The following report covers , titled " The Big Day ". This episode serves as a prequel to the series pilot, filling in the backstory of the day the "Big Three" were born. Episode Summary
The episode follows three separate but converging storylines set on the day of the triplets' birth:
: Joe, the firefighter who eventually leaves Randall at the hospital, is seen struggling in a "rough place" in his marriage. He prays for a miracle to save his relationship, which manifests when he finds abandoned Randall on the firehouse stoop. Key Character Moments [S1E12] The Big Day
: It explains why Jack was wearing a specific "birthday towel" in the series' first scene—it was part of the gift Rebecca bought him at the liquor store.
: The doctor is shown struggling with the one-year anniversary of his wife's death. He visits her grave and expresses his deep grief, questioning if he can continue without her before his beeper goes off, calling him to the hospital for the Pearson delivery. The following report covers , titled " The Big Day "
: Despite the morning's tension, he realizes while golfing with Miguel that he wants nothing more than to be home with his wife.
: Reaffirms his love for his late wife during a difficult lunch with his concerned children, stating, "She was my wife. She was my life". Series Significance He prays for a miracle to save his
: Delivers a heartfelt monologue to her unborn babies, admitting her fears about being an inadequate mother but expressing her absolute certainty that Jack will be a perfect father.