First, I must apologize to my loyal reader(s) for not blogging last week’s episode. I’d love to say I was simply basking in the afterglow of Cappie and Casey’s reunion, but alas, I was basking in the arrival of my Verizon iPhone. See?

But, I’m back.

In this week’s episode — excuse me, in this week’s ridiculously amusing episode — the whole gang comes together for Calvin’s 21st birthday. This was one of those episodes you submit for an Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble SAG Award, where all of the characters come together seamlessly, where the stars align. But, we’ll get to the gushy stuff later. First, the conflicts!

As I said, everyone is getting ready for Calvin’s big day. Unfortunately a snow storm puts a damper on the original party planned for the guys’ apartment, so Ashleigh suggests they all head down to Dobler’s — as an employee she somehow has the key. OK. Rebecca then suggests the group play a game akin to Truth or Dare, where one person asks another a question and if he/she won’t answer, they kiss. This is what we learn:

Cappie’s better than Evan in bed. Figured. Also, Cappie and Casey are A-OK (Thank G-d!), but Casey and Ashleigh aren’t. You see, Ashleigh is being her immature self. She is honestly the worst kind of friend — the type that can’t be happy for you when you’re happy. Despite all of the side fights about each others’ futures and fairytale nonsense, we learn that at the heart of Ashleigh’s frustration with Casey (and Cappie) is her insecurity over losing Casey — with Cappie in the picture, Casey won’t need Ashleigh anymore. Eventually, they make up of course, but not before providing some comic relief with their Facebook-stalking of each other, and some over-the-top Sex and the City references that almost pushed me over the edge.

Ashleigh is still dating Casey and Evan’s law professor, Simon. Although this comes as a shock to Casey, she seems to start getting used to it. Problem is, Ashleigh’s really into Rusty. Was it just me or did Rusty look, like, really good in this episode? Especially in that early bathroom scene with Ashleigh? Oh well. Ultimately, Casey tells Ashleigh that she can’t let her hurt her little brother — that Ashleigh has to serious if she’s going to go for Rusty. So, Ashleigh chickens out, and tells Rusty, who had some serious balls in this episode, that she’s really into Simon. It appears the writers have turned the tables on us — Ashleigh and Rusty are the real will they-won’t they couple! Cappie and Casey are in the clear!

One couple not in the clear is Evan and Rebecca, who appear to finally be over. We learn that Evan and Rebecca are perhaps even worse off than we thought — that he won’t even have sex with her when she throws herself at him. In fact, he thinks she’s desperate! As much as I always liked to believe that Evan had redeeming qualities, he really is an asshole, and now Rebecca knows it. Casey even told her she deserved better. Rebecca made the mistake of telling Evan about that little tidbit, and Evan threatened to make Casey’s time in law school hell. Sooo, that should be interesting and annoying the rest of the season.

So much happened I’m sure I’m forgetting a ton, but I don’t care! What a great episode! It was so nice to see the shots of the original cast together, Breakfast Club-style. Here are a couple frames that literally had me verklempt:

And just a few things that don’t warrant full analysis, but bear mentioning:
1. Obviously, for personal and professional reasons, I smiled at Rusty’sTop Chef(s) reference.
2. All of the Casey/Ashleigh/Color Me Badd banter was insanely satisfying.
3. This entire episode actually looked like it was shot differently — it looked more “real,” especially when the cast arrived at Dobler’s. Did anyone else notice that?
4. I don’t care for the fact that Laura has become somewhat of a pariah to Dale, honestly. She used to be one of my favorite characters Get yourself together, woman!

As amusing as it was, this episode actually made me really sad. Seeing the core ensemble together made me realize that this series is almost over. With Friday Night Lights ending just last week, I don’t know how much more I can take!

Until next week, as always, share your thoughts below.