THIS IS US: Season Two: Number Three

In “Number Three,” teenage Randall prepares to apply to Harvard, but then changes his mind and asks Jack to take him to tour Howard University, a predominantly black college. Randall and Jack talk through Randall’s feelings of being “off-balance” as a black person in a predominantly white environment. Jack assures Randall he’ll find his balance because he’s a “spectacular” person. Grown-up Randall experiences heartache when the charges against Deja’s mother are dropped, and he realizes that rather than fighting for custody, he needs to let Deja go home with her mother. Kevin arrives shortly after Deja’s departure but decides to leave again suddenly after drinking vodka. He starts speeding, unaware that Randall’s daughter, Tess, distraught after Deja leaves, is hiding in his car’s backseat. 

“Number Three” tackles the concept of doing the right thing even when it brings pain. William honors Rebecca’s request to remain out of Randall’s life for Randall’s sake. Randall finds himself having to make that same sacrifice with Deja. This episode contains mature content as it addresses grief, loss, and substance abuse; it is not advised for children.