diff --git a/python3/vimspector/variables.py b/python3/vimspector/variables.py
index 22444f9..3856347 100644
--- a/python3/vimspector/variables.py
+++ b/python3/vimspector/variables.py
@@ -221,7 +221,7 @@ class VariablesView( object ):
 
         new_scopes.append( scope )
 
-        if not scope.scope[ 'expensive' ] and not scope.IsCollapsedByUser():
+        if not scope.scope.get('expensive', '') and not scope.IsCollapsedByUser():
           # Expand any non-expensive scope which is not manually collapsed
           scope.expanded = True