The past few episodes of
This Is Us have been defined by cars. First there was Kate’s journey to confront Marc. Then Randall and Beth’s road trip to New Orleans to learn about his birth mom. And finally Kevin’s rush to make it back to L.A. in time for the birth of his twins. “The Ride” continues that theme with an episode all about the first drive home from the hospital after the arrival of a new baby. It’s the simplest episode of the season so far—a low-key, character-centric outing that lets the
This Is Us cast shine in some close-quarters acting. Plotwise, there’s not much to it, and it’s surprisingly muted emotionally too. But “The Ride” is at least an effective reminder of how charming these actors can be and how lived-in the show’s characters feel five seasons in.