This sequence illustrates how crucial mentorship and friendship are, even when people don’t have the same talents. Even though Jolene can’t help Beth with her chess playing, she helps Beth get her body, mind, and even her living space back into shape, and this puts her on the path back to playing top-level chess. Jolene’s support is thus incredibly valuable to Beth’s success, in the same way that Benny’s refusal to keep alcohol in his house in New York helped Beth avoid the pitfalls of her addiction.