In the fifth episode of "Lessons in Chemistry," Elizabeth finds herself selling Tupperware to support herself and Madeline, despite her deep desire to be immersed in a laboratory. Somehow, she manages to make it to the final round of candidates for Phillips Laboratory, but she remains cautious, not wanting to get her hopes too high.
In search of a reference, Elizabeth ventures to Hastings to consult Dr. Donatti, but learns that he has moved on. However, to her surprise, she discovers that Boryweitz now occupies Donatti's former position. Instead of providing the recommendation she seeks, Boryweitz offers Elizabeth a position as a junior chemist in their DNA department, with the promise of being named second author on any publications they might collaborate on. Realizing that Boryweitz's attitude hasn't changed, Elizabeth decides to walk away.
Meanwhile, Madeline finds herself in trouble during class, as the curriculum fails to challenge her. Her teacher suggests that Elizabeth consider enrolling her in a more advanced private school, and Elizabeth begins to see the wisdom in this advice, particularly after learning that Madeline hates school.
Later, Walter arrives to pick up Amanda, who has been playing with Madeline at Elizabeth's house. He remarks that he always saw potential in Amanda as a TV star, admiring her ability to engage her "audience." He encourages her to consider hosting her own show, with complete autonomy over its content. Although this is the first time Amanda has been given such freedom, she agrees, motivated by the need to raise funds for Madeline's private school tuition.
When Walter introduces her to the kitchen set for her show, Amanda's initial reaction is one of disgust, calling it "revolting." However, Walter persuades her to see this opportunity as an exciting new experiment, and Elizabeth embarks on a two-week crash course in television studies, determined to make the most of this unexpected turn in her life.
As Elizabeth embarked on her maiden dress rehearsal, Phil, the station's proprietor, failed to be moved by her unconventional approach. Walter attempted to persuade him, insisting that Elizabeth had the potential to inspire housewives, yet Phil remained adamant that appealing to the male gaze was paramount.
Meanwhile, Mad, left alone at home, found herself drawn to her father's study, her curiosity piqued by a family tree assignment. When she accompanied Linda to choir practice, she met Reverend Wakely and poured out her heart about her family tree and the longing she felt for her father, despite never having met him. Wakely assisted her in her investigation, and together they discovered that her father had attended St. Luke's School.
Elizabeth's heart sank when Walter informed her of Phil's disdain for the show, feeling betrayed by his broken promise that "Supper at Six" would be her own. Walter assured her that she could still make it her show, but she needed to be herself - not just a scientist.
On her maiden broadcast, Elizabeth boldly spoke about the undervalued efforts of women. She declared that tonight, they would cook supper, and it would matter.
Phil sought feedback from a focus group, predominantly male, who deemed the show boring and criticized Elizabeth for not smiling enough. However, he failed to anticipate the flood of calls from women, excited about how Elizabeth had empowered them. "Supper at Six" was destined to be a hit, just not with the audience Phil cared about.
The episode concluded with Elizabeth returning home after a grueling day at work. The show's success had brought her fame, but it had also distanced her from her daughter. Mad was struggling to cope with the changes, and the mother-daughter bond was tested.
