The seventh and culminating chapter of "Apples Never Fall" brings to a thrilling close the saga of the Delaney family, with a poignant spotlight on Joy Delaney, masterfully portrayed by Annette Bening. As the narrative unfolds, we embark on an intense emotional odyssey that delves into the profound agony of Joy, the intricate tapestry of her relationships, and the eventual dismantling of the Delaney family's meticulously crafted veneer.
The episode kicks off with a haunting flashback to Joy's bicycle accident, a catastrophic event that triggers a cascade of occurrences culminating in her mysterious absence. The mishap, caused by an unsuspecting pothole, stands as a metaphor for the concealed perils lurking beneath the Delaney family's ostensibly idyllic existence. As Joy struggles to rise, her unwavering determination and indomitable spirit are captured in stark relief, qualities that will soon be severely tested.
Upon her return home, Joy's discovery of Harry Haddad's autobiography and the subsequent fiery confrontation with Stan over Harry's infidelity scandal lay bare the simmering tensions that have long plagued their marriage. The live podcast, unwittingly turned into a platform for truth, bears witness to an emotional upheaval that has been brewing for years. Joy's accusation that Stan sided with Harry at the expense of their son Troy underscores the preferential treatment and betrayal that have sculpted the family's dynamics.
As Joy's cries for help fall on deaf ears, she is plunged into a vortex of isolation and abandonment, a recurring theme throughout the episode. Her decision to flee to a local pub, where she reaches out to Savannah, sets the stage for a chain of events that culminates in her temporary disappearance. The audience is left to grapple with the gravity of Joy's actions and the ripple effects of her choice on her family.
In a secluded cabin nestled in Georgia, Joy and Savannah's time together becomes a study in stark contrasts. Joy's steadfast refusal to contact her family and her insistence that they pine for her underscores her yearning for acknowledgment and her desperate need for a reprieve from the relentless pressure of being the family's unsung hero. Savannah's presence adds another dimension to Joy's complex situation, as their relationship evolves from one of rescuer and rescued to a profound bond of mutual dependency.
The contemporary tableau at the Delaney residence, where the children uncover their parents' abode in an unprecedented state of pristine order, underscores the family's profound state of disbelief and disarray. The absence of Joy and the subsequent quest to uncover the truth behind her disappearance serve as a potent catalyst, compelling the family to confront their individual roles in this harrowing saga.
As the narrative unfolds, the Delaney offspring are compelled to scrutinize their own lives and the repercussions of their parents' deeds on their interpersonal bonds. Brooke's confession about her aspiration to emulate her parents' footsteps upon reaching adulthood, followed by the dawning realization that this ideal might be unattainable, marks a poignant moment of introspection.
The dramatic revelation of Savannah's true identity as Lindsey Haddad, coupled with her sinister plot to dismantle the Delaney family, injects a thrilling twist into the unfolding tale. Joy's chilling discovery of Savannah's concealed items, including a handgun and Harry's restraining order, serves as a harrowing omen of the peril she faces.
The episode's climactic scene, where Joy returns home and the family experiences an emotional reunion, is a powerful visualization that encapsulates the intricate tapestry of their relationships. Joy's heartfelt confession about her reasons for leaving and her apology for concealing her decision to report Harry for infidelity, renders her character all the more human and vulnerable.
Ultimately, "Joy" emerges as an episode that strips away the Delaney family's veneer, exposing the festering deep-seated issues and concealed secrets that have lingered beneath the surface. As the family contends with the ramifications of their actions and the potential repercussions, the episode concludes by leaving viewers on tenterhooks, eagerly anticipating the future trajectory of the Delaney family. Joy's journey through this episode stands as a microcosm of the broader family dynamics, testament to the transformative power of truth and the gravity of consequences that arise from a life constructed upon deceit.
