Okay, This Is Us fans, let's talk about Kate. Specifically, who she *actually* ends up with.
We all know the story. Toby! Adorable, quirky, supportive Toby. They were the power couple we rooted for. Right?
The Obvious Answer (Or Is It?)
The show *tells* us she winds up with Phillip. Grumpy, music-loving Phillip. Seems like the writers wanted to throw us a curveball.
But was it the *right* curveball?
Hear Me Out: A (Slightly) Unpopular Opinion
I'm going to say something potentially controversial. Ready? Kate should have ended up... alone.
Gasp! I know, I know. We're conditioned to believe everyone needs a soulmate. A "happily ever after" kind of deal.
But This Is Us was always about real life. And real life isn't always a fairytale ending. Sometimes, the greatest love story is the one you have with yourself.
Think about it. Kate's journey was primarily about self-acceptance and independence.
She spent so much time defining herself through her relationships. Her weight, her insecurities, it all seemed tied to someone else's approval.
Toby was great, don't get me wrong. But their relationship also highlighted Kate's dependency. She leaned on him *a lot*.
And Phillip? While their connection was undeniable, it felt…forced? Like the writers were ticking boxes to create a "mature" relationship.
The "Alone" Argument
Imagine a Kate who finally embraces her own strength. A Kate who thrives on her own terms.
She pours all her energy into her music school. She mentors kids, she finds joy in her own accomplishments. She doesn't need a man to complete her.
She has friends, family, and a fulfilling career. Who needs a partner when you have all that?!
I'm not saying she couldn't date. Or even have a long-term relationship. But the *focus* should be on her individual growth.
Her journey of self-discovery should be the main story, not a subplot to her romantic life.
It's About the Message
This Is Us often preached about unconventional families and paths. Why not extend that to romantic relationships?
Showing Kate achieving happiness and fulfillment without needing a significant other would have been a powerful message.
It would tell viewers it's okay to be single. It's okay to prioritize yourself. It's okay to choose a different kind of "happily ever after."
Final Thoughts (Prepare for Backlash)
So, there you have it. My (perhaps) insane take on Kate's ending.
While I appreciate the show's effort to give her a love story, I truly believe her greatest arc would have been self-love.
Let the debates begin! Team Toby? Team Phillip? Or...dare I say...Team Kate?
Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic for the idea of radical self-acceptance. Either way, This Is Us gave us a lot to think about. Even if I disagree with the final choice.
And remember, it's just a TV show. But a TV show that made us feel. A lot.