The Graduates

The most effective method of this episode was bringing back some of the old ways of this show. By saying this, I mean the past story-line wasn't just stuck in for the hell of it. I feel like this show has been more about the present story-line recently, with flashbacks being thrown in here and there. This has made those flashbacks feel a bit forced to me. But this episode got back to the core of this show and what made it great to begin with, which is being able to perfectly balance what is going on in the past with the present. The acting was top-notch from everyone, but Mandy Moore really knocked it out of the park yet again. It'll be a shame if she doesn't eventually get an Emmy for this show. The acting from the teenage Big 3 was at its best too. Great episode and maybe the best of this season so far.

Graduation for the big three is quite a trip. They have so much friction and yet they are so close. Here we see the actual graduation day. Rebecca falls apart when she realizes that Jack will not be there; this is the day they were so hoping for and now Rebecca is alone. Kate decides not to even walk in the graduation ceremony. Randall, of course, is in a different school. We then segue to Toby putting on a graduation party for Kate, who finally finished her college degree. We are shown that Kevin fell off the wagon and has been holed up in a hotel room full of liquor bottles and is missing all his obligations. Kate realizes this and surprises him. While in her car, a huge thing happens that sets up the next episode.

She has been snubbed by the Emmy's long enough. I hope the members of the TV academy watch this episode. As good as the other performances were, and they were very good, Mandy however, just shined. People, she is not the pop star from 15 years ago, she is one of the best actors working today.