‘This Is Us’ Producers Explain Why Miguel Is Treated ‘Very Unfairly’
(Warning: This story contains spoilers for Tuesday’s “This Is Us“)
“This Is Us” is giving more detail about how Rebecca (Mandy Moore) ended up married to Miguel (Jon Huertas), the former best friend of her late husband, Jack (Milo Ventimiglia).
Tuesday’s episode of the hit NBC drama series included flashbacks to 2008, as Randall (Sterling K. Brown) and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) prepared for the arrival of their first child.
Also Read: 'This Is Us' Cuts Kevin Spacey Reference From Tonight's Episode
After Beth gives birth to Tess, Rebecca posts a photo to Facebook of her first grandchild, leading Miguel to respond with a congratulatory message. In it, he asks how Rebecca has been “for the past eight years,” suggesting that Jack may have died in 2000.
“This Is Us” executive producers John Requa and Glenn Ficarra told TheWrap that creator Dan Fogelman and the show’s other writers are aware that fans have trouble rooting for Miguel, given his relationship with Rebecca, but that viewers may eventually change their minds about him.
Also Read: 'This Is Us' Directors Open Up About Latest Jack Shocker: It 'Explains a Lot'
“Miguel is treated very unfairly because he’s put up against Jack who we know very well and is wonderful and everything,” Requa said. “If there’s one thing I know about Dan and the writing staff, you’re going to frickin’ love Miguel when it’s all said and done. Because Rebecca wouldn’t just settle — you know there’s a good reason.”
Ficarra concurs, making it clear that Miguel does not do anything untoward, despite some viewers’ suspicions that Miguel may have had eyes for Rebecca while Jack was still in the picture.
Also Read: 'This Is Us' Star Talks 'Huge' Impact of Fire, Says Viewers 'Don't Know Jack'
“[Fans’ dislike of Miguel] doesn’t speak so much on Miguel as it speaks on how much everybody likes Jack,” Ficarra added. “He’s not like a mustache-twirling villain. He’s a great guy — [but] he’s not Jack.”
Moore previously told TheWrap that she is approaching the relationship between her character and Miguel with the assumption that no infidelity took place.
“I’m playing it as there was certainly nothing nefarious going on: They didn’t get together while Jack was alive, and there was no cheating,” Moore said. “None of that. No one stole anyone.”
“This Is Us” airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Related stories from TheWrap:
'This Is Us' Surprise Twist Is 'Huge Mic-Drop Moment'
'This Is Us' Star Chris Sullivan Calls Toby's Moves 'a Load of Bulls–' (Exclusive Video)
'This Is Us' Star Mandy Moore Opens Up About 'Unbelievably Tragic' Season 2
'This Is Us' Creator Talks 'Very Heavy' Season 2, Show's 'Big Challenge'
