The episode kicks off with Ethan rummaging through the fridge while Mia lies motionless in bed. Even the bravest can face the shadows of depression, and Mia is visibly struggling. A call comes in from the district attorney, notifying Ethan that they plan to subpoena Liam’s photographs, stressing the need to be gentle with the sensitive boy. Ethan knows fragile well—Mia’s emotional state has clearly plummeted since the trial began, as the initial spark of determination has dimmed. He pleads with her to rise, saying, “Liam needs you. I need you,” revealing the ongoing battle with Mia’s mental health.
However, the spotlight is on Liam, and initially, things appear promising for him as he showcases his carousel photographs at a student art exhibit. With a newfound cheerfulness, he hopes to win the school’s art award, and he reconciles with his friend, Sarah. But soon, a detective from the DA’s office arrives, seeking the photographs from the barbecue. Oliver, ever the relentless advocate, manages to dismiss the evidence due to a chain of custody issue. He unveils Liam’s troubling history: previously living in Pennsylvania under a different name, he was a victim of cyberbullying, which led to the suicide of his boyfriend after compromising images circulated. Liam and Mia moved to New York, hoping for a fresh start, but their past is swiftly uncovered once the New York Post gets involved.
Liam becomes an outcast at school. As he retrieves his books, he sees “loser” scrawled on his locker. The final blow comes when he receives a subpoena in class, ordering him to appear in court.
Mia, now heavily pregnant, attends an ultrasound with her friends Aisha and Sophie, but the joy is interrupted when Mia breaks down in tears. “I’ve made so many mistakes,” she cries, leading Aisha and Sophie to believe she regrets pressing charges. In reality, Mia regrets her missteps in the process, like not obtaining a medical evaluation or the pictures sooner.
Meanwhile, Liam gathers his money, picks up a prescription early, and hands cash to older peers for a drink from the local store. He leaves goodbye gifts of photos for Ethan and Oliver before trudging back to the carousel in the snow.
Mia receives a call from Sarah, inquiring about Liam’s whereabouts, while Ethan reads a photo inscription that says, “I tried.” Realizing the gravity of the situation, he rushes to the carousel just in time to find Liam unconscious and calls for an ambulance, confessing his own role in the chaos.
Miraculously, Liam recovers quickly and takes the stand the following day. He testifies that Harry slapped Ethan while the bat lay on the ground, severely damaging the defense’s case. When Oliver questions him about why he deleted the photos, suggesting they may contradict his testimony, Liam delivers an emotional speech, stating he deleted them to protect people he admired. “But they’re the truth,” he asserts, “and maybe that’s enough.”
The verdict arrives: the judge finds Harry guilty but sentences him to only time served. Additionally, child protective services is ordered to monitor Mia and Ethan, a stinging rebuke for them.
The series concludes a year later at Anouk’s baby’s first birthday party, hosted by Ethan and Aisha. Koula and Mano have just returned from a lavish trip to Greece. Despite Harry and Sandy’s presence, Mia and Ethan arrive, prompting Anouk to remark, “It’s my party.” As they contemplate leaving, Aisha and Ethan insist they stay. Amidst the chaos of adult tensions, little Hugo wanders off again. Anouk calls him over, placing her baby in his arms. Hugo cradles the child with a newfound tenderness that reflects a change in him—a kindness, as the judge noted, that was often absent from their tumultuous world.