'This Is Us' recap: 5 things you might have missed in season 1, episode 6

Have you forgotten the smaller moments of ‘This Is Us’? Let’s rewind to Season 1, Episode 6 and recap five things you might have missed.

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After exploring race in Episode 4 and death in Episode 5, This Is Us heads to work in the sixth episode, which delves into the sacrifices parents make for their children. We can say a lot about Papa Pearson because even though Rebecca says he’s as close to perfect as they come, he’s not without his flaws. But Jack Pearson is nothing if not an exemplary father.

“Career Days” follows the present-day Big Three as they must overcome difficulties with their jobs. No one understands what Randall does, Kate can’t catch a break at her new gig, and Kevin has trouble mustering a Tony-worthy performance for his play. Meanwhile, Jack and Rebecca struggle with the decision to send Randall to an advanced school, which ties into Jack’s own responsibilities as the breadwinner for the Pearson family. It’s not all fun and games out there in the workforce. But do you remember Randall’s laughable albeit endearing career day bop? And what about the tactic Olivia uses to get Kevin to hit his dramatic mark? Let’s rewind and revisit five things you might have missed in Season 1, Episode 6.

1. Career day will be lit.

When Tess and Annie listen to William play the piano, Tess asks him to present for her school’s career day in place of Randall. It’s a no go, but the lack of understanding about his numbers-heavy job in commodity trading based on weather futures (what’s not to understand) makes Randall insecure. He ponders whether he was blessed with musical gifts like his father but no one knew to foster that talent. Long story short: Randall shouldn’t quit his day job to feel closer to William.

2. Olivia teaches Kevin how to feel.

Kevin can’t bring himself to perform the raw emotion in the play’s script, leading Olivia, the play’s leading actress who isn’t his biggest fan, to take him to a party. But it’s not just any party: She’s take’s him to a stranger’s memorial service. It’s a lesson in grief, in feeling, which Kevin surprisingly takes to as he connects with the widow about Jack’s death. Olivia’s final lesson involves sleeping with Kevin once. That’s one inappropriate master class.

THIS IS US — “Career Days” Episode 106 — Pictured: Sterling K Brown as Randall — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC). Acquired from NBCUniversal Media Village. /

3. Kate takes no prisoners.

Having parted ways as Kevin’s assistant and obviously not taking the job with Toby’s ex-wife, Kate lands a new job as an event planning assistant with Marin (Jami Gertz). The downfall? Kate must wrangle Marin’s unruly teenage daughter Jemma. While giving the teenager a ride to a friend’s house, Kate has had enough and kicks Jemma out of her car. Of course, Kate isn’t all piss and vinegar. She relates to Jemma’s issues with body image and her mother.

4. Randall is gifted.

Not only does Randall test higher than his grade level, his high test scores prove that he should be attending an advanced placement school with a gifted program. However, young Randall worries about his intelligence since Kevin and Kate aren’t on the same level. Jack fears that sending Randall to the predominantly white school will make him feel even more off-the-charts different than he already does in a white family, but Papa Pearson delivers his best, most healing monologue yet.

Next: 'This Is Us' rewind recap: 5 things you might have missed in 'The Game Plan'

5. Jack takes a desk job.

Before we became cognizant of the depths of Rebecca’s dream to sing, we learn of Jack’s desire to start his own building company, Big Three Homes. But one thing holds him back: Finances. In order to maintain their lifestyle, he accepts a desk position and then a position under Miguel. Although we criticized Jack for not holding space for Rebecca to grow, we have to give him credit for sacrificing his own career satisfaction for his family. After all, he inspired Randall to want to put on a tie in the morning for the career he loves.

What were your favorite moments from “Career Days”? Let us know in the comments, and keep the conversation going on Twitter!

This Is Us returns for Season 2 on Tuesday, September 26 at 9/8c on NBC. Season 1 is currently available to stream online.

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‘This Is Us’ rewind recap: 5 things you might have missed in season 1, episode 6

By Reed Gaudens | Aug 4, 2017