Moving Forward: This Is Us "The Adirondacks" Season Finale

 

The season five finale was as good as it could have gotten, especially for that twisted ending. Here's a recap!

It's Kevin and Madison's wedding day, and it's not going too well with Kevin, as things are going the way he had hoped it would be, perfect. As Kevin shows his groomzilla, Randall, Miguel, Tobey, and Uncle Nicky try to help as much as possible. 

Meanwhile, as everyone had arrived, Rebecca wanted to hear about Randall's trip and learn about his biological mother, which she got overwhelmed and made Randall uncomfortable. But the two resolved the issue, and she learned quite a bit about Laura. 

Tess wasn't too happy with the bride's maid of honor dress, so Beth decided to help her make it into her own style. Deja awaited her from Malik about his college interviews and got a surprise when he told her that he not only got four out of four but five out of five because he's got an offer from Harvard.

Tobey gives Kate good news about him taking that job offer in San Fransico, but that means he'll have to be there three times a week, which he thought that they could move. As Kate called her boss to tell him that she would resign but he wouldn't because she's the best assistant that he's had, even if he didn't really want her at first. 

In a flashback, we see Rebecca upset that Jack taped a Pittsburgh Pirates game over her taped Dynasty wedding episode and had the kids see them fight for the first time. Not only did they try to show them that they love each other, but they put on a wedding for them as well.

As Madison prepares for her wedding, she looks back to when her mother left her and her father and the time that her father wasn't all there for her. Not to mention learning how she got into the eating disorder program in the pilot episode. That's when she decided that she didn't want to marry Kevin and called off the wedding. 

After the wedding was called off, Rebecca, Randall, and Kate comfort Kevin. In their conversation, Rebecca asks Kevin to build her that house that Jack had planned to do. Plus, in a five-year flash-forward, we come back to when Kevin was practicing his speech, we thought it was for his wedding, but it turns out to be Kate's wedding...to her boss from the music school! WTF!

"The Adirondacks" was such a great season finale that had many great moments; one of them I just ate up was Randall being there for Kevin, like holding the umbrella for him as he tries to avoid Rebecca talking about his mother. Nicky's wedding gift and well that powerful seen when we see the Pearsons together talking about what would Jack have said and talked about the future (which had me in tears). 

Talk about shocker, right? I didn't see that one coming at all. Kate and her boss getting married? Wow! I was at least thinking of Kevin and Sophie getting married. Man, I can't wait to see where the final season will go and how it will end. 

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10 and the season a 9/10.

What did you think of the season finale? Leave a comment below!

This Is Us returns in 2022 with the final season. Check out for more recaps of this season and previous seasons of This Is Us.

Music and a Movie: This Is Us "The Music and the Mirror"/"Jerry 2.0"

 "The Music and the Mirror"

As Kate and Toby have plumbing issues, Toby tries to become Mr. Fix It but calls his dad for advice, who comes and helps. While there's some tension between the two, they find common ground and understand each other about losing their job and trying to figure out the next step. 

Madison gets a call from her dad, who tells her he'll be at her wedding. That is until he calls later and tells her he can't be there as something has come up. While it put a downer on Madison, she had a fantastic time dressing and shopping with Rebecca and Kate. 

We see in a flashback of Young Kate, who's got a job interview at Rebecca's job but didn't go because she got a job at a local diner.  A local restaurant that she holds close to her as it's the place where Jack takes her and, at one point, gives her encouraging words about her singing. 

Meanwhile, as COVID-19 has made Beth shut down her dance studio, Randall tries to be the person who saves the day but instead learns from Deja and is there for Beth. We see Randall and Beth at the studio, dancing to their song.

"The Music and the Mirror" was another great episode. I loved Toby and his father's story; while it had some excellent humor, it had a perfect father-son moment that I loved. Pretty much the report that I loved was Beth's as we see her closing down her dream job of having her dance studio teach dancing. Heartbreaking, yes! But it got emotionally overwhelming (in a good way) when we saw Beth and Randall dance in that studio one last time. 

Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Jerry 2.0"

So Jerry Maguire was a bunch of bullshit? 

As Kevin and Madison had their bachelor and bachelorette parties underway, things didn't go as planned. The men's fishing was postponed due to rain, and instead, they watched a movie in the Pearson cabin, Jerry Maguire. That brought up Kevin's past, as it's one of his favorite movies. 

We see how that movie influenced Kevin, in the past, to tell Sophie that they could work it out with their long-distance relationship. 

But back in the present, we see that everyone at the cabin has different opinions of the movie, one of which Nicky suggests Kevin is Jerry 2.0. That didn't sit well with Kevin, and soon after the rain started, they got to sit by the fire and bonded. 

It gave Kevin the idea to delete Sophie's number from his cell phone, who called him earlier in the episode. 

Meanwhile, during the bachelorette party, Kate invited a guy at the Prosecco and Picasso's party who had a history with Madison. After painting the man, the girls got to play games to see if Madison and Kevin were a match. But soon after, it seems she is also getting cold feet. 

"Jerry 2.0" was another excellent episode with humor and good heartwarming moments. I loved it when Kevin, Randall, and the guys sat before the fire and talked. Plus, Madison painting her ex, who happened to ghost her, was so fun. I think that this isn't the last time that we see Sophie. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

The season finale of This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

Bonding and Reflecting: This Is Us "Both Things Can Be True"/Brotherly Love"

 

"Both Things Can Be True"

While Kevin tries to send a message to Randall about being his best man, Miguel and Nicky are set to plan for the rehearsal dinner. That is until Nicky tries to go against everything Miguel has offered. That's because of how Nicky thought of Miguel married to Jack's wife. 

But Miguel tells him that he didn't jump to Rebecca's side after Jack died and that his opinion doesn't mean anything to him. We see in a flashback when Jack was planning to propose to Rebecca with the help of Miguel. While the ring got stuck on Miguel's finger, Rebecca's dad, who came over to somewhat give Jack his blessing, helped them get it off Miguel's finger. That was after Miguel stood up against Rebecca's dad after his so-called approval.

Meanwhile, Kate began her new job as a teaching assistant but had some trouble focusing on work and showed the class teacher that she could do the job after he told her that she wasn't his first or second choice. And Beth, who prepares for Tess and Alex's studying, has trouble adjusting to their relationship, even after seeing them kiss in Tess's room. 

After spending the day trying to figure out what to say to Randall, Kevin calls him and asks if he would be his best man at his wedding. But he also tells him that he wants to come up and talk about their last argument. 

"Both Things Can Be True" was a fantastic episode. I loved the Beth-Tess story in this episode because it gave Beth and Carol a great moment to let go of what mothers have planned for their children. And the Miguel flashback was so good that it even tied up with the present day with Miguel and Nicky. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Brotherly Love"

Kevin and Randall discuss their fight and Randall's racial insensitivities growing up. But as things take a turn, they get locked out of Randall's house and go to a neighbor for a spear key. 

We see not one but two flashbacks in this episode, one that takes place when Jack had the weekend with Randall and Kevin and gets tickets to take them to see a live taping of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The other occurred when Kevin lived in Los Angeles and Randall visited for a college event. Kevin tries to show Randall a fun night, but Randall sees the struggle that Kevin has been dealing with as an actor. 

While the two didn't fix everything, they did improve enough that things looked okay with the two.

"Brotherly Love" might be my favorite episode of the season. I love watching these two characters bond together, whether in tough times, fun times, or emotional times. I was satisfied with how the episode ended. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

You can catch This Is Us on Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

This Is Us "The Adirondacks" Season Finale Episode Preview

 Here's a preview of the season finale of This Is Us.

Being There: This Is Us "I've Got This"/"One Small Step"

 

"I've Got This"

As Kevin and Madison take on parenting twins at home, later on, Kevin invites Kate and Toby to have a get-together dinner. But for Toby he's waiting on word about the job interview that turned out unsuccessful. 

Soon, when Kevin learns about Toby's job situation, he tries to offer financial assistance but rejects the offer. But after the tensions cool down, Toby apologizes to Kevin. On the other hand, later on, Kate called Rebecca, thanking her and asking her how she did it raising three kids while Jack wasn't making much. 

We learn in a flashback when Jack was at a dinner about a promotion; he had to cover the expensive spread. Later on, Rebecca decides to manage the family finances. 

After their conversation, Kate talks to Toby and thanks him for being a great provider and a wonderful father. She tells him that she will be working to help with the finances.

Meanwhile, tensions grew at Randall's house. As Carol has been staying for a while, Beth tries to make a goodbye family dinner before she goes. That is until things took a turn from Tess's romantic relationship with her friend Alex to Malik's baby mama wanting to come back to their child's life. 

Beth talks to Carol about how she judges her with how things she is to her. Beth realizes that her mother misses the domestic activity of a family and invites her to stay. Sorry, Randall!

Randall talks to Deja about what's been going on with Malik, who knows about the situation. And soon, the two bonded and tried to stalk Malik's baby mama on Instagram. 

The episode ends with Kevin and Madison getting a surprise visit from Uncle Nicky.

"I've Got This" was an excellent episode. Kevin and Toby were good but, at times, anxious when finances were discussed between Kevin and Toby. The Beth and Carol storyline was terrific, and Beth took her mother in after Randall had brought his family in the past. And I couldn't get enough of Deja and Randall's chat. 

Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

"One Small Step"

Picking up where the previous episode left off, we see Nicky at Kevin's front door, coming to see the twins. Soon after, we go back to 1969 when Nicky, Jack, and their family watched the first moon landing. In that time frame, we see Nicky falling in love with a colleague, Sally, and soon, the two bonded while observing the moon.

Later on, Sally invites Nicky to go to Woodstock and soon move to California. As he accepts her offer, he stands her up because of not being there to protect his mother from his father. 

After the war, Nicky gets invited to celebrate a war buddy's engagement at a bar in Erie, Indiana. While Jack is there, getting marriage advice, Nicky sees him but never enters or approaches him. 

Coming back to the present, just as Nicky gets an invite to Nick and Franny's baptism, he gets Cassidy's help to prepare for his first flight since the war. Nicky makes handcrafted snow globals but gets destroyed at the airport security. But as he arrives, Nicky gets second thoughts and calls Cassidy, who tells him that if Jack had still been alive, she believes he would have forgiven Nicky. 

As Nicky is at Kevin's home, Nicky sneaks in to see the twins and talks to them about the second gift from the airport he had brought and even talks a bit about his past. Later on the following day, Kevin walks in to see Nicky with a photo of him and Jack taken by Sally after a family dinner. 

"One Small Step"  is a brilliant episode and one of my favorites of the season. This episode just made me love Uncle Nicky a lot more, even though I had already loved him before. Watching this character get the courage to take his first flight in 50 years and confront his nephew and niece was heartwarming. 

Man, I was heartbroken when those two snow globals got destroyed. I do blame the airport security for that. And even Nicky's first love and what he did to her. It might have been for the right reason. Like Cassidy told Nicky, I do believe that Jack would be proud of him and forgive him.

Excellent writing, along with the performance from  Giffin Dunne. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

What did you think of these episodes? Leave a comment!

This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

This Is Us "Jerry 2.0" Episode Preview

Here's a preview of this Tuesday's episode of This Is Us.

The 

"Jerry 2.0"

Kevin and Madison partake in their respective bachelor and bachelorette parties. 

Photos:

Promo:

Thoughts:

It's hard to believe that we only have the final two episodes of the season. For this week's episode, I'm looking forward to the bachelor and bachelorette parties for the bride and groom. I mainly want to see what Randall and Kevin will do ( I love some brother time with these two, good or bad (mostly good)). 

Are we about to see Madison and Kevin's first love in this episode? While Sophie returns and gets Kevin to rethink if Madison could be the one. 

They have been pulling my strings this season. Yes, while I'm a big Kevin and Sophie fan, I've kept thinking they will end up together. But after seeing both Madison and Kevin this season, they've made me love these two. 

Looking forward to this week's episode of This Is Us? Leave a comment!

This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

This Is Us "The Music and the Mirror" Episode Preview

 

Here's a preview of the next installment of This Is Us set to air Tuesday, May 11, 2021.

"The Music and the Mirror"

Beth navigates her career path. Kate and Toby face unexpected issues. And a run-in with someone from his past gives Kevin pause. 

Promo:

Looking forward to the return of This Is Us? Leave a comment!

This Is Us returns with new episodes beginning Tuesday, May 11 at 9/8c on NBC.

This Is Us "I've Got This" Episode Preview

 

Here's a preview of the next episode of This Is Us. 

"I've Got This"

Beth navigates qualms with her mother. Kevin and Kate bring their families together for dinner. 

My Thoughts:

Phylicia Rashad returns to This Is Us as Beth's mother and I can not wait to see her once again. I thought her performance in last season was so good that I had her already winning the Emmy for Guest Actress in a Drama series. Also, I wonder how the dinner with Kevin and Kate will go down as they meet the new big three. 

Excited about the new episode next week? Leave a comment below.

This Is Us returns next Tuesday, March 16th at 9/8c on NBC.

Understanding: This Is Us "The Ride"

 

The pressure of being a parent begins with the first car ride home. That's what this week's episode of This Is Us showed us with a few surprises. 

This Is Us "The Ride" Episode Preview

 

Here's a preview of this week's episode of This Is Us. 

"The Ride" 

A series of car rides propel the Pearson's towards new stages of their lives.

Photos:

This looks to be another good episode. The ride home after the birth of a child or children is the biggest moment in the parent's lives. While this isn't the first time with Kate and Toby, it is with Kevin and Madison. But the one thing that will be concerning will be Jack's drinking. That's probably the biggest bummer from the promo. 

What are your thoughts on the upcoming episode? Leave a comment below.

You can catch This Is Us Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Connecting: This Is Us "In The Room"

 

Just as we're awaiting the arrivals of the new generation of Persons, this past week's episode might have outshined with another story that's well connected than just being related.

 "In the Room" was another amazing and moving hour episode that's while playing with the emotion and sometimes intense. Whether it's Randall and Beth being there for Madison, as she's dealing with intense labor, until (spoiler alert) Kevin gets there in time to see their two kids. Kate thinks that Chloe might have second thoughts, but meets her new baby girl. 

Let's not forget seeing Jack and Rebecca taking a trip to the cabin without the kids for the first time; while dealing with a busted pipe that has ruined some of the kid's artwork, except for one. And Kevin and Randall finally having a short talk but meaningful talk.

But while those had such amazing and powerful moments, the one literally really connected to the theme of this episode. The episode tells the story of Nasir and Esther Ahmed from the time that they met, the birth of their son, and learning about the work that Nasir had begun to work, developing a program that will have people connecting virtually through computers. 

The story was beautifully well-told and pretty much won over this episode. It's gotta be right up there maybe top five, top three of the best so far this season. 

Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

What did you think of the episode? Leave a comment!

You can catch This Is Us Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

This Is Us "In The Room" Episode Preview

 

Here's a preview of this week's episode of This Is Us.

"In The Room"

The Pearsons navigate huge family milestones together, from a distance. 

Photos:

Promo:

I'm really looking forward to this week's episode so much. I just wonder (if possible) that Kevin will get to Madison before the babies are born. But from the short description of this episode, it looks like he may not.  I'm sure that the writers will have come up with a magical moment. 

I just wonder what the milestone moment would be for the flashback storyline in this episode. 

What do you think of this week's episode? Excited? Leave a comment!

You can catch This Is Us Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. 

The Trip: This Is Us "There"

 

With Madison going into labor, will Kevin get there in time with her? 

This Is Us "A Long Road Home"/""Birth Mother"

 

"A Long Road Home" 

While Kate and Toby visit her ex-boyfriend, we revisit the 18-year-old Kate when she's planning to get an abortion. During the mandatory waiting period, she sees Marc, but after hearing him apologize, he's still the same person and decides to leave and have the abortion. Meanwhile, in the present, Kate visits Marc, who's not doing too well, and tells him that he hurt her, but she's happy now with what she's got with her family and leaves, driving off with Toby. 

Randall and Beth try to figure out whether or not a stranger (Hai) knows his biological mother, as said in a letter. After figuring things out and talking to Kevin, Randall, and Beth called Hai and chatted and even planned a visit to meet with him.

Kevin learned that his film will be relocated shortly, close to Madison's due date. Kevin revisited when Randall called to tell him he should leave Sophie after meeting a talent agent. Kevin calls Randall, and while they talk, they make their peace. 

This was a great episode from beginning to end, with great performances from Chrissy Metz and Hannah Zeile. That moment when Metz's Kate meets with Marc for the first time in years and returns the disease" that he left with her (the pain). That was a powerful and applause-worthy performance. The Kevin and Randall scene when they made their peace was a bit short, but after watching it for the second time, I loved it, and it had me grabbing the tissues. 

Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Birth Mother"

Beth and Randall travel to Louisiana, where they meet Hai and listen to the story of Randall's birth mother. The first 

I love this episode! This episode will probably be my favorite of the season so far. This episode was well-written, with well-developed characters, and the performances were from Sterling K. Brown, Jennifer C. Holmes, and Angela Gibbs. 

This episode is worthy of an Emmy nomination for writing and performance. If you haven't watched this episode, please do so. 

What did you think of these episodes? Leave a comment below!

This Is Us returns Tuesday, Feb. 9th at 9/8c on NBC.

This Is Us "There" Episode Preview

They're back! They're back! After being on hiatus for three weeks, This Is Us is back this Tuesday! Here's a preview!

"There"

Kevin embarks on a stressful road trip. Jack and young Kevin go to a football training camp.

Clip: 

Promos:

I am so ready for the return of This Is Us. As much I enjoy a nice hiatus (due to work and other things), I'm ready to get in with what looks to be a Kevin center episode. Does anyone feel that we're in the Big Three trilogy for this season? Because after the previous episode with Randall, I'm thinking we're in the part of the season where we dive into these three characters. 

Emotions were high in the previous episode for me and it looks like this upcoming episode will be as high as well. 

Are you ready for the return of This Is Us? Leave a comment below!

This Is Us returns Tuesday, February 9th at 9/8c on NBC.

Facing Life Challenges: This Is Us "Honestly" Fall Finale

 

The fall finale of This Is Us gave us laughs, a kickass dance move, not to mention being tough, and a past secret revealed. Here's a recap!

I thought this episode was really good. From seeing Kevin learning both young and in real-time learning to toughen up and find a way his way to learn and be the person that he wants to be from the quarterback for the school to give his new director what he wants out of him. 

Then we have Randall and Malik. Malik was overshadowing Randall at his work to learn what a city councilman does for his district. While Malik was a bit late, tired, and even forgot to end Randall's live stream (more on that later). 

We learn the reason why because he was trying to get things to plan not only for him but for his kid. While Randall completely understood where Malik is coming from, he learns of Malik's dream to be the first chef in Philly to get three Michelin stars. 

As for the failure to end the live steam of Randall's daily video; that was pretty much the funniest moment in the episode. I think that we should name that dance move (if it even is a dance move) after Randall. I think I'll be doing that while making Thanksgiving (except for not having clothes on because I don't do that). 

But the video could be the best thing for Randall to say; because this could be the thing to reunite with his birth mother as we see her husband watching the viral video. 

I thought that Rebecca and Jack's story of dealing with Kevin and getting him to sleep was a good story. And we see the difference of styles of Jack and Rebecca's parenting style but knowing that each other does have the same quality as we see Jack about to go into Kevin's room until he stopped crying. 

Pretty much the shocking moment of the episode was Kate and after seeing baby Chloe (which will probably be renamed due to the mother has hated that name for a long time). Kate learned that she almost had an abortion but stopped and decided to give her child up. 

Well, that brought something painful to Kate and after talking to Kevin, she tells Toby the one thing that no one knew about. After her break up (or escape) from her abusive boyfriend, as Rebecca and family were to see Kevin in New York, Kate stayed home and learned that she was pregnant.  And from the promo for the next episode (Jan. 5th) this story is not done yet. 

Could this be the start of Kevin going for his Oscar? I think so. It's been mention in the episode that he wants to take Rebecca to see the biggest award show of all. After this episode, I just want to see where Kate's backstory goes and I don't think it will go well. 

This was a very good episode to close out the fall season (in a way). I know four episodes aren't enough to start but at least we got four episodes. The writing was as good once again with another good performance was the cast. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

What did you think of the episode? Leave a comment below!

Follow me @abaker20 on Twitter

This Is Us returns Tuesday, January 5th on NBC.

Open Up and Connect: This Is Us "Changes"

Last week's episode of This Is Us was as good once again. Here are my thoughts!

"Changes" was a very good episode that had a ton of great moments that dealt with the characters' mental and physical health in a way. 

Randall as he looks for a new therapist, a couple didn't fit right with him, maybe because they were too hands-on but that was until he found the right one that he could probably play to him. His therapist gives him the assignment to write something down that no one knows about and tell it in his next session; well from the end of the episode, we see him writing down (which we see in a flashback) about a time when Kate's friend wanted to kiss him but back away but when he was done writing it he sits the book down next to another book which could only mean that he's going to be doing what he's been doing on trying to get better by himself. 

Kate and Toby got to meet with the parent given her baby up for adoption. The three hit it off so well with pop cultural connections from the Buffy tv series to Ghostbusters and more. We learn that she lost her husband to cancer and that the child she's convinced happened when she had a night out. As things had to cut short, Kate and Toby give her a lift but also catch them arguing about diapers but I don't think the mother would hold that against them. I don't see anything wrong as I think this story will go well. 

Meanwhile, Kevin and Madison deal with they don't know one another and their demons like for Madison and her eat disorder. But Kevin talks to her about how he too has demons of working out too much, daddy issues, and is a recovering alcoholic, and soon the two connect and pretty much moved forward on. I think this was probably my favorite storyline in this episode as two people who about to have two babies to connect with each other. 

Randall and Beth deal with how Tess had a viral video with her friend telling their teacher to not call them a certain gender or touch their hair. Beth and Randall didn't take it too well and soon Randall lays down the punishment to Tess that didn't go well but what she did wasn't the right way to handle things anything to their knowledge. It wasn't the best storyline in this episode but it had some good moments like Randall talking to Tess before handing her punishment. 

And the mystery as the episode began with a grandfather and granddaughter fishing. Who are they and what makes them connect with the story; it just so happens that the man is with Randall's biological mother. 

I enjoyed this episode and while it might not live up to the premiere, the episode had so many good moments. For now, I thought that Justin Harley gave a very good performance in this episode. Serling K. Brown gives another awesome performance. The writing was so good once again and that mystery family was such an intriguing story to see who they're connected to. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10. 

What did you think of last week's episode? Leave a comment below! 

You can catch This Is Us Tonight at 9/8c on NBC.

Together: This Is Us 'Forty, Part 1 & 2" Season Premiere

 

The season premiere of This Is Us delivered a jam-packed premiere with a ton of high emotional moments that were both up and down but left us with a surprising moment. Here's a recap! 

The episode doesn't waste time introducing the COVID-19 storyline and George Floyd news as they address that within the first five to ten minutes of the episode. Kevin breaks the news to Kate and Toby about Madison pregnant with twins and that he's the father and after a scare when Madison had an accident they learn that their babies are okay and they're having a boy and girl. 

We come to the point in time where Rebecca had her episode but learned that she had a reaction to the medication that was mixed in her system. Toby and Kate got a match for their adoption process. 

Randall is trying to figure out what to do after the news of George Floyd with his family and his mental health. After talking to Malik and seeing Rebecca that he's going to make some changes and seeing a black therapist instead of the therapist he's been seeing. But he questions whether if he was born the same day as Kate and Kevin; thinking that it was impossible. 

We see a flashback of William and Randall's birth mother, Laurel, who was planning nothing but the best for their child. That is until the day Randall was born in their apartment and she needed something to take the pain away with heroin.  Soon William finds her not responsive and when the paramedics pronounced her, he left but not realizing that Laurel would be revived. 

"Forty" was such an amazing episode, as it had tear-jerking moment after tear-jerking moment. The writing was so powerful with strong character developments with William, Randall, Laurel, and even Rebecca. Not to mention Jack as well, with that moment in the chapel and calling his father. And that final moment was such a shocker! The cast gives an excellent performance once again. Overall, I give these episodes 9.5/10.

What did you think of the season premiere? Leave a comment below!

You can catch This Is Us Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

Superstore Season 5 Review

For Season Five of Superstore, the show doesn't lose a beat.

While the fifth season was cut short of its original season run; I thought that this season of the comedy series was so brilliant and hilarious. The Amy storylines this season with her dealing with corporate and trying to get to the top was good. Also, her and Manto's storyline was funny at times but heartwarming. The trio of Jonah, Cheyenne, and Garrett was hilarious; I loved this season was Sandra, Jonah, and Garrett as they were dealing with new corporate phones. 

While the ensemble cast was brilliant; Kaliko Kauahi as Sandra was not only amazing but stole the season with her performance. From episodes of her wedding and dealing with Carol this season, she deserves to win the MVP for this season. Also, Lauren Ash gave some great moments too; from meeting her father to dealing with the loss of her birds and getting back at Garrett.

And while the season finale was supposed to have Amy leaving Superstore; the episode that aired as the season finale did have an ending of a goodbye. I do hope that America Ferrera would come back for an episode to give a fair sendoff, which I think her character deserves. 

I loved how this season the show kept the characters grounded and never dummy them down at all with such rich storytelling. Season after season the show elevates and gets better and better. Season five is that example and one that anyone who hasn't seen it should watch it. Brilliant writing and brilliant performances from the ensemble cast. Overall, I give this season a 91/0.

You can catch Superstore to return for a sixth season (sometime this fall).

Together We Stand: Supergirl Season 5 (Ep. 10-19) Review

The second half of the fifth season of Supergirl goes pretty fast into the post-crisis but delivers very well. SPOILERS!

While the second half of the fifth season of Supergils had some issues; it still delivered some awesome, exciting, and dramatic moments for this season. I loved out rounded and developed the characters this season with Brainy coming with his past and working with Lex Luther; while being in control of the DEO. Or Kara and Lena's relationship taking a nasty turn that Lena has to come to terms along with Kara about their decisions. Even Nia deals with her first experience of using power to help her roommate after she was attacked. And not only Alex dealing with the death of her father but gets a cool kick-ass suit.

This season really brought back characters; one of them that I'd really enjoyed was the return of Wynn in the two-part episode "Back from the Future." While it brought back a reunion; it also brought a bit of closure for Wynn; as he battles an evil doppelganger but also gets his father's appreciation too.  And while "Alex In Wonderland," Reality Bytes" and The Bottle Episode," were very good; "It's a Super Life," the 100th episode, was the most memorable episode; as it gives Kara a chance to try to fix her relationship with Lena but doesn't end well. And the ending with both Kara, Alex, and J'onn toasting to each other was a happy tear moment; as these three have been together since the pilot.

Now the one or two issues that I have had were some of the stories; as it was confusing at times after Crisis. I had to re-watch episodes; just so I could understand it better. The other was the character development of Andrea Rojas and Arcata; as I thought that in the second half of the season her character wasn't as effective as she was in the first half and that they just kind of wrote her to be here and there. Julie Gonzalo did give some very good performances.

I'd very much enjoyed the second half of the season. It had a lot of great moments in character development. And while the season was cut short of three episodes due to the COVID-19; I thought the season finale had a nice wrapped up to the season. While I give the second half of the season an 8/10. I give this overall season an 8.5/10.

You can catch Supergirl available on The CW app or VOD. Supergirl will return in 2021.