Ep 1. Strangers

This is Us season 4 episode 1, titled Strangers, introduces a whole new set of characters who are seemingly unrelated to the Pearson family. The episode follows the lives of four individuals, each struggling with their own personal challenges and searching for a sense of belonging.

The first character we meet is a young woman named Cassidy, who is serving in the military and struggling to adjust to civilian life after returning home from her deployment. She attends an AA meeting where she meets Kevin, who is also struggling with addiction and trying to stay sober. The two strike up a conversation and find themselves connecting over their shared experiences.

The second character we are introduced to is Malik, a high school student and new father who is trying to balance his responsibilities as a father with his own goals and aspirations. He meets Deja, a fellow student at his school, and the two quickly form a close bond as they navigate the challenges of teenage parenthood together.

Next, we meet a man named Jack, who is starting a new life with his wife and young son after serving a lengthy prison sentence. He struggles to find work and support his family, facing discrimination and judgment from those around him. Despite the challenges he faces, he is determined to build a better life for himself and his loved ones.

The final character we are introduced to is a blind musician named Lucy, who is struggling to find success in her career despite her talent and passion for music. She meets a man named Nick, who is also a musician and struggles with his own health issues. The two connect over their shared love of music and form a deep emotional bond.

Despite the seemingly disconnected storylines, the episode slowly reveals the ways in which each character's lives are intertwined and connected to the Pearson family. With powerful performances and emotional storytelling, Strangers sets the tone for what promises to be another heart-wrenching and captivating season of This is Us.