Lessons in Chemistry Finale Explained: What Did Elizabeth and Calvin's Smile Mean?

Lessons in Chemistry finale explained: Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
Credit: The Great Unknown Productions | Piece of Work Entertainment | Aggregate Films | Apple Studios


Lessons in Chemistry finale explained: Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
Credit: The Great Unknown Productions | Piece of Work Entertainment | Aggregate Films | Apple Studios

As Apple TV+ nears the release of the finale episode of its Lessons in Chemistry adaptation, fans can't help but wonder what happened. A new clip has emerged just hours before the finale. And with it, let's take a look at the series of events in this Lessons in Chemistry finale explained guide.

When Does the Final Lessons in Chemistry Episode Air?

Lessons in Chemistry finale explained: Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
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Credit: The Great Unknown Productions | Piece of Work Entertainment | Aggregate Films | Apple Studios

The episodes of Apple TV+'s Lessons in Chemistry adaptation are usually released every Friday since it came out on October 13, 2023. But for the eighth and final episode, Apple TV+ decided to release the episode two days earlier due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

Ahead of the finale episode's release on November 22, Apple TV+ released a clip from the series. The clip can be seen exclusively on Cosmopolitan.

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Lessons in Chemistry Finale Explained: What Happens in the Ending?

Lessons in Chemistry finale explained: Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
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Credit: The Great Unknown Productions | Piece of Work Entertainment | Aggregate Films | Apple Studios

After watching this clip, we're sure you've got questions, especially since the series has been a slow-burner.

In this Lessons in Chemistry finale explained article, it was revealed that the ending of the show opens to the conclusion of the previous episode. Elizabeth and Madeline manage to find a clue in the library of St. Luke's.

The ending also shows us that Calvin has an indirect link to both Wilson (the mysterious figure) and the Remsen Foundation. We learn the connection to these in a series of flashbacks from 30 years ago.

The flashback shows that Wilson actually visited the St. Luke's Boys Home and specifically asked for Calvin. The bishop lied to Wilson and said that Calvin had died. To support his lie, the bishop showed a fake death certificate confirming Calvin's death. Meanwhile, Calvin is told that Wilson decided not to adopt him anymore.

Lessons in Chemistry finale explained: Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
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Credit: The Great Unknown Productions | Piece of Work Entertainment | Aggregate Films | Apple Studios

The episode then shows us a scene set three years into the future, where Elizabeth has become a lecturer. In this scene, Elizabeth talks about change and even reads from Great Expectations, which also happens to be Calvin's favorite passage.

The passage is used as a narration in the final montage: a bird's eye view of Elizabeth's life. The episode then ends with Elizabeth hosting a party for all her friends and family.

At the party, Elizabeth sees Calvin standing in the hallway and they both smile at each other. While the scene is open for interpretation, we can't help but believe that the smile meant the two were proud of Elizabeth's life choices.

And this leads to the series ending for good.

Lessons in Chemistry finale explained: Brie Larson as Elizabeth Zott
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Credit: The Great Unknown Productions | Piece of Work Entertainment | Aggregate Films | Apple Studios

So what do we learn from this Lessons in Chemistry finale explained article? The show doesn't really give us a confusing ending. But it does leave the door open for a potential expansion in the story.  Would this be something you'd be interested in?

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