Episode 6 of "The Girl from Plainville" dramatically unfolds with the dawn of Michelle's trial in 2017, where a pivotal decision by the judge sets the stage: a bench trial sans jury, a solemn shift in the courtroom's dynamics.
Flashing back to 2014, Michelle finds herself in the desolate confines of a psychiatric ward, battling her eating disorders and grappling with a profound sense of isolation. Meanwhile, Conrad celebrates a milestone, graduating from high school amidst a jubilant atmosphere. At his graduation bash, he shocks his parents by revealing his newly acquired captain's license, igniting a spark of pride amidst familial tensions. Co broaches the subject of succession, offering to pass on his business to Conrad, only to meet with disdain from his son who yearns for horizons beyond Mattapoisett's confines.
The trial's intensity intensifies as Lynn takes the stand, painting a poignant portrait of Conrad's resilience after his initial suicide attempt. She recalls his pledge never to repeat such a dark deed and the promise of a bright future that glimmered within him. Her voice trembles as she recounts the day he lost his battle, insisting, "I knew my son. He didn't want to die. Not on that fateful day."
As Michelle emerges from the psych ward, the weight of her ordeal lifted, she eagerly reclaims her phone, only to be inundated with Conrad's messages. Her heartfelt attempt to share her struggles and triumphs with him falls on deaf ears. Instead, he lashes out, accusing her of indifference, lamenting his own inadequacies and despair. Michelle's gentle suggestion of seeking help is met with disdain; he sees no escape from the abyss of self-doubt, proclaiming himself a perpetual failure.
The courtroom drama escalates when Scott Gordon steps forward, his testimony a damning indictment. He alleges that Michelle repeatedly egged Conrad on towards suicide, a damning accusation that echoes through the chamber. Gordon further exposes Conrad's inner turmoil, revealing the teen's video diary—a raw confession of his social anxiety and depression, a testament to his belief that he didn't fit in.
And then, a heart-wrenching moment: as Rayburn displays a haunting image of Conrad in his car, Lynn, unable to bear the sight, flees the courtroom, leaving behind a trail of shattered emotions and unanswered questions.
After the trial's conclusion, Lynn's mother casually brings up Conrad's video series, sparking a thoughtful reflection. She muses aloud that the true depths of a person's well-being are often concealed beneath a veil of positivity. They tell tales of improvement, they enact the facade of resilience, yet the truth remains elusive. This revelation stirs a sense of unease within Lynn.
One fateful day, Conrad attempts to slip away from work early, only to be tersely called out by Co. Upon his return home, Co discovers Conrad engrossed in a video game, and a heated confrontation ensues. In a fit of rage, Co lands a brutal punch to Conrad's face, leaving a telltale bruise. Later, Lynn arrives to pick them up, where Conrad, despite his blackened eye, steadfastly maintains that his father was not at fault.
The courtroom drama intensifies as Natalie Gibson takes the stand. Her voice trembles as she reads aloud heart-wrenching texts from Michelle, pouring out her despair over a life devoid of friends, plans, or a discernible future. Alongside Cassie, they relay messages that showcase Michelle's excessive gratitude for their mere presence, a poignant reminder of her isolation. They attest to Michelle's revelation that Conrad had vanished days prior to his actual disappearance, and then Natalie delivers the damning text: "I fucking told him to get back in."
Following Co's violent outburst towards Conrad, the teenager seeks solace with Michelle. In their conversation, Conrad's frustration boils over as he accuses her of being just like everyone else—all talk and no genuine understanding. The tension between them thickens, mirroring the escalating tensions within the courtroom.
Conrad insists vehemently that he stands apart from the rest, a unique being amidst the mundane crowd. His mind is haunted by the eerie specter of suicide, a fleeting thought that lingers—next time, he'll embrace the finality, and perhaps then, the world will finally heed his silent cries. As their parting moment approaches, Conrad's voice echoes loudly in Michelle's face, a warning etched with a chilling ultimatum: should she divulge their conversation to another soul, their bond would forever be severed.
In the solitude of the shower's steamy embrace, Michelle deliberately lacerates her leg with a razor's edge, a physical manifestation of the turmoil within. Hours later, a text from Conrad, a timid apology, seeps through the silence, confessing his inability to bear the emotional burden any longer. A heartfelt farewell, and then silence.
Michelle's heart races with worry, her fingers frantically tapping out messages and dialing numbers, seeking a sliver of reassurance. Finally, a delayed response trickles in, Conrad's words devoid of urgency—a casual mention of sleep claiming him.
The episode draws to a close with Lynn, seated in contemplation, mustering the courage to embark on an uncharted journey. She clicks play on one of Conrad's videos, a first for her, breaking through years of avoidance. Her eyes lock onto the screen as he navigates the treacherous waters of social anxiety, his words painting a picture of love for his parents and gratitude for being better off than many. Yet, as Conrad speaks, tears cascade down Lynn's face, mirroring the storm within Conrad's own soul that she now, all too vividly, understands.
