Tuesday's episode of "This Is Us" delivered a bottle episode focusing heavily on the characters of Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and his biological father, William (Ron Cephas Jones). The hour, which explored deeper into William's past in Memphis, took a rather sad turn when it marked as the final episode where viewers saw William alive. While this is the case, however, viewers can still rest assured knowing that this isn't the last time they will see William on the NBC drama.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, creator/showrunner Dan Fogelman confirmed that William is still going to be part of "This Is Us" despite of his passing. In fact, the showrunner revealed that William is also going to make an appearance in the next episode - but not in the finale.
"You will not see him in the finale, but only because it's a very Jack and Rebecca-centric episode," Fogelman explained.
"He's going to remain a big part of the show. It's a little different than the Jack situation in that any time you're exploring the Pearson family in the past, Jack was in that story."
William's presence in the upcoming episodes of "This Is Us" will only feature him through flashback sequences. As Fogelman previewed, viewers should expect to see William's days in season 2 following the timeline when he entered the life of Randall and his family. The team of This Is Us considers William as an important part of the series, added Fogelman. For now, they are still figuring out the number of episodes and the perfect timing where they can bring back William in Season 2.
"This Is Us" returns next Tuesday following the aftermath of William's death where viewers will find Randall holding a memorial service for his biological father. As previewed by Fogelman, Randall will try to figure out how to honor William's legacy in the same hour while also "making a bunch of choices and decisions that will affect us going into season 2."
Elsewhere, NBC (via The Futon Critic) revealed that Kevin and Sophie's relationship will deepen on the night of his play's premiere; Kate will struggle to open up to Toby about her father's death. In flashbacks, tensions are high between Jack and Rebecca as she leaves on tour with her band.
