The fate of fictional animals in movies and television has evolved over time, from avoiding tragic deaths to sometimes featuring dramatic, heart-wrenching narratives. In the case of the goldendoodle named Six-Thirty in “Lessons in Chemistry,” the show takes a unique approach to the character’s story.
Contrary to the unfortunate fates often seen in some movies, Six-Thirty doesn’t meet a tragic end in “Lessons in Chemistry.” However, the character plays a significant role in the series, particularly in a shocking sequence involving his owner’s death due to a bus accident, leading to an entire episode dedicated to Six-Thirty’s perspective, narrated by B.J. Novak. The dog expresses remorse and provides insights from a canine point of view following the event.
Despite this intense and unexpected turn of events, the show doesn’t resort to a typical dramatic, sad ending for the dog. Even after a seven-year time jump in the storyline, there’s no indication of the dog’s demise. In fact, the narrative humorously speculates on the possibility of Six-Thirty, a goldendoodle—a breed popularized much later—being an imaginary creation or a figment of a character’s subconscious guilt.
The storyline leaves the dog’s fate somewhat ambiguous, suggesting the possibility that the dog might be an imagined symbol rather than a physical being. This narrative choice allows for an intriguing layer of interpretation regarding the character and the story itself. Ultimately, the show avoids a typical, tragic end for the dog and keeps its outcome open-ended, leaving room for speculation and interpretation.