In the previous episode of NBC’s This Is Us, Jack invited Randall’s favorite teacher, Mr. Lawrence, over for dinner. In This Is Us Season 4 Episode 7, that awkward dinner in the 90s mirrored one with Malik’s parents after Deja and Malik were caught skipping school.
The Real Philly
Even though Deja wasn’t allowed to see Malik, he rode the bus with her to school. When she told him she hadn’t had a cheesesteak from Max’s, they decided to skip school together, so that Malik could show her Philadelphia beyond the touristy places Randall took her. At Max’s, we learned the Virgil was named after his grandfather, and Deja remarked how she was never a regular anywhere. He took her for Italian ice and custard and showed her Boathouse Row, which reminded Deja of being in Philadelphia with her birth mother and grandmother.
When Malik tried to kiss her, Deja got upset. She really liked him, but he was more experienced than her. She didn’t know if she could trust him. He reassured her, though he understood how she could have doubts. Malik had feelings for her too.
Open-Toed Shoes, Open Mind
The principal called Deja’s and Malik’s parents to tell them that they had skipped school. Beth and Randall invited over Malik’s parents, Darnell and Kelly. Randall wanted to use the dinner to convince Darnell and Kelly that their children dating wasn’t a good idea. However, Beth wanted him to keep an open mind.
Unfortunately, it was awkward the moment the whole family, including the baby, Janelle, came over. Darnell remarked how their neighborhood was where he would take Malik trick-or-treating when he was little, implying that they were bougie. Kelly indicated to Beth that Deja’s birth mother and background made her concerned. Though Randall started getting along with Darnell, Beth sensed obstinance from Kelly.
Things came to a head during the dinner. The baby started crying, and Malik jumped up to feed her. Tess ran to help, and Annie remarked that Deja was like her stepmom. Beth dismissed the girls to go upstairs, while Malik took Janelle for a walk around the block. The parents argued, until Deja came downstairs to apologize. She apologized for lying, but she didn’t apologize for the day she had with Malik as she felt it was the best of her life. Randall and Beth told her that she was allowed to see Malik supervised at either of their houses with parents home.
The Lawrences
Jack dressed to impress during dinner with Cory and Trish Lawrence. Cory wanted to bring Randall a book of Langston Hughes poetry for Randall, but Trish told him to leave it in the car. When Rebecca complimented Trish’s earrings, Trish explained she got it an Afro-Soul festival. Randall asked if he could join the Lawrences next time they went, and Jack cut in, explaining that they would go as a family.
When the Lawrences were leaving, Jack went outside to talk to Mr. Lawrence. He explained that he was used to answering Randall’s questions, but they were getting more complicated. Cory gave him the Langston Hughes book and explained that Randall was interested in his poetry. Jack brought it in for Randall. They would read it together.
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