Walter informs the group about Life magazine wanting to do a cover story; Elizabeth immediately refuses, wary of personal questions.
Walter presses the issue, mentioning their need for positive exposure since the death threats have stopped.
Elizabeth would prefer a professional interview with a chemistry publication over mainstream media, but her preferred magazine isn't interested.
After Elizabeth leaves the conversation in frustration, Walter seeks help from Harriet, who advises managing the interview questions.
Harriet recommends Walter tell the reporter to avoid personal topics, especially concerning Calvin Evans, and focus on Elizabeth's accomplishments.
During a taping of Elizabeth's show, reporter Franklin Roth observes her educational approach and the audience's serious engagement, learning that they appreciate being taken seriously.
Backstage, Roth tries to engage Elizabeth on more personal topics, but she remains distant and focused on scientific explanations.
When Roth senses Elizabeth's discomfort with the interview, he respectfully decides to leave, but Seymour Browne, Elizabeth's assistant, asks them to wait.
Roth and the photographer are taken to Elizabeth's home lab, where she attempts to explain her professional focus and corrects Roth's misunderstanding with detailed scientific information.
Elizabeth makes coffee in a complex manner and engages Roth with her passion and knowledge about her research in abiogenesis.
Roth, intrigued by the consistency and detail of Elizabeth's explanations, considers probing into her personal connection with Calvin Evans despite warnings.
After Roth mentions Calvin, Elizabeth's demeanor changes, showing disappointment, and the interview turns tense as she questions Roth's intentions.
As Elizabeth rebuffs further personal questions, the interview falls into an awkward silence.
Roth regrets crossing the line and breaking trust, aware that true apologies rarely work with just words.
A siren startles Elizabeth, who decides to reveal the truth about her relationship with Calvin to Roth, a truth that could expose much more than he anticipated.