Can I just mention how flawlessly the writers of “This is Us” transitioned from last season into this season while weaving in the current state of events?

Coronavirus, Black Lives Matter, mental health, sympathy, empathy, apathy—whoo! All the things were in this season five opener. I was shocked that Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman’s death weren’t mentioned in there somehow.

Where do I begin?

Usually, I would start from the beginning; but that’s for this week’s recap/commentary video.

For this blog post, I’ll highlight some enlightening moments for all of us to reflect upon.

---

Sorry About What?

News about George Floyd, the Black man killed by a white police officer who knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes, was brought into the storyline when Randall saw the news alert on his phone.

The shock, hurt and sadness were portrayed so beautifully by Randall and his family. You know what else was portrayed perfectly? The cringe-worthiness of people from other races who fumble to find the words to say amid a racial crisis.

“You know, with everything that’s going on in the news, I’m so overwhelmed by it. I can’t even imagine what you guys are all going through, so… I’m so sorry,” said Kate, Randall’s sister, who happens to be white. (Randall is adopted, remember?)

“Sorry about what?” Randall replied.

🗣 MAYNE! Say it again, Randall! 

This isn’t our first rodeo. This is not the first instance of a black person wrongfully killed based on hate, prejudice and profiling. So, why the apology? Was it her first time hearing of such a thing or just the first time it was so blatantly in her face all the time?

Kate didn’t even have a good response. All she could do was admit that she had never thought twice or truly faced these types of instances before.

At least that was the truth…

And Randall finally set up a boundary so that he’s not caring about other people’s feelings and making them comfortable while ignoring his own emotions.

My, How We Forget

Oh, but how quickly we moved on to the next topic.

While Kate is wallowing in the fact that she feels so bad that she has never empathized about traumatic Black experiences, Toby waltzes in to let her know that they have a match for a baby adoption.

The couple smiles and squeals with glee.

Aaaaaand scene.

Obviously, the couple should be happy about their potential new addition. But this moment shed light to how movements like “Black Lives Matter” eventual fizzle out for those not directly affected.

You feel bad, you feel guilty, you get a pick-me-up, and life moves on.

I completely understand that not all people will understand or be affected by racial injustice. However, for those who can move on, please acknowledge the fact that it is indeed a privilege to be able to do so.

Representation Matters

And because everyone doesn’t understand, it was important for Randall to make the decision to seek a Black therapist.

A little back story: Randall is an extreme perfectionist and acts as the fixer-upper of the family. His need to ensure everything is fine under his watch causes him to internalize his stress and feelings, which has led to severe breakdowns. He recently began seeking therapy to help cope.

So anyways, Randall called his white female therapist and informed her that he will be seeking someone he can fully open up to—someone who looks like him.

Representation matters.

That’s not to say that you only need someone from your race or ethnicity or other genetic makeup to help you. That’s ridiculous.

About 90% of the time, all you need is the right person with the right heart to make an impact in your life. But that other 10% of the time? You need someone who has been through what you’ve been through. You need someone who has been there and can personally guide you through those specific emotions and challenges.

That’s why Randall decided to do what he did. He knew that he had been raised in a way that made it uncomfortable to talk about racial issues around his predominately white household. He couldn’t break through and have open discussions with his white therapist either.

Good for him for being able to self-assess that and make the necessary changes. That’s what we call growth.

---

I didn’t mean to talk only about Randall, but he basically carried the entire season premiere. Sooo….

And by the way, Randall’s mom might be alive. Hoooo my gosh!

I told you these episodes did not disappoint. I’ll give so much more insight into all the character storylines, including the loser Miguel (you had one job!), this weekend. Watch the episodes and come prepared.