Episode 2 of "Lessons in Chemistry" delves deeper into the reasons behind Elizabeth's guarded demeanor. Flashbacks reveal that during her PhD years, she faced a horrifying ordeal. One of her superiors, in a moment of unchecked power, shut the door to her office and perpetrated an assault on her. In a moment of desperation and self-defense, she managed to halt his advances by stabbing him with a pencil. However, this valiant act was unfairly interpreted, leading to her expulsion from the program.
In the present, Elizabeth finds herself trapped in a situation where she cannot officially quit as Calvin's lab technician. As a workaround, she divides the workspace between them, creating a delicate balance that reflects her complex emotional state.
Dr. Donatti's threats loom large over Elizabeth's job security, warning her that her "distractions" from Calvin's Remsen grant research could cost her her position. Faced with this ultimatum, Elizabeth approaches Calvin, asking him to focus more on their work. Through candid discussions and shared efforts, they begin to overcome their differences and find a newfound harmony in their collaboration.
The romantic tension between them reaches a boiling point when Calvin invites Elizabeth on a rowing date. The outing turns into a milestone moment as they share a kiss and decide to embark on a romantic relationship. Their shared passion for abiogenesis research takes them to new heights, culminating in a Christmas breakthrough that is celebrated with joy and excitement.
Elizabeth agrees to Calvin's heartfelt request to move in with him, symbolizing their deepening bond. She gifts him a dog leash, allowing her pet Six Thirty to become a fixture in their shared life, adding a touch of whimsy to their already vibrant relationship.
Despite the apparent perfection of their lives, a cloud of disappointment hangs over Calvin's failure to attend the freeway meeting as promised to Harriet. His absence leaves the meeting in tatters, highlighting the delicate balance they must maintain between their personal and professional lives.
Later, as the deadline for the Remsen proposals loomed, Elizabeth, the lead scientist, confidently stepped forward to present their painstakingly researched findings. But to her dismay, the board dismissed her and their entire effort with a wave of their hands, snidely declaring that Hastings would become a mockery if it were to submit the work of a mere lab technician.
Determined not to let their hard work go to waste, Elizabeth and Calvin resolved to submit their proposal without Hastings' backing. After tirelessly typing up their proposal, they found a moment of solace to discuss their future. Elizabeth, with a resolute expression, informed Calvin that she did not desire marriage or children, and he, with a tender smile, assured her that he was content as long as he had her by his side.
It was a fleeting moment of peace and love for the couple, but fate had other plans. The next morning, as Calvin embarked on a run with Six Thirty, the lively dog's eagerness to play tugged at the leash, distracting him from his surroundings. Tragically, a speeding bus collided with the unsuspecting runner, ending Calvin's life in an instant.
