Lessons in Chemistry Season 1 Episode 6 Review: Poirot
In the drama’s most balanced outing yet, Lessons in Chemistry Season 1 Episode 6, “Poirot,” finds strength and power in its characters’ actions and voices.
Most notably, the episode serves up success because it zeroes in on Aja Naomi King as Harriet Sloane.
With a teleplay by Elissa Karasik directed by Millicent Shelton, “Poirot” holds a necessary mirror up to its leading lady and gives the supporting cast the spotlight they deserve. Moreover, that balance between Elizabeth and Harriet becomes three-fold when Mad’s latest leads to know Calvin hit a new stride.
All the while, Lessons in Chemistry threads the episode together with the evolution of Elizabeth Zott’s voice from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Rightfully, “Poirot” doesn’t condemn younger Elizabeth for not speaking up against her parents’ abuse of her brother, John. Instead, the writing and Brie Larson’s performance hone in on the complicated guilt that sticks to Elizabeth over the years, sharpening the character’s sympathies and motivations.
While it’s disappointing that the episode doesn’t stay in the past longer to see those two characters interact more extensively, Lessons in Chemistry‘s change from Bonnie Garmus’s book — John introduces Elizabeth to chemistry instead of her father — illuminates her brother’s lasting impact on her life.
The flashbacks’ brevity creates a struggle in expounding elements of Elizabeth’s comments about knowing her brother so deeply on “Primitive Instinct.” Nevertheless, they effectively intersect science and faith as two opposing forces in Elizabeth’s life and John as a constant, gone too soon.
Thankfully, “Poirot” comes with a content warning at the beginning. Its depictions of abuse, self-harm, and police brutality call for it.
Likewise, this episode necessarily provides an in-story case for why Lessons in Chemistry repeatedly sidesteps any updates about the freeway, let alone Harriet’s personal life. “Poriot” presents that case through evidence about privilege.
For example, when Elizabeth’s story expands with Mad’s birth and the job at Supper at Six, the limited series accommodates its lead. There is time and space for Elizabeth, even if it means Lessons in Chemistry Season 1 Episode 5, “CH₃COOH,” has less time to address the changes for Harriet over the years.
“Poirot” depicts that strain on their friendship and Harriet through sequences like their phone call. That disconnect compounds until Lessons in Chemistry pointedly defines it in a passionately delivered monologue by Aja Naomi King.
Harriet’s comments about Elizabeth using her platform are especially relevant in the 1950s. Still, they remain an evergreen call to action for people who benefit from white privilege and can help amplify voices in the fight for human rights.
Unsurprisingly, Naomi King shines with a larger on-screen presence.
There is a complexity to every choice she makes throughout “Poirot.” Naomi King delivers a silent yet stirring performance as Harriet stands opposite a racist police officer during her community’s peaceful protest against the freeway. Additionally, that final scene between her and Paul James is devastating.
The desire to know Harriet, Charlie, Linda, and Junior better and deeper is one that Lessons in Chemistry can no longer ignore. Thankfully, “Poriot” addresses the disparity in representing Harriet’s arc, and narrative turns tease that she can be an even more prominent player in the limited series’ final two episodes.
After all, Mad’s investigations into Calvin lead her (and Linda & Junior) back to Hollis, Morrison, & Douglas — Harriet’s workplace.
Alice Halsey maintains the reigns of Madeline’s story confidently from the second she whispers, “Hi, Dad,” to Calvin on the magazine cover. It’s such a sincere detail for Mad to be tucked under her blanket with a flashlight to read.
The character settles even more into herself with Mad’s independent excursions that parallel the self-discovery tips Elizabeth gives her Supper at Six audiences. That common thread of self-assurance binds the mother and daughter together even though they don’t share a lengthy scene until the end of “Poirot.”
That final scene between Larson and Halsey is one of Lessons in Chemistry‘s best.
It’s a playful yet mature scene that walks the tightrope of grief by embracing its bouts of heaviness and levity.
Moreover, utilizing memory boxes as the common denominator between Elizabeth and Mad’s significant losses highlights their similarities and underscores the personal ways of keeping loved ones close.
That shared prop also helps bridge the gap in time between Ridley Haitkin’s take on the character and Larson’s.
Alternatively, “Poirot” takes the time to fold Stephanie Koenig’s Fran Frask back into Lessons in Chemistry. The exchange between Elizabeth and Fran in the grocery store — filled with excellent details — is a smart tool not to let the years fall away but to address their history.
It’s notable and necessary for the women to speak about the toxic work environment at Hastings and how it rippled into their treatment of each other before they come together at Supper at Six. It’s a break in the cycle.
That distinction makes it more impactful when the Supper at Six‘s stylist encourages Elizabeth to literally reflect on how her actions at the top of the call-sheet affect the other employees at the studio.
The cleverly directed sequence expands the environment at Supper at Six beyond Elizabeth while allowing her to utilize her platform when the cameras are rolling — and even when they aren’t (Elizabeth’s confrontation with Phil is rewarding!).
Ultimately, “Poirot” finds itself in a timely discussion for the 1950s that remains timeless today, making Lessons in Chemistry a dynamic watch once again.
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Lessons in Chemistry streams on Fridays on Apple TV+.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.