User reviews

The writers once again outdid themselves and also the casting department. Bravo. Finally get answers about the woman who birthed Randall

What a reward this episode was. I'm so glad they put all that in one episode and didn't make us wait until next week. Sterling K Brown is magnificent. If only I had a lake I could wade into to let it all out!

Once again, This Is Us delivers a truly stunning episode. The writing, direction, acting, music...everything was just so powerful. I also greatly appreciated the nuances of black culture which are so familiar to me (sitting in the kitchen getting your hair pressed with a hot comb). The closure that this episode gave Randall was beautiful, as he was able to truly know that he was loved by the people who raised him AND by the people who made him. What a beautiful journey.

I love TIU but I got used to thinking that there was never going to be another episode as amazing as 'Memphis' back in Season 1...well I was wrong. 'Birth Mother' can join 'Memphis' in being not just the greatest TIU episodes, but also one of the greatest television episodes period.

The idea that Randell's mother was always thinking about him does not make sense to me at all. Why didn't she go back to Pittsburg and ask William about her son? Ok, she was in prison but only for 5 years. She still got about 30 years to do that and William was living at the same apartment Al these years! This is us is one of my favorite shows but some episodes are just cheesy and not realistic. It's interesting that Randall's "intelligent" character did not find these flaws and accepted that his mother was always thinking about him and loving him.

I didn't get teary, I downright sobbed out loud for half the episode. So heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time.

Finally the quality is on level with previous seasons. Loved this episode so much! Can't wait for more

By far one of the best episodes so far... so many questions answered, so many emotions felt. 10/10

It may make you think twice when you see someone effected by drugs. Giving a further backstory to the life of someone we've not long met, This Is Us drops it's strongest episode this season evoking the thoughtfulness of it's greatest hours. With a love story at its center, it perfectly demonstrates the beauty of even the hardships in life.

Absolutely loved this episode! Glad it just focused on Randall, finding out about his birth mother. Loved watching what her story was all about. Absolutely love this show! Always look forward to see another episode each week!

Sterling is incredible. The story line is incredible. I'm so glad he was able to get closure he was seeking. He deserves the world.

That was superb... beautifully done episode. I liked the suggestion that it be made into a book!

Such a waste of time!!!

Why William didn't search for his wife grave? Why Randal's mother didn't come back to find her child and his father?

William hadn't changed the house,if she came back to house, she find him easily and they find Randal by Hospital information and done!!!

Every beautiful concept" this is us" had been made about love and family, in this episod were ruined!!!!!!👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

A heartbreaking episode from start to finish! Maybe the story of Randall's mother wasn't necessary to the show but hey, the writers decided it was and it turned out to be a great episode! We never know how much history there is behind a person, sometimes even oneself don't know how much history there is in our lives and in this episode that feeling is reflected very well. Good job This Is Us!

This episode was the greatest in quite a while. Want more of this!

A real masterpiece that can stand on its own . You won't soon forget this episode .

I've been a BIG FAN all along, but this season feels different, in a bad way. Most people watch TV for entertainment and escapism, not to get educated about issues that we suffered through in 2020. This episode is more in tune with all the other seasons, so I'm hopeful...

Needless to say, I SOBBED. This episode has got to be in the top five best episodes of This is Us (if not number one). It has everything that we love about this show; it is a story of love, loss, forgiveness, resilience, acceptance, and family, all in one episode!! Acting is excellent, and it's beautifully shot. Y'all knocked it out of the park!

I really like This Is Us. This episode is a real outlier in the cheez factor. The bit with the lake was foreseeable by a mile or two. The yell in the lake was foreseeable for many miles. The conversation in the lake was ultimate cheese. It really ruined the storyline of Randall, sorry. She never tried to contact William? She just 'waved' at the Vietnamese guy after his family was gone for years? Please.....this was SO not believable, in a show that has as its trademark the 'realness' of life.

The episode "Birth Mother" from the fifth season of This Is Us stands out as a true masterpiece, rising to the level of an independent film within the series' narrative. With impeccable direction, a profoundly emotional script, and masterful performances, this episode immerses viewers in a journey of discovery and reconciliation that leaves a lasting impact.

The script, crafted with extraordinary sensitivity, weaves the past and present together so that every revelation about Laurel's life-the birth mother of Randall-takes on deep meaning. The narrative not only allows us to understand Laurel's decisions and sacrifices but also provides Randall's character with a new perspective on his own identity and roots.

The direction, intimate and visually poetic, turns every scene into an emotional portrait that captures the essence of the characters. The carefully crafted cinematography and seamless use of flashbacks enable viewers to journey between timelines effortlessly, while the music and strategic silences amplify the emotional impact of every moment.

As for the performances, the cast delivers raw and authentic portrayals. Sterling K. Brown (Randall) once again showcases his ability to convey vulnerability and strength simultaneously, while Jennifer C. Holmes (Laurel) offers a nuanced performance worthy of the highest praise. Together, they create a connection that transcends the screen, making viewers feel every emotion as if it were their own.

"Birth Mother" is more than a television episode; it is a cinematic work that reminds us of the power of reconciliation and the importance of knowing our history to understand who we are. This episode shines not only for its technical and narrative quality but also for its ability to touch the viewer's soul, reaffirming why This Is Us is a series that transcends genres and formats.

Such good writing.... How do they do it???

You can feel all of the characters breathing and living and then you will be crying like every other minute.