This Is Us season 4 episode 7 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Randall grapples with his racial identity, feeling unseen by his colorblind father. He invites his teacher, Mr. Lawrence, over for dinner, sparking discussions about race. Meanwhile, Deja rebels, damaging Malik's car and skipping school to explore Philadelphia with him. Their bond deepens

Full Episode S04E07 Recap

### Randall's Dilemma - **Randall and Jack's Conversation:** Randall confronts Jack about his racial identity, expressing that being colorblind means not fully seeing him. - **Randall Invites Mr. Lawrence for Dinner:** Randall invites his teacher, Mr. Lawrence, and his wife to dinner, sparking a discussion about race and identity. ### Deja and Malik's Adventure - **Deja's Rebellion:** Deja takes a baseball bat to Malik's Mercedes, leading to a confrontation with her parents. - **Skipping School:** Deja and Malik decide to skip school. Malik introduces Deja to his favorite places in Philadelphia, including Max's Steaks. - **Malik's Personal Life:** Malik reveals details about his daughter and his past, complicating his relationship with Deja. - **Deja's Struggles:** Deja grapples with her feelings for Malik, her family's expectations, and her own identity. ### The Pearsons' Dinner with Mr. Lawrence - **Kevin's Crush on Ms. Applebaum:** The dinner conversation touches on Kevin's crush, adding lightness to the evening. - **Randall's Fascination with Mr. Lawrence:** Randall's admiration for Mr. Lawrence becomes apparent, causing tension with Jack. - **Discussion on Race and Culture:** The dinner sparks conversations about race, culture, and the challenges Randall faces as a black child in a white family. ### Malik's Parents at the Pearsons - **Malik's Parents' Visit:** Malik's parents visit the Pearsons, leading to a discussion about Deja and Malik's relationship. - **Conflict Over Parenting:** The dinner becomes tense as both sets of parents express concerns about Malik and Deja's relationship. - **Deja's Confession:** Deja confesses her feelings for Malik, stating that being with him feels like having a piece of home. ### Reflections and Decisions - **Jack and Mr. Lawrence's Heart-to-Heart:** Jack and Mr. Lawrence have a candid conversation about Randall's upbringing and racial identity. - **Randall's Realization:** Randall comes to terms with his identity and the complexities of being raised in a white family. - **Deja's Resolution:** Deja decides to pursue her relationship with Malik, acknowledging the risks and rewards of her decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Randall confront his father Jack?

Randall feels that Jack's colorblind approach to parenting means he's not fully acknowledging Randall's racial identity.

What is the significance of Deja taking a baseball bat to Malik's Mercedes?

This act symbolizes Deja's rebellion and her struggle with her emotions and decisions regarding Malik.

Why do Deja and Malik skip school?

They skip school to spend time together, with Malik showing Deja around his favorite spots in Philadelphia.

What does Malik reveal about his personal life to Deja?

Malik shares details about his daughter and his past, showing the complexities of his life and responsibilities.

What causes tension at the Pearson family dinner with Mr. Lawrence?

The tension arises from Randall's fascination with Mr. Lawrence and the discussion about race and culture, highlighting Randall's challenges as a black child in a white family.