The genius chemist, sorta odd fellow and love of Elizabeth Zott's life, Calvin Evans, wasn't an easy guy to get to know. But despite all odds against it, his friend and long-time pen pal Rev. Wakely did in fact get to know that long-time confirmed atheist. And an exhaustive search by Calvin and Elizabeth's daughter, Mad (not "Maddie," mind you) leads to Evans & Wakely's correspondence. We, in turn, see some of the things that formed Calvin from early youth in a Catholic orphanage and being openly rejected by his father, nicely underplayed as is usual by Mr. Beau Bridges, to ultimately finding, yet again against all odds, the love of HIS life, Ms. Elizabeth Zott. My 2nd favorite episode so far (7/8 episodes). 9 stars.
4 Reviews
The real lessons in chemistry was the Calvin we met along the way
jaydenbramford7 February 2024
Beautiful and heartfelt episode, tying together all the characters we have grown to care about in new and emotionally gripping way.
While yes it may be seen as a bit of a 'side' episode, and it's a fair criticism in some of the letters being a bit out of character, i think it adds a whole new level of depth to both men, Calvin especially. He was a man searching all his life and firm in his views, yet respectful and open to others.
Without Calvin, no other character in this show would be the same. Nor would the story be the same. It is for everyone's benefit, ours included, that we knew him more intimately.
While yes it may be seen as a bit of a 'side' episode, and it's a fair criticism in some of the letters being a bit out of character, i think it adds a whole new level of depth to both men, Calvin especially. He was a man searching all his life and firm in his views, yet respectful and open to others.
Without Calvin, no other character in this show would be the same. Nor would the story be the same. It is for everyone's benefit, ours included, that we knew him more intimately.
The Friendship Between Calvin and Rev. Wakely is not relatable.
Adwsdasd20 November 2023
This episode felt like a dumbing-down of the series.
In previous episodes Calvin is portrayed as eventually loveable but cantankerous and arrogant when faced with stupidity. His world is that of science and reason. It's what holds him together as a person until Elizabeth comes along. The letters between him and Wakely never go beyond superficial folk philosophy and it seems implausible that Calvin gets anything out of it. The reverend's replies to Calvin are almost cringe-worthy. Of course we get that something is missing from Calvin's life but that something is Elizabeth and the two match perfectly. To put a character like Wakely into the show seems like an afterthought and a measure aimed at pleasing religious viewers that might find the show to "sciency". The series' creators should have stuck to their guns and to the heart of the story: Loneliness and loss can affect even the smartest among us; reasonable people can find happiness and love without having to go to church; raise your kids respecting them as persons with their own personalities and they will be good; reason beats idiocy (we see this represented in Calvin's, Elizabeth's and Mad's storylines). There could have been different aspects of Calvin's past illuminated in this flashback episode. I hope this season's final episode is a more wholesome one.
In previous episodes Calvin is portrayed as eventually loveable but cantankerous and arrogant when faced with stupidity. His world is that of science and reason. It's what holds him together as a person until Elizabeth comes along. The letters between him and Wakely never go beyond superficial folk philosophy and it seems implausible that Calvin gets anything out of it. The reverend's replies to Calvin are almost cringe-worthy. Of course we get that something is missing from Calvin's life but that something is Elizabeth and the two match perfectly. To put a character like Wakely into the show seems like an afterthought and a measure aimed at pleasing religious viewers that might find the show to "sciency". The series' creators should have stuck to their guns and to the heart of the story: Loneliness and loss can affect even the smartest among us; reasonable people can find happiness and love without having to go to church; raise your kids respecting them as persons with their own personalities and they will be good; reason beats idiocy (we see this represented in Calvin's, Elizabeth's and Mad's storylines). There could have been different aspects of Calvin's past illuminated in this flashback episode. I hope this season's final episode is a more wholesome one.
Best Episode Yet.
grtbow17 November 2023
When a show is as well acted, directed and edited as Lessons in Chemistry is it is easy to forget the writing.
This episode is one of the best written shows I've see in years, maybe ever. This episode deserves an Emmy for best writing.
This episode begins to slowly tie the whole story together in a clever well-thought out manner. It is not sappy like a Hallmark Christmas show, but believable.
I love this show but this episode was fantastic. I love good writing but the writers of this chapter restored my belief that good stories are out there. The writers here did not have to use tricks or false emotions to get the point across.
Thanks Gene.
This episode is one of the best written shows I've see in years, maybe ever. This episode deserves an Emmy for best writing.
This episode begins to slowly tie the whole story together in a clever well-thought out manner. It is not sappy like a Hallmark Christmas show, but believable.
I love this show but this episode was fantastic. I love good writing but the writers of this chapter restored my belief that good stories are out there. The writers here did not have to use tricks or false emotions to get the point across.
Thanks Gene.
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