1 / 2

Brie Larson stars in "Lessons in Chemistry" on Apple TV+.

Courtesy photo

2 / 2

Brie Larson stars in "Lessons in Chemistry" on Apple TV+.

Courtesy photo

❮ ❯

In “Lessons in Chemistry,” Elizabeth Zott (Brie Larson, who also executive produces) is a chemist. The problem is this is the early 1950s when women were not supposed to be scientists. They were relegated to being secretaries and homemakers. But Zott, a highly intelligent woman, is more intelligent than most of the men at the Hastings Research Institute. Unfortunately, she is not treated as anything more than a lackey. That is until Calvin Evans (Lewis Pullman) recognizes her abilities and takes her on, secretly, as his partner. Together, they can unlock the secret of life.

Evans takes a lot of flack from his fellow chemists; however, they have always seen him as a strange person. His intelligence and quirks set him aside from the others. Interestingly, the chemistry between Zott and Evans goes beyond the lab.

As time progresses, Zott is out of a job, pregnant and alone. She hesitantly takes the job as the host of a cooking TV show. She is, besides a brilliant chemist, a wonderful cook. Soon, she is the talk of the town and a beloved TV star. Besides teaching about cooking, Zott inspires women to step out of the shackles that are keeping them from achieving their dreams and goals.

Zott’s daughter, Mad (Alice Halsey), is an adorable little girl with her intelligence inherited from both her brilliant parents. She is also one of the cutest little girls on TV these days.

The show has many ups and downs as the characters all evolve. Zott’s neighbor Harriet Sloan (Aja Naomi King) becomes her best friend and, this being a time of social and racial changes, it turns out to be a partnership that helps both of them in their lives.

Kevin Sussman plays Walter, the producer of “Supper at Six,” the show hosted by Zott. He sees the potential in her and turns out to be an unlikely ally when the station owner turns on her.

The evolution of many of the characters through the episodes is heartening as Zott’s influence adds to their personal growth. It is Zott who is the catalyst for many changes in their lives, and the changes are all for the better.

The show is filled with quirky characters, scheming, social mores and injustices which by today’s standards are outdated — or are they? “Lessons in Chemistry” takes viewers back to the 1950s with a story that will touch their hearts and minds. It is an interesting series.

The first of the eight episodes premiered Friday on Apple TV+.

Newsletter