Chapter 29: Bonding

Contains spoilers

Summary

  • Elizabeth Zott introduces herself as the host of the show "Supper at Six."
  • She announces that she will discuss three types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and hydrogen.
  • Elizabeth provides a creative explanation of ionic bonds comparing them to a relationship between two very different people.
  • Women across Southern California are notably engaged, taking notes on her lesson.
  • Covalent bonds are likened to a mutually beneficial marriage or the society of a functioning small European country like Switzerland.
  • Hydrogen bonds are described as weak and temporary, equated with superficial attractions that can end abruptly.
  • The show takes a commercial break, with Elizabeth planning to cook chicken pot pie next.
  • Women viewers relate the chemistry lessons to their own lives, particularly a woman from Santa Monica and her daughter.
  • Walter Pine, the producer, reflects on the compromises made to keep the show running amid corporate pressures to phase out science content in favor of sex appeal.
  • Walter is also dealing with personal issues concerning his adoptive daughter.
  • Elizabeth checks with Walter about safety precautions for an upcoming show about combustion, notably preferring nitrogen-propelled fire extinguishers.
  • Walter is internally critical about Elizabeth's wardrobe, fearing the reaction of Lebensmal, a person in power associated with the show.
  • Rosa, the makeup artist, admires Elizabeth's scientific terminology.
  • Elizabeth walks viewers through the cooking process, continuing to make analogies to chemical bonding and societal harmony.
  • A tense exchange around terminology ensues, with Rosa forced to use layman's terms to appease corporate sponsors, indicative of the network's priorities.
  • Elizabeth faces pushback from Walter about her attire, but she responds confidently.
  • The show returns from break; Elizabeth takes a question from Mrs. George Fillis, who admits to a hidden passion for surgery.
  • Elizabeth's encouragement leads to an outpouring of support for Mrs. Fillis from the audience, overturning gender norms and empowering the woman to consider pursuing her dream.
  • Mrs. Fillis is awarded a chicken pot pie on the show's "Free Day," reinforcing the support for her aspirations.
  • Elizabeth closes the show and directly addresses Mrs. Fillis's children, telling them to set the table as their mother takes in the momentary recognition of her worth and potential.
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