7 Theories We Have After the ‘This Is Us’ Season 4 Fall Finale (PHOTOS)

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This Is Us - Season 4
Ron Batzdorff/NBC
Sterling K. Brown as Randall, Justin Hartley as Kevin, Eric Baker as Tess in This Is Us - Season 4, 'So Long, Marianne'
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Bad Blood Between Brothers

Viewers learned that in nine months, Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Kevin (Justin Hartley) are no longer speaking. After seasons of growth in regards to their relationship, this news is shocking. One thing that could tear them apart is any disagreement on how to proceed with Rebecca’s (Mandy Moore) care. Is that the wedge that comes between them? We feel like its a near-certain possibility.

This Is Us - Season 4
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Kate’s Separated

In the near-future flash forward, Kate (Chrissy Metz) is wearing her wedding ring, but she signs documents on behalf of Rebecca as Kate Pearson and Toby is nowhere in sight. Could this mean the tensions between her and Toby (Chris Sullivan) were too much to continue in their marriage?

This Is Us - Season 4
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Randall’s Burden

Considering Rebecca confided in only Randall about her memory issues, her condition will likely weigh heavily on him. But they’re still in touch since he was was seen calling her phone in the near-future scenes. Perhaps this uneven burden is more of a breaking point for the Big 3?

This Is Us - Season 4
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Beth’s Advice Gone Bad

During their Thanksgiving festivities, Kate opens up to Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) about her marital struggles with Toby, and the sister-in-law advises her to share these feelings with him. We see Kate opt out at the last minute, but will she take Beth’s advice, only for it to backfire? Perhaps that could be another reason from Randall’s apparent estrangement from his siblings.

so long marianne theories 1
NBC

Kevin’s Milestones

In the present timeline, Kevin tells Randall he hopes to have a family by 40, and Randall notes that’s only nine months away. Cut to Kevin celebrating his 40th and he’s supposedly engaged with a pregnant fiancée. Could it be Cassidy (Jennifer Morrison) if things don’t work out with her estranged husband? It’s likely someone he already knew if things progressed so quickly.

so long marianne theories 2
NBC

The Cabin

We see Rebecca join Kate and Kevin at the old Pearson family cabin — but why are they there? It seems to be the Big 3’s 40th birthday, but perhaps the locale choice is in consideration of Rebecca. For those with diminishing memories, things from the past are comfortable and familiar, so maybe Kate and Kevin knew this when they decided to celebrate there.

This Is Us - Season 4
Ron Batzdorff/NBC

Rebecca’s Memory

Since Randall seems to be the only sibling who has noticed Rebecca’s deteriorating memory, perhaps the two keep it a secret from Kate and Kevin before they get some more answers. It wouldn’t be shocking to learn Rebecca wishes to keep it a secret and Randall is always ready to help her. Perhaps this is what breaks ties within the close-knit group.

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[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Season 4, Episode 9 of This Is Us, “So Long, Marianne.”]

The This Is Us Season 4 fall finale left fans with yet another cliffhanger as, ahead of the midseason break, the show flashed forward nine months.

The main causes for viewer concern have to be Rebecca’s (Mandy Moore) deteriorating mental health and Randall’s (Sterling K. Brown) apparent estrangement from siblings Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Kevin (Justin Hartley). Plus, Kevin’s already engaged and expecting a baby with his mysterious fiancée?! Needless to say, there’s plenty to theorize about in the meantime.

Click through the gallery above to see a few of our theories and don’t miss This Is Us when it returns in January on NBC.

This Is Us, Season 4 Return, Tuesday, January 14, 9/8c, NBC