Insights from Lessons in Chemistry Episode 4: Elizabeth's Job Offer and 6 Other Surprising Revelations

Warning! This article contains spoilers for Lessons in Chemistry episode 4.

Summary

In episode 4 of Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth's role as a new mother takes center stage as she faces various challenges and navigates through a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite Calvin's passing, he continues to appear in Elizabeth's hallucinations, offering solace and encouragement during crucial moments.

Elizabeth devises a clever plan to generate income and continue her research from the comfort of her own home, leading to a fascinating new employment opportunity.

Episode 4 of Lessons in Chemistry skillfully interweaves different timelines to unveil significant developments, culminating in a pivotal moment for the miniseries as Elizabeth receives an enticing job offer. With a total of 8 episodes planned, it seems that the story has hit or is nearing its halfway mark, yet there is a sense that there is still much more to come. Based on the bestselling novel by Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry serves as the foundation for this captivating Apple TV+ miniseries, promising a multitude of anticipated revelations yet to be revealed onscreen.

The cast of Lessons in Chemistry is led by Brie Larson, who also serves as a co-executive producer, portraying the role of chemist-turned-television host Elizabeth Zott. The initial three episodes of Lessons in Chemistry introduced Elizabeth as a character, explored her heartbreaking relationship with renowned chemist Calvin Evans, and offered a glimpse of what is yet to come. With the foundation laid, the miniseries now delves into the story of how Elizabeth achieved iconic status during her time. While earlier episodes briefly showcased a future timeline, episode 4 brings that timeline into the present through a seven-year time jump towards the conclusion.

Elizabeth Gives Birth To A Baby Girl Named Mad

Lessons in Chemistry episode 3 revolved mainly around Elizabeth's sorrow of losing Calvin and the revelation that she was expecting their child. So, it was natural for episode 4 to continue the storyline, focusing on Elizabeth's journey as a mother after giving birth to their daughter, Mad. The episode began with a scene highlighting the significant changes in labor, delivery, and parental roles since the time period of Lessons in Chemistry. Elizabeth was given medication during her delivery, and when she woke up, a nurse suggested that she name her daughter based on her current emotions. Thus, the name "Mad" was chosen.

Although Mad's name was later extended to Madeline, the name "Mad" was particularly fitting considering Elizabeth's circumstances. At the time of giving birth, Elizabeth was still grieving, had previously expressed her reluctance to have children, lacked a strong support system, and had lost her job. In episode 4, Elizabeth faced not only anger but also shame due to her struggle to connect with her baby. However, she found solace in knowing that her feelings were normal, thanks to Harriet's reassurance. By the end of the episode, Elizabeth and Mad showcased a beautiful mother-daughter relationship.

Elizabeth Hallucinates Calvin

Calvin's demise in episode 2 of Lessons in Chemistry did not necessarily mark the end of Lewis Pullman's involvement in the miniseries. In episode 4, titled Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth experienced multiple hallucinations of Calvin. The first occurrence took place during the moment of Mad's birth, where he stood by her side, supporting her just as he would have if he hadn't been killed. Throughout these scenes and all subsequent appearances, Calvin served as a calming presence for both Elizabeth and Mad. Although they would converse in some of these hallucinations, he never lingered for long, serving as a constant reminder to Elizabeth and the audience that he was never truly present.

Elizabeth Starts A Business Doing Research For Chemists

In the third episode of Lessons in Chemistry, Zott faced termination from her position as a laboratory technician at the Hastings Research Institute due to being unmarried and pregnant. Despite her efforts to establish a personal laboratory in anticipation of both motherhood and her career, she found herself with no source of income just as she was about to welcome her baby into the world. To address this predicament, Elizabeth devised a clever scheme where the male chemists from Hastings would secretly visit her home and compensate her for completing their tasks. This ingenious arrangement enabled Elizabeth to stay at home with her child, engage in chemistry, and generate the necessary income.

Elizabeth Discovers Donatti Stole Her Research

Through her new covert occupation, Elizabeth also discovered that Donatti had plagiarized her research after Calvin's death. One of her clients unintentionally revealed that Boryweitz and Donatti were collaborating on a DNA project in Calvin's former laboratory, which prompted Elizabeth to enter the premises with her dog, Six-Thirty, and baby. When she observed her research displayed on the walls and confronted the scientists, Donatti exhibited no remorse for his actions, and even boasted about fraudulently obtaining the Ramsen Grant. This revelation only intensified Zott's determination to continue the significant work she and Calvin had initiated.

Elizabeth Impersonates Miss Frask To Do Her Research At Home

To continue her experiments, Elizabeth required laboratory equipment and chemicals that were not commonly found in a typical kitchen. To acquire these essential materials, she ingeniously assumed the role of Miss Frask, the head of Personnel at Hastings, during a phone call and pretended to place an order on behalf of the Institute. Subsequently, she had all the requested products delivered to her residence, where her home transformed into the lab of her dreams. This particular alteration in the Lessons in Chemistry miniseries diverged from the book, but it added a delightful touch that showcased Elizabeth's mischievous nature.

Harriet’s Husband Returns Home From War

In episode 4 of Lessons in Chemistry, Harriet and Elizabeth form a strong bond as they discuss their experiences as mothers and their professional aspirations. Harriet shares that she was studying law and her husband, Charlie, was in medical school when they unexpectedly became parents. Despite her intention to continue her education, Harriet's plans were put on hold when Charlie was deployed to the Korean War as a medic.

Upon Charlie's return, Harriet believed it was finally her opportunity to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. However, he was offered a demanding job at a hospital that required him to be away from home frequently, leaving Harriet to once again handle the household responsibilities and care for their children. Despite these challenges, Harriet had already committed to taking the bar exam and received a job offer of her own. She felt it was her time to focus on her career.

Fortunately, Charlie was supportive and understanding, assuring Harriet that they could navigate their respective paths together. This depiction of a successful and supportive relationship between two Black characters during their time is both refreshing and inspiring.

Walter Offers Elizabeth A Job Hosting A Cooking Show

In episode 4 of Lessons in Chemistry, a time jump of seven years brings the introduction of two new characters, Amanda and Walter Pine. Amanda, a fellow student at Mad's school, had been secretly taking the lunches that Elizabeth prepared for her daughter. Upon discovering this, Elizabeth confronts Walter, Amanda's father, at his office. Walter, a producer at a local television station, was given the task by his boss to find a younger and attractive woman to host a new show. It seemed like destiny when Walter noticed something special in Elizabeth and offered her the opportunity to become the host of a cooking show.

During their confrontation, she caught Walter's attention by scolding him, while also offering him some of her homemade food and a recipe to cook for Amanda. After tasting the meal she had prepared, Walter quickly chased after Elizabeth, who was already walking away. Though she initially declined his offer, viewers are aware that she will eventually accept, as it is a key aspect of the show's premise. The fourth episode of Lessons in Chemistry concluded with Elizabeth catching a glimpse of her own reflection on the television screen, silently contemplating Walter's proposal to host what will soon be known as Supper at Six.