'This Is Us' Super Bowl Episode Has Twist For Area Fans (SPOILER)

SPOILER WARNING: The following story contains details about the Sunday, Feb. 4, episode of "This Is Us." Bookmark this article and read it after you've watched the episode to avoid any spoilers. You've been warned.

Viewers tuning in to Sunday's special episode of "This Is Us" following the Super Bowl did so to see if a faulty Crock-Pot was responsible for the death of Jack Pearson (played by Milo Ventimiglia). But fans — including many in and around Homewood — received an added and pleasant surprise in the wake of the episode's more tragic events.

The show Sunday marked the return of Deja, the foster daughter of Randall Pearson (Sterling K. Brown) played by Homewood teen and James Hart School eighth-grader Lyric Ross. During a five-episode stint earlier this season, 14-year-old Ross won viewers' hearts and earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of a girl forced into foster care because of her mother's struggles with addiction.

In the series' fall finale in December, Ross's character decided to leave Randall's family and return to live with her mother. The decision devastated many fans who were hit with an emotional one-two punch of sadness: Not only did the move make for powerful, dramatic television, but viewers were led to believe that Lyric wouldn't be returning to the show, at least not in the near future. That meant "This Is Us" watchers were able to share in Randall's onscreen surprise when Deja appeared at his door in Sunday's episode.

Viewers won't have to wait long to find out what happens next for Ross and her character. "This Is Us" returns to its normal time slot, with the next episode airing at 8 p.m. Feb. 6 on NBC (WMAQ-TV, Channel 5, in Chicago).

And network TV isn't the only place to catch Ross. She also is set to appear in the faith-based movie "Canal Street," which will be released this spring. The film, which was shot in Chicago last year, also stars Clayne Crawford, Lance Reddick, Mekhi Phifer and Mykelti Williamson.

WATCH: The trailer for the movie "Canal Street":

"This Is Us"

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6

Network: NBC (WMAQ-TV, Channel 5)

YOUR TURN: Were you surprised to see Lyric Ross' Deja return to "This Is Us" so soon? Are you happy she's back? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section. And tell us what you think of Tuesday's new episode.

The cast of NBC's "This Is Us" (Images via NBC)