?

[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Season 6, Episode 6 of This Is Us, “Our Little Island Girl: Part Two.”]

Just when viewers think something might be over, This Is Us pulls us back in, particularly when it comes to Kevin Pearson’s (Justin Hartley) evolving relationships.

In the latest installment, “Our Little Island Girl: Part Two,” a surprise text exchange between Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Sophie (Alexandra Breckenridge) has us questioning what the latter’s role might be moving forward. It’s clear that there’s a fan divide over who Kevin should end up with, and considering what we know of the future, Kevin finds happiness with someone, it’s just the “who” part we’re still fuzzy on, and after this episode, it’s even more undefined.

(Credit: Ron Batzdorff/NBC)

While there have been hints that it could be Madison (Caitlin Thompson), Kate’s exchange with Sophie is pulling a long-absent player back into the mix. Despite the brevity of the moment towards the end of the episode, This Is Us never introduces unnecessary details, so it’s safe to take this as a sign of things to come for the remainder of the series.

Whether Kevin will end up with his first love Sophie or not, it wouldn’t be shocking to see her resurface in person at some point in this final season. That being said, it was more than just Kate’s text exchange with Sophie that hints at a possible reunion.

(Credit: NBC)

When Kevin went to apologize to Madison for overreacting over the fact that she didn’t want to attend the Pearson family thanksgiving with their twins, her boyfriend Eli (Adam Korson) confronted him. The lovable and arguably nerdy romantic interest for Madison draws a line in the sand, telling Kevin that he shouldn’t bide his time because he’s not going anywhere. Instead of seeming threatened by this, Kevin takes in the words Eli shares and offers up an understanding nod.

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Could it be the moment that Kevin releases Madison from his grasp and drifts unmoored and unaware of a potential reunion with Sophie? During Kate’s quick digital convo, she apologizes to Sophie for not taking her side over Kevin cheating in the past, Sophie acknowledges that Kevin was Kate’s brother, and follows up the message with a loving sign-off.

But that can’t really be the end, right? What do you think, is there a Sophie return on the horizon? Let us know in the comments section, below, and stay tuned for more Pearson drama as the final season continues on NBC.

This Is Us, Season 6 returns, Tuesday, March 8, 9/8c, NBC