Randall and Kevin hit a crossroads in New York-themed ‘This Is Us’

Just when you thought that maybe Kevin (Justin Hartley) and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) were going to beef over something other than Rebecca (Mandy Moore) and her diagnosis in that dire flash-forward scene that everyone keeps talking about, the March 10 episode of This Is Us (Tuesdays, 9 p.m. ET, CTV) was here to remind everyone that those brothers are still very much in their feelings over their mother’s health. And like always, the fact that they just can’t see eye-to-eye is leading to some pretty big emotions… and statements that will be nearly impossible to take back.

See you at the crossroads

It’s so interesting to think about how Kevin’s life would have been different if he were home the night of the fire, versus how Randall’s life would have turned out if he were the one not there. Would Randall hold more or less guilt? Would Kevin feel like he should shoulder more of the family responsibility? Either way one thing that became clear in the “New York, New York, New York” episode was that Randall has always felt bitter at Kevin for having to be the one to stand up and take care of the family, while Kevin has always felt like Randall would never let him.[video_embed id='1827415']RELATED: Sterling K. Brown reveals how 'Waves' influenced his approach to parenting[/video_embed]That theme kept bubbling up throughout the episode every time the Pearson crew headed to New York, culminating in Kevin’s present-day movie premiere in the city. Randall wanted to face reality and convince Rebecca to sign up for an out-of-town Alzheimer’s trial, while Kevin wanted to let her have a night of fun at the premiere like had she asked him for. One of the things This Is Us does so well, is lets viewers see a situation from both sides. So sure, you could be upset at Randall for not keeping his word and bringing up the trial at the afterparty, but it's also easy to see why he would when Rebecca faltered and had an embarrassing moment by forgetting she was staying at The Plaza.

Ironic that the title of Kevin’s movie also happens to sum up most of his conversations with Randall.? #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/ePM7eFhFum

— Justin Hartley (@justinhartley) March 11, 2020

The worst part though is that the brothers’ fighting clearly just piles onto what Rebecca is already going through, and this is just one of the many medical decisions to come. Randall is desperately trying to save his mother like he could never save his father, while Kevin feels like the decision is up to his mom, end of story. Just like Kevin understands that Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) made his own choice to head back into that fire all those years ago, and that no one could have stopped him. Randall though? As viewers saw in those heartbreaking final moments of the episode, Randall will always wonder what would have happened if he had played the situation differently. Said stronger words. Convinced his father to jump down and not go back in after the dog.If he had, maybe Jack would still be alive today, maybe not. But those ruminating thoughts are exactly why he needs to be in therapy, and probably why he and Kevin stop talking in the very near future. After all, they both said some pretty nasty things that will likely sting for years to come.

Rebecca is the darling of NYC

For everything that we know Rebecca is facing in the weeks (and seasons) to come, it was kind of nice to see her be the one in charge during the Pearsons’ earlier New York visit. Sure Jack had a hard time admitting he was lost, but he came through in the end by letting his wife take the lead (plus there was that horse and carriage ride through the park). It gave the sense that Rebecca’s world could have been a lot bigger had she either not been with Jack or seen success in her music career, but it also left viewers feeling her complete contentedness with the life she chose with Jack instead.

Tea at The Plaza isn’t the only thing brewing...? #thisisus pic.twitter.com/Hi3QBF6eRb

— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) March 11, 2020

That was also a life she wasn’t quite ready to give up even after he passed, which fans saw during the second Pearson trip to New York for Kevin’s acting showcase. Enter one Dave Annable as his acting coach that Kevin (totally) tried to set Rebecca up with, roughly one year after Jack’s death.Clearly the brothers fought about that, but Rebecca was just embarrassed. Still, she seemed to click with the guy and was even willing to take him with her to see that coveted painting at the museum, all until he made a dig about horse carriages in the park and how touristy they were. So much for that shot, Teach.Anyhow it was enough to pull Rebecca out of her reverie and remind herself that she wasn’t quite ready to date, but it also leads to some interesting questions. Like when DID Rebecca actually start dating? Fans know that she and Miguel reconnected after Randall and Beth had Tess, but did he put the moves on her at any point before that? Or did Rebecca ever connect with anyone other than her dead husband’s bestie? There’s a big chunk of time missing and while there may not have been any other “important” men, it's likely they existed while Rebecca’s kids were out and about, starting their own lives.Given that there are only two episodes left in the season, it’s safe to say those are questions the writers probably won’t dig into just yet, or maybe even at all. But at least This Is Us viewers know a bit more about Rebecca’s rich life story, one that’s sure to dissolve in the coming weeks, months, and years as her disease takes over.Cue the tissues, y’all.This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CTV.[video_embed id='1918617']BEFORE YOU GO: How Mandy Moore got her musical groove back[/video_embed]