The sixth episode of ‘The Girl from Plainville,’ titled ‘Talking is Healing,’ marks the start of Michelle Carter’s highly publicized trial. Lynn is finding it increasingly difficult to face the painful aspects of her son’s death that are being dug up in court, even as Michelle makes an unexpected legal choice. Meanwhile, the parallel chronology depicts the months leading up to Conrad’s death, showing how confined and helpless the youth feels. Episode 6 is a genuinely heartbreaking chapter in the terrible actual story, and it serves as a powerful reminder of how a multitude of variables influenced both Michelle and Conrad’s otherwise unexplainable behavior. Let’s take a closer look at this. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.

Recap of The Girl from Plainville Episode 6

Episode 6 takes place in 2017, two years after the previous episode’s events. Michelle, aged 20, appears in court for the first time and immediately surprises the prosecution by requesting a bench trial, thus waiving her right to a jury. The trial begins as Assistant District Attorney Katie Rayburn is compelled to quickly revise her opening comments. Lynn finds it increasingly difficult to sit in court as more facts of Conrad’s tragic death are disclosed, and she gets up to leave.

Meanwhile, in the parallel story, Conrad’s family is celebrating his graduation and recently obtained captain’s license. However, the adolescent stays pessimistic and suggests to his father that he may not want to spend the remainder of his life in Mattapoisett. Conrad and his father, Conrad Roy Jr., get increasingly irritated after the former quits his work in the family maritime salvage business. Things escalate until Conrad punches his father, who then punches his son in response. Conrad later tries to excuse his father’s conduct to Lynn, who is still enraged at Conrad Roy Jr.

In the flashbacks, we also see Michelle when she visits a recovery center for a few weeks. The treatment appears to assist her for a short time, and she returns quite positive. When she tries to persuade Conrad to seek help for his crippling social anxiety and despair, he becomes enraged and declares that the next time he attempts suicide, he will succeed. He also threatens Michelle not to expose their chat or his suicide preparations.

The Girl from Plainville Season 6 Episode 6 Recap: Does Conrad End His Relationship with Michelle?

Michelle’s mood quickly deteriorates following her talk with Conrad, and she begins to brood. Later, she receives an abrupt message from Conrad, stating that he cannot continue in this manner. She attempts to call him, concerned, but only receives his voicemail. Back in the present, Lynn is finding it increasingly difficult to get Michelle out of her mind. The bereaved mother ultimately decides to examine the tapes that Conrad made as a type of video journal.

Conrad discusses his social anxiety in the videotapes, but he also stresses how fortunate he is to have loving parents for whom he must be present. Lynn begins to cry as she watches her son on the TV. Conrad sends Michelle a cryptic message saying, “I can’t do this,” as Episode 6 concludes on an unclear note for the central connection. When she contacts him, the calls go to voice mail, and the episode concludes with her requesting Conrad to text her back. Given their dispute before to Conrad’s message, it looks that he is breaking up with Michelle.

Conrad’s furiously stated claim that Michelle never listens to him also appears to indicate to a future breakup. Much of his rage and aggravation toward his girlfriend appears to stem from Michelle’s failure to respond to his messages for several weeks as she attends a facility for treatment of her eating condition and anxiety. Conrad isn’t impressed with Michelle’s development, implying that her situation isn’t as grave as his.

However, in the past, Conrad has grown upset and then reconciled with Michelle, and this is likely to happen again. The fact that they appear to be in a relationship when Conrad dies suggests that any breakup, if it occurs, will be brief. However, Conrad’s dramatic mood swings and the message “I can’t do this” appear to have a negative impact on Michelle’s mental health.

Why did Michelle choose for a bench trial?

Michelle’s trial is the focus of Show 6, and the episode begins with the young defendant stunning everyone (except her attorney, Joseph Cataldo). Michelle waives her right to a jury trial in favor of letting the judge determine the case (known as a bench trial). Though the reason for her action is unclear, it is clear that she is acting on the advise of her counsel.

Michelle asks Joseph whether she “did all right” after asking the shocked judge for a bench trial, to which he responds reassuringly. Because of the notoriety surrounding her case, Michelle may want a bench trial. The press has speculated about her role in Conrad’s death for two years. According to the headlines I’ve seen, in which her picture appears under the word “manslaughter,” the press’s portrayal of Michelle isn’t favorable.

As a result, the young woman and her lawyers are likely to believe that a jury will be affected by emotion and press coverage, which could prejudice them against Michelle even before the trial begins. Michelle and her counsel appear to be looking for a more objective assessment by putting the verdict in the hands of the judge, which may give her a higher chance of being acquitted.