NBC's This is Us season 4, episode 2 recap: Back at the Pool

This is Us returns with a visit back to the community pool we first saw in season 1.

We may have met some new characters on last week’s season premiere of This is Us, but this week, they were no-shows.

This week’s episode deals with the various ways people adjust to change. Rebecca and Jack must deal with their children pulling away from them, seeking ways to being independent. This directly mirrors what Randall and Beth are going through right now with their girls. Kate and Toby must face a completely different life they had imagined now that they know Baby Jack is visually impaired. Kevin is still adjusting and getting used to being sober.

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: (l-r) Parker Bates as Kevin, Milo Ventimiglia as Jack — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

In the past

As the Big Three are about to enter the seventh grade, Rebecca and Jack worry that the kids are getting so big so fast. So, they suggest a family pool day, much like the one they had back in season 1, episode 4 “The Pool.” That’s why this episode is called “The Pool: Part 2.” Only this time, the kids couldn’t be bothered.

Once they get there, the kids scatter, even though Jack has found five chairs. Come on, kids!

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THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: (l-r) Milo Ventimiglia as Jack, Mandy Moore as Rebecca — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

When two popular girls show an interest in Kate, Rebecca’s mom-dar immediately goes off. And she’s right: these mean girls trick Kate into thinking a cute boy liked her. Jokes on them though, because the boy she actually meets behind the snack stand likes her. So, she kisses him.

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: Lonnie Chavis as Randall — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

The boys run off with a couple of their African-American friends. Kevin impresses them with his rapping skills. But when he encourages Randall to do it, knowing he couldn’t, Randall gets embarrassed and later, breaks Kevin’s “Rump Shaker” cassette. After a shoving match that Jack breaks off, Kevin wonders if he’s actually a good person.

You will be, Kevin, but not for a while!

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: (l-r) Chrissy Metz as Kate, Baby Jack, Chris Sullivan as Toby — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

In L.A.

Kate and Toby have everyone over to meet with a consultant to help them come up with a strategy for raising a blind child.

Although Kate seems to be taking the news incredibly well, Toby is worried about the moment Kate will snap. He confides in Rebecca that Kate is overeating and that she is “at the top of his list” of worry.

And that breakdown moment Toby feared comes in the form of the Steelers and realizing Baby Jack will never see a game.

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: Chrissy Metz as Kate — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

Philadelphia treasure M. Knight Shayamalan tells Kevin how incredible he is when he drops the charming act. But that’s his thing! People are taking notice just how good of an actor Kevin is, and he’s offered a chance to read for a big role in a Spike Jonze movie.

Kevin is trying to decide whether or not to go to Chicago for the role, that has the potential to advance his career. He’s worried about leaving Kate and Toby during this difficult time, keeping up with his sobriety, and also that Uncle Nicky isn’t really returning his calls or texts after wired him bail money.

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: Justin Hartley as Kevin — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

He, of course, confides in Baby Jack. He’s 187 days sober and pushing 40, and he’s still such a work in progress.

Kate hears him through the baby monitor and encourages him to live his life as he reassures her that her decision to have a baby and go through a risky pregnancy didn’t make Baby Jack blind.

Kate lets everyone know that her son will live without limits (and he does!) and Kevin hops on a flight to the sticks of Pennsylvania to find out what’s going on with Uncle Nicky.

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: (l-r) Susan Kelechi Watson as Beth, Sterling K. Brown as Randall — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

In Philly

Randall wants to take the family on a fun, touristy trip to Center City before school starts. The girls agree on a couple of conditions. Deja wants to ride the bus to school and wants to have a test-run with Randall to show she can handle it. Tess wants a bold, new haircut.

The bus ride goes crappy, and Beth is worried about Tess’ drastic hair change. In the end, Tess’ hair looks fierce, and Randall realizes he needs to trust Deja.

THIS IS US — “The Pool: Part Two” Episode 402 — Pictured: Lyric Ross as Deja — (Photo by: Ron Batzdorff/NBC) /

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They all run up the Rocky Steps (aka the steps that lead to the Philadelphia Museum of Art) because you can’t say you’re from Philly unless you’ve run up the Rocky Steps. We walk out of the womb and right up the steps here.

Major props to the This is Us folks for actually filming that scene in Philly. I’m sorry I missed it. But, I hope they come back again so I can catch a glimpse!

Watch This is Us anytime.

Read last week’s This is Us recap.

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