Ep 13. Our Little Island Girl

Our Little Island Girl is the thirteenth episode of the third season of This Is Us. The episode focuses on Beth, one of the supporting characters of the show, and her backstory. It is a character-driven episode that explores Beth's early life and her passion for dance.

The episode opens with a flashback to a younger Beth in her hometown of Washington D.C. She is shown as an aspiring dancer who is passionate about the art form. She is seen practicing for a dance performance in her room while her mother tells her to practice more. Beth's mother is strict and wants her daughter to excel in dance, as she sees it as a way for her to escape poverty and achieve some level of success.

As the episode progresses, we see Beth's journey to becoming a professional dancer. We learn about her struggles to balance her love for dance with her responsibilities at home. Beth has to take care of her younger sisters while her parents work long hours, and this often leaves her with little time to rehearse. She also has to deal with racism and discrimination from her white counterparts in the dance community, who view her as an outsider because of her race.

Despite these challenges, Beth remains determined and keeps working hard. Her love for dance is so strong that she is willing to sacrifice a lot to pursue it. She eventually earns a scholarship to a prestigious dance school in New York City, but this comes with its own set of challenges.

In New York, Beth struggles to fit in and make friends. She is shy and introverted, which makes it difficult for her to connect with people. She also feels like she doesn't belong, as many of her classmates come from wealthy backgrounds and have different experiences than she does. However, she eventually finds a kindred spirit in a fellow dancer named Zoe, who becomes her best friend and confidant.

As the episode comes to a close, we see Beth's journey come full circle. She is shown as an adult, teaching dance to children and passing on her passion to the next generation. We also see how her love for dance has influenced her relationship with her husband Randall, who is also a dancer. The episode ends on a poignant note, as Beth reflects on the impact that dance has had on her life and how it has shaped her into the person she is today.

Overall, Our Little Island Girl is a touching and powerful episode that delves deep into one of the show's most beloved characters. It is a testament to the strength of the This Is Us writing team, who have created a rich and fully-realized world that is both relatable and inspiring. This episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who appreciates great storytelling.