Episode 6 of "The Queen's Gambit" gracefully unfolds with another pivotal lesson from Alice, etching in Beth's mind the art of navigating life's chessboard. Swiftly, the narrative propels us into a scenic drive with Beth and Benny, their minds locked in a game of mental chess while they hone their Russian, the road stretching ahead towards the bustling metropolis of New York.
Their destination, a humble abode, stands in stark contrast to the opulence of Wheatley's residence, yet Beth adapts, embracing the inflatable mattress as her temporary haven, and finding solace in Benny's reassuring touches.
As Benny's camaraderie arrives, the evening takes a lively turn, liquor flowing freely. Amidst the revelry, Beth remains steadfast, her hands unwavering from the game of speed chess that she dominates, effortlessly outmaneuvering her opponents and amassing a considerable sum. "Well done, kid, you've got it figured out," Benny remarks, awestruck by her prowess.
The night deepens, and beneath the stars, Beth and Benny share an intimate moment, their bodies entwined. Postcoital tenderness gives way to Benny's strategic advice, but Beth's heart is not in it, the mention of Borgov's name a jarring reminder amidst their intimacy.
The narrative leaps forward, painting a vibrant Parisian landscape in 1967, where Beth meticulously prepares for her destiny-defining rematch with Borgov. Between the intense games, she devours books on tactics and meticulously studies his playing style, her determination unyielding.
Finally, the grand stage is set, and Beth stands face to face with the Grand Master. Just as the tension reaches its crescendo, Cleo enters the scene, inviting Beth for a drink, breaking the tension with a gentle touch. Over cocktails, Beth confesses her heart's true longing – Townes, a name that echoes through the years, a love that lingers even now.
This confession beautifully ties back to the opening moments of Episode 1, where Beth, with Cleo slumbering by her side, readies herself for the rematch, her thoughts a tangled web of passion, regret, and the relentless pursuit of chess mastery.
Clearly, her thoughts are as muddled as her state, as she incessantly sips water in a futile attempt to wash away the lingering effects of her hangover. Amidst this haze, she finds herself revisiting snippets of Benny's past influence, like echoes from a bygone era. Borgov's relentless gazes only add to her unease, ultimately compelling Beth to tender her resignation once again, her reputation tarnished by whispers of inebriation, or rather, the aftermath of one too many.
As she slips into a downward spiral, Beth retreats to the familiarity of Lexington. But the tranquility of her return is short-lived as her lawyer, Dick Chennault, interrupts with shocking news: Allston has had a change of heart. The house that once welcomed her is now closed off, its doors shuttered as he plans to sell.
When Allston confronts her, Beth rises to the occasion, her words sharp as razors. She exposes his false claims of selling the house as mere bluster and boldly offers to purchase it from him. Yet, the ultimate cost of this victory is steep—the acknowledgment that he no longer considers her his daughter, a truth that cuts deep and leaves an indelible mark.
Beth's world suddenly brightened with a call from the esteemed Christian Crusade, an organization eager to sponsor her airfare to Russia, where she would embark on a competition against the might of the USSR. They saw it as a divine mission, a triumph of Jesus over the shroud of communism. Stirred by this divine invitation, Beth promptly dialed Benny's number, and to her delight, he too, with fervor, urged her to seize the opportunity.
Left to her own devices, Beth's descent into melancholy deepened, as she poured herself a glass of wine straight from the bottle and ventured out, seeking solace in whiskey on the rocks. The solitude of her home was interrupted by Beltik's call, but she chose to drown her worries in the rhythm of dance, the numbness of alcohol, and the bittersweet echoes of her past.
Eventually, Beltik's concern manifested itself at her doorstep, his voice echoing through the night, calling out to Beth with a mix of worry and longing. Yet, her thoughts were hijacked by another summons—a request for a photo opportunity at Henry Clay High School, a fleeting distraction from the turmoil within.
Beth arrives, her presence marred by an unmistakable haze of disarray. Her eyeliner, a streaky testament to her state of mind, betrays her inner turmoil, while the lingering scent of alcohol clings to her like an unwanted shadow. Coincidence or fate, she stumbles upon Anette Packer – the very first opponent she vanquished in that long-ago chess tournament, who has since relinquished her chessboard for more promising endeavors.
Venturing outside for a solitary cigarette, Beth's path crosses with Beltik once more. His concern for her is palpable, the assistant manager of her frequented supermarket revealing a depth of worry. He confesses that her condition alarms him, and in a poignant moment, shares a personal anecdote – of a father who struggled with alcoholism, a mirror that reflects Beth's own demons.
The revelation strikes a chord, sending Beth reeling back to the solitude of her home. And there, at her doorstep, stands Jolene, a figure who, if anyone, understands the intricate dance of self-destruction. Her arrival is a stark reminder of the fragile balance Beth treads, and the possibility of redemption, should she choose to embrace it.
