The third episode of "Apples Never Fall," titled "Amy," delves into the life of Amy Delaney, portrayed by Alison Brie, as she navigates the treacherous waters of family secrets and her own personal struggles. Set against the backdrop of her mother Joy's disappearance, Amy's story unfolds with a sense of urgency and emotional depth that adds another layer to the already complex narrative of the Delaney family.
In 2008, Amy's anxiety over revealing her decision to drop out of college to her family is palpable, a moment that foreshadows the challenges she will face in the present day. Her mother, Joy, offers a coat to cover a bandage on Amy's arm, symbolizing the protective yet concealing nature of their family dynamics. As Joy promises to keep Amy's secret, the episode shifts to the present, where the Delaney family gathers at the Palm Beach Police Station to address the inconsistencies regarding the blood on Joy's tennis jacket.
The tension within the family is evident as Stan, played by Sam Neill, feels like an outsider amidst his children's hushed reactions. Amy's confrontation with Stan about Joy's visit to a divorce lawyer just days before her disappearance adds another layer of suspicion and intrigue to the case. The press conference, where Detective Elena Camacho assures the public of the family's cooperation and the absence of suspects, is a stark contrast to the internal turmoil brewing within the Delaney family.
Amy's decision to host a "Hope Circle" at her home is met with mixed reactions, with some family members seeing it as a self-centered gesture. However, it also serves as a platform for Amy to assert control in a situation where she feels powerless. The gathering is interrupted by Elena's suspicion of Stan's abusive nature, drawing from his confrontation with Mark Higgins on the tennis court. Amy's denial of these claims and her frustration with the persistent allegations highlight the complexity of her relationship with her father and the family's dynamic.
The episode further explores Troy's affair with Lucia Fortino, adding another dimension to the Delaney family's web of secrets. Troy's inability to perform due to the stress of the situation is a testament to the emotional toll the family is under. Meanwhile, the police search of the Delaney family home and Stan's car, which is found to be suspiciously clean, raises more questions than it answers.
As the family gathers for Amy's event, old memories resurface, particularly regarding Savannah Pagonis's presence in their home. Amy's initial support for Savannah living with them contrasts with her later resentment, especially when Savannah takes over the baking of Stan's birthday cake and wears Amy's dress. These memories underscore the shifting alliances and tensions within the family.
The episode reaches a climax with the discovery of a body that matches Joy's description. The suspense is heightened as the family is asked to identify the body, only to find out that a ring found with the body does not belong to Joy. This revelation, coupled with the discovery of Amy's suicide note, which she claims was written after dropping out of school, adds to the emotional turmoil and exposes more of the family's hidden pain.
In the end, "Amy" is an episode that peels back the layers of the Delaney family's facade, revealing the deep-seated issues and secrets that have been festering beneath the surface. As the family grapples with Joy's disappearance and the potential implications of their own actions, the episode leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for what the next chapter in this gripping family drama will bring.