'This Is Us' Season 2, Episode 12 'Clooney' Recap: Hint to Jack's Death Revealed, Randall Goes Riddle Solving [SPOILERS]

As episodes draw closer to another season finale, and we finally see hints into the most significant mystery behind Jack’s death. Aside from this, we catch a glimpse of Kevin as he readjusts to normalcy and lives with Miguel and Rebecca. Meanwhile, Randall goes riddle-solving in his father’s old apartment building.
The title of “This Is Us” Season 2, Episode 12 refers to William’s pet cat. Although he’s not the cutest cat around, this stray kitty is named “Clooney,” and William loved him so.

William’s ‘My Lady’ poem

Somehow in a trance, Randall is a little too keen on little things other than a critical job interview—making Beth worry. Instead of preparing for the interview, Randall insists on retrieving a box of his father’s old things from William’s neighbor and friend. Inside, he discovers sketches, compositions, and poems—but what strikes him as interesting is that it’s about a particular lady. Randall then believes that his father was romantically involved with one of his neighbors and he is thrilled to find out who.

Upon investigation, he ends up knocking on people’s doors and asking about their relationship with his biological father—only to find out that William touched all of their lives with his kindness and friendship. And that lady he was referring t? Well, it’s Billie Holiday—William’s favorite musician. Apparently, there was a poster with her face on it just outside of his apartment window.
Later that day, Randall has his mind made up on another big decision: he plans on purchasing the apartment building, making it better and more comfortable for the residents.

Kevin living with Rebecca and Miguel

Finally out of rehab and planning on returning to Hollywood, Kevin spends some time with his mother, Rebecca. He’s on a mission: making up for lost time. Meanwhile, his mother is more than eager to share quality time with him. During their bonding moments, Kevin realizes that Miguel is a big part of Rebecca’s life. And despite feeling a little awkward and hesitant of the scenario, he realizes he shouldn’t be living in the past anymore. Rebecca is happy with Miguel.

That One thing that could have saved Jack Pearson

All we know for sure about Jack Pearson’s death is that the Pearson home burned down with him. Now, we find out a more critical factor that contributed significantly to his death—the same thing that could’ve easily been avoided.
On our flashbacks, we are met with the Pearson family visiting the mall. Kate needs a dress for the Winter Formal, Kevin needs a tux, and Randall’s out to use his ingenious Magic 8 ball to ask a girl out. Although before they all go, Rebecca asks Jack to remind her about buying batteries. For what? We aren’t sure yet at this point.

In the mall, Kate undergoes an insecurity crisis and runs off, leaving Rebecca to worry about her daughter instead of remembering something she should be buying. Meanwhile, both Jack and Kevin bump into Miguel and undergo a little ‘wallowing’ session—something Jack isn’t a big fan.
The family eventually come home, and Rebecca feels she’s forgotten something—and Jack is no help either. And just as we’re about to close the curtains on the episode, we get a clue as to what the batteries are for—smoke detectors. Surely we can see where this is going to lead to, but another twist in the narrative and we’re dumbfounded yet again.
‘This Is Us’ Season 2 continues next Tuesday, January 23rd, with “That’ll Be The Day” at 9/8c on NBC.