“The Trip” is the ninth episode of NBC’s series of THIS IS US. Randall is angry and devastated by his adoptive mother’s lies about knowing his biological father. In an effort to try to reunite the family, Kate suggests the three siblings go up to the family cabin. Kevin decides to invite Olivia to join them, and she brings two uninvited guests, her ex-boyfriend and her playwright. Olivia is then rude to Kate and creates tension between her and Kevin. Randall accidentally drinks a beverage with mushrooms in it and begins to hallucinate. He sees his late father, Jack, and together, they start working through Randall’s feelings about Rebecca’s betrayal.

“The Trip” addresses issues that can occur in families that adopt a child. Randall struggles with feeling unwanted while Rebecca struggles with fear. Kate and Olivia are depicted struggling with fears regarding family and relationships. This episode portrays the bond between members of a family as a means which is powerful in its ability to wound and to heal. As such, it’s very insightful, but strong and extreme caution are advised because of a bedroom scene and a case of accidental drug use.