Ep 4. Vietnam

In This Is Us season 3 episode 4, titled "Vietnam," the Pearson family's past comes into focus as we dive deeper into Jack's time in the Vietnam War. The episode intercuts between Jack's experiences in the war and his son Kevin's present-day journey to uncover his father's past.

As Kevin travels to Vietnam to learn about his father's time in the war, viewers are taken on a hauntingly emotional journey through Jack's memories. We see him struggle to distinguish friend from foe, navigate the dangerous terrain, and cope with the weight of the trauma he experiences on a daily basis. Through flashbacks and Jack's conversations with his war buddy, audiences begin to understand the depth of his struggle to come to terms with the events that took place.

Meanwhile, back in the present day, Kevin is grappling with his own demons as he tries to learn more about his father. He's accompanied on this journey by a young boy named "Zoe," as they try to piece together the stories behind Jack's time in Vietnam. As they explore the country and talk to those who knew him, Kevin begins to gain a deeper understanding of his father's character and the transformative impact that the war had on him.

While "Vietnam" is predominantly a Jack-centric episode, it also offers glimpses into the lives of the other Pearsons. We see young Randall struggling with the stress of his new school and the pressure he feels to fit in, while his mother struggles to act as a mediator between him and his father. Meanwhile, Kate is dealing with her own insecurities as she tries to come to terms with the fact that her husband is starting a new job.

Throughout the episode, the themes of loyalty and sacrifice take center stage. Jack's unwavering loyalty to his country and his fellow soldiers is contrasted with his guilt over the lives he's taken and the lives he's saved. Kevin's loyalty to his father and his desire to honor his legacy is contrasted with his own emotional turmoil and the fear that he may never truly understand the man his father was.

"Vietnam" is a powerful, moving exploration of family dynamics, war, and what it means to truly know someone. It's an episode that sheds new light on our favorite characters and leaves viewers anxious to see what's next in store for the Pearson family.