Chapter 29: Bonding
Summary
- Elizabeth Zott introduces herself as the host of the show "Supper at Six."
- She announces that she will discuss three types of chemical bonds: ionic, covalent, and hydrogen.
- Elizabeth provides a creative explanation of ionic bonds comparing them to a relationship between two very different people.
- Women across Southern California are notably engaged, taking notes on her lesson.
- Covalent bonds are likened to a mutually beneficial marriage or the society of a functioning small European country like Switzerland.
- Hydrogen bonds are described as weak and temporary, equated with superficial attractions that can end abruptly.
- The show takes a commercial break, with Elizabeth planning to cook chicken pot pie next.
- Women viewers relate the chemistry lessons to their own lives, particularly a woman from Santa Monica and her daughter.
- Walter Pine, the producer, reflects on the compromises made to keep the show running amid corporate pressures to phase out science content in favor of sex appeal.
- Walter is also dealing with personal issues concerning his adoptive daughter.
- Elizabeth checks with Walter about safety precautions for an upcoming show about combustion, notably preferring nitrogen-propelled fire extinguishers.
- Walter is internally critical about Elizabeth's wardrobe, fearing the reaction of Lebensmal, a person in power associated with the show.
- Rosa, the makeup artist, admires Elizabeth's scientific terminology.
- Elizabeth walks viewers through the cooking process, continuing to make analogies to chemical bonding and societal harmony.
- A tense exchange around terminology ensues, with Rosa forced to use layman's terms to appease corporate sponsors, indicative of the network's priorities.
- Elizabeth faces pushback from Walter about her attire, but she responds confidently.
- The show returns from break; Elizabeth takes a question from Mrs. George Fillis, who admits to a hidden passion for surgery.
- Elizabeth's encouragement leads to an outpouring of support for Mrs. Fillis from the audience, overturning gender norms and empowering the woman to consider pursuing her dream.
- Mrs. Fillis is awarded a chicken pot pie on the show's "Free Day," reinforcing the support for her aspirations.
- Elizabeth closes the show and directly addresses Mrs. Fillis's children, telling them to set the table as their mother takes in the momentary recognition of her worth and potential.