Another season of The Bear has arrived, and unfortunately for all of us who watched it immediately, it’s time to bid farewell to our favorite chefs — at least for now.
Season 2 of ‘The Bear’ steps out of the kitchen, and it works.
Season 2 of FX’s hit series shifts gears by taking us out of The Original Beef of Chicagoland’s kitchen and exploring the weeks building up to its reopening as The Bear. Each episode this season is a masterful piece of storytelling, digging deep into multiple backstories for each character while simultaneously counting down the weeks to the restaurant’s opening, reminding us (and them) of what’s at stake. At long last, by the season finale, The Bear has opened for a family-and-friends night, where things get emotional and chaotic pretty quickly.
While the evening is running smoothly in the dining room, the kitchen is an absolute mess with Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) spiraling out of control after thinking he sees his ruthless former boss (Joel McHale) in attendance. Turns out, it’s actually just some guy with glasses, but the resemblance is enough for Carmy to get into his own head and lose his focus.
What follows is a rollercoaster of events that includes but is by no means limited to: Carmy getting stuck in the kitchen’s walk-in fridge for the entire evening; Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) taking over as the kitchen’s expo, aka its captain, to get everyone back on track; and Marcus (Lionel Boyce) figuring out that one of their new hires has been doing meth in the back alley. And that doesn’t even capture the full scope of the night’s chaos. While the season ended with a big win tied to the restaurant’s success, it still felt like a crushing loss for our characters, particularly Carmy, whose emotional progress this season is completely undone in a matter of minutes.
Season 2 of The Bear starts off calmly, but it ends on a note that’s anything but. So, what can we expect from Season 3? Let’s dive into our burning questions.
Is this the end of Carmy and Claire?
Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX
Carmy’s relationship with Claire (Molly Gordon) is a major highlight of season. And while they’ve had a lot of cute couple moments, including the realization that they’ve both been crushing on each other since they were teens, their relationship has more importantly been a turning point for Carmy, who’s finally realizing he can be loved and even deserves to be loved. But, as is with most things in The Bear, everything crashes and burns by the end.
While he’s stuck in the walk-in fridge, Carmy begins thinking aloud, talking to himself but also to whomever happened to be outside the door in the kitchen at the time. In a moment that changes everything, he says that the relationship has skewed his focus and is hindering his commitment to, and consequently the success, of his restaurant. He thinks Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) is on the other side of the door listening, but he says all of this to Claire. Evidently, she leaves, and they presumably break up which leaves Carmy even more distraught than he already was.
Now, I understand that Claire has been a major distraction this season, so much so that Carmy forgets to call a repairman for the fridge because of her (isn’t it funny how fate works?). But she’s been really good for him besides that, and surely there’s a way to balance a grueling career and love, right? Right?! I know audiences are divided on #Clairmy, but I’m hoping we get more closure in Season 3. If not, I hope the breakup kicks off Carmy’s emotional glow-up, because boy, does he need it.
Is Jamie Lee Curtis going to come back to the show?
Credit: Screenshot Hulu
Jamie Lee Curtis guest-starring as Carmy’s mom, Donna, is probably the biggest surprise of the season. Firstly, whoever thought of pairing Curtis with White deserves a raise. Secondly, Curtis delivers such a spectacular performance that I need to see more of her in this role.
It would make sense for Curtis to return, narratively speaking. Donna’s relationship with her kids is damaged, but it’s not beyond repair. She actually accepts their invitation and shows up to the restaurant’s opening, and while she may not have actually entered or spoken to them, that’s still a big step towards healing. Carmy’s relationship with his mom is a huge catalyst for his character arc, and it deserves to be resolved, or at least explored. Maybe Donna will finally dine at The Bear in Season 3 and speak to her kids. Maybe she won’t. But one thing’s for sure; we can bet that it’ll be an emotional episode if she does return.
Will any of this season’s other guest stars return?
Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX
I’ve never wanted to be a Berzatto so bad. Episode 6 of Season 2 casually introduces us to the Berzatto family tree which includes Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee, Sarah Paulson as cousin Michelle, John Mulaney as Michelle’s partner, and Gillian Jacobs as Richie’s ex-wife — talk about a family legacy. Oh, and Will Poulter also makes an appearance as a drop-dead gorgeous, tattooed chef. Need I say more?
Surely, there can be another Christmas or Thanksgiving episode where the Berzattos return. We not only need it; we deserve it. Poulter also needs to make a comeback. I don’t know how, but he must.
Are Carmy and Sydney ever going to evolve into something more?
Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX
Perhaps the most divisive plot in The Bear‘s canon is whether or not Carmy and Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) have romantic feelings for each other. Fancams have gone to war defending this ship, while self-proclaimed educated viewers have risen in revolt declaring they’re platonic soulmates instead. No matter which side you’re on, Carmy and Sydney’s relationship is definitely going to evolve next season, whether as close friends, found family, business partners, or yes, romantic partners.
In either case, Carmy and Sydney have a wonderful friendship, and whether or not The Bear is really just a slow-burn romance is something we’re all going to have to wait for. Personally, I think they’re BFFs, and that’s beautiful in its own way.
Will Carmy get out of the fridge?
Credit: Chuck Hodes/FX
Can you imagine if he doesn’t?
How to watch: Season 2 of The Bear is now streaming on Hulu.
