The chapter titled "KCTV Studios" takes place one month later from the previous events.
Walter Pine is a television producer and parent responsible for his daughter, Amanda. Feeling trapped in his career, he's faced with job pressure and worries about Amanda's behavior at school.
Elizabeth Zott returns to work at Hastings, dealing with underemployment and intellectual underuse, only to discover her research paper stolen and published by a colleague, Donatti.
Elizabeth confronts her boss, Donatti, about stealing her research, before ultimately quitting her job in a fit of anger and disappointment.
After quitting, Elizabeth receives several phone calls from Walter Pine, who wants to discuss an urgent matter stemming from a previous confrontation about school lunches.
Elizabeth and her daughter Madeline have a strained conversation about school, popularity, and societal expectations.
Madeline's teacher, Mrs. Mudford, disapproves of Madeline's intellect and curiosity, favoring more traditional behavior from her students.
Elizabeth reflects on her late husband Calvin's employment history and choices, examining letters that reveal his personal thoughts and feelings towards his family and religion.
During discussions at dinner, Madeline feels insecure about being perceived as poor, triggering Elizabeth to contemplate her own financial situation.
Walter Pine pitches a cooking show concept to Elizabeth over the phone, hoping she will host it despite her inexperience and his desperation for new programming.
Elizabeth reluctantly considers the cooking show offer, seeing it as a potential solution to her immediate financial troubles.