Key Takeaways from Lessons In Chemistry Episode 5: Elizabeth's Career Milestone & Unexpected Revelations

Article Overview

In episode 5 of Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth's seamless transition into her new role as a television personality is showcased. The episode delves into Elizabeth's captivating experience as she embraces the opportunity to host the Supper at Six show, leaving a lasting impact on her growing viewership.

Elizabeth's triumph on the show comes at a cost, as Mad grapples with her mother's newfound busyness and harbors curiosity about her deceased father.

In episode 5 of Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth finally embarks on her successful new career, though not everyone is as thrilled as the housewives who tune in. With Lessons in Chemistry now officially past the halfway point of its 8-episode arc, the remaining three episodes promise to showcase major plotlines from the Lessons in Chemistry book. While the initial episodes of Lessons in Chemistry may have been slower-paced compared to the Bonnie Garmus novel, they were all building up to the exhilarating developments in episode 5, where the story quickly progressed, unveiling numerous impactful revelations.

The cast of Lessons in Chemistry has been officially introduced, thanks to the seven-year time jump and Elizabeth's new job. Brie Larson shines in the lead role as Elizabeth Zott, while the supporting cast members also have their chance to impress. In episode 5 of Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth's story is further explored, but it is young child actress Alice Halsey who steals the show in her first TV role as Mad Zott. Seeing Elizabeth navigate the world of TV is intriguing, but it's even more fascinating to witness the change through Mad's perspective.

7. Elizabeth Gets Her Supper At Six Catchphrase

In the concluding part of the fourth episode of Lessons in Chemistry, Elizabeth found herself contemplating Walter's proposal to host his studio's upcoming cooking show. Being a chemist with no affinity for television, Elizabeth felt somewhat offended by the job offer, but at the same time, she couldn't deny her curiosity about it. While doing her grocery shopping with Mad, she unexpectedly encountered a weary mother and her lively, misbehaved sons. The stranger openly confided in her, expressing her desire for just five minutes of solitude, occasionally, to set the table with her sons.

This moment had a profound impact on Elizabeth, who, fortunately, doesn't conform to traditional gender roles in her own household and has a well-behaved child. With her scientific background, Elizabeth was an unconventional choice to host a televised cooking show. Walter suggested she approach it like a new experiment. Upon conducting her own research on popular TV shows, she discovered that many hosts had a catchphrase. Inspired by a mother she met who perfectly represented her target audience, Elizabeth decided to conclude every episode of "Supper at Six" by saying, “Children, set the table. Your mother needs a moment to herself.”

6. Dr. Boryweitz Takes Over At Hastings & Offers Elizabeth A Job

In yet another deviation from the content present in the Lessons in Chemistry book, Elizabeth found herself engaged in the process of seeking employment at a rival institution to the esteemed Hastings Research Institute. Despite her evident qualifications for the desired position, she encountered the inevitable necessity of furnishing references. This compelled her, albeit reluctantly, to return to Hastings and beseech the assistance of Dr. Donatti, whom she had once held in high regard. However, much to her dismay, she discovered that he had been supplanted by Dr. Boryweitz, a former colleague who she had actually admired until he aided in the misappropriation of her research for personal advancement.

Instead of providing her with a favorable letter of recommendation, Boryweitz extended Elizabeth an offer to join Hastings as a junior chemist. While this would have represented a career advancement from her previous role as a lab technician, Elizabeth felt affronted by the notion of being subordinate to the man who had plagiarized her research. Guided by her principles, she declined the job at Hastings, consequently removing herself from consideration for the other Institute.

5. Elizabeth Accepts The Supper At Six Job

Elizabeth found herself in a difficult financial situation as she did not have any chemistry job prospects. To make ends meet, she resorted to selling her own Tupperware to housewives. Unfortunately, this income was insufficient to cover the cost of sending her academically advanced daughter, Mad, to a private school. Recognizing Mad's potential, her teacher recommended a private education that would better cater to her abilities. In order to afford this opportunity, Elizabeth reluctantly took on the responsibility of hosting the Supper at Six show, after Walter assured her that she would have complete control over the proceedings. Despite her initial reservations about being on television, Elizabeth prioritized her daughter's needs above all else.

4. Mad Is Curious About Calvin

With Elizabeth's new job, she spent more time away from home, giving Mad the opportunity to delve into her curiosity about her late father. The assignment on the family tree in the previous episode made her realize how little she knew about him and her extended biological family. Initially, she searched through Calvin's study but later found an unlikely research partner in Reverend Wakely. Together, they embarked on a quest to find out which boys' home Calvin grew up in.

While Elizabeth's grief was a significant focus in episodes 3 and 4 of Lessons in Chemistry, episode 5 turned its attention to the sorrow of someone who tragically never had the chance to know Calvin. As Mad and Wakely conversed, they acknowledged that it is possible to long for something you never experienced, and Mad longed for her father's presence. The Lessons in Chemistry book holds many secrets about Calvin's past, and with any luck, Mad and Wakely will uncover the truth in the upcoming episodes.

3. Why The Episode Is Called CH3COOH

Lessons in Chemistry episode 5 was entitled "CH3COOH," which represents the formula for acetic acid or vinegar. Naturally, Elizabeth faced a learning curve when transitioning to television. She struggled to incorporate suggestions aimed at improving ratings, as it was not a priority for her. Following a chaotic dress rehearsal, Elizabeth heeded Walter's advice to stay true to herself during the first live taping of Supper of Six, which occurred earlier than originally scheduled. Before unveiling her now-famous catchphrase, she provided viewers with a list of ingredients needed for the dish she would be preparing in the next episode, including CH3COOH.

2. Supper At Six Is An Instant Hit

Phil, the owner of the station, was dissatisfied after the initial taping of Supper at Six. He had specifically instructed Walter to portray Elizabeth in a more alluring manner to attract male viewers. This entailed dressing her in tighter clothing and preparing a special drink towards the end of the episode, aiming to encourage housewives watching to do the same for their husbands when they returned home from work. However, Elizabeth objected to these instructions and challenged the notion that men had inherently worked harder than women throughout the day.

Despite targeting primarily mothers and housewives, Phil realized that Supper at Six couldn't achieve popularity without a male audience. However, he was proven wrong when the station's phones started ringing off the hook with viewers inquiring about the meaning of "CH3COOH." What truly set Supper at Six apart was Elizabeth herself, as she approached women and cooking with a level of seriousness that no one else had displayed on television at that time. Elizabeth's passion and dedication inspired women, giving them the confidence to advocate for themselves and the tools to demand what they rightfully deserved. Consequently, through Supper at Six, Elizabeth unexpectedly became a celebrated feminist icon.

1. Elizabeth’s New Job Is Hard On Mad

While Supper at Six's success brought great news for Elizabeth and her devoted female viewers, Mad wasn't a big fan. Throughout Mad's life, Elizabeth had always worked from home. However, with Supper at Six airing every weeknight, Elizabeth spent considerably less time at home and with her daughter. This sudden change affected both of them deeply, especially Mad, since her mother is the only living family member she knows. Mad may have also become jealous of Elizabeth's newfound popularity, as she now had to share her mother with adoring fans in Lessons in Chemistry.

Editor's P/S

In episode 5 of Lessons in Chemistry, we witness Elizabeth's remarkable journey as she takes on a new role as the host of the Supper at Six show. Her seamless transition into this unexpected career path is truly inspiring, and it's clear that she's making a lasting impact on her growing viewership. Elizabeth's triumph on the show, however, comes at a price. Her daughter, Mad, struggles to adjust to her mother's newfound busyness and begins to harbor curiosity about her deceased father. This creates tension within their relationship, and it's heartbreaking to see Elizabeth and Mad face these challenges.

Despite the obstacles she faces, Elizabeth remains determined to succeed in her new role. She's passionate about using her platform to empower women and help them find moments of peace and solitude in their busy lives. Elizabeth's journey is a reminder that we can all overcome adversity and achieve our dreams if we stay true to ourselves and never give up.