Ep 5. Toby

Toby, the fifth episode of This is Us season 3, focuses heavily on the character of Toby (played by Chris Sullivan) and his struggles with both his physical and mental health. The episode starts with Toby's quick visit to his gym, which ends with him passing out.

As the episode progresses, we see Toby dealing with the ramifications of his recent heart attack and struggling to come to terms with his new limitations. His inability to do basic tasks like carrying laundry or playing with his son is starting to affect his mental health. Toby starts to spiral into a deep depression and becomes increasingly withdrawn from his loved ones.

The episode also delves into Toby's past, showing us his journey from being overweight and unhappy to the man he is today. We see Toby's relationship with his mom, who was instrumental in helping him lose the weight and gain confidence. The flashback's also reveal a distressing pattern of unhealthy eating habits and depression that resurfaces in Toby's present.

We see how Toby's battle with his health is taking a toll on his wife, Kate (played by Chrissy Metz), who is struggling to deal with her own issues. Kate is trying to come to terms with her pregnancy, and the stress of Toby's health is adding to the burden. This episode explores the couple's relationship and how they support each other through tough times.

The story also explores the importance of support systems and the role they play in helping people deal with their issues. We see Toby's friends and family rallying around him, trying to help him through his struggles. This includes a heartwarming scene where Toby's father-in-law, Jack (played by Milo Ventimiglia), takes him on a fishing trip to help him deal with his depression.

This episode shows how mental health is just as important as physical health and can have a significant impact on a person's well-being. The story also explores the stigma surrounding mental health issues and encourages people to seek help when they need it.

Overall, Toby is a powerful episode that tackles some of the pressing issues facing modern society, including mental health and obesity. The show takes a sensitive and compassionate approach to these issues, humanizing the characters' struggles and showing us the importance of compassion and support. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone looking for a powerful and moving drama.