‘This Is Us’: Twitter Reacts to Jack’s Vietnam Episode

This week This Is Us delivered one of its most ambitious episodes yet as it headed back to the Vietnam War. The episode titled “Vietnam” detailed a small chapter of Jack’s time in the war and the part his brother Nicky played in it as well.

There were some huge revelations such as finding out that Jack’s heart condition started when he was a child and that he wasn’t actually drafted – he volunteered. There were also some extremely chilling and heartbreaking moments such as watching Jack and his men on the front lines or seeing Nicky’s birthday get called during the televised draft.

It was a lot, but in true This Is Us fashion it was crafted with fantastic attention to detail, brilliant performances, stunning cinematography, and finely braided storytelling. We figured that since the episode was so different than what fans had seen on the show before there would be some great commentary on Twitter, and we were right!

Not only were fans discussing their insights and knee-jerk reactions to the show’s emotional moments, but some were learning things about the Vietnam War that they didn’t know before while others were able to reflect on their own personal stories with the war. Of course, a lot of people were just there to praise the uber-talented Milo Ventimiglia – and we don’t blame them! Check out some of the tweets we’ve gathered below!

1.

.@NBCThisisUs coming for my emotions IN THE FIRST TEN MINUTES 😭 #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/ixwX3zZCeb

— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) October 17, 2018

2.

@NBCThisisUs deserves a round of applause like wow! I love how they break up the episodes going back and forth throughout time and that last part showing you all the babies on Oct 18th wow that really hits you! This show is so well done BRAVO! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 #ThisIsUs

— ToniAnn Licata (@trlicata26) October 17, 2018

3.

Realizing that Jack has always had heart issues… WHY?! #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/QrD141W0Y7

— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) October 17, 2018

4.

The view from this window is a familiar one. #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/1jW3J0gOuY

— This Is Us (@NBCThisisUs) October 17, 2018

5.

Story note on @NBCThisisUs – Many Americans dodged the draft by hiding in the U.S.; traveling to Canada; or faking illnesses; injuries; addiction to drugs. Years later, President Carter issued a pardon to these Americans to help the country heal from the #VietnamWar #ThisisUs

— James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) October 17, 2018

6.

My Dad was drafted during the Vietnam war. These scenes are heartbreaking and capture how scary that must’ve been. Nothing but respect for #VietnamVets #ThisIsUs @NBCThisisUs

— Em (@poppykulture) October 17, 2018

7.

Jack is the most thoughtful, selfless character ever. The way he takes care of everyone around him has always amazed me. This is why he’s my favorite TV character/TV dad ever. ❤️ #ThisIsUs @NBCThisisUs @MiloVentimiglia

— Baylee Avery (@pearsonsmariano) October 17, 2018

8.

My heart is beating fast too Jack. I have not taken a full breath since the beginning of this episode @NBCThisisUs @ThisIsUsWriters! If high suspense, drama and emotion are what you were doing for, it’s working! #ThisIsUs

— Audrey Irvine (@audreycnn) October 17, 2018

9.

That moment you realize that all those babies in the nursery who share a birthday with Nick, October 18th, all grew up to go to Vietnam. 😢 #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/eQI85FV3oa

— PurplePaisley🌊 (@PrplePaisley) October 17, 2018

10.

nicky took off his glasses so he could be superman for his mom 😭😭 #ThisIsUs pic.twitter.com/JL1cJ3TPLw

— lily 🚀💍🖖 (@darrencrisss_) October 17, 2018

11.

When you realize Jack had a heart condition his whole life and he ignored it to put everyone else in his life first. If you need me I’ll be crying in the corner. #ThisIsUs

— Becca Horsfall (@Becca_Horsfall) October 17, 2018

12.

I leaned more about the draft from 3 minutes of #ThisIsUs than I did in 14 years of school. Crazy.

— Jessica Karliah (@jessicakmichel) October 17, 2018

13.

Thank you. From the daughter of a Vietnam Vet. The war changed the dna of the men that served. It left an imprint that altered them always. You honor them with exquisite attention to detail. Details that should always be remembered. ❤️ #ThisIsUs

— Crickett (@Cricket28523091) October 17, 2018

14.

#Jackpearson just gave a deep, heartfelt monologue in his underpants …and I didn’t hear a word of it @NBCThisisUs #thisisUs pic.twitter.com/oFFnaxtyUz

— Woke Cougar (@WokeCougar) October 17, 2018

15.

I have two boys and the bond Jack and his brother have is what every mom hopes for. Tonight’s episode is so emotional. So beautiful. So raw. It’s writing and acting perfection. @NBCThisisUs #ThisIsUs

— Jennifer Lizza (@outsmartedmommy) October 17, 2018

16.

This Vietnam episode of #ThisIsUs is cinematic af. pic.twitter.com/Sbnb9vgY9o

— bubble baaff (@panhalfrican) October 18, 2018

17.

The way the smallest things come full circle in #ThisIsUs is a work of art.

— Sandrá Gizelle✨ (@SandraMere) October 18, 2018

18.

“All these babies … every single one of them … they have the same birthday as your little brother.”
HOWWW does #ThisIsUs make me cry for people I don’t even know?!?

— Miss G (@MissGiaM) October 18, 2018

19.

I knew I’d cry but I felt like I just got hit. #thisisus is giving us a glimpse into the history that happened to so many. #VietnamWar #vietnamvets

— AmyNAlabama (@namyaymon) October 18, 2018

20.

The draft, the night Nick stood up to his dad, the Superman speech. Just amazing. #ThisIsUs

— Henny Chesney (@EdBWinning) October 18, 2018

21.

Jack Pearson is the purest brother, husband, father, friend, and human. I cry just thinking about how selfless he is wow #ThisIsUs

— un-lost (@daniellelturner) October 18, 2018

22.

jack pearson with his brother HOW IS THIS MAN REAL EVERY MAN WISHES THEY WERE HIM #ThisIsUs

— chloe (@aechanted) October 17, 2018

23.

Watching #ThisIsUs from last night and @MiloVentimiglia is a national treasure. This episode for his Emmy, Globes, SAG, Oscar, Grammy, Tony, Presidential Medal of Freedom consideration.

— ET (@erin_thereseV) October 17, 2018

24.

Last night’s episode of #ThisIsUs showcased such an amazing range of acting by @MiloVentimiglia – I was in awe. Just a gorgeous man with amazing talent.

One of the best episodes of tv I’ve ever seen and the best episode of the series so far.

— Blood Red 💉 (@Redpainter1) October 17, 2018

25.

#ThisIsUs Thank you @kenolin1 @Dan_Fogelman @MiloVentimiglia for shedding light on the Vietnam War. I am so thankful that you are educating people about the war and the Veterans who risked their lives for us.

— Peggy (@_boos_mom) October 17, 2018

This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Jack’s Vietnam story has only just begun!