Ep 2. Shrink Rap

In season 5 episode 2 of Las Vegas, titled "Shrink Rap," the Montecito hotel and casino is once again at the center of the action. This time, the episode focuses on the mental health of its various employees and guests.

At the start of the episode, a new psychiatrist named Dr. Derek Stephenson is called in to evaluate all of the Montecito's employees. While most are happy to oblige, some like Danny McCoy are more reluctant. However, they quickly find that talking to Dr. Stephenson can be cathartic.

Meanwhile, the Montecito is hosting a high-stakes poker tournament, which attracts some colorful characters to the hotel. One of them is a man named Billy, who claims to be the nephew of legendary poker player Doyle Brunson. However, when he starts to lose, he becomes increasingly agitated, leading Dr. Stephenson to believe he might have a serious gambling problem.

Another guest, a woman named Rachel, is also struggling with her own mental health issues. She has an obsession with a popular daytime talk show host and her behavior becomes increasingly erratic as she tries to meet him in person. Dr. Stephenson must work with security to prevent her from causing any harm.

Meanwhile, Ed Deline is dealing with his own psychological issues. He has recently returned to work after being shot and is struggling with PTSD. He confides in Dr. Stephenson, who helps him come to terms with the trauma he has experienced.

Lastly, Sam Marquez deals with some personal issues of her own in this episode. She discovers that her ex-boyfriend, who disappeared years ago, has resurfaced and is now a successful businessman. Her curiosity gets the best of her and she finds herself drawn back into a relationship that was toxic for her in the past.

Overall, "Shrink Rap" is an episode that explores various mental health issues, from gambling addiction to PTSD to obsessive behavior. It's a thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of these issues, and one that doesn't shy away from the difficulties involved in seeking help. As always, the Montecito hotel and casino is at the center of the action, with its employees and guests providing plenty of drama and intrigue.