S4 E35: Washing Out the Tear Gas

Summary

Six Minutes – S4 E35: "Washing Out the Tear Gas"

Release Date: May 13, 2025
Podcast: Six Minutes by GZM Shows

Episode Overview

In this thrilling and emotional episode, the group grapples with the chaos caused by a visit from a young version of Brinley. After accidentally spraying Cyrus with a dangerous chemical, Young Brinley sets off a flurry of frantic interactions around Whittier Corp. Meanwhile, the "older" Brinley experiences an unexpected and poignant moment with her father in the past, reflecting on family and unresolved loss. Throughout, themes of identity, memory, and the strength of familial love are explored.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Moments

1. Young Brinley's Mischief at Whittier Corp (01:56–03:58)

• Cyrus tries to reason with Young Brinley, who is hostile and unimpressed:
  • Cyrus insists they're friends from the future, but Young Brinley is skeptical and sarcastic.
  • Notable exchange:
    • Young Brinley: “Aren't nerds supposed to be smart?” (03:02)
    • Cyrus: “Did you just call me...? Look, I happen to be really smart and happen to want to help you get back where you belong.” (03:04)
• Young Brinley unexpectedly splashes a dangerous chemical (methyl isocyanate, main ingredient in tear gas) into Cyrus’s eyes, temporarily blinding him:
  • Young Brinley (teasing): “No wonder you're crying like a baby. See ya. Wouldn't wanna be.” (03:58)

2. Cyrus Navigates Whittier Corp While Blind (04:25–07:01)

• Ivan, the AI, tries to help Cyrus get to the infirmary, but miscalculates, causing a small accident:
  • Ivan: “Apologies. I miscalculated the length of your paces.” (05:49)
• Cyrus reunites with Katie and Brinley (the older versions) in the infirmary. Katie tries to explain being there by faking a medical emergency:
  • Katie (laughing at herself): “I don't think my lung collapsing appendicitis was believable, so they left me here.” (06:23)
• They discuss their bizarre encounters with Young Brinley.

3. Dr. Whittier and Dr. Monica Purcell Arrive (07:13–08:15)

• Dr. Whittier introduces Monica Purcell, a new pediatrician, as part of the team working on a cure for Adelaide.
  • Dr. Purcell treats Cyrus’s eyes and makes a professional first impression.
  • Dr. Whittier: “Dr. Purcell will be working closely with you on the team, helping to find a cure for Adelaide.” (12:23)
  • The episode hints at future teamwork and potential story developments with Dr. Purcell.

4. Brinley’s Emotional Visit to Her Past (08:15–11:51)

• Brinley finds herself in her childhood home, confronting memories and her father, Joe Pasternak, from the past:
  • She finds the house messy and her father obsessed with finding her missing mother.
  • Brinley (reflecting): “He was barely sleeping back then. I mean, now. He just wanted to find her.” (08:38)
• Disguising her identity, Brinley poses as a young detective and reassures her father that he’s doing an amazing job raising her:
  • Brinley: “All the evidence I've gathered tells me that Cadance, she loves you very much. And your daughter. I mean, who wouldn't love little Brinley, right?” (10:08)
• Joe Pasternak expresses his insecurities about being a single parent and fears of failing his daughter:
  • Joe: “What if she thinks I'm abandoning her, too? Like her mom?” (11:06)
• Brinley gently assures him:
  • “She may feel lonely at times, but I promise you, Joe, she knows how much you love her. The best thing you can teach her is to be independent and strong.” (11:15)

5. Aftermath & Set-Up for Next Episode (12:10–14:41)

• Back at Whittier Corp, Dr. Purcell treats Cyrus and emphasizes the lab must be decontaminated immediately to prevent permanent damage.
• Katie and Brinley (older) interact with Young Brinley, and it’s clear her chaotic presence is turning the corporation upside down.
• Cyrus tries to track down Brinley using a trail of candy wrappers that lead to the roof, where he finds her waiting.
  • Cyrus (humorous): “Brinley, I'm not mad if you're worried about that. No, come on. What's a little temporary blindness among friends, right?” (13:36)
• The episode ends on a mysterious and slightly tense note as Brinley and Young Brinley connect.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Young Brinley's sass:
  “Aren't nerds supposed to be smart?” — Young Brinley to Cyrus (03:02)
• Cyrus’s exasperation and humor:
  “How could 6 year old Brinley be even meaner?” — Cyrus, after being blinded (05:57)
• Brinley’s deep longing and wisdom:
  “She may feel lonely at times, but I promise you, Joe, she knows how much you love her.” — Brinley to her father (11:15)
• Joe Pasternak’s parental doubt:
  “What if she thinks I'm abandoning her, too? Like her mom?” (11:06)
• Katie’s comedic timing:
  “I don't think my lung collapsing appendicitis was believable, so they left me here.” (06:23)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:56: Cyrus tries to reason with Young Brinley
• 03:53: Young Brinley sprays chemical at Cyrus
• 04:25–05:49: Cyrus, blinded, guided by Ivan
• 06:00–06:13: Cyrus and Katie reunite in the infirmary
• 07:13–08:15: Introduction of Dr. Monica Purcell
• 08:15–11:51: Brinley’s heartfelt conversation with her father in the past
• 12:10: Cyrus is treated and warned about lab decontamination
• 13:36–14:11: Cyrus finds Brinley on the roof

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Summary & Tone

This episode blends fast-paced mischief, heartfelt family drama, and sharp character humor. Young Brinley’s chaotic energy riddles Whittier Corp with mayhem, while older Brinley’s foray into her past provides the heart. The cast’s witty, natural dialogue delivers laughs even as the emotional stakes rise, making it a standout installment sure to resonate with listeners of all ages.

Transcript

[Narrator/Host]

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[Brinley]

There are kids in this world who are different, special. They fell through a portal and got.

[Katie]

Lost in the 80s.

[Brinley]

And now their time is running out.

[Young Brinley]

Why do you know my name? Who are you?

[Cyrus Anders]

I told you. Brynlee. I'm Cyrus. And please, please stop throwing things.

[Young Brinley]

Why should I?

[Cyrus Anders]

Why? It's hard to explain, but we're friends. I mean, we weren't always. And then. And then. Well, it's a long story.

[Young Brinley]

Sounds boring.

[Narrator/Host]

Ugh.

[Cyrus Anders]

Wait, wait, wait, wait. Before you throw any more beakers, is it okay if I ask you some questions?

[Young Brinley]

Whatevs.

[Cyrus Anders]

Okay. So how did you get here?

[Young Brinley]

I don't know.

[Cyrus Anders]

How old are you?

[Brinley]

Six.

[Cyrus Anders]

You said you were with your mommy and daddy, so. Okay, this has gotta be kind of scary for you.

[Young Brinley]

Do I look scared?

[Cyrus Anders]

Strange, at least. And you probably want to get back home. We just need to figure out what that means.

[Young Brinley]

Aren't nerds supposed to be smart?

[Cyrus Anders]

Did you just call me? Look, look. I happen to be really smart and happen to want to help you get back where you belong. We may be able to use this lab to figure out how to do that. How about I order up some food and then we can start figuring this out together?

[Young Brinley]

Not hungry.

[Cyrus Anders]

Commissary can send up a turkey sandwich with cheddar and apple. No, crushed.

[Young Brinley]

Okay.

[Cyrus Anders]

And an orange soda with crushed ice. But not too crushed.

[Young Brinley]

How'd you know?

[Cyrus Anders]

I told you, we are friends. Just sit over there. I'll get the order in. Oh, my eyes. What did you splash on me?

[Young Brinley]

It says concentrate, Nic.

[Cyrus Anders]

Oh, methyl isocyanate. That's like tear gas.

[Young Brinley]

No wonder you're crying like a baby. See ya. Wouldn't wanna be.

[Cyrus Anders]

Brinley. Get back over here.

[Ivan]

Cyrus Anders, what is the matter? You are walking straight for a wall.

[Cyrus Anders]

Ivan, I can't open my eyes. Brin. Concentrated methyl isocyanate was sprayed into my eyes.

[Ivan]

Main ingredient and tear gas. It can cause temporary blindness or worse if not treated.

[Cyrus Anders]

Oh, yes, Ivan, I'm aware.

[Ivan]

May I direct you to the Whittier Corp infirmary?

[Cyrus Anders]

I'll need a little more than directions since, you know, temporary blindness.

[Ivan]

Of course. Just hold on to me.

[Cyrus Anders]

How could 6 year old Brinley be even meaner?

[Ivan]

The elevator has arrived.

[Cyrus Anders]

Oh, Ivan, what's happening?

[Ivan]

It seems I cannot fit in this elevator. I will need to switch to the remote voice tool.

[Cyrus Anders]

Whatever you need to do, pal.

[Ivan]

Please enter the elevator. Cyrus, Anders, go to floor 27.

[Cyrus Anders]

Oh, I can't see the buttons.

[Ivan]

Allow me.

[Brinley]

444.

[Ivan]

27. We are on the move.

[Cyrus Anders]

Yep, I can tell. Great.

[Ivan]

When the doors open, please exit the elevator, turn left and walk forward seven paces. You will then hear the infirmary door slide open.

[Cyrus Anders]

Got it.

[Narrator/Host]

4.

[Ivan]

27 and an infirmary.

[Cyrus Anders]

Thanks, Ivan. Okay, seven paces. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Ow.

[Ivan]

Apologies. I miscalculated the length of your paces.

[Cyrus Anders]

I noticed. Just open the door, please.

[Narrator/Host]

Hello?

[Cyrus Anders]

Is anyone in here? I've got a little situation with my eyes.

[Narrator/Host]

Cyrus?

[Cyrus Anders]

Katie? Is that you?

[Katie]

Yes.

[Brinley]

What happened to you?

[Cyrus Anders]

Are my eyes bleeding?

[Brinley]

Ew.

[Katie]

What? No. Why can't you open them?

[Cyrus Anders]

Because they feel like they're bleeding.

[Katie]

Yeah, but like, why?

[Brinley]

Is.

[Cyrus Anders]

Is anyone else in here?

[Narrator/Host]

No.

[Katie]

Child catchers brought me here to the infirmary, but I don't think my lung collapsing appendicitis was believable, so they left me here. Dr. Whittier is probably on his way.

[Cyrus Anders]

Did you say lung collapsing appendicitis?

[Katie]

Not my best work. Why?

[Young Brinley]

Can't you see?

[Cyrus Anders]

I had a run in with a very special six year old.

[Katie]

Little Brinley did this to you?

[Cyrus Anders]

So you've met her as well?

[Katie]

We were in the elevator. I mean Brinley, Brinley and me. And then the lights flicker and I turn around and there's this little girl. Where old Brynlee was.

[Cyrus Anders]

Don't let her hear you call her old. So was little Bryn nice to you, at least?

[Katie]

Nope. Trapped me in the elevator, hit all the buttons and made a run for it.

[Cyrus Anders]

She is a delight, truly.

[Katie]

Someone's coming.

[Dr. Whittier]

Well, what do we have here? Katie. Cyrus. Isn't this a nice little reunion? But where's our dear friend Brinley?

[Cyrus Anders]

I can honestly say I have no idea.

[Dr. Whittier]

Doc, what happened to you?

[Cyrus Anders]

Um, can you please direct me to an eyewash station? I had a bit of an incident in the lab.

[Dr. Whittier]

This is why we always wear our goggles, young man. But fear not. This is perfect timing. To be blinded, to need medical assistance. Well, I myself am not a physician. I've just hired someone with experience as a pediatrician. Come on in, doctor.

[Dr. Monica Purcell]

Um. Hello. I'm Dr. Monica Purcell.

[Katie]

Monica Purcell.

[Cyrus Anders]

Dr. Purcell. Great to meet you. Think you can help me out here.

[Brinley]

Hello. It's our cabin. But when? I mean, might as well take a look inside. Back door's unlocked. Oh. What happened to this place? So many dishes piled up. Papers everywhere. What in the world is that? Looks like a detective board with a map. I remember poor Daddy. Mom must have just disappeared. He was barely sleeping back then. I mean now. He just wanted to find her. Oh, well.

[Joe Pasternak]

Brittany, is that you? What are you doing up so late?

[Brinley]

Dad's so young. Um, hi.

[Joe Pasternak]

Who are you? What are you doing in my home? I'm calling the police.

[Brinley]

Wait. Joe Pasternak?

[Joe Pasternak]

Yes.

[Brinley]

I. I am with the police, sir. Missing Persons Department at Juno pd. The back door was open.

[Joe Pasternak]

You're awfully young to be a cop.

[Brinley]

Um, yes. Used to work undercover in high schools. Had to take real good care of my skin. No sun, lots of water.

[Joe Pasternak]

Why are you here?

[Brinley]

I was recently assigned to your case. Uh, Cadence Cavendish Pasternak's case.

[Ivan]

Ah.

[Joe Pasternak]

You're here to tell me I'm crazy, too? That I'm just looking for excuses? Cause I can't accept that Cadence didn't like this life. That it wasn't enough for her. That I wasn't enough for her. That's what you came here to tell me?

[Brinley]

Oh, dad. Mr. Pasternak, I came to tell you that I don't agree with the people who said that. And all the evidence I've gathered tells me that Cadance, she loves you very much. And your daughter. I mean, who wouldn't love little Brinley, right?

[Joe Pasternak]

She's a handful, but she's also brilliant and brave. She amazes me every single day.

[Brinley]

Yes, well, like I said, I believe there's more to the story.

[Joe Pasternak]

Thank you for saying that. I need to keep believing it so I can give Brenny the life she deserves.

[Brinley]

You do? I mean, you will. My research tells me you are doing a wonderful job. So please, please, don't worry about that.

[Joe Pasternak]

She's so young. I have a job on the pipeline. At some point, I'm going to have to leave her. What if she thinks I'm abandoning her, too? Like her mom?

[Brinley]

Your little girl will be okay. Eventually. She may feel lonely at times, but I promise you, Jo, she knows how much you love her. The best thing you can teach her is to be independent and strong.

[Joe Pasternak]

Oh, man. I should go and get her. We don't see many female detectives. Oh, she'd love to meet you.

[Brinley]

Let her sleep. It's good for the skin. I need to get going anyhow.

[Joe Pasternak]

Okay. Yeah. Okay.

[Brinley]

Take care. Mr. Pasternak, it was really good to meet you.

[Dr. Monica Purcell]

Here, Pat. Don't rub your eyes with this towel. The stinging should begin to subside.

[Cyrus Anders]

Much better. Thanks. Mal. Nic. Dr. Purcell. I'm glad you got here when you did.

[Dr. Whittier]

Fortuitous timing. Indeed. Dr. Purcell will be working closely with you on the team, helping to find a cure for Adelaide.

[Cyrus Anders]

Is that so?

[Dr. Monica Purcell]

I've heard a lot about you, Cyrus. I look forward to us working together.

[Dr. Whittier]

You won't be disappointed, Doctor. By the way, Cyrus, have you seen Angel? Where did you two go off to during the power surge?

[Cyrus Anders]

Well, we.

[Dr. Monica Purcell]

Sorry to interrupt, Dr. Whittier, but I just realized something. Cyrus, you said it was concentrated mic that was sprayed? Yes, Dr. Whittier, I believe Cyrus needs to hurry and decontaminate his lab at once to avoid any permanent damage.

[Dr. Whittier]

Yes. Yes, of course. We'll talk later.

[Cyrus Anders]

Okay. Nice meeting you, Dr. Purcell.

[Dr. Monica Purcell]

You, too. He seems like a very smart young man.

[Katie]

That's the word on the street.

[Dr. Monica Purcell]

I'm going to go put these things in the contamination bin. Nice to meet you, Katie.

[Young Brinley]

Same.

[Katie]

So I'm gonna go make sure he doesn't need any help. If you'll excuse me, Dr. Whittier.

[Dr. Whittier]

Not so fast, young lady. You're not going anywhere.

[Cyrus Anders]

Okay? The candy wrappers lead up here to the roof. Brinley? Brinley, I know you're up here. Probably wouldn't push me off the roof. Um, Brynlee, I'm not mad if you're worried about that. No, Come on. What's a little temporary blindness among friends, right? You scary film. Brinley?

[Brinley]

Cyrus? Is that you? Hey.

[Narrator/Host]

Now that you've listened to this week's episodes, head on over to the GZM rewind feed to hear me and the creators talk with special guests, including cast members and superfans.

[Brinley]

Shh.

[Young Brinley]

It's starting.

[Ivan]

GZM shows imagination amplified.