Ep 16. Memphis

Randall decides to take a road trip to his father's hometown of Memphis after receiving some unexpected news. He brings along his adopted brother William, who is suffering from terminal cancer. Throughout the episode, viewers are taken on a journey through both Randall and William's pasts. The trip to Memphis brings up memories for both of them, and they are forced to confront unresolved feelings and issues from their pasts.

We see flashbacks of young Randall struggling with his identity as a black child being raised by a white family. He recalls feeling like an outsider at the predominantly white private school he attended, and how his adoptive mother tried to convince him to embrace his differences. The flashbacks also show us young William's difficult upbringing, growing up in poverty and dealing with addiction.

As they make their way to Memphis, Randall and William bond over their love of music. William had been a musician in his youth and even played with some famous names. The two stop at a local Blues club, where William is immediately recognized by an old bandmate. They end up performing a touching rendition of a song that William wrote for Randall when he was just a baby.

Along the way, the two also meet up with some of William's old friends and family members in Memphis. We meet William's cousin, who fills in some of the gaps from William's past that Randall had been curious about. We also see William reunite with his ex-girlfriend, now a successful doctor, who he had let slip away due to his addiction. Their reunion is emotional, and the two share their regrets and fond memories of their time together.

As the trip comes to a close, both Randall and William realize the significance of this journey. Randall found closure in learning about his father's past, and William got to reconnect with people and places from his youth. The two also had important conversations about their relationship and their feelings towards each other. It becomes clear that this trip was much more than just a quick getaway, but an opportunity for both men to heal and grow.

Overall, this episode of This Is Us is a poignant look at family dynamics, identity, and the importance of connecting with one's past. The emotional performances from Sterling K. Brown and Ron Cephas Jones as Randall and William make this episode a standout in a series full of heart-wrenching moments. It's a reminder of the power of storytelling and the impact that our history and relationships have on who we are today.