'This Is Us' Season 4 Episode 17: If Jack had survived, would the Pearson family be as lovable? Fans say NO!

In one version, Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown) pictures a "happily-ever-after" scenario and in the other version, Randall sketched out a totally different aspect
UPDATED MAR 20, 2020
Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, Lonnie Chavis as Randall, Parker Bates as Kevin, Mandy Moore as Rebecca Mackenzie Hancsicsak as Kate (NBC)
Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, Lonnie Chavis as Randall, Parker Bates as Kevin, Mandy Moore as Rebecca Mackenzie Hancsicsak as Kate (NBC)

This week's 'This Is Us' episode shed light on how things would have been different if Jack Pearson (Milo Ventimiglia) would have been alive. In one version, Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown) pictures a "happily-ever-after" scenario and in the other version, Randall sketched out a totally different outcome.

However, in both versions, one thing was common: Rebecca (Mandy Moore) confessed about having met Randall's birth father William Hill (Ron Cephas Jones) right after Jack was saved. In the second version, Randall had a difficult childhood, things between Jack and Rebecca were not as perfect and the Pearson siblings were at loggerheads with each other.

Fans are split about the entire thing. "And now I’m stuck home going through all those scenarios of how my life could’ve been different. Thanks, Randall Pearson," one viewer wrote and another said, "Imma have to watch this episode a few more times to absorb it all. And deal with the idea that had Jack lived, I don’t think I would have liked the Pearson Family as much."

One fan, however, understood the entire thing and said, "I understand your point, but I offer this real story. A husband was diagnosed with cancer and said he didn't want treatment (accepted death). His wife asked him to go to chemo. He did, outliving his projected expectancy. He died happy. Sometimes it's just fear."

Sterling K Brown as Randall Pearson (NBC)

Not happy with Randall's decision, one fan said, "Sometimes we have to step in as the "adult" in parent-child relationships to get them to a better place but this, Randall, this wasn't it. And I am intrigued to see how this season ends. Fin. #ThisIsUs." Another opined, " I don’t even know where to begin. Randall hurts my heart. Rebecca deserves every ounce of happiness. She deserves to enjoy what ever time she has left. No matter what trial is available. You guilted her for your selfish reasons you can’t overcome."

Moreover, one said, "He could have realized this and had two options: confront his mother about his resentment and make an effort to have a stronger more reciprocated relationship with her or actually forgive her transgressions and personally fix his damage #ThisIsUs." 

What's done is done. But what's hurtful is that Randall's forceful decision on his mom might leave his brother unhappy and he would never be able to mend things with him. As the NBC show airs next week at 10 pm ET, it might show what really transpires in their lives. 

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

From Ashford’s tourney grounds to whispered legends, 'A Knight of Seven Kingdoms' Episode 1 showed us plenty of 'Game of Thrones' Easter eggs.
29 minutes ago
Everything you need to know about ‘nursing home OG’ Judy Ann Prachyl as ‘Landman’ Season 2 comes to an end
2 hours ago
Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck, the eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, January 27
2 hours ago
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' adapted from 'Tales of Dunk and Egg,' takes place between the events of 'House of the Dragon' and 'Game of Thrones.'
3 hours ago
Taylor Sheridan is leaving Paramount and joining NBCUniversal, starting an eight-year movie deal in March 2026
6 hours ago
After the season 2 finale, season 3 looms as 'Landman' locks in its return and familiar faces line up for another round of power shifts
6 hours ago
Finn Wolfhard's latest hosting gig on 'SNL' also featured his 'Stranger Things' co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo
7 hours ago
Futures flip fast in the 'Landman' Season 2 finale as danger, power shifts, and a new company set the stage for what comes next
8 hours ago
The stakes are higher than ever as a secret audio hints at Tommy's possible betrayal of his father, Richard Roper
8 hours ago
New guests arrive in paradise as a famous comedian and a rising newcomer join ‘The White Lotus’ Season 4, where luxury once again hides trouble.
1 day ago