The fifth chapter of "Apples Never Fall," titled "Troy," delves deeply into the life of Troy Delaney, portrayed masterfully by Jake Lacy. Grappling with the harrowing aftermath of his mother's mysterious disappearance and the shadowy secrets that continue to plague the Delaney family, this episode serves as a poignant and intricate exploration of Troy's internal and external strife. It shines a spotlight on his tangled relationship with his father, Stan, and the lengths to which Troy is prepared to go in order to safeguard the Delaney family's tarnished image.
The episode kicks off with a haunting flashback to Troy's childhood, where a once-innocent tennis match with his father, Stan, takes a violent and unsettling turn. This pivotal moment reveals the seething resentment and anger that Troy harbors deep within him towards his father, setting the stage for the tense and tumultuous narrative that unfolds in the present day.
As Troy's suspicions about Stan's potential involvement in Joy's disappearance begin to crystallize, his accusation that Stan cheated him in the past looms large over the episode. This accusation serves as a poignant reminder of the betrayal and power struggle that have long plagued the Delaney family.
When detectives Elena Camacho and Ethan Remy stumble upon a newspaper clipping in Savannah's rented room, hinting at her nefarious plot to infiltrate the Delaney family, they confront Stan and Troy with this incriminating evidence. In a heart-wrenching moment, Stan swiftly sacrifices Troy, redirecting the detectives' suspicions towards his own flesh and blood. This pivotal turning point lays bare the lengths to which family members are prepared to go in order to preserve their own interests, even at the expense of their loved ones.
Troy's complex relationship with Lucia Fortino takes center stage as he confesses his affair and his deep-seated feelings for her, despite the potentially dire consequences. His decision to gift her a necklace is not only a symbol of his unwavering commitment to her but also serves as a spark that ignites a fiery conflict. The necklace becomes a tangible embodiment of Troy's transgressions, leading to a confrontation with Monty Fortino that threatens to expose the truth about his affair and his potentially shady role in his mother's disappearance.
Meanwhile, Amy's unwavering determination to keep her mother's case alive collides with a harsh and unforgiving reality. As she learns of another missing person receiving more media attention, her decision to harness the power of social media to amplify her mother's story serves as a testament to her resilience and unyielding spirit. Amy's actions resonate deeply with the audience, as they reflect the desperation and helplessness felt by countless individuals in the wake of a loved one's disappearance.
Logan's subplot introduces a profound dimension to the Delaney family's intricate dynamics, as he grapples with the aftershocks of his personal relationship's collapse and the profound impact his mother's disappearance has had on his life. His diligent search for insurance details and his poignant conversation with Indira underscore the emotional estrangement that has crept into their bond, mirroring the broader disintegration that plagues the Delaney family.
The episode culminates in a dramatic revelation: Savannah's encounter with Stan, which she describes as deeply uncomfortable and exposing. Stan's unwavering conviction that Savannah is a deceitful fraud and his demand for her expulsion from the family home triggers a cascade of events, ultimately leading to Joy's stunning confession about her pivotal role in Harry's departure. This bombshell confession rocks the very core of the Delaney family, baring the extent of Joy's desperation to shield her children from Stan's oppressive tyranny.
In the contemporary narrative, Troy's decision to confess the family's secrets to the detectives marks a pivotal moment of honesty and truth. His admission stands in stark contrast to the web of lies and deceit that has characterized the Delaney family's response to Joy's disappearance. Troy's actions signify a breaking point, as he can no longer bear the immense weight of the family's concealed truths and the haunting possibility of his father's involvement in his mother's disappearance.
"Troy" is an episode that strips away the veneer of the Delaney family's facade, exposing the festering issues and secrets that have long lurked beneath the surface. As the family contends with Joy's disappearance and the potentially devastating repercussions of their own actions, the episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this gripping family saga. Troy's story serves as a microcosm of the larger family dynamics, and his journey through this episode underscores the potent force of truth and the dire consequences of a life built upon deceit.
