#tiu s5

[betweensunflowersanddaffodils]

So, This Is Us will come to an end tonight and I am sad. I am sad because instead of feeling this way because a show I loved for years is ending, I am actually feeling incredibly relieved.

I didn't enjoy this last season at all. While I imagine that, Kevin's """love life""" aside, the show is wrapping up in an emotional way, I can't believe that in a show who had the story planned all along, for 11 episodes of its FINAL SEASON almost nothing happened and the plot barley moved on, while the rest of the final episodes were full of rushed storylines.

They developed Kevin and Madison for 11 episodes only to end their story with a montage and destroy everything they built for them until that moment. They pretended that it wasn't like Kevin was about to realise his feelings for Madison just one episode before and then they magically put Kevin and his ex wife together (a basic character we know nothing about, with zero depth and not enough screen time throughout the years) completely out of the blue, even if it didn't make sense anymore for where the characters were at that moment of their life/growth.

Like, if someone had told me that, after all the hype, I should have waited for SIX SEASONS just to see Kevin end up with the same woman he had a relationship with when he was young (and it didn't work) and then AGAIN when he was 36 years old (and it didn't work 2.0), I'd would have laughed at them!

Oh, and a reminder: this is a show that it was supposed to be realistic and the writers have always been proud of that! Like, if you indeed read the interviews post ep 6x02, you'll even read that they didn't make Nicky end up with Sally because..... It would have been unrealistic!!!

And what about Kevin's character development? What about his journey in the previous seasons and him letting go of the idea of a Hollywood type of story? What about the love of my life will be my child(ren) when the twins have been basically an accessory to his storyline? What about his career? Justin was so excited talking about his S6 storyline and nothing of what he said happened because they changed everything.

Kevin's centric episode ended with him finally finding the foundation, deciding to live a fearless life and then, a couple of episodes later, we see him going back to his S1 era and dating women after women because he lost Madison (let's be honest) and only in the end he ends up with the woman (after Cassidy declined his proposal) that was conveniently available.

I won't talk about how and the stupid reasons why they ended up together because other people already discussed this enough.

Even reading the interviews after 6x14 where they were saying that their story has already been told and that there's no time to show more of that is a real joke if you think that they had 3 YEARS in advance to think about Kevin's endgame (no but seriously, imagine to not have enough time to show your main character's love story after SIX SEASONS OF HYPE!!!), but well, it's what they deserve and I really wouldn't care about it anyway.

Isn't it funny though, that despite the show is trying to imply that "it has always been Sophie", Justin actually said that he doesn't think that it had always been her and that it would have been interesting to see Kevin end up with Madison or Cassidy? Yeah Justin, we know that!

There are many more things about our beloved Pearsons that they could have shown us (slowly and more) and yet they didn't because they wasted precious time, but this is a blog about Kevin and Madison, so I will stop here.

Anyway, @ this is us writers, thanks for making the goodbye much easier.

#this is us #nbc this is us #tiu #this is us final chapter #the show stopped being pure gold in S5 part A #oh and i am here once again to remind you that PARENTHOOD >>>>>>> this is us #really do you a favour and watch parenthood

[spideynowayhome]

this is us mentioning one day at a time was pure gold

update: 

#this is us #toby damon #miguel rivas #one day at a time #odaat #save odaat #tiu s5 #tiu spoilers #tiu

[madlilsongbird]

I reckon Kevin and Madison still get married just not now.

#this is us s5 #this is us season 5 #this is us spoilers #this is us #tiu s5 #tiu #tiu spoilers #tiu season 5 #kevin pearson #madison simons

[penny259]

kevison rant

if you, like me, are looking for some kevison answers and want to defend this otp - do check out my long post.

#self plug #kevison #kevin pearson #kevin x madison #kadison #madison simons #kevin and madison #kevison is endgame #this is us #justin hartley #caitlin thompson #tiu s5 #tiu #just here creating more buzz about this pair #madison stans #madison deserves love and this rant #masterpost #kevison rant

[solo-silenzio]

I could have told you ages ago that they weren't 👀

#this is us nbc #this is us spoilers #tiu #tiu season 5 #tiu s5 #this is us

[whatyawatching]

How is every episode of This is Us such a masterpiece?

#this is us #whatyawatching #tiu s5 #tiu

[flythesail]

#this is us #tiu #the s5 finale ruined my life but now im back like the 🤡 i am #flythepost

[madsdefencesquad]

#TIU SPOILERS #THIS IS US SPOILERS #this is us #this is us s5 #SPOILERRRRRRRRS!! #I know there's a lot of amazing moments between these two in the ep but my goddddd #they are the SOFTEST #kevison #kevin and madison #kevin pearson #madison this is us #can you believe we got a moment of them sleeping together before we even got a kiss?! #goodness meh #look at the way kevin's just smiling and fully caressing her #I CAN'T #kadison #okay but seriously it's kevison #but let's just tag kadison anyway just in case

[the-pearsons]

First This Is Us season 5 photos show tense Big Three birthday reunion

#this is us #tiu #s5 #kevin #kate #miguel #randall #annie #malik

[betweensunflowersanddaffodils]

cc: @ourfinehouse

#they would have been the best married couple ever existed #but instead the writers went for the himym/got route #kevison #madison this is us #kevin and madison #kevin pearson #tiu #nbc this is us #this is us #s5 #they were so happy ♥️

[spideynowayhome]

kevin telling randall first that madison was having both a boy and a girl was so sweet, i missed their dynamic. i hope they get around to repairing it sooner rather than later.

#kevin pearson #randall pearson #this is us #tiu s5 #tiu spoilers

[madlilsongbird]

The amount of pride I feel for this fictional boy getting into Harvard

#this is us s5 #this is us season 5 #this is us spoilers #this is us #tiu s5 #tiu #tiu spoilers #tiu season 5 #Malik Hodges

[lullabiesandgoodbyes]

Tagging @madsdefencesquad, and thank you so much for the opportunity to rant about my girls, since this fandom pays little to no attention to them and that’s not right! *-*

So, Kate and Madison, where do I start?

I don’t know, maybe with the fact that they started at such a rough place. Kate wasn’t exactly impressed by Madison when they first met, and I’m sure that’s how we’re supposed to feel about her too ( “why is this skinny girl complaining about her weight amidst all of those obese people? surely she’s only there to make herself feel better...” ). We’re probably even meant to stand by her side when she snaps:

« Oh, for God's sake! Madison, you weigh 105 pounds! If you feel like a fat girl when you look in the mirror, why don't you step a damn scale? And when the scale reads "One, zero, five," you know that you're not fat. »

And this is only the second episode.

The thing I’ve come to wonder the most about that whole year they shared through the support group, though: Madison doesn’t seem to hate Kate back. In fact, the first time she eventually opens her mouth, here’s what caught my attention:

«  Why do you hate me? »

It was something I didn’t notice on my first watch, since back then I too was highly suspicious of Madison, but she sounds frustrated when Kate stands up against her again; so frustrated, she actually follows her to the parking lot to confront her about her behavior, despite not being the confrontational type. And when Kate reafirms her core problem with Madison ( «Because you're annoying and you shouldn't be here» ), how does she backfire?

« Well, I think you're annoying. The way that you and your fiancé come here every week and smile and giggle at each other when some of us don't have anyone to do that with. »

Now that we know more about her, I think it’s plausible that Madison, a lonely girl with low self-esteem who joined a support group for body issues and got shunned because of her body, kind of envied Kate, who had no trouble fitting in because she was fat, spoke her mind without worrying about hurt feelings and even found love right under everyone’s noses. She could go to those meetings and talk about how miserable she felt, but I can imagine Madison thinking to herself that Kate was everything she wanted to be.

Well, we all know how that scene ended, right? They tap cars, Kate gets scared and eventually tells her she’s pregnant. I’ve always loved how a single word - together with Kate’s vulnerability - managed to dissipate all the anger and frustration that Madison was displaying just a few seconds before. And now that we know she had been told to be infertile? She could have hated her for it ( honestly, how many times have we seen it happening on screen between female characters? ), but instead chose to be happy for her.

And it’s the loss of said pregnancy that makes Madison approach her again. Notice her facial expressions as Kate opens up during the meeting. She tells them « You know, after the miscarriage, I just needed some comfort, you know? So I found that in Taco Bell. » and you can see she just gets it - Madison would later admit « I was really upset when I got home. So I ate. So much. » The truth is, at the end of the day, they’re not that different from each other: they get hurt or overwhelmed by life, they overeat, they feel terrible about it. Maybe she’s also feeling alone, as if no one understands her, maybe not even her fiancé, who used to be one of them and now is not - but Madison does and I think that made the difference.

I’ve always found it so endearing that she went to Kate after the meeting to invite her to shop for the wedding dress. <3 Not just because she was honestly trying to make her feel better ( «Let me help you clear this hurdle.» ) but mostly because there’s a chance she used her own experiences and ( we assume ) connections to make sure Kate would feel better: from assuring she wouldn’t have to try the dresses, that she was free to leave as soon as she felt uncomfortable, to book the appointment so they’d be alone and away from unpleasant looks, she knew how to make it a nice experience. And she did it because, following my previous interpretations, the girl who was getting all the things she wanted for herself had just lost her baby and was now on the verge of also losing one of the most exciting moments from her journey to the altar, and she couldn’t let it happen. <333

So, while they’re out having fun, we end up finding out not only what’s wrong with Madison but also that she’s currently relapsing. She did her best for Kate while at her worst ( is it possible that taking care of others is Madison’s way to care for herself...? ), and Kate notices it. Not happy about it, she actually has the guts to confront her. I don’t think Madison is angry at her for that, but I definitely believe she’s angry at herself for slipping and allowing her to see just how low she has reached. That’s probably why she calls later, after she faints - Kate ain’t easy and not yet a friend, but now she knows what’s going on with her. More than that, she sounded worried during the confrontation, almost as if she cared and was ready to rethink her opinion on her ( «When you talk in group, it's not about anything... real. Or, at least that's what I thought.» ). And it turns out to be the best decision: Kate ends up taking care of her and even starts opening up about her own experiences with weight and voices whispering crazy things inside your head. She even finishes with a very tender « So... I don't think you're insane », which seems like something Madison craved to listen for a long time. And that was the beautiful beginning of a beautiful friendship. *-*

I’m going a bit over the board now, but one of the things I think Madison does with their friendship is to live through Kate: she organizes her bachelorette party, throws a helping hand at her wedding, offers her support when Kate reveals she’ll probably never have kids and stays by her side all through her pregnancy and Jack’s first challenging year. It’s a shame we never got to see those moments ( fingers crossed for an episode featuring Madison’s backstory, I’d love to know more about her participation in Kate’s life ), and I’m especially fond of the reminiscence of them shopping for the baby:

« We were out after group a few months ago and we passed this baby store. She didn't want to go in. And I was like, "Kate, you need to show the universe you believe this is going to happen." So she got this Ruth Bader Ginsburg doll to give him as soon as he was born. Because she wanted him to be immediately surrounded by strong female influences. »

Found it very adorable that Kate, whose life has mostly been shaped by the men in her life ( her father, her brothers, her husband ), is finally recognizing the impact that strong women can have too. Maybe this wasn’t the interpretation the writers were aiming at, but I absolutely loved that her first thought was to have her son surrounded by tough ladies, so they can teach him to be strong like her mother, her best friend and even her sister-in-law at some point have taught her.

Reciprocally, I believe this friendship taught a lot to Madison too. She’s clearly more mature by the time she opens up to Kate regarding her own views on relationships and what she wants from them ( «What you and Toby have, what I dream of finding, is that intimacy. It's letting people see the worst part of you without being scared.» ), and yes, I think a lot of that stemmed from her interactions with Kate and the entire Pearson clan. She’s estranged from her family, so maybe it’s not far-fetched to assume she needed to feel part of one to understand their dynamics and, who knows, maybe gain the courage to finally start one of her own...? 

I guess that’s part of the reason why the whole showdown at the waiting room when Jack was born hurt so much. Notice how the scene went:

« KEVIN: I'm sorry, what exactly are you doing here?

MADISON: Oh, I, um... No, it's, uh, it's weird that I'm here. This is a... family thing. »

And later, after she tries to justify her actions to Miguel:

«  MADISON: But I should go. Kevin's right, I... it's weird that I'm here. I'm not family. »

I know you can say that Kevin made his feelings very obvious in that first scene, but he never said she wasn’t family, she did. Like, Madison has created strong ties to the Pearsons and feels like one of them but, deep inside, where her self-esteem and sense of belonging are still fragile, she knows she’s not. She’s still not sure she’s entitled to be there and Kevin, very unpleasantly, makes it very clear to her - you don’t belong here. But right when she’s about to leave, Madison’s loyal heart speaks louder, forcing her to stay despite her contraditory feelings, at least until Miguel helps her to find a way to do something for Kate and the baby.

By the way, I know I’m diverging from the main topic of this ask, but I love, love, LOVE how Miguel is the one supporting her on this episode. He wants to be supportive of Rebecca and his stepsons, but she’s basically away from there and both Randall and Kevin are refraining from him; then comes Madison, as lost and worried as he is, and she actually allows him to comfort her. 

Also love how, by the end of it, they both get the same recognition:

« Thank you for putting up with us. »

I don’t know, man, I just can’t think it’s a coincidence...

-

So, you probably didn’t expect an essay on the matter and I’m sorry for it, sometimes I get too excited. ^-^’ I’m also not sure I made much sense through it, second languages can be too much sometimes. But this is where I’m standing so far, and I’m very glad for the opportunity to organize my thoughts about them. I’m now eager to see what S5 will bring us, with Madison becoming an official Pearson member - whether she’s Kevin’s wife or not, she’s the mother of his children and we’ll always have that - and how this will affect her relationship with Kate.

Oh, and let’s never forget my favorite quote related to these two:

« Is it that CrossFit bitch? I'll kill her. Is it Toby? I'll kill him. You just say the word, I will “Kill Bill” all of them and help you raise that child myself. »

I love my girls. <3

#Bel talks to people #madsdefencesquad #Kate Pearson #Madison Simons #Kate x Madison #This Is Us #TIU Talk #I love them so much!! *-* #Hope S5 will treat them nicely #and here's to a lot of great moments between these two <3 #Thank you so much for your ask girl #I'm sorry it took me so long to answer back #but I wanted to give you a nice one

[oswinpond]

I finally convinced my mother to start watching Gilmore Girls from the beginning, and the second Dean showed up she was like “Oh I didn’t like this boyfriend. Who’s the next one?” and so I described Jess and how he’s played by “the dad from TIU” and she was like “oh, no, I didn’t like that boyfriend either, who’s the next one?” so I was like “it’s Cary Agos” and she was like “Oooh my god! Cary Agos! I miss him! Jump to whatever season he’s in!”

So now we’re starting GG from s5 instead lol.  

#rory x logan #gilmore girls #logan huntzberger #cary agos #not like i'm complaining i miss Logan

[thisiskevison]

thanks for the tag @madsdefencesquad

The first character I first fell in love with...

Definitely Jack. The pilot episode of TIU was so magical and such an amazing introduction to the entire Pearson family, but Jack Pearson was the reason I stayed committed until I fell in love with the rest of the cast. Milo does so a good job with his character that I couldn’t wait to see how Jack grew as a father, as a husband. That man should have lived forever! It still hurts. 

The character I never expected to love as much as I do now...

Probably Madison. For most of the first two seasons, I never really paid her character much attention. I appreciated her role in Kate and Toby’s group, though it didn’t become obvious why she was there for a while. But I guess, I don’t know, I don’t think I really imagine she would ever become a major player in the show. And then, she became Kate’s best friend and showed just amazing and sweet she is. Madison has the biggest heart, despite going through a lot of really dark and painful stuff, and deserves all the love in the world. I would’ve never guessed how much I adore her now, if I’m being honest. 

The character everyone else loves that I don’t...

Ah, though I’m really sure what the consensus is about him, I’m gonna have to say Toby. He’s never really done anything for me as a character, even though he is a good dad to Jack and a supportive husband (for the most part). Most of the time, he kind of just gets on my nerves and I don’t really know what that’s about. But I’m hoping that might change going forward. You’re got two seasons to make me love him TIU! 

The character I love that everyone else hates...

The fandom has come a long way with Miguel, but he’s still not a favorite. Poor guy. But who could have compared to Jack Pearson. Absolutely no one! The guy was a superhero. He’s never tried to replace his best friend and deserves to be respected and loved as a member of the Pearson family. 

The character I used to love but don’t any longer...

Not the biggest fan of Randall at the moment, but he’s still a favorite. Regarding the clinical trial, he believed he was doing what he thought was right. He just went about it all wrong, by emotional manipulating his mother. But I don’t completely absolve Kevin of blame either, they both said some really ugly things to each other. TIU is masterful at displayed the truth of human nature. Though I adore Randall, he is not a perfect person (none of them are) and that is okay. 

The character I would totally smooch...

Kevin wasn’t my thing in the first season (or two), but things have changed mightily since. Justin Hartley is not hard to look at and Kevin’s character development has been the best. Oh, yeah. I’d kiss that guy, no problem. 

The character I’d want to be like...

Gonna have to go with my girl Rebecca here. I have so much respect for her as a mother, as a mother, and a woman. The amount of love and grace she’s displayed is insane. The reason her family is so close (even if they are a bit dysfunctional) is a testament to her character. Sure, Jack was incredible father and husband, but he’s also been gone for a long time. Rebecca is the nucleus of the family and she should be proud of the family she raised. 

The character I’d slap...

Marc, Kate’s best friend. I don’t really think this one needs much explanation. What a dick! 

A pairing that I love...

Pretty obvious, but it’s got to be Kevin and Madison. Already, my hopes are high for these two. Individually, they both deserve so much love and happiness and I truly believe they can find it with each other. They have so much potential, it’s crazy. S5 can’t come fast enough!

A pairing that I despise...

Despise is a strong word and I know this is an unpopular opinion, but Kevin and Sophie aren’t the pairing for me. Don’t hate me! Even before Madison was even a consideration to end up with Kevin, this relationship was never my favorite. Though there is an element of their dynamic that can be appealing (high school sweethearts, first love), they should not be together. While I believe they will always have love for each other, there is too much pain and history there. By being together, they learned valuable lessons that helped them grow as people. There’s just no denying that. 

#this was fun #this is us #tagged

[flythesail]

For that anon, I’m afraid that just isn’t the case. The writers gave an interview last night where they said they never planned on Madison and Kevin being together romantically in the end, just that Madison would be an important person to Kevin and the mother of his children. I cannot fathom why they are going this route. Even if they had a different plan, they should have altered it when people loved kevison the way they do.

Yeah, I saw that! And honestly, idk whether to even believe that. Looking at their s5 development especially - even some of s4 and s6 - sooo many things pointed to kevison being it. So I have to wonder if they're lying and changed their minds between s5 and s6, or early into writing s6.

Not only did they throw every bit of Kevin's development out the window with last night's episode, but also all of Madison's development too. Why make a big deal out of the relationship she's in search of/deserves in 5x16 only to have her settle with Elijah (a relationship with ZERO development)? And that's not even getting into how they randomly give her a third child.

I used to give the tiu writers SO much credit. So the only two ways I can see it is they got extremely lucky with the way kevison unfolded and were incapable of recognizing that. OR, they changed their minds for shock value.

Like... If kevison wasn't endgame, why were they so flirty in the brief part of Kate's wedding shown in 5x16? They didn't even show that part last night - so again, either they changed their minds on kevison - or wanted to confuse people to set up their "shocking" ending.

#kevison #tiu #this is us #anon #flytheask