Last night the popular series, This Is Us, debuted its second season to eager watchers. To say the least, it did not disappoint. The worries regarding second season slumps were assuaged the minute the familiar characters appeared on the screen.

The audience did not think their hearts could break anymore, but the tears flowed after watching Tuesday night’s episode. That familiar tune of the introductory scene caused viewers to snap their heads and enjoy the storylines of the siblings, Kate, Randall and Kevin celebrating their birthdays.

The issues of the previous season continue on as Kate struggles with her self confidence; Kevin tries to juggle his career and relationship; and Randall copes with his father’s loss by introducing an adoption plan.

As per usual, the flashbacks of the younger characters provide insight to the family’s dynamic and the marital struggles of the mother Rebecca and father Jack. Their marriage, in the beginning, appeared perfect. Yet just like in reality, the couple faces hardships.

As the episode continues so do its heartfelt moments, yet, the tissue box did not make an appearance. That is, until the final moments of the episode when Jack’s death is teased. A clip of a charred house and sobbing children Kate and Randall appear in the frame.

This is when the audience can feel the tears fall. The elusive death of the father has escaped the storyline for sometime. While watchers understand that Jack has died, his actual passing was not thought to be so soon. However, a teenage Kate is shown mourning the loss, and we can infer Jack was lost suddenly.

To say the least, the premier of the second season of the series was anything but boring. The same storylines flowed into the premiere without a hitch and the audience felt the same connections to the characters. Hopefully, this new season will bring the same feeling of love and comradery that the first season gave us.