In an attempt to curb a breakdown after a family death, three friends decide to take their mentally unstable comrade to get treated for his mental issues.
When Mitch and Jay separately search for a retreat from the family, they end up at the same resort; Phil and Claire struggle to enjoy the empty-nester life.
Jay's only sanctuary and favorite place in the world begins to lose its charm when Phil starts to think about becoming a member; Claire misjudges her influence.
Phil tries to get used to the fact that Rainer Shine is dating his daughter while Hayley must tell her father that she would rather spend Thanksgiving with him.
Hayley's idea for a fun girls' day with Rainer Shine's teen daughter turns out to be more angst-filled than she thought; Luke falls into a damaging situation.
Manny and Luke agree to throw the school's lavish winter dance but soon end up in a mess due to a texting error; Gloria, Claire, Mitchell and Cam volunteer.
Sheldon decides to audit a college class, which is being taught by Dr. John Sturgis, when he feels that Medford High is no longer academically challenging.
While Sheldon occupies himself with keeping tabs on Meemaw and Dr. Sturgis' burgeoning relationship, George Sr. and Mary try bonding with their other children.
Monica thinks Chandler is sexually attracted to sea life after he switched the station from porn to the nature channel in order to conceal his sordid viewing.
Rachel's self-absorbed sister, Amy, joins the friends for Thanksgiving dinner at Monica's; Joey forgets to show up for the Days of Our Lives cast float.
Mike meets and then accidentally murders Phoebe's unusual pet; Ross begs Joey to stay away from Emma's hot new nanny; Gavin gives Rachel a birthday gift.
A night at Mike's piano bar gives Monica a very showy moment in the spotlight; Chandler employs his secret skill to repair Joey's botched eyebrow-waxing job.
After Penny finds Sheldon's assistant is flirting with Leonard, an attempt to solve the issue through HR gets the entire group dragged into the ordeal.
Leonard gets his car stolen when the guys take a road trip dressed as "Star Trek: The Next Generation" characters to a comic book convention in Bakersfield.
Raj falls into depression after a girl he meets at the comic book store walks out on him during a coffee date; Penny impresses Sheldon with her acting.
Howard has an internal struggle about opening a letter from his father; Leonard and Penny decide to throw a "grown-up" cocktail party at the apartment.
In an attempt to curb a breakdown after a family death, three friends decide to take their mentally unstable comrade to get treated for his mental issues.
Cam decides to make up for Thanksgiving by making a New Year's Day feast, though his second attempt fails too; Mitch decides to use a "concierge gift card."