Unveiling Elizabeth's Backstory and 9 Other Surprising Revelations: A Recap of Lessons In Chemistry Episode 6

Article Overview

In episode 6 of Lessons in Chemistry, a deeper understanding of Elizabeth's difficult upbringing and the significant experiences that have influenced her personality and decisions unfolds. The abusive actions of her father and the tragic loss of her brother have left a profound mark on her life.

Elizabeth's ascent to popularity as the host of a culinary program draws parallels with her father's deceptive strategies. However, unlike her father's fraudulent behavior, Elizabeth genuinely inspires others, despite her apprehensions towards fame stemming from her troubled past.

Elizabeth becomes acquainted with a difficult lesson after she defies her superior and declines to endorse a detrimental component on her program. Consequently, she is temporarily suspended and encounters disapproval from her colleagues, highlighting the hurdles she encounters as she grapples with both her burgeoning achievement and the responsibilities associated with her influential position. It's important to note that this article addresses topics such as abuse and suicide.

Building on the success of Supper at Six in the previous episode, episode 6 of Lessons in Chemistry delves into Elizabeth's childhood and the lasting effects it has had on her as a person. Brie Larson takes the lead as Elizabeth Zott, with child actress Ridley Haitkin sharing the role in a series of flashbacks. While Elizabeth's present-day story in Lessons in Chemistry has already been captivating, episode 6 adds crucial context to her character and sets the stage for future developments.

Episode 5 of Lessons in Chemistry marked a pivotal moment for Elizabeth as she embarked on her new career as a cooking show host. This significant change not only reshapes her own life, but also impacts those around her and alters the course of the story itself, as we see in episode 6. While previous episodes of Lessons in Chemistry have explored Elizabeth's grief and troubled past, episode 6 takes a deeper dive into the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma on adult individuals. This theme is a recurring element in the Lessons in Chemistry book and will continue to play a pivotal role in the Apple TV+ miniseries.

9. Elizabeth’s Backstory Is Revealed

The chemist had a troubled childhood

Before Episode 6 of Lessons in Chemistry, there were mere glimpses into Elizabeth's childhood, but the flashbacks to the early 1930s revealed a much darker reality than she had previously revealed. Elizabeth's father was a traveling "preacher" who used "miracles" to build a following. In order to convince people, he had his son, John, secretly ignite pistachios and present them as a divine "sign." When John disclosed this secret to Elizabeth, he referred to chemistry as "the true magic," implying his influence on her decision to pursue that field.

Elizabeth's relationship with her parents was not close, but she held a deep admiration for her older brother. Unfortunately, her father reacted negatively when he discovered John's homosexuality, subjecting him to abuse as Elizabeth watched in secret. Tragically, John took his own life one night after their father locked him in the car's trunk during a journey, further traumatizing young Elizabeth. The flashbacks presented in Lessons in Chemistry episode 6 shed light on the reasons behind Elizabeth's emotional distance from her family, her hesitancy to discuss them, her affinity for science, her wariness of religion, and her acceptance of individuals who are different from her.

8. Elizabeth’s Rise To Fame Parallels Her Father’s

Why Elizabeth is turned off by fame

In Lessons in Chemistry episode 6, Elizabeth confronts the challenges brought on by her own sudden fame, mirroring Mad's earlier experience. Throughout the episode, viewers witness scenes that juxtapose Elizabeth's work at Supper at Six with memories of her father's deceitful actions and his followers. The shadow of her father's manipulative behavior has made Elizabeth cautious of fame and the adoration of others since her childhood. However, one crucial distinction sets them apart: their intentions. Unlike her father, who exploited people's trust while hiding behind religion, Elizabeth remains true to herself, ultimately inspiring numerous individuals to embrace authenticity.

7. Phil Suspends Elizabeth From Supper At Six

Elizabeth learns a tough lesson

After the tremendous success of Supper at Six, Phil's presence in Lessons in Chemistry episode 6 became burdensome and unwanted. Phil had managed to secure a profitable sponsorship deal with a brand that produces shortening. However, Elizabeth had reservations about endorsing an unhealthy ingredient and pretending to enjoy it for her audience. During a live taping, she deviated from the script to avoid promoting the product, which resulted in Phil suspending her for three days. Additionally, he suspended the pay of non-essential employees during that period. Understandably, the employees were upset by Elizabeth's act of rebellion. When the show resumed, Elizabeth reluctantly announced her partnership with the brand, realizing that Supper at Six was much greater than just her.

6. Fran & Elizabeth Form An Unlikely Partnership

The women put their past issues behind them

In episode 6 of Lessons in Chemistry, Fran made a return, but in a different setting and role. While bumping into each other at the grocery store, Fran apologized to Elizabeth for her involvement in getting her fired from Hastings Research Institute. She also expressed her admiration for Supper at Six and praised Elizabeth's achievements.

Elizabeth graciously offered Fran a ticket to a Supper at Six taping, and Fran took the opportunity to provide some constructive feedback that impressed the host. As a result, Elizabeth decided to hire Fran as her new chief of staff. This change, not found in the original book version of Lessons in Chemistry, enhances the dynamic between Fran and Elizabeth and offers the potential for more engaging moments on screen.

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5. Harriet Organizes A Protest On The Freeway

Elizabeth takes an important stance

While Supper at Six was gaining popularity in Lessons in Chemistry episode 6, the civil rights movement was simultaneously unfolding in the United States, marked by sit-in protests taking place nationwide. Witnessing the impactful nonviolent demonstrations, Harriet took inspiration and took upon herself to organize a sit-in on the freeway, seeking Elizabeth's support. Initially, Elizabeth expressed her desire to offer assistance but hesitated due to the fear of facing yet another suspension.

However, Harriet enlightens Elizabeth with a crucial realization – the significance of her platform and how she chooses to wield it (or neglect it). With this newfound understanding, Elizabeth clandestinely decides to promote the protest during the Supper at Six taping, defying Phil's authority, and willingly foregoes the Monday night show to attend. This deliberate action also serves as a rectification of a prior mistake depicted in Lessons in Chemistry episode 2, where Calvin's own personal affairs hindered his ability to stand alongside Harriet and the Black community in their time of need.

4. Elizabeth Goes Against Phil

Elizabeth uses her knowledge to gain the upper hand against her boss

After Elizabeth boldly revealed Harriet’s protest on-air during episode 6 of Lessons in Chemistry, Phil attempted to suspend both her and the Supper at Six team for a period of four days. However, this time Elizabeth was better prepared. She swiftly retaliated against Phil's threats by presenting him with detailed statistics highlighting the exorbitant costs associated with repeatedly suspending her. Additionally, she reminded him of the considerable financial burden that she would personally incur by paying the crew during each suspension. Phil, like many others before him, had once again underestimated Elizabeth's capabilities. Recognizing this, she cleverly communicated with Phil in a language she knew he would comprehend: money.

3. The Peaceful Protest Turns Violent

Police brutality puts an end to the demonstration

Elizabeth, who was one of the few white individuals present, joined the protest in Lessons in Chemistry episode 6. They congregated on the freeway, brandishing signs and chanting. Despite officers ordering them to disperse, they peacefully and silently sat down as planned. However, the police decided to forcefully remove them, specifically targeting the Black protesters. This incident didn't deter Harriet, who was determined to continue the fight for civil rights. Her unwavering commitment frightened Charlie, who didn't want to lose his wife. This serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing importance and urgency of the civil rights movement.

2. Elizabeth & Mad Have An Emotional Conversation About Calvin

Elizabeth discovers Mad’s researching Calvin

In Lessons in Chemistry episode 6, Mad continued her investigation into the boys' home where Calvin was raised. A significant breakthrough occurred when Harriet's children stealthily obtained a vital document from the lawyer's office where she worked. When Harriet informed Elizabeth about this, the single mother was upset that Mad hadn't approached her with her inquiries. However, Harriet explained that Mad was aware of Elizabeth's aversion to discussing Calvin.

Towards the conclusion of Lessons in Chemistry episode 6, Elizabeth and Mad finally found solace in each other's company as they mourned the loss of Calvin together. Mad shared the knowledge she had acquired about Calvin with her mother, while Elizabeth recounted her own memories of him. Additionally, Elizabeth showed Mad the pistachios that John used to carry around, explaining how she used them as a way to remember her brother. This conversation reflected a significant shift in their relationship, as Mad matured and became more independent.

1. What Reverend Wakely Discovers About Calvin

Wakely has a surprising connection to Mad’s father

The Lessons in Chemistry book provided intriguing revelations regarding Calvin's history, his familial ties, and his enigmatic associations. Episode 6 of Lessons in Chemistry left viewers in suspense as Reverend Wakely and Mad, an unconventional detective duo, encountered a gripping twist. Although Wakely had been assisting Mad, he remained unaware of her true parentage. However, when Mad disclosed some letters she had discovered addressed to Calvin, Wakely made a startling realization – Calvin Evans was the renowned scientist mentioned in those letters. The book hints at a previous friendship between Wakely and Calvin, a bond that is poised to be further explored in episode 7. Yet, their connection delves far deeper than what initially meets the eye.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I found the sixth episode of Lessons in Chemistry to be a powerful and emotional journey through Elizabeth's past. The exploration of her troubled upbringing and the impact it has had on her present life was both heartbreaking and enlightening. The flashbacks to her childhood, particularly the abuse she and her brother endured at the hands of their father, were difficult to watch but essential to understanding Elizabeth's character and motivations.

The episode also delves into the consequences of Elizabeth's actions, as she faces backlash from her colleagues and superiors for refusing to endorse a harmful product on her cooking show. This highlights the challenges she faces as she navigates her newfound fame and the responsibilities that come with it. Overall, I found this episode to be a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of Elizabeth's character and the lasting effects of childhood trauma.