The episode focuses on the Pearson family's experiences during their 20s, a pivotal decade of their lives.
Kevin struggles as an actor, resorting to desperate measures like trying to steal his roommate's role. Kate works as a waitress, attends night school, and seeks validation through relationships with married men. Randall grapples with anxiety and the pressures of impending fatherhood, having recently experienced a breakdown.
The original scene, depicting a realistic home birth on all fours, was deemed too graphic and potentially confusing for viewers accustomed to traditional hospital birth portrayals.
Garuda, a hardware store employee, offered Randall the comforting perspective that children "come with the answers," suggesting that parenthood brings its own inherent wisdom and guidance.
Sterling shared his experience of delivering his first child and the profound realization of his new purpose. Chris reflected on the transformative power of parenthood, emphasizing the importance of presence and acceptance. Both hosts agreed that children are the ultimate teachers, offering invaluable lessons in presence and acceptance.
Zoe Hay, the makeup artist, and her team, including Stevie, were responsible for the seamless aging and de-aging of the characters throughout the series. Their work, involving prosthetics, makeup, and hair styling, was crucial for maintaining the show's continuity and believability across different timelines.
The makeup department had to experiment with various looks and techniques, particularly for aging Mandy Moore, to find the right balance. They also faced the challenge of aging multiple characters simultaneously in the later seasons, requiring creative reuse of prosthetics and appliances.
Rebecca's tears reflected a mix of joy and sadness. While overjoyed by the birth of her grandchild, she also mourned the absence of her husband, Jack, with whom she would normally share such a momentous occasion.
The fan segment showcased various This Is Us-inspired Halloween costumes, highlighting the creativity and engagement of the show's fans.
Join us as we dive into "The 20's," an episode that explores the pivotal moments and defining experiences of the Pearson family in their twenties. We'll delve into Kevin's core wound, the personal romantic struggles Kate is going through, and the challenges and joys of parenthood for Beth and Randall— which leads Sterling, Mandy, and Chris to ask themselves and listeners: “What kind of answers did your children bring when they came into the world?”
Plus, we're joined by the talented Zoe Hay, makeup artist extraordinaire from This Is Us! Zoe shares behind-the-scenes insights and reveals the secrets behind those iconic Pearson looks. And for a bit of fun, we'll take a peek at some amazing This Is Us-inspired Halloween costumes from fans over the years.
That Was Us is produced by Rabbit Grin Productions.
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