The episode commences with Liam rummaging through the fridge while Mia remains motionless in bed. Just as Joan of Arc rallied her followers, even the most revered figures can face moments of despair. The district attorney contacts Ethan, informing him that they plan to subpoena Leo’s photographs; he insists they handle the boy with care, noting his vulnerability. Ethan is well aware of fragility—Mia seems adrift. The initial spark and optimism she exhibited during the prosecution have diminished. He encourages her to rise, saying, “Liam needs you. I need you,” highlighting the ongoing challenges regarding Mia’s mental well-being.
However, this narrative centers around Leo, who initially appears to be thriving. He showcases his photographs of a carousel at a school art exhibition, feeling hopeful about winning an award; he and Sophie reconcile their friendship. Shortly thereafter, a detective sent by the district attorney arrives to collect Leo’s photos from the barbecue. The relentless attorney, Mark, manages to disallow the photos due to a breach of the chain of custody. He also uncovers troubling details about Leo’s past: living in Pennsylvania under a different name, he was the victim of cyberbullying. Disturbing images of him and his boyfriend were circulated, leading to the boyfriend’s tragic suicide and Leo’s own attempt at self-harm. Seeking a fresh start, Leo and his mother relocated to New York and changed their identities, a new beginning cut short by the ramifications of the slap.
Once the New York Times gets involved, Leo’s history is thrust into the spotlight. He becomes ostracized at school, discovering “loser” scrawled on his locker. The final humiliation comes when he is served with a subpoena during class, demanding his presence in court.
Clara, who is nearing her due date, has an ultrasound appointment attended by Mia and Aisha, filled with excitement, though Mia breaks down in tears. “I’ve made so many errors,” she laments, which Aisha and Clara interpret as a realization of regret for pursuing charges; however, Mia actually means she regrets her previous strategies, such as failing to obtain a medical evaluation or the photographs promptly.
Leo collects his money, fills a prescription prematurely, and gives cash to older boys to buy him alcohol. He leaves farewell gifts of photographs for his friends and trudges back to the carousel in the snow. Mia receives a call from Sophie, inquiring about Leo’s whereabouts, while Ethan reads the inscription on the photo, “I tried.” Realizing the gravity of the situation, he rushes to the carousel just in time to find an unconscious Leo and calls for an ambulance, confessing his own complicity in the chaos.
Miraculously, Leo recovers quickly and is able to testify the next day at the trial. He recounts the moment Harry slapped Liam while the bat lay on the ground, undermining the defense’s argument. When Mark questions him about why he deleted the photos, suggesting they may contradict his testimony, Leo delivers an emotional speech from the witness stand, explaining he deleted the images to protect the people he admired, despite their wrongdoings. “But they’re the truth,” he asserts, “and perhaps that’s enough.”
The verdict is rendered: the judge finds Harry guilty and imposes a minimal sentence, while also mandating that child protective services monitor Ethan and Mia, a stark reminder of their failures.
The episode concludes with a scene set a year later during Clara’s baby’s first birthday celebration at Aisha and Hector’s home. Koula and Mano have enjoyed a luxurious trip to Greece. Harry and Sandy are present when Mia and Ethan arrive. Clara shrugs off the tension, stating, “It’s my party.” Mia and Ethan attempt to leave, but Aisha and Hector persuade them to stay.
Amid the unfolding adult drama, Liam wanders unattended once more. Clara calls him over and places the baby in his arms. Liam cradles the infant with newfound tenderness, showcasing a kindness that has been notably absent throughout the series.
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In summary, the finale of ‘The Slap’ encapsulates the complexities of family dynamics, personal struggles, and societal judgments, culminating in a poignant reflection on truth and consequences.