The seventh and final episode of "Apples Never Fall" delivers a gripping conclusion to the saga of the Delaney family, with the spotlight firmly on Joy Delaney, portrayed by Annette Bening. As the episode unfolds, we are taken on an emotional journey that reveals the depths of Joy's pain, the complexities of her relationships, and the ultimate unraveling of the Delaney family's carefully constructed facade.
The episode opens with a flashback to Joy's bike accident, an event that sets off a chain reaction of events leading to her disappearance. The accident, caused by a pothole, serves as a metaphor for the hidden dangers lurking beneath the surface of the Delaney family's seemingly perfect life. As Joy struggles to her feet, the camera captures her determination and resilience, qualities that will be tested as the episode progresses.
Upon returning home, Joy's discovery of Harry Haddad's autobiography and the subsequent argument with Stan over Harry's cheating scandal lays bare the long-simmering tensions in their marriage. The live podcast becomes the unwitting witness to a moment of truth, capturing the raw emotion and confrontation that has been years in the making. Joy's accusation that Stan defended Harry at the expense of their son Troy speaks to the favoritism and betrayal that has shaped the family's dynamics.
As Joy's children fail to answer her calls for help, she is left feeling isolated and abandoned, a theme that resonates throughout the episode. Her decision to leave and go to a local pub, where she calls Savannah, sets in motion a series of events that will lead to her temporary disappearance. The audience is left to ponder the weight of Joy's actions and the impact of her decision on her family.
In a remote cabin in Georgia, Joy and Savannah's time together is a study in contrasts. Joy's refusal to call her family and her insistence that they need to miss her reveals her desire for recognition and her need for a break from the constant pressure of being the family's backbone. Savannah's presence adds another layer of complexity to Joy's situation, as their relationship evolves from one of rescuer and rescued to one of mutual dependence.
The present-day scenes at the Delaney household, with the children finding their parents' house spotless, underscore the family's state of shock and disarray. The discovery of Joy's absence and the subsequent search for her truth become a catalyst for the family to confront their own roles in her disappearance.
As the episode progresses, the Delaney children are forced to confront their own lives and the impact of their parents' actions on their relationships. Brooke's admission of her promise to be like her parents when she grew up, and the subsequent realization that this ideal may be unattainable, is a poignant moment of self-reflection.
The revelation of Savannah's true identity as Lindsey Haddad, and her plan to destroy the Delaney family, adds a dramatic twist to the narrative. Joy's discovery of Savannah's hidden items, including a handgun and Harry's restraining order, is a chilling moment that signals the danger that Joy is in.
The episode's climax, with Joy's return home and the family's emotional reunion, is a powerful scene that captures the complexity of their relationships. Joy's confession of her reasons for leaving and her apology for not telling them about reporting Harry for cheating is a moment of vulnerability that humanizes her character.
In the end, "Joy" 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 the implications of their actions and the potential consequences, the episode leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for the future of the Delaney family. Joy's story is a microcosm of the larger family dynamics, and her journey through this episode is a testament to the power of truth and the consequences of a life built on lies.