Ep 8. Six Thanksgivings

In "This Is Us" season 3 episode 8, titled "Six Thanksgivings," viewers get a glimpse into the Thanksgiving celebrations of the Pearson family throughout the years. The episode is divided into six different Thanksgivings, each one highlighting a different time period in the Pearson family's history.

The first Thanksgiving takes place in 1972 when Jack (played by Milo Ventimiglia) and his younger brother Nicky (Michael Angarano) are serving in the Vietnam War. The Pearson parents, Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and Jack, are hosting their first Thanksgiving in their new home and try to make the day special despite their sons being away at war. In this segment, viewers get to see the early beginnings of Rebecca and Jack's relationship and how they dealt with the absence of their sons during the holiday.

The second Thanksgiving is set in 1985 when the Pearson children are young and still living at home. Jack and Rebecca host Thanksgiving as usual, but tensions arise when their own parents show up uninvited. This segment explores the complex dynamics of family relationships, showing how even the most loving families can have some underlying resentment and animosity towards one another.

The third Thanksgiving takes place in 1992 when the Pearson children are teenagers and beginning to form their own identities. This Thanksgiving is hosted by Rebecca's mother, who is struggling with health issues and secretly harbors some resentment towards her daughter. As the siblings navigate their own individual struggles, they must also deal with their grandmother's behavior and try to maintain a sense of family togetherness.

The fourth Thanksgiving is set in 1997 after the Pearson children have grown up and moved out of their childhood home. Rebecca hosts Thanksgiving at her new home, and the family is introduced to her new boyfriend, Miguel (Jon Huertas). This segment explores the difficulties in accepting new faces into the family and how change can be difficult for everyone.

The fifth Thanksgiving takes place in 2008, with the Pearson family dealing with various challenges in their personal lives. Each sibling is facing their own issues, with some still trying to figure out their careers and relationships, while others are dealing with personal tragedies. This Thanksgiving serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable, but family can help get you through the tough times.

The sixth and final Thanksgiving is set in the present day, with the Pearson family coming together to celebrate the holiday in their own ways. Each sibling has their own traditions and routines, but they all come together in the end. This segment highlights the importance of family and how, despite the struggles and challenges, they still find a way to come together and support each other.

Overall, "Six Thanksgivings" is a heartwarming and emotional episode that showcases the complexity of family relationships and the importance of coming together during the holiday season.