The third episode of "Half Man" commences with Niall and Alby anxiously discussing Ruben's presence at their wedding. Ruben, with a mischievous smirk, captures their photo. The scene then shifts to Niall's college graduation, where Lori remains her usual unperturbed self, dismissing Niall's Oxford interview as trivial.
In contrast, Ruben has been working at a community center for the past four years, nurturing children and gaining their affection. Alby, having recently awakened from a six-month coma, has been disconnected from Niall. Ruben faces a potential prison sentence of ten years for assaulting Alby. Under pressure from both Ruben and Lori, who emotionally blackmail him, Niall is asked to lie and claim that Alby molested Ruben, prompting the latter's defensive reaction.
Lori adds that Maura is dying from cancer and they need Ruben to care for her while Niall pursues his career at Oxford. Joanna, the only one who is proud of Niall's achievements, receives a kiss from him. She expresses interest in dating him, but he hesitates, wanting to start anew at Oxford by cutting all ties.
After some convincing, Niall visits the Fairlay Community Center where Ruben works. He observes that Ruben is adept with the children and genuinely enjoys their company. Moreover, the center supports Ruben for his actions against a "sexual deviant."
All of this weighs heavily on Niall, and during his Oxford interview, he loses his composure. The interviewer is understanding, but Niall feels like he’s blown his chance. In the wake of his loss, Niall decides to cover for Ruben. It’s revealed that Ruben, Lori, and Maura had wondered if Niall’s hesitation was due to his involvement with Alby. This revelation stings for Niall, who had been driven by a desire not to compromise his Oxford prospects and a moral conviction against lying under oath.
Having accepted his fate in the small town, Niall decides to date Joanna. He introduces her to Maura, and she takes to her immediately. Lori tries to comfort Niall about his missed opportunity at Oxford. But things take a turn when Joanna brings up Ruben’s abusive tendencies. Maura takes offense, and even Niall subtly defends Ruben. Joanna is further shocked when the trio reveals the fake groping incident. She reveals that she refused to testify for Niall’s sake. She asks Niall to tell her the truth, and he hesitates.
Ruben shows up as the boys are supposed to spend time at the center. Niall is cold towards Joanna and leaves with Ruben. On the drive over, Ruben is furious that Niall is hesitating. He becomes violent with Niall, forcing him to rehearse his testimony until he can lie convincingly. Niall doesn’t understand why Ruben reacts so strongly to male queers, and Ruben claims that a queer groping him is an attack on his soul and manhood.
Ruben is hot and cold, blaming Niall for the assault but then breaking down as he needs his brother. He knows Maura is sick and begs Niall not to take him away from his mother. Niall is lost in thought and swayed when he sees how much the kids love Ruben. Niall finally lies convincingly, and Ruben is grateful to him.
However, when Niall returns home, Joanna is waiting for him. She has just come from visiting Alby who told her everything. She’s disgusted that the court has a bigger problem with queers than thugs and promises to keep their secret. She insists that Ruben won’t change and that Niall should do the right thing. She also shows him his Oxford acceptance letter and reminds him of his need for a fresh start. The letter is open, which means Lori always knew he got in.
During the trial, Niall is torn between his conflicting loyalties as Ruben looks defeated, Alby’s deformed face looks sad, and Joanna looks hopeful. While not fully convincing, Niall initially sticks to the lie. But he breaks when the defense tries to paint Alby as a sexual deviant who assaulted both brothers. Niall declares that Alby never groped Ruben, and chaos ensues. A furious Ruben tries to attack him and has to be dragged away.
At present, Niall’s friends pretend to protect him but flee when Ruben sits at the head table. Ruben calls for attention in the most obnoxious way to make his speech.
