This is Us goes to Vegas for a Bachelor/Bachelorette party that in true This is Us fashion doesn’t go according to plan

This is Us needed to give us a bit of an emotional break after the roller coaster of Jack’s death and funeral, don’t you think? Our hearts really couldn’t take much more! Only just when you think you’re getting a break from the show there has to be more to it. Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Toby (Chris Sullivan) are headed to Vegas and the big three are ready to hit the strip! Too bad the whole clan is completely preoccupied with her things as Randall (Sterling K. Brown) obsesses over whether or not Deja (Lyric Ross) needs him and Beth (Susan Kelechi Watson) goes the opposite way and tries to avoid the whole topic. Kevin (Justin Hartley) tries to stay on the wagon.

RELATED | This is Us Roundtable 2×14 “Super Bowl Sunday”

Jack and Kate celebrate and anniversary with no big gestures but end the day realizing that the smallest gestures just may end up being the biggest. Kate and Toby’s parties end up taking a turn for the worse as Randall and Kevin bail on Toby who ended up hiring friends just so he could look cool to his future bros. But Kate is able to set them straight and Toby gets the bonding time he’s looking for. Meanwhile Kate and Beth finally get the sisterly bonding time that both have been craving and come to a new understanding.

And remember when Randall was worried about Deja? He was absolutely right to since he and Beth go looking for her and find her living with her mom in a car. A massive thank you to Roundtable guest Nicole Blades for coming up with the questions for this week’s roundtable!

Mel (@musiccitymel): Mel is a blogger at www.musiccitymel.com, a fibromyalgia warrior, and the cohost of Two Dead Chicks: A Walking Dead Podcast.

Jake (@Jake_Lester): Disney World addict, comic book fan & Film and TV fanatic. Contributing Editor to Comicbookmovie.com. I’ve written some things you might have read… probably not though.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades): Novelist, runner, podcaster, pretend baker, and professional Canadian. Her next book, HAVE YOU MET NORA?, was released November 2017. Read more at NicoleBlades.com.

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Jenni really does have a lot of freckles

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): Jennifer loves a darkroom and a spontaneous flight to anywhere.

1. Those were some pretty great grand gestures from Jack to celebrate his and Rebecca’s wedding anniversary. Is it possible for Jack to ever reach peak Jackness? Taking the kids’ requests for the shape of the pancakes, always finding the right words to tie to moments to make everyone feel “seen.” What did you think of what he said about grand gestures? And did he pass along the spirit of “Jackness” to any of the Big Three?

Mel (@musiccitymel): Just when I think Jack can’t possibly reach a higher level of perfection, he rises. I think he did pass on the spirit of Jackness to his kids and it clearly started early. When the young Pearsons planned the star gazing for Jack and Rebecca, I felt the Jackness coming through the screen.

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I think it’s awesome, and something frankly I did for my wife a little more. Showing the people in your life how much you care about them doesn’t necessarily need to come from a grand gesture, but it does feel nice when someone goes completely out of their way to let you know how special you are to them.

I also don’t feel as if he really “passed on” the grand gesture-ness of his personality. Randall has it a little bit, but Kate and Kevin are either a.) too wrapped up in their own life to do something big and grand for someone or b.) just don’t care.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades): Jack might just be a hint of too perfect right now. He knows exactly what to say and how to be present with each member of his family in such a major way. I guess that’s why he’s left such indelible mark on them. The person closest to possessing the spirit of Jackness might be Randall. He always comes at you straight from the heart.

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Jack has so much love in him. He loves Rebecca so he’ll do anything for her. He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t stop so much my love for him is waning because now I just roll my eyes when he does something super romantic and I want to throw up. The  writers are in love with him and it’s almost like THEY are the Pearson family and seeing past all of the bad crap he did and pretending it didn’t happen.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): Every time I learn something more about how Jack develops his relationships with Rebecca and the kids In these moments I swoon a little bit more. Why do television shows do this to us? Totally unfair because there are not enough Jack Pearsons in this world for the rest of us. Where are the rest of the heros that will rush into burning houses to save the lives of dogs they’ve owned for a week or two?

2. When Deja showed up at Randall and Beth’s door asking for money to get the heat turned on at her mom’s place, did you think that was the whole story? Did you believe her when she said she told them she was fine, or did you sense that something more was up?

Mel (@musiccitymel): Nope. Like Randall, my Spidey senses were tingling! I had a feeling something more was wrong.

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I honestly thought that it was just as simple as her needing money to get the gas turned back on. I should have known better, though. It seemed innocent enough that would be all she needed, but I was just absolutely shocked at the end of the episode when she was living with her mom in the car.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades): I knew something more was up. And I had a feeling it was something like this: that they were in a bad situation at home. Deja is such an honorable girl, I knew it wasn’t the case of her lying and spending the money on something inappropriate.

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Yes of course it’s totally fine I always go and ask my semi rich past foster parents for money and then disappear and it’s never suspicious.  Though I thought maybe she was asking for money for something for herself and not to prevent her from living in a car that one kind of threw me.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): I knew there had to be more to the story. You didn’t have to be a psychic to know there was more to Deja’s story than a simple bill. It didn’t surprise me when you saw her living in a car. But I didn’t really understand Randall’s unwillingness to respect Beth’s wishes about not worrying for just one weekend. Even for Randall that was a lot!

3. Vegas Beth, baby! Can we see more of her soon? This was maybe the most relaxed and “hair-down” version of her that we’ve ever seen. Did you predict Randalls “You’re the head, I’m the heart,” remark would come flying back to punch him in the face? That was quite a major blow-up in the middle of half-naked Magic Mikes. Whose side of that argument did you find yourself nodding to more?

Mel (@musiccitymel): I realize this is a total cop out answer, but I could totally see both of their sides. If I had to pick one though, I would have to say Beth. I completely understood and felt her need to just take a mental break. Also, she was hilarious with those Magic Mike dudes. Beth is the best friend we all deserve.

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I think This Is Us is trying to get all of us that are goo goo eyed over Randall to see some of his flaws, and I’m not here for it. Beth had a right to be very upset with Randall for his comment about the head and heart because it was cold, and borderline mean. Beth is a successful business woman as well as mom, and she deserved to let her hair down, so to speak, for a weekend and forget about the trials and tribulations of life.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades): Although I totally get where Randall was coming from, I felt myself leaning more toward Beth. The man did basically tell her that she was kind of heartless and detached. There’s really no avoiding a big blow up after that! She really has had to process and deal with A LOT with Randall over the last year or more.

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Randall was way too intense here. Deja wasn’t his kid anymore and I know he cared about her but your wife needs a break. I was sad he was so weird here. It was like mental breakdown part 5 here. Stop breaking down Randall. Practice self care.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): I really felt for Beth here. She’s been there for Randall through so much and just needed a break. I totally understood that fact that it wasn’t that she didn’t care about Deja she just was going through her own disappointing time. I don’t know what it would be like being in a relationship with a person with that much tunnel vision. Beth must be exhausted.

4. Kevin (a.k.a. Rehab Manny) seems to really like having heart-to-hearts with cleaning people! Did you think he was going to fall off the wagon? I mean, it’s Vegas.

Mel (@musiccitymel): I absolutely did. Also, Rehab Manny!!!! I am cackling right now!

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I was just waiting for it, especially since they did the bait and switch of him being cut out of the movie. However, to Kevin’s credit, he snapped out of it and wound up thinking of someone else for a change. As infuriating as Kevin’s character has become, there have been these small little tweaks that the writers have made to his character that has redeemed him a little bit.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades): At first I was like, Nooooo! Don’t do it, Kev. But I figured the writers wouldn’t want to go the obvious route of Kev falling off the wagon, so I was waiting for the “pivot.”

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Hahah rehab Manny is funny. I’m surprised he didn’t drink. I would have. But I guess they’re just waiting until later for him to crash and burn again.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): I hoped he would get through it and was happy he did.  I’m rooting for him.

5. Real question: Are we collectively going soft on Toby? Hearing his sad story about his baby brother rejecting him, his sneaker-loving motley crew of friends who were just seat-fillers at his bachelor’s party, and how much he wants to impress the Randall “Don’t Call Me Randy” and Kevin and be their new “brother” melted some of the ice water running through my veins. What did you think of Toby’s storyline in this episode? And is he officially part of the Pearson Gang?

Mel (@musiccitymel): Not gonna lie, this episode helped me to understand and empathize Toby so much more. I think that’s why he relies so heavily on Kate. He truly doesn’t have anyone. I think the Pearson brothers are going to bring him into the fold and I’m ok with it.

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I would just like to say I have never been as hard on Toby as some of you in this group. You all know who you are. But sticking to the point, they are giving Toby more meaningful stuff to do in the shows rather than just be Kate’s bumbling idiot boyfriend. I thought the moment he shared with the Pearson boys was sweet. I’m all for character who don’t interact much in the show to get screen time together, and this episode had it.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades): This snapshot into Toby’s backstory made me feel for him. He was definitely craving acceptance from the Randall and Kevin. Was happy for him that he got that “welcome to the family” moment he was desperate for BUT… I still have my side-eye on you, Toby. It ain’t safe.

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Toby was annoying before and he’s still kind of being Toby. He hired friends and that’s why his brother probably hates him because he can’t even find other nerd friends like him. Just find your lane Toby and drive in it. Surely there are other paisley suit wearing wannabes that will want to hang out with you.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): This storyline humanized Toby for me more! I WANT TO KNOW what’s up with his brother/ it makes sense to me why he would want to bond with Randall and Kevin but I need to know more! Will Toby’s brother even show up to the wedding? Why does he think Toby is a big nerd (other than the obvious reason that he actually is a big nerd)? Even if you hated your brother wouldn’t you be there for his bachelor party?

6. Did you expect that sweet, teary moment between Beth and Kate? Have we ever seen them say more than five words (total!) to each other? Do you think this is the door opening to more Kate-Beth connections? Same for more refreshing Randall and Kate moments? Come on, they go back to Hot Pockets and Sex & the City binges!

Mel (@musiccitymel): I certainly hope so. I really enjoyed the interactions between them. Did y’all melt when Randall said he just watched the show to make her happy? My face morphed into a heart eye emoji.

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I didn’t expect it, mainly because of Kate’s personality. It will be interesting to see how it moves forward because they haven’t really addressed how the Pearson kids moved forward from Jack’s death, and I think’s intriguing that Randall and Kate struck up a closer relationship because of it. I hope the writers explore more of the relationship of Beth and Kate and Randall and Kate moving forward.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades):  I liked the “mixed up” parings here with Kate and Beth and Kate and Randall. Hope to see more moments between each. And of course Randall watched SATC with Kate because Kate liked the show so much. He’s all heart, for real!

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Now I just want hot pockets. And I want to eat them with Kate and Randall and watch Sex in the City. I think Randall is a Miranda to be honest. I wonder why Beth didn’t like Kate. I totally understand why Kate would think Beth would look down on her because she’s not good enough. Kate let her issues block her own success in life.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): I thought the gesture of leaving the candy for Beth was a good window to opening up a new aspect of their relationship. It was nice to see them interact really for the first time. You sort of get the impression that Beth hasn’t really ever blended very well into the Pearson clan even though Randall definitely tries very hard. That’s interesting, right?

7. It’s clear that Beth and Randall are both missing parts of themselves after Deja left. Will they be able to just “let go of Deja”? And now that we know what hardships Deja and her mom are facing living in a car, what do you think will happen next? Will Beth and Randall invite them both to live with their family until they can get back on solid footing? Or will they help out as much as they can but distance themselves since they are no longer fostering Deja?

Mel (@musiccitymel): I truly think they are going to open up their home to both Deja and her mom. Granted, I’m sure there will be some difficulties with that. I don’t know that Deja’s mom will accept the help readily at first. I just know I’m so glad to that they found her!

Jake (@Jake_Lester): I honestly think this is a ploy by Deja’s mom to get the Pearson to move Deja AND her into their home. This will result in her trying to steal something, or something to that effect and Deja will end back up with Beth and Randall, but permanently. My main rationale behind this is because they are both the heart, and I just don’t think that both of them can let that little girl live homeless even if that means taking on the risk of her mother on as well.

Nicole (@NicoleBlades):   don’t think they’re going to be able to let go, but I also don’t think it’s going to be as “easy” as Deja getting adopted by Beth and Randall either. I think we’re going to have go through some rough stuff, see what awfulness young Deja has been dealing with before we start to see her heading toward smoother roads. Looking forward to it! I really like the character and the young actor who plays her.

Jenni (@freckledjenni): Deja will definitely be back with Randall and Beth. Whether she stays or gets sucked into a world of drugs by her mom who definitely still love drugs is the only question we need to answer. The social worker is going to be super busy sorting this mess out because Deja is definitely not going to be allowed to live on the street. I’m surprised they haven’t placed another foster kid with Beth and Randall in the meantime they seem like ideal foster parents.

Jennifer (@jenneyevolo): I can anticipate BETH being the one to stand up for Deja this time! I think it’s definitely her time and we just saw exactly how much Deja means to her. Plus I think it would be great to see more of Beth the crazy tiger mom. But if she moves in with Randall and Beth that will be terrible.

Final Verdict: This is Us tries to lighten it up with Vegas, baby!

As one of our wonderful roundtable guests Nicole so helpful said in one of our chats: When can we get more of a backstory on badass Beth? Hurry up with this, This Is Us writers! The highlight of this episode was most assuredly Beth and Kate’s heart to heart but we didn’t mind Randall and Kate’s moment either! Who knew Randall was a Sex in the City fan? (Say what you want, Randall, we know you were completely loving every second of that and we know that Miranda was your favorite.) Deja’s story provided the necessary tension we needed to hold our interest throughout the episode.

RELATED | Drama After Dark Issue 15

Will Toby finally officially be a part of the Pearson clan? We get that Toby was really looking for that sense of belonging through the whole show but hired friends? Come on, This is Us maybe the reason we don’t love the Tobster all the time is because you make him so thirsty all the time! He at least could have brought people he wasn’t particularly close with! The hired friends were just so sad. Guess Kevin and Randall agreed since they laid aside their own misery to be there for their future brother in law. But really just having him be with people that were indifferent to him would have given him enough of the whipped puppy persona for us.

The big thing we want to know moving forward is what is going to happen with Deja. Will her social worker remove her from her mom? Will she join the Pearson family again or will something else happen that makes her be sent elsewhere? All we know is we can’t wait to see what happens!

This is Us returns tonight March 6th on NBC!