In episode 3 of Every Year After, Sam and Percy’s complicated history is explored even further, taking their present-day relationship to even more emotionally dangerous territory. And the episode does a good job of showing, in flashbacks and current interactions, just how inextricably linked the two are despite being apart for years, having feelings for each other, and the obstacles that exist between them.# Sam and Percy comfort one another
In the present day, Sam is trying to write an obituary for his dead mother Sue. He looks at Percy, trying to get his thoughts in order. Their collaboration quickly turns into more than a writing exercise as Percy helps him process the emotions he has been avoiding.
Sam says that Taylor is out of town on business and as they talk, Percy confesses that he is a little scared of his girlfriend. The conversation also reveals some of Percy’s own insecurities about her career. But Sam tells her that helping families in mourning express their emotions is important work — a rare moment of reassurance.
Their closeness is not lost on everyone. Charlie breaks up for a bit, and later warns Sam not to open old wounds with Percy. Charlie thinks he is protecting his brother, but his words only serve to highlight that the emotional bond between Sam and Percy has never really been broken.### Delilah and Jordie Talk About Their Personal Struggles
Meanwhile, Delilah joins Jordie on a golf outing that becomes surprisingly personal. She apologizes for her past behavior, and confesses that her marriage to Whit seems to be disintegrating.
For the first time, Delilah is honest about how much of her identity has been wrapped up in being a wife. Jordie tells her to know her worth and reminds her that she deserves better than an unhappy relationship. Their talk gives a rare insight into Delilah’s normally confident exterior.# Everything Changes on a Stormy Night
One of the most important flashbacks of the episode takes place in 2013. When a storm knocks out power in town, Percy is scared watching a horror movie alone and goes to Sam’s house for comfort.
Sam takes care of her right away – dry clothes, a safe place to stay. Percy asks him to share the bed but wants to sleep on the floor.
The moment is innocent, but important. It is one of the first signs that their friendship was turning into something more. But the next morning things get awkward when Charlie sees Percy leaving Sam’s room. Charlie jokes about the situation, but Sam’s defensive response inadvertently wounds Percy and creates new tension between the two of them.# Chantal and Charlie Clash Once More
Meanwhile, Chantal finds she cannot come home because her passport is expired. But when Charlie’s truck breaks down, the two are forced to rely on Charlie for help and end up on an unexpected road trip.
Their trip quickly becomes another argument. Charlie criticizes Chantal’s overmanaging of situations while Chantal gets more and more frustrated with Charlie’s refusal to accept help. The storyline, despite the friction, provides more insight into both characters and their personal struggles.The Bonfire: Jealousy Takes Center Stage
Another flashback takes viewers to a summer bonfire with the local teens. Delilah is an instant magnet for Jordie’s attention, but before long she’s focused on Charlie.
In the meantime, Percy is getting more and more annoyed by Sam’s roving eye. When Sam tells Percy he’s taking someone else to the next dance, Percy kisses another boy at the bonfire out of jealousy.
The move functions the way it should.
The following morning Sam confesses he was jealous when he saw Percy with someone else. For the first time, both characters acknowledge feelings that extend beyond friendship. But neither wants to risk their connection.
It’s mature of them to keep the friendship, but it’s also setting the stage for years of emotional confusion and missed opportunities.## The Present-Day Attraction You Can’t Miss
In the present, Sam and Percy continue to grow closer. They spend some time together swimming at the lake and make plans to prepare pierogies for Sue’s memorial service.
During the cooking session their chemistry becomes more and more apparent. A simple exchange, like one of them putting on an apron, becomes a moment of tension and unspoken emotion. From the atmosphere you can tell they are both fighting to keep their feelings in check.
The moment is eventually interrupted by Delilah but not before it becomes apparent that Sam’s relationship with Taylor is causing a growing conflict within him.
Later, Sam confesses to Delilah that when Percy is around, everything else in his life seems to fade away. It’s one of the most telling admissions in the episode and proves what viewers have suspected all along.# Ending Explained Episode 3
The episode wraps up with an unexpected twist.
Percy pitches in with Sue’s memorial preparations, and receives a call about Sue’s will. The lawyer asks specifically for her to be there at the reading the next morning.
Percy, shaken by the request, immediately rings Chantal in tears.
The moment presents a number of important questions. Why would Sue specifically want Percy to be involved? Did she leave Percy anything in her will? And Sue might know the real truth of Percy and Sam’s relationship better than anyone else?
As the season approaches the halfway mark, the will reading will be a major turning point, which could change relationships across the Florek family.# The Review
Episode 3 succeeds because it’s all about emotional history, not dramatic plot turns. The flashbacks continue to show Sam and Percy’s slow descent into falling for each other while at the same time telling themselves that keeping their friendship was more important than dating.
The most powerful scenes are the quiet conversations, shared memories and lingering attraction. Each exchange feels freighted with years of unspoken emotion.
Some of the supporting storylines are still uneven, especially Chantal’s increasingly confrontational attitude, but the episode does a solid job of fleshing out the main relationships and setting up what seems to be a major revelation involving Sue’s will.
By the end of the hour it is clear that the greatest obstacle to Sam and Percy is no longer distance or time; it is their continued refusal to face what they truly mean to each other.
Rating: 4 out of 5