Lessons in Chemistry can’t commit to the bit when it comes to the very good boy Six-Thirty.
This article contains spoilers forLessons in Chemistrythrough episode 4.
It was always going to be a challenge to translate such a conceit from page to screen.
It felt like he was destined for something big.
Okay, I thought, theyre going to go the silent route with the dog.
Its a bummer, but okay.
In episode 3, the camera focuses on Six-Thirtys attentive face, and he starts to speak.
Reader, I must admit that I burst into tears with excitement.
I was overjoyed that my sweet guy was being given a chance to tell his side of the story.
Tenderly voiced byThe Officealum B.J.
Novak, Six-Thirtys thoughts were a welcome addition.
But thats exactly what they did.
Was a faithful on-screen adaptation of Six-Thirty always doomed to fail?
Unfortunately, this approach only serves to split the difference and cause confusion for both parties.
Sepinwall didnt read the book, but Id bet money that his colleague did.)
Why on earth did the show decide to change Six-Thirtys namesake?
he called out to her, shaking off the odd feeling.
she called back after glancing at her wrist.
I almost fell asleep writing that sentence, its so boring.
If I named my dog after the time he woke me up, his name would be He-Who-Sleeps-In-Until-I-Smooch-Him-Awake.
That name is more descriptive and its still boring.
Six-Thirty would hate it.
The most egregious slight toward Six-Thirty is his involvement in Calvins untimely death.
In the book, his death is a tragic accident.
In the show, things are different.
The first time Six-Thirty wears the leash Elizabeth buys, its the first time he goes running with Calvin.
And Calvin hasnt really taken the time to train him properly.
So when Six-Thirty balks at going into the road, Calvin doesnt know what to do.
Due to this misunderstanding, the show makes it look like the obstinate dog is responsible for Calvins death.
In both the novel and the series, Elizabeth never once blames Six-Thirty for Calvins death.
(Instead, she blames herself.)
Id cry out for justice for Six-Thirty, but thankfully justice is just a page turn away.
In the case of the missing dog dialogue, it can be found in the original source material.
New episodes ofLessons in Chemistrypremiere Fridays on Apple TV+, culminating with the finale on Nov. 24.
