S04.E14: The Cabin

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Quote

The Big Three reconnect at the family cabin.

Promo:

Original air date: 2/18/20

[Spartan Girl]

"Tobey hates their son because he's blind." Oh fuck you Kevin. Like the Pearsons don't dramatize everything enough.

And fuck you, Marc.

Edited February 19, 2020 by Spartan Girl

[ams1001]

Of course Jack turned a family photo into a puzzle.

 

[debraran]

I knew they'd find Kate "fine" at first and I'm glad they didn't drag it out. Having them come up otherwise was just filler.  Kevin was predictable but all real emotions. I feel many times with this show, a lot is buildup to one big scene. I wish there was more going on before all the commercials. I feel watching it without them is so much better for continuity. 

I thought Madison's calls was silly but I guess not out of her personality. Kevin sleep around so much I really hope it's not Madison in the end. This way she can have her own issues and story. If she didn't use birth control, I've had it with these TV BC failures. You'd think nothing works anymore. Sophie pic . ; )  The tape, pure Jack...

Edited February 19, 2020 by debraran

[Norma Desmond]

What a great episode. This season is, IMO, almost as good as season 1. The writers finally got their groove back. I was in tears when they found the tape, and it reminded me that my brother still has a tape with the voice of our father, so I was especially emotional about it.

Little by little the puzzle starts to make sense and we found who owns that house, and why it is special. Damn writers, you got me good.

For the season to be perfect and end on a high note, I just hope Madison isn't Kevin's baby mama.

 

 

Edited February 19, 2020 by Norma Desmond

[Scarlett45]

That piece of shit Mark- I never want to see his face again. Kevin and Randall are good brothers. 
 

I knew Kevin was going to build the house! Justin Hartley is still fine 15ish years in the future. 

[mtlchick]

Free flowing thoughts:

As soon my sister and I saw Jack's mug we both moaned "Oh no." 

Madison, you're right, that voice mail could have waited. 

At least Toby got to bond with Baby Jack over Star Wars after all!

I was mostly underwhelmed with the stuff at the cabin, but at least we saw Future Kevin with not as great a make up job compared to older Rebecca. 

[ams1001]

'k, Kate could have at least told Kevin that she didn't notice Rebecca's symptoms, either, and that she didn't know Randall was in LA until after the fact, instead of just sitting there and letting him think they were both keeping secrets from him. (Glad they ended in a good place.)

Baby Jack's little curls! (Do I want to know how they get an infant to cough like he's choking?)

"You guys comin' to kill me?" 😂

You all should see a therapist, Randall.

Would that tape really still be playable after being buried in a lunchbox through ~30 years worth of winters and summers?

Love that they turned Jack's dream house to reality. 

 

[Armchair Critic]

Kevin (or was it Randall) built a house by the cabin!

Edited February 19, 2020 by Armchair Critic

[gonzosgirrl]

Cheeztastic or not, I love this show.

Is it weird I never found Kevin sexy at all until I saw silver fox Kevin?

o_O

[debraran]

5 minutes ago, Norma Desmond said:

What a great episode. This season is, IMO, almost as good as season 1. The writers finally got their groove back. I was in tears when they found the tape, and it reminded me that my broher still has a tape with the voice of our father, so I was especially emotional about it.

Little by little the puzzle starts to make sense and we found who owns that house, and why it is special. Damn writers, you got me good.

For the season to be perfect and end on a high note, I just hope Madison isn't Kevin's baby mama.

 

 

I agree, re Madison and Kevin was nicely aged. ; )   I feel next week is mostly Randall

[CleoCaesar]

This whole Mark story, while believable, still feels like a bit of a retcon to me. It took 3+ seasons for any of this to come up? Someone this fundamental to Kate’s self-esteem issues and eventual weight spiral and just a generally traumatic formative experience would have been at least casually referenced at some point before among the characters. Unless it was something the writers cooked up this season and are trying to make seem organic, like it was there all along. Not really buying it.

I guess the mystery of what caused Kevin and Randall’s rift continues.

It’s still weird to me how sympathetic I’ve been finding Toby the past season or so. He was such a tool in the beginning. The worse his spouse got, the better he got. I shall call this The Kate Effect.

Can’t decide what is more attractive: silver-fox Kevin or that gorgeous future cabin.

[MissT]

OMG....LOVED THIS EPISODE!!!     Kevin looked HOT at the end. !!!

[bettername2come]

This is my favorite episode of the season. All the pieces fit, all the Pearsons were used well across timelines (except Future Jack), Toby proved he could protect and bond with his son, Madison continued to be the neurotic loyal friend that she is. 

And damn to Silver Fox Kev. Hell yes.

[ShadowFacts]

Quite a few nice payoffs. Tobias and Jack, Kevin getting over not being told by the time they leave the cabin, Rebecca kicking out Mark. I love that Rebecca is in the house that Jack wanted to build for them to grow old in, at the end of her life. Very touching moments, but Jack's speech was a tad saccharine/too much. Jack will be Jack.

 

 

 

[debraran]

4 minutes ago, Armchair Critic said:

Kevin (or was it Randall) built a house by the cabin!

I think that was their old cabin?

[MissL]

Well I started crying as soon as Jack’s voice came out of the boom box.  I found an old recording that had 10 seconds of my dads laugh on it and I played that thing over and over with shaking hands I can’t even imagine hearing his voice again and having him speaking to me. Just when I think they can’t pull any more tears out of me and I’ve adjusted to Jacks death they get me. Good job show.

I like it when the big 3 are together. I hope whatever makes Kevin and Randall stop speaking doesn’t last too long.

And I love that Y’all are calling older Kevin silver fox because I actually said that out loud when he appeared on my screen.

Edited February 19, 2020 by MissL
More thoughts

[Lady Calypso]

This was a really great episode. This may even be one of my favourites of the series. This season has definitely been better than last season.

I knew that Jack's sketch would end up being Kevin's future home. I'm not actually surprised at the location being behind the Cabin, either. Also, future Kevin? Insanely hot still.

Marc is a piece of shit, but I won't be surprised if Kate stays with him for a while longer. I feel like Kate's binge eating is part of the result of Marc's abuse and I don't feel like she's hit that point yet. 

Everything Kevin was on point. From Kid Kevin picking the puzzle piece for Randall to Teen Kevin glaring daggers into Marc to Adult Kevin getting to express his anger at being the last to know about Rebecca.

It's good to see the Big Three kind of hit some sort of realization by the end for their own progress. Now, if they actually go forward with the progress is a big question.

Madison's short scene was great. Again, I'm feeling Madison/Kevin more than I thought I would. She really holds her own against Kevin and has her own snark meter. And so not surprised she ended up telling Kate.

Toby's scenes were great. I liked seeing him finally bond with Jack, even if it was due to a near death event.

[BuckeyeLou]

Oh My!  The tears flowed at the end as the siblings listened to their Father on the old tape.  That was a beautiful scene...this episode gave me all the feels...sadness, gladness(even 'madness" at Mark).  Tobey proved he could be a caring Father to lil Jack, Randall admitted why he clobbered the guy, Rebecca showed what a strong & caring Mother she was.  And silver-haired Kevin is Handsome!

[LexieLily]

I wonder if the Big Three kept the cassette tape and if they will share it with Rebecca. 

[ShortyMac]

Fuck you, Marc!

This was a great episode.

[Ms Blue Jay]

Everything about Kate busting Kevin for sleeping with Madison was SOOOOO.   DAMMMMN.  funny!!!!!!!!

Good episode!

[MissT]

I think Kevin is going to take care of Nicky and Nicky lives in the smaller cabin.  

[ByaNose]

Show.....gets me......every time. 

[ItCouldBeWorse]

1 hour ago, mtlchick said:

At least Toby got to bond with Baby Jack over Star Wars after all!

I was waiting (not hoping) for baby Jack to either grab a checker and choke on it, or for a piece of a Star Wars figure to break off in his mouth.  They're not teething toys, and if he could choke on scrambled eggs....

Edited February 19, 2020 by ItCouldBeWorse

[Spartan Girl]

Silver fox Future Kevin...mee-yow!

Rebecca kicking Marc out of the cabin FTFW!

Toby made a lot of progress this episode. That choking incident was scary but he did everything right...and aw Audio the dog freaking out. Loved him introducing Jack to Star Wars.

And I was happy he told Kate to give him a chance. Kate and Kevin acting like he "hates" Jack just because he's had a hard time dealing with Jack being blind is just...ugh.

All of the Big Three need therapy not just Randall. Glad he's finally giving it a go.

[tennisgurl]

Oh man, when the Big Three heard that tape from Jack...where the hell did all of this dust come from...and these onions...

[mtlchick]

1 minute ago, ItCouldBeWorse said:

I was waiting (not hoping) for baby Jack to either grab a chess piece and choke on it, or for a piece of a Star Wars figure to break off in his mouth.  They're not teething toys, and if he could choke on scrambled eggs....

I just read an interview with the producers who admitted that may have not been the best idea, even though Toby was watching him. https://ew.com/tv/2020/02/18/this-is-us-producers-break-down-cabin-drama-twist/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_content=link&utm_medium=social&utm_term=2F976882-52C4-11EA-B282-F5AE4744363C&utm_campaign=entertainmentweekly_ew

[nixgirl28]

Kevin is like a fine wine, getting better with age! Great episode. What causes the rift is still unknown for now.

[ShadowFacts]

Sophie is mentioned and her picture shows up. I think she will be back (or the writers like red herrings).

[ItCouldBeWorse]

10 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

'k, Kate could have at least told Kevin that she didn't notice Rebecca's symptoms, either, and that she didn't know Randall was in LA until after the fact, instead of just sitting there and letting him think they were both keeping secrets from him. (Glad they ended in a good place.)

Yes, she should have said that Rebecca had told her when they were spending an entire weekend together, and that Rebecca was waiting until she next saw Kevin to tell him in person.

12 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

Baby Jack's little curls! (Do I want to know how they get an infant to cough like he's choking?)

Hot sauce? (Just kidding.)

13 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

You all should see a therapist, Randall.

Randall and Kate and Toby for sure. Probably Kevin, too, although AA at least gives him a chance to talk about his issues.

14 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

Would that tape really still be playable after being buried in a lunchbox through ~30 years worth of winters and summers?

Jack waterproofed it and dirtproofed it!

15 minutes ago, ams1001 said:

"You guys comin' to kill me?" 😂

Great line.

15 minutes ago, Armchair Critic said:

Kevin (or was it Randall) built a house by the cabin!

Definitely Kevin.  We were told it was his house in last season's finale, and it's unlikely Randall would have that kind of money again with 3 kids to put through college, anyway.

[gonzosgirrl]

Yeah, Jack's tape was typically smooshy Jack, but I ain't gonna lie, I loved it. What I wouldn't give to hear 'new' words from my dad to me again. Once again, the relatability (is that a word?) is what gets me. That's the magic of This is Us, to me.

[Blackie]

The ground wasn't frozen ???

[Roxie]

Just now, Blackie said:

The ground wasn't frozen ???

That would be no match for all the Pearson hot air...

[debraran]

12 minutes ago, mtlchick said:

I just read an interview with the producers who admitted that may have not been the best idea, even though Toby was watching him. https://ew.com/tv/2020/02/18/this-is-us-producers-break-down-cabin-drama-twist/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_content=link&utm_medium=social&utm_term=2F976882-52C4-11EA-B282-F5AE4744363C&utm_campaign=entertainmentweekly_ew

Nice interview.  Glad next week kevin is in it too with Rebecca  You could tell jack was a doll when Toby had to turn him but they are so realistic now. 
Poor Miguel, I hope he’s back soon 

Edited February 19, 2020 by debraran

[ItCouldBeWorse]

Toby had better tell Kate about the choking incident, so she doesn't find out at the vaccination appointment.  I hope she stays calm about it.

18 minutes ago, LexieLily said:

I wonder if the Big Three kept the cassette tape and if they will share it with Rebecca. 

That would be tough on Miguel.

18 minutes ago, MissT said:

I think Kevin is going to take care of Nicky and Nicky lives in the smaller cabin.  

Good call!

[movingtargetgal]

I wish Kevin and Randall had thrown Marc out of the cabin without his coat, buried him in the snow and left him there until his dick froze solid and broke off.

 

[PRgal]

As I said on Twitter, older Kevin is my hall pass.  Also, since Jack already choked, as a mom, I was surprised/a bit upset at Toby holding those Star Wars action figures so closely to him.  Because you never know.  

[tennisgurl]

That was a really good episode, probably my favorite of the season so far. The main plot with Kate/Kevin/Randall at the cabin, and the flashbacks to the mess with Kate and Mark in the past, were really well done, and, as cheesy as it was, I loved Jacks recording in the time capsule, and Kevin building the home that Jack sketched way back when they were kids. Its so cheesy, but its that wonderful feels inducing This Is Us kind of cheesy, the cheesy that makes me wonder how the hell all of these onions got everywhere and reminds me that I should give my parents a call. Thats what I look for with this show. 

Loved all of the cabin scenes, the Big Three had a lot of great scenes together, and had lots of banter and some really heartfelt and honest moments together. "We guys comin to kill me?"

I do wonder if this really was the end of that piece of shit Mark, or if something else goes on with him later? I feel like its probably going to be harder to get Kate to be totally over him, even after how obviously horrible behavior towards her. I did love how Randall figured out what was going on as soon as he saw the broken window and started putting the pieces together, and Rebecca having to stop Kevin and Randall from going after that sack of crap. Kevin was just about to take a swing at him!

I get why everyone was worried about telling Kevin about Rebecca, it was obviously out of concern that this could lead to a relapse and was with the best of intentions, but this was also obviously going to dig at Kevin's insecurities about being an outsider in his own family, and finding out that everyone was lying is obviously going to string. I am really relieved that he got past it quickly at least, even though I still have no clue what is going to lead to that rift in the near future! At least it wont last forever, given the further flashforwards, but I hope its a very short fight. The quick scene where younger Kevin told Randall to pick up the puzzle piece was cute (even if it was partially Kevin just wanting Randall to get moving) and a nice call forward to Kevin being the person Randall goes to when he is having anxiety issues. Seriously, this rift better end quickly! 

Glad that Randall is apparently going to go to therapy. Now we just need to get the rest of the Pearson's more consistently going to therapy! 

Toby had some nice scenes with Jack, glad that he seems to be making some progress and has realized that he can still do the things he wanted to do with Jack, just in a slightly different way than what he imagined. Loved him realizing he could still introduce Jack to Star Wars! The sooner he starts to see baby Jack as his son, and not a tragedy, the better.

Edited February 19, 2020 by tennisgurl

[DoubleUTeeEff]

24 minutes ago, Lady Calypso said:

Marc is a piece of shit, but I won't be surprised if Kate stays with him for a while longer. I feel like Kate's binge eating is part of the result of Marc's abuse and I don't feel like she's hit that point yet. 

Yeah, I felt that was an unrealistic portrayal of an abusive relationship if it ended when Rebecca threw Marc out of the cabin and said he would never see Kate again. Frankly, I was expecting Kate to leave with him at that point. Generally, abuse victims need to break up with their partners something like 7 times before it sticks. Rebecca kicking Marc out could be spun by him as Rebecca attacking him and not understanding their great love. It's a good way for Marc to isolate Kate from her family. But of course, Rebecca was right to kick him out.

Also, Marc 100% broke Jack's mug on purpose. For some reason, that infuriated me as much as everything else he did. It's such a small thing to ask--not to use the mug. And it is so disrespectful of her feelings and history. Her father is dead for Pete's sake, of course she wants to preserve the memories she has of him. To hurt her in that way was so terrible.

I loved Toby making all the Star Wars noises for Baby Jack, so cute. Especially the Wookiee.

Kate saying something about Kevin easing Madison out of her clothes was hilarious.

[Ms Blue Jay]

The choking thing freaked me out and I think I better learn the Heimlich.  Don't worry, I don't have kids yet.  But I am scared straight!

[ams1001]

7 minutes ago, Ms Blue Jay said:

The choking thing freaked me out and I think I better learn the Heimlich.  Don't worry, I don't have kids yet.  But I am scared straight!

After Kate pointed out the list of foods they know he's not allergic to, I thought at first he was having a bad reaction to the eggs and I was ready to leave the room for it. Can't watch that.

Toby making the Star Wars sounds for Jack made me think of this commercial:

 

[movingtargetgal]

7 minutes ago, DoubleUTeeEff said:

Also, Marc 100% broke Jack's mug on purpose. For some reason, that infuriated me as much as everything else he did. It's such a small thing to ask--not to use the mug. And it is so disrespectful of her feelings and history. Her father is dead for Pete's sake, of course she wants to preserve the memories she has of him. To hurt her in that way was so terrible.

The fire killed her father and destroyed most of the family's belongings.  That mug was one of the few things that belonged to her dad.  Marc knew that and he took PLEASURE in destroying it.  When Kate dared to confront him on it he calls her fat and locks her out of her cabin in a snowstorm.  That guy is one dangerous guy and he is not done with Kate.

[Bulldog]

Great episode. 

Add me to the list of those who apparently need to dust their house more often, because I do think my allergies were acting up a little when they played the tape.  My Dad passed almost a decade ago, and I can't imagine how I would react if I found an unknown tape with his voice on it. 

Toby and baby Jack were adorable.  Haven't been a fan of Toby recently, but he won me over tonight.  Can even forgive the obvious doll placement.  And kudos to Audio (between him and the dog over on 911 last night, its been a good week for TV canines), 

Why would Kate possibly care if Kevin and Madison had sex?  

The Marc storyline was a tad anticlimatic, but I think it was resolved more realistically (Rebecca ordering him to leave) than if some of the big dramatic ideas floated about had happened (suicide, car crash, etc). 

So, keeping Rebecca's condition a secret wasn't what caused the riff between Randall and Kevin.  What was? 

[ams1001]

5 minutes ago, Bulldog said:

So, keeping Rebecca's condition a secret wasn't what caused the riff between Randall and Kevin.  What was? 

The ew.com interview someone linked above said something about the possibility of it "bubbling up" again. So who knows...

[tinderbox]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode.  Great storytelling, terrific acting, and perfect musical score.  I saved this one and will be watching it again very soon.

[HollyGoLitely333]

Oh my gods, that was a great episode. 

• Baby jack is DELICIOUS. More scenes with him. What a gorgeous little baby. 
• I whispered out loud "OH.MY.GOD...IT'S OLDER KEVIN" as he got out of that car. 😍
• I had a fleeting thought at some point in the past few seasons that maybe Kevin's fancy house was in the PA mountains - and wow, that's the only thing I've guessed right in terms of the BIG, broader plot line.
• I'm getting a little worried about where Kate is in the 15 years future scenes. 😞 
• Marc, you little shit. I can't believe he dropped that mug. Oh yes I can. I hope so much that's all we'll see of him, but the way he lingered and acted like he refused to budge when Rebecca said a few times he needed to go makes me worry he'll be lurking in the corner twirling his mustache in future episodes. Prove me wrong, show. 
• Remember how Toby reacted to Kate when she needed to watch the super bowl with Jack's ashes? I feel like the mug thing was a nod to how Toby is so much better at handling her ongoing grief. 
• Toby's handling of the choking was impressive. Thank goodness, cause I had been pretty irritated him for a while. Yay an episode we didn't have to hear the words cross or fit together. 
• ETA: Rebecca's face as she turns from Kevin & Randall toward Marc? Those wild, wide Mama Bear eyes gave me chills. Mandy Moore nailed that moment. 

Edited to add this post/lose my double post. 

Madison's short scene was great. Again, I'm feeling Madison/Kevin more than I thought I would. She really holds her own against Kevin and has her own snark meter. And so not surprised she ended up telling Kate.

Agree. I somehow think it works. Both Kevin & Madison are heady and into themselves & their own drama (tiny Madison came from weight watchers after all...) but also adore Kate. It's perfect, really. 

Edited February 19, 2020 by HollyGoLitely333

[HollyGoLitely333]

1 hour ago, Lady Calypso said:

Madison's short scene was great. Again, I'm feeling Madison/Kevin more than I thought I would. She really holds her own against Kevin and has her own snark meter. And so not surprised she ended up telling Kate.

Agree. I somehow think it works. Both Kevin & Madison are heady and into themselves & their own drama (tiny Madison came from weight watchers after all...) but also adore Kate. It's perfect, really. 

[HollyGoLitely333]

1 hour ago, ItCouldBeWorse said:

1 hour ago, MissT said:

I think Kevin is going to take care of Nicky and Nicky lives in the smaller cabin.  

Good call!

Oh good call. 

[MissT]

2 minutes ago, HollyGoLitely333 said:

Oh good call. 

It just makes sense.  Nicky is in a place that his brother loved and he and Kevin support each other.    The scene at Beccas bedside, Im sure Nicky was telling stories to her about Jack and vice versa.