In the high-pressure world of fine dining, chefs are celebrated for their culinary expertise, but it’s easy to forget the immense stress and chaos that come with running a top-tier restaurant.
Elsbeth Season 2, Episode 5, “Elsbeth Flips the Bird,” introduces us to the thrilling, sometimes brutal reality of the New York restaurant scene, where the stakes are high, and the pressure is even higher.
While the episode doesn’t stray far from the typical procedural comedy format, it shines a light on the cutthroat nature of the culinary world and, in particular, how the toxic work environment can drive people to extreme measures.
With its unique blend of dark humor and crime-solving, this episode also goes into the emotional and psychological burdens that come with managing such high expectations — all while Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) and Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson) try to solve a murder and perfect a duck recipe.
Setting the Scene: Chef Veev’s Restaurant Drama
The episode opens inside Chef Veev’s fine dining establishment, where Chef Genevieve “Veev” Hale (Pamela Adlon) preps her staff for another intense night of service. Running a high-end restaurant in New York is no easy feat, and Veev’s no-nonsense approach to leadership is evident from the get-go.
As she prepares for the arrival of a VIP guest, Mr. Montebello (a well-known figure in the luxury hospitality industry), tensions run high in the kitchen. Veev is a perfectionist, demanding the best from her team, but her tough exterior hides a lot of stress and frustration, especially when things don’t go as planned.
It’s clear early on that the restaurant’s reservation system is on the verge of collapse. One guest complains that his reservation has been lost despite booking weeks in advance, and soon, more and more customers begin to voice their concerns.
Veev’s irritation grows when her VIP guest, Mr. Montebello, walks in to find his table has been given away to a group of influencers. When Sam (Jack Davenport), the maître d’, tries to explain, he reveals a bizarre glitch in the reservation system: people are showing up with the same name, causing confusion.
The situation worsens when Veev confronts Jordan (Aaron Gonner), a prep cook, who’s caught texting on his phone instead of keeping track of the restaurant’s inventory. Her frustration boils over when she realizes that Jordan might be the one responsible for the reservation mix-ups.
However, instead of simply firing him, a heated confrontation ensues, culminating in Veev attacking Jordan with a meat tenderizer. While this might seem like the point where the episode veers into absurdity, it actually serves as a key turning point in the plot, setting up the dark twist to come.
Murder in the Kitchen: Chef Veev’s Dark Side
The next morning, Jordan is found dead, and it’s clear that someone has staged the crime scene to cover their tracks. Veev, who’s in a state of shock, claims that she was pushed down the stairs and doesn’t remember much, but her story doesn’t add up. Elsbeth and Blanke quickly realize that Veev is not as innocent as she appears.
The details of the crime are eerily meticulous: Veev has gone to great lengths to create a convincing scene of a brutal attack. She’s even gone as far as to knock herself unconscious and make it look like a struggle took place, all while making sure the duck recipe she’s been obsessing over is still in the oven when the police arrive.
Still from Elsbeth (Credit: CBS)
The investigation takes a more serious turn when Elsbeth and Blanke discover that Veev may have been involved in some questionable activities leading up to Jordan’s death. As they question Veev’s staff, it becomes clear that the chef has a reputation for being difficult to work with.
Staff members reveal that Veev has a history of anger issues, and her temper has often caused friction in the kitchen. However, things take an even stranger turn when Veev begins to suggest that her troubles with Jordan were connected to the “avocado cartel,” an absurd and seemingly comical term that, shockingly, turns out to be a real problem in fine dining.
The Avocado Cartel and the Murder Mystery
In what can only be described as one of the more bizarre plot twists, Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) informs Elsbeth and Blanke that the so-called “avocado cartels” are an actual threat to restaurants across the city. The cartels force chefs to use their product — typically avocados — by threatening violence.
While this could be written off as a joke, the episode adds an unexpected level of realism when Wagner confirms that several chefs have been attacked by these cartels, making the situation all the more pressing.
However, despite this revelation, Elsbeth and Blanke quickly rule out the avocado cartel as the cause of Jordan’s death, and the investigation focuses once again on Veev and her possible connection to the murder.
Veev’s own behavior is called into question when Elsbeth uncovers evidence that suggests Jordan had been selling restaurant reservations online. Elsbeth follows this lead back to a shady online marketplace called InsideTable, where Jordan had been making extra money by reselling hard-to-get reservations.
This raises a new possibility: Could Jordan’s illegal activities have led to his murder? Was he trying to expose Veev’s darker side by filming her temper tantrums for leverage? The pieces begin to fall into place, and Elsbeth becomes more convinced that Veev had a strong motive to kill Jordan, though she still lacks solid evidence.
A Star-Studded Dinner: Elsbeth Gets a Reservation
In typical Elsbeth fashion, the investigation continues with unexpected twists and turns. Elsbeth, determined to get closer to the truth, decides to book a reservation at Veev’s restaurant — but getting a seat proves to be a challenge.
After a few failed attempts, Elsbeth brings along supermodel Nadine Clay (Laura Benanti), and with her influence, Elsbeth finally secures a coveted spot at the counter.
During their meal, Elsbeth and Nadine engage in a candid conversation with Veev, where the chef reveals more about her troubled past and the difficult conditions she faced to get where she is. While Veev brushes off the idea that she may have had anything to do with Jordan’s death, Elsbeth continues to dig deeper, uncovering new leads in the process.
The conversation takes an intriguing turn when the subject of the legendary Parisian restaurant Chalet de Boeuf comes up. Malcolm, one of Veev’s staff members, reveals that Veev was once severely punished by her former head chef at Chalet de Boeuf for burning a soufflé — the chef reportedly beat her with a frozen swordfish.
The story highlights the toxic and abusive nature of the culinary world, further complicating Veev’s character. It’s clear that her journey to the top has been marred by hardship, and while she may have the talent to back it up, her anger issues have followed her throughout her career.
The Search for Answers: Elsbeth’s Intuition
Despite all the evidence pointing toward Veev as the prime suspect, Elsbeth isn’t ready to make her move just yet. In a pivotal moment, she recalls a past interview with Mr. Montebello, who had recently taken over a chain of luxury hotels and was in the process of selecting a chef to oversee his restaurant empire.
Montebello had made a reservation at Veev’s restaurant, and the timing of his visit — just before Jordan’s murder — begins to look more like a possible motive. If Veev had lost the chance to showcase her food to Montebello, it could have jeopardized her future prospects, especially since Montebello had been seeking to partner with top-tier chefs for his hotels.
Though the investigation continues to unfold, Elsbeth remains focused on finding the truth. The episode concludes with a surprising twist: Jordan’s girlfriend, Maddie (Emma McNulty), reveals that Jordan had planned to leave the toxic environment at Veev’s restaurant and had been gathering evidence of her abusive behavior. The final pieces of the puzzle come together, and Elsbeth is able to build a strong case against Veev.
The Unraveling of Veev’s Secrets
In the final moments of the episode, Elsbeth confronts Veev once more, acknowledging the chef’s struggles in a male-dominated industry. Veev, who has long carried the weight of sexism and mistreatment in her field, finally opens up about her past, including the abuse she suffered from her mentors.
Still from Elsbeth (Credit: CBS)
Elsbeth’s empathy for Veev’s situation becomes clear, but she also recognizes that Veev’s anger and desire for control led her to murder. The episode ends on a somber note, with Veev’s dark side fully exposed, leaving viewers to reflect on the toll that ambition, abuse, and the pursuit of perfection can take on a person.
Final Thoughts
Elsbeth Season 2, Episode 5, “Elsbeth Flips the Bird,” is a darkly comedic and thought-provoking scheme of the fine dining world and its psychological toll on those who inhabit it. The episode deftly balances murder mystery with social commentary, examining issues of power, ambition, and survival in a high-stakes environment.
With its sharp writing, strong performances, and intriguing plot twists, this episode offers both a thrilling crime investigation and a nuanced look at the personal struggles faced by those in the culinary industry. It’s a perfect example of the show’s ability to blend humor with emotional depth, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Apple TV+ is currently home to some of the best shows, particularly in the sci-fi genre. With the second season of Silo set to release soon, the series has cemented its place as one of the top streaming options in recent times.
The show is a perfect blend of an intriguing plot, strong performances, and an atmosphere of suspense that leaves you eager for more.
The first season is based on Wool, the first novel of Hugh Howey’s popular trilogy. The season ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wanting answers about the mysteries of the Silo, the people in it, and what lies outside. Let’s break down what happened in Season 1, what questions it raised, and what we can expect going forward.
The Silo: The Mysterious Underground World
The Silo is both the setting of the series and its most significant mystery. It is a massive underground structure with 144 levels, and it houses more than ten thousand people. The people living in the Silo are cut off from the outside world.
The show opens with the central question: Who built the Silo, and why? The people living in it don’t have the answers. All they know is that the outside world is toxic, and anyone who steps outside dies almost immediately. The reason for this is never fully explained, creating a sense of unease and suspicion throughout the series.
The Silo’s residents are told that they can leave whenever they wish. However, when someone expresses a desire to go outside, they are tasked with cleaning the sensors that provide the Silo with live footage of the desolate outside world.
Though this task is voluntary, those who go outside always agree to clean, even if some initially refuse. Despite wearing special suits designed to protect them from the toxic air, these individuals always perish once they leave the Silo. They never return.
Inside the Silo, society is divided into different departments. At the bottom levels, people work in Mechanical, operating the engines that keep the Silo’s systems running. These people are the poorest and live in the most difficult conditions. The Mids and upper levels house those who work for IT and Judicial.
IT manages the computers that run the Silo, while Judicial enforces the rules through a strict legal system based on the Pact, a set of laws designed to maintain order. Other important departments include Maintenance, Education, and Medical. Law enforcement is handled by the Sheriff’s Department, and all departments answer to the Mayor.
A Dangerous Conspiracy Unfolds
At the heart of Silo is Juliette Nichols, played by Rebecca Ferguson. Juliette is a strong-willed woman from Mechanical who seems to be the only person capable of keeping the Silo’s engine running smoothly. She is thrown into a conspiracy after the sudden deaths of her boyfriend, George Wilkins, and Allison Becker, the wife of Sheriff Holson Becker.
Juliette and George had uncovered a dark secret about the Silo, which led to Allison’s tragic decision to leave and attempt to clean the sensors, an action that would ultimately kill her. George also dies under mysterious circumstances shortly afterward.
Still from Silo (Credit: Apple TV)
Holston, who is deeply shaken by these events, eventually asks to go outside, naming Juliette as his successor. This choice surprises the entire Silo, but Holston’s wishes are respected, and Juliette is made the next Sheriff. However, Juliette’s new role is not one she wanted. She is a difficult and outspoken person, and her leadership is not welcomed by many.
Judicial, led by Agent Robert Sims, has their own candidate for Sheriff in Paul Billings, and the head of IT, Bernard Holland, does not support Juliette either. Only Mayor Ruth Jahns stands by Holston’s decision and confirms Juliette as the new Sheriff. But just as she begins to step into the role, tragedy strikes again.
Both Mayor Jahns and Deputy Sam Marnes are assassinated, making it clear that the deaths Juliette is investigating are all connected. Someone is trying to stop her from discovering the truth, and Juliette herself may be the next target.
Juliette’s Investigation into the Silo’s Secrets
Despite her new position and the dangerous circumstances surrounding her, Juliette is determined to continue her investigation. She uncovers startling truths about the Silo, things that have been hidden from the public for years.
One of the first shocking discoveries is that every mirror in the Silo contains a hidden surveillance camera, allowing Judicial to monitor everyone’s movements. Additionally, Juliette learns that Judicial keeps a detailed record of relics from the world before the Silo’s creation.
This includes an old hard drive that George had found, which contains secret footage of the outside world—footage that shows a green, lush view with birds soaring in the sky.
Juliette also discovers the existence of the Flamekeepers, a secret group of citizens who dedicated themselves to preserving memories and objects from the world before the Silo’s creation.
The Flamekeepers had once been a vibrant and growing movement, but Judicial systematically wiped them out, executing many members and enforcing strict breeding laws to limit their numbers. Despite the threat to her life, Juliette presses on, determined to uncover the full truth about the Silo.
During her investigation, Juliette comes across a picture book from the state of Georgia. The book contains photos of blue skies, sandy beaches, and green fields, a stark contrast to the barren view that the Silo’s residents are told exists outside.
This picture book raises questions about the true nature of the outside world. Is the toxic environment just a lie to keep the people inside the Silo, or is there something more to the outside world than the Silo’s leaders are willing to admit?
The Shocking Truth About the Outside World
As Juliette continues to dig deeper into the mystery, she becomes a target of Judicial, who sees her as a threat to the Silo’s carefully controlled narrative. The authorities attempt to stop her, but Juliette’s determination and courage push her forward.
Eventually, she uncovers a horrific truth: Bernard, now the Acting Mayor, has been behind the conspiracy all along. He had used IT’s technology to monitor everyone and manipulate Judicial’s actions, all under the guise of keeping the Silo safe.
Bernard makes a deal with Juliette, offering her the truth about George’s death if she agrees to go outside voluntarily. She agrees to the deal and learns that George had committed suicide to avoid being interrogated. His death had been part of a larger plan to silence those who were starting to uncover the truth about the Silo.
Juliette’s investigation has put her life at risk, but it has also made her a symbol of resistance against the oppressive rule of Judicial and the corrupt leadership inside the Silo. As she fights for answers, Juliette also learns more about the people who secretly oppose the Silo’s authority.
In Mechanical, some of the workers rally to support her cause. One of the key figures in this movement is Martha Walker, a local leader who uses her connections to make sure that Juliette gets a suit made from the best materials. This suit is essential for her survival when she finally decides to step outside.
The Final Revelation: What Lies Beyond the Silo
After getting her specially made suit, Juliette finally ventures outside the Silo. As she steps beyond the hill that marks the boundary of the Silo’s sensors, she is shocked by what she sees. The outside world is not the toxic wasteland she had been led to believe.
Instead, it is a lush and vibrant view, just like the footage George had shown her. Birds fly freely in the sky, and the earth is covered in green fields. This moment is a glimmer of hope for Juliette, as she begins to realize that the Silo’s leaders have been lying to everyone about the true state of the world outside.
However, as Juliette walks further, the visor on her suit malfunctions, and the video of the outside world disappears. Instead of the beautiful view she had seen, the real world is revealed to be desolate and barren. The outside world is not as it seemed, and Juliette is left to confront a terrifying reality.
The Silo is located in the center of a massive crater, and as she looks further, she sees that there are other craters like it. These craters house more Silos, stretching across the earth as far as she can see. In the distance, she can make out the ruins of a city, a stark reminder of the world that was lost.
Juliette now faces a difficult choice. She can return to the Silo, where her life is in danger, or she can venture into the unknown, knowing that the truth is out there, but so is the risk. Either way, her journey has just begun, and the events of Season 1 have set the stage for a thrilling second season.
What’s Next for Juliette in Season 2?
Season 1 of Silo leaves many questions unanswered, and Season 2 promises to go deeper into the mysteries of the Silo and the outside world. Juliette’s discovery of the truth about the outside world is just the beginning.
Still from Silo (Credit: Apple TV)
The second season will likely show how the people of the Silo respond to the knowledge that the outside world may not be as dangerous as they were led to believe. It will also focus on Juliette’s quest for answers as she continues to uncover the dark secrets that have been hidden from the Silo’s residents for so long.
With the first season setting the stage for a larger conspiracy, we can expect more twists, more mysteries, and more shocking revelations as Juliette and her allies fight to uncover the truth. The future of the Silo, and the fate of its residents, hangs in the balance as Season 2 approaches.
Silo Season 1 is available to stream now on Apple TV+. Stay tuned for more updates on the upcoming second season.
