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I love every aspect of Beth, but my favorite plotline thus far is her relationship with Randall’s newly found biological father, William (Ron Cephas Jones). From the moment she hesitantly took William into her home as an initial sacrifice that undoubtedly proved her love for her husband, I was fascinated by the trajectory of their relationship. What I loved most about her storyline with William is that her character was given her just due—an introduction that was not defined by being Randall’s wife or Tess (Eris Baker) and Annie’s (Faithe Herman) mother, but a woman who can evolve in a way that surprises herself. She had found not only her father-in-law but her friend. A friend who unmasked many layers that I hope to see more of.

In Beth’s posthumous dedication to William—masterfully portrayed by the treasure that is Watson, who can convey a thousand emotions with just a look—the significance of their relationship and the emotional tattoo that William left on her heart was readily apparent.

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In the season 2 premiere, we get to explore a bit of Beth’s adoption hesitation that contrasts Randall’s hyperexcitement to continue his story. We learn in the premiere that despite Randall’s ideal that his adopted parents, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca Pearson (Mandy Moore), wanted him the moment they saw him, Rebecca had some reservations and eventually warmed up to him. This dynamic definitely brings a complexity to Beth and Randall’s relationship and their identity as parents. And I can’t forget the subtle yet poignant moment where we see that Beth still hangs out at the special “meeting spot” reserved for her and William. This yet another peek into how her relationship with him has been etched into her spirit.

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Beth may not be a member of the “Big Three,” but she certainly steals the screen in her own way, and I can’t wait to see how the second season gives us a little more of her. As Beth so eloquently said in her homage to William, she is a “fabric of our lives now.” Just as the Pearsons will “remember things as “before William” and “after William,” so will we about Beth.

Beth is us. Beth is me. Beth is love.