The actress also drops hints about Kate & Phillip and the upcoming Kate-centric episode that she co-wrote.
How will her relationship with Toby deteriorate?
When will one with Phillip blossom?
Chrissy Metz as Kate, Chris Sullivan as Toby on ‘This Is Us.'.Ron Batzdorff/NBC
What does Kate 2.0 look like in this final season (which kicks off Jan. 4)?
(We know that Rebecca is ailing, but who else might she be referring to?)
Read on to see what Metz had to reveal about the “most emotional” season yet.
CHRISSY METZ:Oh boy.
So there’s a lot of closure, but there’s also new beginnings.
And ego and pride.
[Laughs]
Using a superlative, how would you describe the season versus other seasons?
I do think, as a whole, it will be the most emotional.
But also there’s going to be a lot of contentment.
She’s making herself a priority.
And, of course, Toby has [done that] with Kate.
She’s a better person for knowing him and loving him.
And I don’t think she’s really, truly done that.
But how soon do we start to see even the seeds of that relationship?
And more importantly, how soon does Kate’s relationship with Toby start to fall apart?
you’ve got the option to see them getting along, but there’s definitely no romance yet.
Over the summer,Chris said that youstillhadn’t talked about it, because it was just too sad.
Are you talking about it more now?
It makes us very sad.
It’s really hard.
We definitely both make a run at avoid it.
It’s like [moans in pain].
We know it’s there, so let’s just not put salt in the wound.
[Laughs]
What has it been like to work with Chris Geere?
We haven’t had a ton of time together, but he’s great.
Is there anything you want to say to fans bracing for the split?
It’s just people grow apart.
We’re going to get to see that unfold.
I think it’s going to be really fascinating to watch it unravel.
And this is where it plays to the “nobody’s right, nobody’s wrong.”
And then he feels bad because he’s not there and he’s missing these big milestones.
It’s all of that.
Anytime any spouse has a job outside of [town], it’s really, really difficult.
Why do I have to move?"
A lot of very interesting conversations around that.
Yes, it plays a huge factor in the relationship.
You’ve co-written an upcoming episode.
A while back, you mentioned that you had the seeds of an idea for a Kate episode.
How did this come to life?
And can you hint at the revelations in that episode?
They’re the best partners to write with.
Mandy [Moore] is directing the episode, which is even more exciting.
So the way we formulated the whole episode was: Kate’s wanting to salvage this [marriage].
She knows there’s some sort of disconnect.
So she goes to take a stab at salvage it and… we shall see what happens.
They both want this beautiful, amazing weekend, but sometimes we don’t get what we want.
Did you think about directing but then decide that you wanted to write one instead?
You know, I always wanted to write one before I directed it.
I would be so nervous.
As much as I want to, I just didn’t feel ready yet.
What’s one cryptic clue you’ve got the option to drop about the final season?
People are going to be on the edge of their seats with characters’ health issues.
It’s going to be a lot.
You haven’t filmed the series finale yet.
I think it’s going to wrap up really beautifully.
And the taste of life is very, very bittersweet.
I know it’s going that way, but I don’t know any real particulars yet.
Does the mood on the set reflect that the end is near, or is it still too early?
We don’t even like to talk about it.
We’re pretending right now that it’s just another season.
You mentioned that it was going to be the most emotional season yet.
What advice do you have for someone sitting down to watch it?
With a very open heart.
I really think it’s important to feel all the feelings.
But what is so special about the show is that you could relate.
