Episode 5 of The Queen's Gambit unfolds with Alice's poignant words of wisdom echoing through the halls of Beth's childhood home, a gentle reminder that self-care is paramount, for solitude awaits us all. Amidst the relentless downpour, a taxi arrives, its arrival a stark contrast to the emptiness that now engulfs the house, with Alma's passing leaving Beth adrift in a sea of solitude.
The telephone's shrill ring interrupts the melancholy silence, Harry Beltik's voice offering a sympathetic ear and the glimmer of hope – an invitation to train for the looming showdown against the formidable Russians. Beth hesitates before embracing the opportunity, inviting Harry over to aid her in her preparations.
Their conversation delves deep, Harry gently probing at the edges of Beth's anger, a raging inferno that clouds her vision and narrows her focus. Amidst the intimacy of their discussion, Beth playfully comments on Harry's freshly fixed teeth, sending him reeling with embarrassment and hastening his departure. Left alone, Beth forgoes the comfort of her bed, instead nestling into the sofa's embrace, the familiar chatter of the television a melancholy melody, reminiscent of Alma's soothing presence.
Dawn breaks, and Harry's return ushers in a new day. He urges Beth to delve into the enigmatic world of Borgov, the world champion whose prowess demands her utmost attention. As Harry retreats to the bathroom to gather his thoughts, his gaze falls upon the ominous green pills, a silent expression of concern crossing his face. He keeps his misgivings to himself, trusting in Beth's resilience as she dives headfirst into researching Borgov, her eyes widening at the realization of his formidable skills.
In a moment of vulnerability, Beth extends an invitation for Harry to stay, and as their lips meet in a tender kiss, their connection deepens. Harry confesses the truth behind his newfound smile – a testament to his anticipation of Beth's return. Yet, Beth gently redirects the conversation, her heart not yet ready to embrace the possibility of romance amidst the turmoil of chess.
Chess, her sole solace, becomes the arena where their bond is tested. Beth's frustration with Harry's leisurely playing style boils over, earning her the label of "too sharp" and prompting him to withdraw. The tension between them palpable, Harry ultimately packs his bags, realizing that he has imparted all his knowledge and that further tutelage is futile. With a heavy heart, he prepares to leave, the end of an era marked by the culmination of their tutelage and the dawn of Beth's solitary journey towards greatness.
As Beltik prepares his departure, he casually yet poignantly drops the pill bottle aside, his eyes locking with hers, a solemn admonition etched on his face. This cautionary tale lingers in her mind like a shadowy companion as she embarks on her journey to the prestigious US Chess Championship in Ohio, 1967. Little does she know, fate has other plans in store, for there, amidst the throng of competitors, she crosses paths with Benny Watts once more.
Days meld into a seamless tapestry of intense competition, where Benny, with his flair for the spotlight, charms reporters while Beth immerses herself in a relentless pursuit of strategy, pages turning under the glow of her lamp. But Benny's ego-stroking antics soon take a more playful turn, as he challenges Beth to a series of speed chess matches, each with a $5 wager dangling like a tempting carrot.
Yet, for Beth, these confrontations prove to be nothing but a series of frustrating defeats, her frustration simmering to a boil with each passing game. The air thickens with tension as their rivalry deepens, ultimately culminating in a fateful showdown—the championship final. Benny, with a hint of contrition, apologizes for his earlier antics, confessing that even in his mind's eye, he's been replaying their chess battles.
The dynamics of speed chess, however, are a world apart from their leisurely encounters, as the camera captures each swift move in a flurry of edits, only to abruptly shift to a serene scene of Beth and Benny sharing a drink in a dimly lit bar, reminiscing over their previous encounters.
To Beth's surprise, victory at the US Championship earns her an invitation to the esteemed Moscow Invitational. Before embarking on that international journey, Benny extends an olive branch, inviting her to join him in New York for intensive training sessions. But amidst the offer of mentorship, he makes one thing clear: any romantic entanglements are strictly off-limits.
