The song "So Long, Marianne" acts as a "tether" across generations. In the episode, Nicky's realization that Jack passed down his specific words about the song proves that Jack never truly erased Nicky from his life. Leonard Cohen
Symbolizes the bittersweet nature of saying goodbye and the enduring power of shared memories. Production Credits Director: Ken Olin Writer: K.J. Steinberg Runtime: 60 minutes imdb.com/title/tt19369032/">2024 TV series ? [S4E9] So Long, Marianne
Randall realizes his mother, Rebecca, is experiencing significant memory loss. After a series of disorienting events—including getting lost on a walk and losing her phone—Rebecca finally admits she needs to see a doctor. Meanwhile, Randall connects with Uncle Nicky by playing the same Cohen song, reciting the exact "poem" explanation he learned from Jack. The song "So Long, Marianne" acts as a
A nine-month jump to the Big Three's 40th birthday reveals a fractured family. Kevin is engaged and expecting a child, but he and Randall are no longer on speaking terms, and Rebecca’s cognitive decline has visibly worsened. The Leonard Cohen Connection Production Credits Director: Ken Olin Writer: K
Marianne Ihlen, Cohen's longtime partner on the Greek island of Hydra.
Following their "Thanksgiving Shrimp" tradition, Jack and a struggling Nicky listen to Leonard Cohen's "So Long, Marianne" in Jack's truck. Nicky explains the song's meaning—that it is actually a poem—creating a memory that Jack carries for the rest of his life.
The title (Season 4, Episode 9) most prominently refers to the fall finale of the NBC drama This Is Us , which aired on November 19, 2019. The episode title is a direct homage to the 1967 Leonard Cohen song of the same name, which serves as a pivotal emotional bridge between the characters Jack, Nicky, and Randall. Plot Overview & Key Storylines