This One Detail Could Mean Trouble Ahead for Jack on ‘This Is Us’

*Warning: Spoilers ahead* 

Now that we’ve properly recovered from the roller-coaster ride of the season four premiere of This Is Us, it’s time to break down the new characters who have entered into the Pearson family’s orbit. And what we’re anticipating is a lot of trouble (queue the dramatic music and grab some tissues).

Addiction and alcoholism have been consistent story lines on This Is Us, starting with Jack’s (Milo Ventimiglia) father, then exploring Jack’s own battles with alcohol as he worked his way through his demons, following his time in Vietnam. Last season, we watched as Kevin (Justin Hartley) relapsed into addiction and eventually came through the other end into recovery (for now at least).

And now in a flash forward, we’ve been introduced to Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Toby’s (Chris Sullivan) son, Jack (Blake Stadnik), fully grown and a newly famous singer—are you staying with us here? Good.

The first we see of the future baby Jack is a scene reminiscent of Kevin’s benders from season three. Bottles are everywhere and the apartment is in disarray. After breaking a plate while making a hangover feast, he heads to a diner where he discloses that he is a songwriter. Feeling down on his luck as an artist, he goes for a beer…or 12. Could this be a rare pity party of one (and a six-pack)? Or, is this a glimpse at potential deeper addiction issues? With his new fame, could this be a familiar road we’re about to go down? This is an easy and obvious road to go down, but if there’s one thing we know about the This Is Us writers, it’s never assume you know what will happen.

It’s no secret that alcoholism has a hereditary link, but will baby Jack follow in the footsteps of the Pearsons before him? We’ll have to wait and see when This Is Us returns Tuesday, October 1 on NBC at 9 p.m. EST.