Dynamics of maternal bonds
Phylicia Rashad, ‘This Is Us’ ‘daughter’ Susan Kalechi Watson take on joys, complexities.
The dynamics between mothers and daughters are well-explored territory on NBC’s hit family drama “This Is Us.” And its newest episode adds another portrait to the mix with the help of TV mom icon Phylicia Rashad.
Over the course of the show’s run, viewers have become acquainted with the pasts of most members of the Pearson family. Now Beth, played by Susan Kalechi Watson, is coming into focus.
Beth’s the strong, supportive wife of Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown), one of the Big Three, and much of her story has been in relation to her husband; this season has put their future into question. But Tuesday’s episode offers a glimpse of the girl known as Bethany to her family.
The episode, “Our Little Island Girl,” finds Beth, along with her cousin Zoe (Melanie Liburd), returning home to D.C. after her tough-loving mother, Carol “Mama C” Clarke (Rashad), injures herself. Through flashbacks, viewers will learn of Beth’s childhood ambitions of becoming a dancer and what led to her pushing her dreams aside —
Where: NBC When: 9 p.m. Tuesday Rating: TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under age 14)