Understanding Kevin’s Character on This Is Us: Insights on Justin Hartley’s Perspective

For six emotive seasons, NBC’s This Is Us captivated audiences by chronicling the lives of the Pearson family across three generations. This groundbreaking series employed a distinctive narrative style, allowing viewers to witness the profound transformations of key characters from childhood into adulthood. It’s this innovative storytelling that enabled audiences to forge deep connections with Jack, Rebecca, Kevin, Kate, and Randall, who over time felt like family to many. The show wasn’t afraid to showcase its characters’ vulnerabilities, revealing their flaws and struggles—elements that sparked varied reactions from fans, myself included.

Of all the characters, Kevin Pearson emerged as the most polarizing figure. His character was often seen as challenging to connect with, primarily due to his inflated ego, tumultuous personal life, and occasionally abrasive treatment of his relatives. Yet, these very traits made Kevin the most intriguing character; despite his difficulties in garnering sympathy, he offered depth and complexity.Justin Hartley, who portrayed Kevin, acknowledged that his character is often misunderstood, a sentiment I find resonant.

The Reasons Behind Kevin’s Unpopularity

The Challenge of Appreciating Kevin Among So Many Endearing Characters

Kevin, Kate, and Randall outside the cabin in This Is Us

This Is Us features a rich ensemble cast, leading viewers to develop favorite characters. Throughout the series, fans were drawn to Jack’s unwavering guidance, Rebecca’s nurturing spirit, Randall’s altruism, and Kate’s empowering quest for self-acceptance. However, Kevin’s journey was noticeably different, characterized by a proud demeanor and impulsive behavior.

The series opened with Kevin abandoning a thriving television career due to his sense of superiority, setting a pattern of hasty decisions that often alienated viewers. While Jack’s spontaneity was often endearing, Kevin’s privileged background tainted his similar decisions, leading audiences to perceive them as reckless.

Kevin’s Treatment of Randall and His Love Interests Alienated Many Viewers

A Closer Look at Kevin: Flaws versus Goodness

Viewers often criticized Kevin for his treatment of Randall and the women in his life. This criticism arises from a legitimate place; Kevin’s childhood mistreatment of Randall—as one of the series’ most beloved characters—was hard to overlook. Kevin’s actions often stood in stark contrast to the admirable nature of those around him, rendering his behavior especially difficult to excuse. However, the storytelling team provided insight into Kevin’s motivations, making his behavior more comprehensible, even if not justifiable.

It is essential to recognize Kevin’s efforts to transform himself throughout the series, particularly regarding his relationships, including his tumultuous one with his first wife, Sophie.These challenges stemmed largely from his deep-seated insecurities, which can be traced back to his upbringing. Often, Kevin genuinely believed he was making the right decision at the moment, even if viewers found it hard to support his choices.

Justin Hartley’s Perspective on Kevin’s Misunderstanding

Acknowledging Kevin’s Flaws While Highlighting His Depth

In a recent appearance on Max’s talk show Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace?, Justin Hartley offered his reflections on portraying Kevin. He recognized that while Kevin sometimes behaved poorly and was his own worst enemy, he held a great deal of empathy for his character throughout the show’s six-season run (via EW):

“When you take on characters, a lot of times they become your children and your friends, part of you. And so you sort of feel that. It was just like, the guy can’t get out of his own way, but he’s not a bad guy, but everyone thinks he’s kind of an a–hole, you know what I mean? But he’s really not. He’s misunderstood, but maybe kind of an a–hole, you know. So, you just sit there and you go, Man, I wish I could help this guy, but you just can’t.”

Such candor from an actor highlights the complexities of character development. I resonate with Hartley’s assessment of Kevin’s misunderstood persona. Despite Kevin’s missteps, he is also shown performing acts of kindness—supporting Uncle Nicky in difficult times, battling addiction, and encouraging Tess in her journey. It is vital not to judge a person solely by their faults, as everyone is multifaceted.

Kevin’s Remarkable Journey of Transformation

The Profound Evolution of Kevin Pearson

This Is Us serves as a reflection of life’s complexities, illustrating how individuals grow and change over time. While monumental events—such as Jack and Rebecca’s adoption of Randall—shaped the family’s history, it is the countless smaller moments that truly define character. Kevin encapsulates this theme beautifully in season 3, episode 18, “Her, ”stating:

“I think that’s sort of how it works you know? We go through life slowly but surely collecting these little pieces of ourselves that we can’t really live without until we eventually have enough of them to feel whole.”

Kevin’s narrative arc is one of self-discovery and acceptance, distinguishing him as the character with the most significant evolution. Many viewers may have judged him based on his adolescent behavior and adult failings without acknowledging the cumulative experiences that shaped him. When I consider Kevin, I see someone who faced his demons courageously, took personal responsibility, engaged in therapy, and grew to be more empathetic towards others.

This growth is poignantly displayed in his relationship with Randall. Despite their tumultuous history filled with hurtful exchanges, Kevin ultimately reached out to mend their fractured bond. He recognized the ramifications of his earlier behavior on Randall, bringing their story full circle and marking a major turning point in Kevin’s journey to wholeness.

Randall and Kevin Finally Heal – This Is Us (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dp_6ngvbag8)

This Is Us is essentially a narrative about flawed individuals striving for betterment, with Kevin embodying this struggle perhaps more than any other character, despite his somewhat extended journey. It is unfortunate that so many viewers failed to appreciate Kevin’s growth and misunderstood his character due to a focus on his flaws. Kevin Pearson exemplified a flawed yet profoundly moving journey toward self-improvement.

Source & Images