Summary
Warning: The following content includes spoilers for episodes 1 & 2 of the TV series "Lessons in Chemistry" and its corresponding book, along with a discussion concerning explicit portrayals of sexual assault.The initial two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry introduce the connection between Elizabeth and Calvin, concluding with a gripping twist when Calvin gets struck by a bus. While alterations have been made in the adaptation, it is highly improbable that the series would deviate from the book's storyline and allow Calvin to survive rather than face the same fate.
The true plot of Lessons in Chemistry is set up by the relationship between the main character and Calvin, the anticipation of his impending death, and the repeated instances of sexism faced by Zott. Apple TV+ has recently released the initial two episodes of its newest drama series, Lessons in Chemistry. These episodes conclude with a surprising cliffhanger ending that will significantly affect the direction of the upcoming six episodes. While Lessons in Chemistry is based on Bonnie Garmus' debut novel with the same title, the adaptation has already made substantial alterations in the first two episodes. Both the show's trailer and the book indicate that these initial episodes primarily serve as crucial groundwork and exposition for the true narrative of the series.
Elizabeth Zott, a lab technician specializing in chemistry during the 1950s and 1960s, unexpectedly finds herself as the host of a popular cooking television series called Supper at Six after a series of strange and unfortunate events. Brie Larson delivers a captivating performance as the central character in her highly anticipated television comeback. While the initial two episodes do not delve deeply into Elizabeth's time as a television personality, they are crucial in laying the foundation for what is to come.
8 Calvin Was Hit By A Bus In Lessons In Chemistry Episode 2
The first two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry mainly revolve around Zott's relationship with Calvin Evans. Despite her equal, if not superior, skills and knowledge, Zott is only a lab technician at Hastings Research Institute while Evans holds the title of the most successful chemist. The undeniable chemistry between Larson and Lewis Pullman, who is well-known for his role in the popular Amazon Prime Video series Outer Range, leads to a romantic relationship between their characters. However, this relationship may have come to an abrupt halt when Evans is struck by a bus at the end of episode 2.
Viewers are given a hint of this tragic event in episode 1, when Calvin's life is almost cut short by an oncoming bus while he is running. Despite surviving that incident and falling in love with Elizabeth, he ultimately cannot escape his fate. In a cruel twist of destiny, Calvin is hit by a bus while walking their dog Six-Thirty with the leash Elizabeth had given him as a Christmas present. The dog suddenly stops and sits on the sidewalk, leaving Calvin frustrated on the road and directly in the path of the bus. Although unlikely, the cliffhanger ending of Lessons in Chemistry leaves open the possibility of Calvin's survival.
7 What Happens To Calvin In The Lessons In Chemistry Book
Lessons in Chemistry, an Apple TV+ series based on a book, has incorporated numerous changes, but it is highly unlikely that the miniseries will alter the fate of Calvin Evans. In the book, Calvin tragically meets his demise early on, which leaves a profound impact despite the brevity of his appearance. The same is expected from the Lessons in Chemistry miniseries.
Calvin's death is crucial to the unfolding story as it renders Elizabeth unable to host Supper at Six if he were to survive. It serves as a plot twist and the inciting incident, highlighting that Lessons in Chemistry encompasses more than just a love story. While the first two episodes of Lessons in Chemistry focus on their relationship, the plot truly accelerates after Calvin's death, which is why it concludes the two-episode premiere.
6 Why Elizabeth's Scientific Research Is Rejected
In episode 2 of Lessons in Chemistry, Evans and Zott present their groundbreaking research on DNA and nucleotides to the Hastings' board in hopes of securing the prestigious Remsen Grant. This grant is essential for funding their project and had previously been awarded to Evans. Despite their collaboration, the research was mainly Elizabeth's idea, so Evans insisted that she be the first author and the one to present their findings for publication.
During a now-ironic moment, Dr. Donatti, the head of the Hastings Chemistry department, expresses his disbelief in the potential of DNA with the words, "We here at Hastings believe that DNA will eventually prove to be a dead end." Once again, Zott is shown to be ahead of her time, but her knowledge and expertise are disregarded due to her gender and lack of a PhD. One of the board members even cruelly dismisses Zott as a "pretty lab tech" who has been a distraction to Evans. This powerful scene focuses on Larson's face, serving as a reminder of her incredible talent as an Academy Award-winning actress.
Zott decides to withdraw her name from the research paper after considering their words. She acknowledges that the hinderance to the publication of this significant work lies in both sexism and her involvement. However, when Calvin promptly informs the board about their decision, she becomes upset and storms out. Following a heartfelt confrontation between the couple, they mutually agree to try self-publishing their research in Lessons in Chemistry, instead of seeking support from an institution as deeply rooted in sexism as Hastings.
5 Elizabeth's Sexual Assault Explained
The second episode of Lessons in Chemistry takes a dark turn as it delves into a distressing flashback from 1950. Dr. Bates, Elizabeth's thesis advisor at UCLA, commits a horrifying act by sexually assaulting her. Elizabeth had just completed her qualifying exam for her chemistry PhD, and she only needed approval from the all-male board. However, her older male advisor, Dr. Bates, wrongly believes that an unwanted kiss is a suitable way to commend a younger and more liberated Elizabeth, contrasting her current hardened demeanor. When she politely rejects him with a nervous laugh, he menacingly informs her, "Don't pretend to be oblivious, Elizabeth. We are both aware that you are far from foolish," and forcefully overpowers her, initiating the rape.
Fortunately, Elizabeth always keeps a freshly sharpened No. 2 pencil tucked neatly into her hair, serving as a potential weapon to halt the assault inflicted upon her. Following the incident, a female secretary informs Elizabeth that Dr. Bates will not be pursuing assault charges against her for her defensive actions. Instead, the department requires her to provide a "formal statement of regret" as a stipulation to maintain her pursuit of a PhD. Curiously, the secretary refers to the heinous act of sexual assault as a mere "misunderstanding," emphasizing how fortunate Elizabeth is to receive this so-called "second chance."
4 The Aftermath of Elizabeth’s Sexual Assault Explained
In her own rendition of a "statement of regret," Elizabeth expresses her disappointment at not having enough pencils. This is followed by a seamless transition to the captivating Lessons in Chemistry title sequence, featuring Zott's iconic pencils gracefully gliding across graph paper and bringing animations to life. This isn't the first time Larson has portrayed a resilient survivor of sexual assault on screen or taken a firm stand against such violence. Her exceptional performance in the 2015 film Room earned her numerous awards and it wouldn't be surprising if her portrayal in Lessons in Chemistry prompts more impactful acceptance speeches from Larson.
Frustratingly, Elizabeth's refusal to comply with expectations resulted in her unjust dismissal from pursuing her PhD candidacy, thereby completely derailing her career in the field of chemistry. This unfortunate circumstance understandably left her deeply traumatized. For Elizabeth, being in enclosed spaces with men poses a significant trigger, compelling her to establish a crucial rule for Calvin when they agree to collaborate: leaving the door open at all times. However, a later accidental violation of this rule by Calvin manages to effectively set off Elizabeth, putting their professional relationship in jeopardy and almost leading to its complete dissolution by the end of Lessons in Chemistry episode 1.
3 Why Elizabeth Named Her Dog Six-Thirty
In episode 2 of Lessons in Chemistry, a crucial character named Six-Thirty is introduced. Six-Thirty is Elizabeth's dog, displaying a remarkable uniqueness, evident in the name given to him. While discarding some leftover food, Elizabeth witnesses Six-Thirty knocking over her trash cans in search of a meal. Rather than shunning him or hastily bringing him indoors, Zott treats him as if he were a human child and not merely a dog. Remarkably, Six-Thirty reciprocates this behavior accordingly.
After cooking for him and feeding him, Elizabeth wishes him good fortune and anticipates his departure, but instead he leans towards her and decides to stay. She affectionately dubs him Six-Thirty, owing to his punctuality in waking her every morning "like clockwork." This subtle detail hints at his exceptional intelligence, specifically crafted for her companionship. By choosing to remain when instructed to leave, Six-Thirty becomes an integral part of Zott's chosen family. It is somewhat unexpected, but Zott develops a deep affection for Six-Thirty in Lessons in Chemistry. Without surprise, she treats him more like a human friend and roommate rather than as a mere dog.
2 Harriet's Role As An Environmentalist & Civil Rights Activist Explained
The character of Harriet undergoes significant changes in the adaptation of Lessons in Chemistry, particularly as she is portrayed as a younger Black woman. Her dynamic friendship with Calvin, her white male neighbor, becomes a notable aspect of the story, especially when he comes forward to support Harriet's family during her husband's absence in the Korean War. As a legal aide, environmentalist, and civil rights activist, Harriet takes Calvin along to a city council meeting where she passionately argues against the construction of a freeway that threatens to harm a predominantly Black community.
Aja Naomi King, renowned for her role as one of the Keating 5 in How To Get Away With Murder, astounds with her performance in Lessons in Chemistry, particularly in the city council meeting scene. Harriet, the founder of a community organization primarily comprising Black members, enlightens the all-white male council members about the extraordinary historically Black community that would be decimated by the proposed freeway, derogatorily termed as "blighted" by ignorant Californian outsiders. Despite her extensive knowledge and fervor, the meeting fails to yield favorable results. Evans, the lone white ally they relied on, disappoints by his absence as he is preoccupied with his blossoming relationship with Zott.
1 The Real Meaning Behind Elizabeth's Cooking Show
Lessons in Chemistry episodes 1 and 2 only offer glimpses into the future timeline where Elizabeth hosts Supper at Six. However, these glimpses shed light on the true significance of this cooking show. Elizabeth not only imparts cooking skills to housewives but also exposes them to feminist ideology, leading to the liberation and empowerment of her devoted fanbase, especially mothers. What sets this show apart and contributes to its success is Zott's refusal to let it be just another cooking show. Instead, she presents it as a platform to teach women chemistry, hence the title of the miniseries Lessons in Chemistry.
Elizabeth's allure to viewers of Supper at Six lies in her seemingly flawless exterior. Hence, it is utterly astonishing when she mistakenly sets her beloved lasagna ablaze during a live recording. This incident marks Zott's most profound display of raw emotion on live television, shattering her carefully crafted facade. She imparts to the audience that one cannot always exercise absolute control in the realm of science, and that life, much like cooking, oftentimes yields messy outcomes. The underlying objective of Supper in Six within Lessons in Chemistry is to empower women worldwide, enabling them to release themselves from the weight and stress of societal expectations imposed upon them.