‘This Is Us’: 7 Questions We Need Answered When Season 5 Returns in 2021
Spoiler Alert
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for Season 5, Episode 4 of This Is Us, “Honestly.”]
While it feels as though This Is Us has only just returned for Season 5, the NBC drama is taking a break to catch up with itself (due to COVID-related production delays), which is something most people can relate to.
Sadly, this means fans won’t learn more about the Pearsons until the fifth episode arrives January 5. But a preview of the next episode does offer a glimpse at what fans can expect.
Among the woes ahead are a rough patch for parents-to-be Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Madison (Caitlin Thompson), as well as a flashback reunion between Kate (Hannah Zeile) and her abusive ex, Marc (Austin Abrams).
“A lot of answers when we return. Promise. The @ThisIsUsWriters are on fire and we’re making them as fast (and safely) as humanly possible! I’m very excited about all that comes next,” series creator Dan Fogelman reassured via Twitter.
Next year feels a long way away (it isn’t), so in the meantime we break down some of the major questions we’re counting on being answered when This Is Us Season 5 continues.
This Is Us, Season 5, Returns Tuesday, January 5, 9/8c, NBC
Will Randall Learn What Happened to His Mother?
We assume that the plot line about whether or not Randall’s (Sterling K. Brown) birth mother survived an overdose will have some kind of payoff, but will it be sooner rather than later? Considering the mysterious man billed in the credits as Hai (Vien Hong) could have some answers, we’re hoping we don’t have long to wait.
Who Is Hai?
When fans were introduced to (the as-yet-unnamed) Hai, the connection between him and the Pearsons was hard to discern. So who is he? It seems that he met Laurel (Jennifer C. Holmes) after her overdose, which suggests that he knows the most current version of her story. If we know anything, the This Is Us writers will probably drag the mystery out a little longer than we’d like.
How Will Kate's Past Impact Her Relationship With Toby?
Kate (Chrissy Metz) opened up to her husband in the final moments of the midseason finale, revealing new information about her past relationship with Marc concerning a likely abortion. So, what really happened? And will it change Toby (Chris Sullivan) and Kate’s solid relationship?
Is Ellie Too Good to Be True?
The birth mother of Toby and Kate’s prospective child keeps saying that she’s “all-in.” While she seems sane and sweet enough, we feel there’s more to her than meets the eye. Will she stick to her word or will there be a surprise in Kate and Toby’s future?
What Is Happening With Rebecca and Miguel?
The last time fans saw Miguel (Jon Huertas) and Rebecca, they seemed fairly content while staying at the Pearson family cabin, despite some set backs with her Alzheimer’s medication. Considering Mandy Moore’s real-life pregnancy, we can imagine we won’t be seeing too much of elderly Rebecca, but just how much screen time will she have? (Perhaps it’ll be via Zoom calls.)
Is There Trouble Ahead for Kevin and Madison?
Kevin and Madison, who started out as a one-night stand, are still trying to find their footing. It’s clear from this season and past episodes that both Kevin and Madison have their own insecurities and issues, but will they become too much to keep them together? The promo for January’s episode suggests that there could be more bumps in the road for this duo.
Will Kevin and Randall Ever Make Up?
The brothers resumed their feud in Season 5’s return, and there has yet to be a resolution. Can they come together and put their harsh words aside for a reconciliation?
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