Explosive Twists and Elizabeth's Shocking Discovery: Unveiling 5 Breathtaking Revelations in Lessons In Chemistry Episode 3

Summary

Lessons in Chemistry episode 3 explores grief and introduces a life-changing discovery for Brie Larson's character, Elizabeth, following the death of a main character.

The episode explores Elizabeth's emotional journey, following her as she attends Calvin's funeral, copes with the aftermath, and forms a newfound bond with Harriet. After Calvin's passing, Elizabeth learns she is pregnant, which changes her perspective on grief and prompts her to question her beliefs about marriage and parenthood.

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Episode 3 of Lessons in Chemistry and the novel. Episode 3 of Lessons in Chemistry continues where the first two episodes left off, answering questions from the cliffhanger ending and introducing more shocking revelations. Elizabeth's life takes a drastic turn when one of the main characters dies unexpectedly. While one chapter of her story ends, Episode 3 reveals a life-altering discovery for Brie Larson's character, Elizabeth Zott, marking a fresh start.

As seen in the Lessons in Chemistry trailer, the miniseries has primarily focused on setting up Elizabeth's main storyline as a chemistry lab technician who unexpectedly becomes the host of a highly popular cooking show. This new Apple TV+ series is adapted from Bonnie Garmus's bestselling novel of the same title, following a similar timeline for the most part. However, it also takes the opportunity to explore additional storylines and expand on existing ones. Episode 3 of Lessons in Chemistry covers a significant amount of ground while remaining centered around Elizabeth's emotional journey over the course of several months.

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Calvin's Funeral & The Aftermath

After the shocking conclusion of Lessons in Chemistry episode 2, where Calvin tragically lost his life in a bus accident, episode 3 delves into the aftermath of this devastating event. Elizabeth finds herself attending Calvin's funeral alongside Six-Thirty, but the weight of grief leaves her in a state of shock, struggling to move forward. The funeral proves to be sparsely attended, reflecting Calvin's isolated upbringing in an orphanage without many connections. Zott and Six-Thirty are the sole individuals in the front row, capturing the attention of an LA Times journalist who approaches Elizabeth, intending to write a damaging exposé on Evans.

After a brief exchange with the journalist, who ultimately misquoted her, Elizabeth exited the ceremony to find solace in her own thoughts alongside Six-Thirty. Following the article's release, Harriet, one of the select few who truly understood Evans' genuine warmth, attempted to voice her objections. Harriet and Elizabeth crossed paths for the first time when Harriet sought her assistance, and amidst Zott's understandable preoccupation, a newfound and significant friendship blossomed. Although Harriet did not succeed in persuading the LA Times journalist to rectify the piece on Evans, she did manage to convince him to write an article shedding light on the racist freeway, thus expanding her influence as an activist.

Elizabeth Discovers She's Pregnant After Calvin Was Killed

One of the major highlights in Lessons in Chemistry is the abundance of plot twists, and in episode 3, Elizabeth stumbles upon a life-altering revelation - her pregnancy. Despite the recent loss of Calvin, she initially refuses to accept the truth, burying her emotions deep within. As the episode progresses, Elizabeth's grief transforms into seething anger. To release her pent-up frustration, she embarks on a mission to construct a laboratory within their residence, while tirelessly exerting herself on Calvin's rowing machine.

It wasn't until Elizabeth reached her third trimester that she made a visit to a doctor in Lessons in Chemistry. Coincidentally, this doctor happened to be a former rowing buddy of Evans. When asked why she had waited so long, Elizabeth simply replied that she "sort of hoped that it would just take care of itself." It is worth noting that Elizabeth had previously expressed her disinterest in having children, and now she will have to raise her child without her partner. Thankfully, she has the support of both Harriet and the doctor. In fact, the doctor even offered her a prescription to meet him at the boathouse in a year's time to row together.

Elizabeth Found A Ring In Calvin's Office Belongings

Upon Zott's return to Hastings Research Institute following Calvin's passing, she encountered an initial obstacle in retrieving his belongings due to their unmarried status. Subsequently, Dr. Boryweitz took it upon herself to pilfer Calvin's personal possessions from storage, yet Zott found herself unprepared to confront the emotions associated with opening the box. Only at the conclusion of Lessons in Chemistry episode 3, spurred on by Harriet's urging to cease suppressing her sentiments, did she finally unveil its contents.

In the box, Elizabeth made a startling discovery - a ring that hinted at Calvin's intentions to propose to her. Just prior to his untimely demise, Elizabeth had divulged her stance on never wanting to marry or have children, to which Calvin had supposedly expressed acceptance. Going by Elizabeth's strong emotional response, it can be inferred that, with his absence, she might now regret not affording him the opportunity to propose and embark on married life. The bond between Calvin and Elizabeth serves as the emotional cornerstone of Lessons in Chemistry, and the climactic final scene in episode 3 further substantiates the notion that despite his departure, Calvin will continue to wield significant influence throughout the miniseries.

The Truth About Elizabeth Being Fired From Hastings

In episode 3 of Lessons of Chemistry, Zott is dismissed from her job due to her unmarried and pregnant status, a situation Donatti condemns as "disgraceful." This event serves as yet another reflection of the time period portrayed in Lessons in Chemistry and highlights Elizabeth's progressive nature as a character in the 1950s. She promptly objects, asserting that there are no legal grounds for her termination. Donatti attempts to shame her by implying that Evans would disapprove, but Elizabeth confidently asserts that he wouldn't and confidently walks away.

Donatti Steals Elizabeth's Work

In the book Lessons in Chemistry, Donatti denies Zott the opportunity to leave and compels her to sign a termination form. The conditions of her dismissal prohibit her from discussing the reasons behind her termination, and she is stripped of both her salary and health benefits. This elimination constitutes one of many modifications made in the Lessons in Chemistry adaptation, yet it is doubtful that Elizabeth will manage to retain her job in the miniseries, even in the event of an unjust termination.

In Lessons in Chemistry, Donatti further solidifies his villainous nature by stealing Elizabeth's research in episode 3. A departure from the book, Zott, a lab tech, collaborated with Evans, ultimately making the research belong to him as the chemist. However, with Evans having no surviving relatives, the ownership transferred to Hastings upon his death. Despite initially dismissing their research when they applied for the Ramsen Grant in episode 2, Donatti seizes the opportunity to exploit it following Calvin's demise.

Donatti deceived a representative from the foundation, falsely claiming to be Calvin's close friend and lab partner. With the assistance of Dr. Boryweitz, Donatti intends to replicate Zott's research alongside Evans and present it, allowing himself to take credit while ensuring Hastings' grant funding remains intact. This covert action is executed behind Zott's back, as Donatti not only terminated her employment at Hastings based on questionable standards, but also to plagiarize her work in Lessons in Chemistry.

Six-Thirty Serves As Lessons In Chemistry Episode 3's Narrator

Six-Thirty, Elizabeth and Calvin's dog, emerges as one of the prominent characters in the book Lessons in Chemistry. Several chapters are presented from his perspective, and his presence during Evans' demise justifies his role as the narrator in Episode 3 of Lessons in Chemistry, voiced by B.J. Novak. The initial scene uncovers that prior to Elizabeth's discovery of Six-Thirty in Episode 2, he was undergoing training as a bomb dog in the military.

However, following his failure and subsequent harsh criticism from his handler, he decides to escape, labeling himself as a "coward." It is not until Elizabeth comes across him that he experiences a sense of security and discovers the true meaning of "love" from his new owners. Although Six-Thirty may have lacked success as a bomb dog, he finds solace in his ability to safeguard Calvin and Elizabeth, only to face feelings of inadequacy again when Evans tragically passes away. Luckily for Six-Thirty, his sense of purpose is reignited as he is entrusted with protecting the baby Elizabeth is carrying. Remaining devotedly by Elizabeth's side, he serves as not only her beloved pet but also her trusted companion and guardian in Lessons in Chemistry.