We’re not crying, you’re not crying.
The most recent cliffhanger on This Is Us hinted that the end for Jack Pearson was growing ever closer.
But, despite some hints being dropped in the last few episodes, we weren’t ready for the big reveal.
Warning: This story contains spoilers for the most recent episode.
Do not proceed unless you have watched This Is Us, season 2 episode 13.
We mean it.
Proceed at your own risk.
The episode, That’ll Be The Day, chronicles the day of the 1998 Super Bowl – which also happens to be the day that the Pearson family’s home burned down.
And, sadly, looks to be the day that Jack Pearson died.
The episode takes place over the course of the family’s last Super Bowl Sunday together, only…they’re not too together.
Randall heads out so he can go see Titanic with Allison for their first date; Kate heads to a party at Molly’s; and Kevin, heartbroken and frustrated that he and Sophie are heading in different directions, ends up spending the night at their place.
This ends up leaving Jack and Rebecca together, where they start to talk about their future together.
And that’s when all the heartbreak ensues.
Fans quickly found out he origins of the slow cooker that started the fire – it was given to Jack and Rebecca by their well-meaning, elderly neighbour, George.
In the final moments of the episode, it’s revealed that Jack inadvertently left the machine on before going to bed – which ultimately ended up sparking the fire.
The preview for the next episode, which is due to air in the United States on February 4, promises that “all will be revealed”.
The short clip features a lot of sweet throwback family scenes – as well as Jack and the Pearson’s fighting for their lives as the fire rips through their home.
This is the episode.
Tune in Sunday, February 4 after the Super Bowl and set your DVR with extra time so you don't miss a single minute. #ThisIsUs https://t.co/yBpnIlqLrC
— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) January 24, 2018
It’s entirely possible that Jack goes running back into the house to save Kate’s dog, which leads to his demise.
It became a popular fan theory among viewers after it was discovered that Kate blames herself for Jack’s fate.
And combined with the events of the most recent episode, which saw Adult-Kate struggling to adopt a dog for Toby, it’s not looking good for Jack.
Awww, Audio! Newest member of the family?? I sure hope so! #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/uvCrmVdmGq
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) January 24, 2018
But, back in the past, the father-daughter had one last (possibly) final interaction before she left for Molly’s party.
After she’s first furious with him for videotaping her while she sang, she decides to watch the tape – and it moves her.
She tells him:
“Don’t ever stop … trying to make me see myself the way you see me.”
Randall also has a heartwarming (possibly last) conversation with his dad, where he confides in him that he’s kissed Allison.
But for Kevin, things aren’t as happy.
He yells at both of his parents before he heads off to Sophie’s but, when he calls to apologise later, he only ends up speaking to Rebecca.
In the final moments of the episode, Jack is seen writing a note to his son.
It reads:
“Kevin, if I don’t see you before work tomorrow, I love you.
“You owe us an apology.”
The note ends up burning in the fire, leaving an Adult-Kevin is still carrying around the guilt of that evening.
The series is taking a short break before coming back with new episodes, with the trailer promising fans “all their questions will be answered” (we’re guessing about Jack’s death).
Needless to say, we’re not ready for February 4.
