Recap of Season 2 Episode 6 of ‘The Bear’: ‘Fishes
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The Bear Season Two: “Fishes” — A Rollercoaster Family Holiday Dinner
Introduction
Anyone who has ever attended a Family Holiday Dinner, especially an Italian one, will instantly relate to the opening scenes of The Bear Season Two’s standout sixth episode: “Fishes.” This episode takes us back to a Christmas Eve dinner five years ago, where three siblings — Carmy, Mikey, and Sugar Berzatto — strategize on how to navigate the explosive dynamics of their family. Specifically, they try to tiptoe around their mother, whose trigger is the simple question, “Are you OK?” However, “Fishes” excels not only in capturing this relatable scenario but also in providing an hour-plus-long episode that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the year’s best.
The Plot
“Fishes” revolves around the highs and lows (mostly lows!) of the Berzatto family’s Christmas Eve dinner. They faithfully follow the traditional Italian “Seven Fishes” holiday meal, but this event delves into the core of Carmy’s identity. The episode showcases an exceptional ensemble cast, who usually convene in front of a camera for events like The Hollywood Reporter’s Actors Roundtable, coming together to compete for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in one collective effort. Surprisingly, Carmy discovers he is distantly related to many famous individuals.
Cast of Characters
- Jamie Lee Curtis portrays Donna Berzatto, the family matriarch and a menacing, frayed-nerved alcoholic.
- Sarah Paulson plays Michelle, another cousin who resides at the periphery of the family and revels in gossip.
- John Mulaney embodies the role of That Weird In-Law: Stevie, Donna’s partner, who unexpectedly delivers a grace reminiscent of Tiny Tim before dinner.
- Bob Odenkirk portrays Uncle Lee, another relative positioned on the outskirts of the family, who is itching for a fight.
- Jon Bernthal returns as Mikey, revealing his ugly side by throwing forks at dinner guests.
- Gillian Jacobs shines as Richie’s wife, in the stage prior to their divorce, and brings delightful energy to the episode.
Each actor in the episode showcases their talent, reminding viewers why they form an Avengers-esque crew of splendid thespians, constituting the Berzatto family.
The Impact of “Fishes”
The true genius of “Fishes” lies in its placement halfway through the season and its purpose in showcasing Carmy’s growth. At this stage of Season Two, Carmy is finally experiencing personal development. The chef embraces his budding relationship with Claire, openly acknowledging how much he missed out on in life. It is fitting for The Bear to follow their first kiss with a substantial episode that dissects the trauma Carmy endures from a family where alcohol abuse, swindling, passive-aggression, and physical aggression are normal elements of their dinner conversations. Throughout “Fishes,” Carmy endures it all, yearning for a genuine expression of love from the family he moved across the world to escape.
The Pivotal Scene
Surprisingly, the most critical moment of the episode is not when Mrs. Berzatto drives through the living room, although it certainly stands out. Instead, it is Carmy’s reaction to the destruction of his home, which symbolizes his family collapsing before his eyes. Throughout the night, Carmy wears a blank stare — the look of a son who has long suffered, internalized, and dissociated from his family’s terror. Yet, in this moment, he stares at a pile of cannoli. The Bear explores the Carmy-cannoli connection later in the season, but for now, it draws a direct line between Carmy’s family trauma and his passion for cooking. The need to create, to please, to satisfy, and to bring comfort. Crafting dishes by hand becomes his medicine, something people can consume and find solace in. Unfortunately, Carmy’s mother failed to fix his family through her annual labor on Christmas Eve, and it pushed her to the brink of madness.
FAQs
1. What is the premise of “Fishes” in The Bear Season Two?
“Fishes” follows the Berzatto family’s Christmas Eve dinner, exploring the ups and downs of their traditional Italian “Seven Fishes” meal. The episode focuses on Carmy’s experiences and his desire for love and acceptance within his family.
2. Who are the standout actors in “Fishes”?
The episode boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, including Jamie Lee Curtis as the family matriarch Donna Berzatto, Sarah Paulson as Michelle, John Mulaney as Stevie, Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee, Jon Bernthal as Mikey, and Gillian Jacobs as Richie’s wife.
3. How does “Fishes” contribute to Carmy’s character development?
“Fishes” is strategically placed at the halfway point of Season Two to highlight Carmy’s growth. It showcases his budding relationship with Claire while exploring the trauma he has endured from his family. The episode aims to uncover whether Carmy can fix himself through his culinary work or if he should reclaim the life he left behind.
4. What is the significance of Carmy’s reaction to his demolished home?
Carmy’s reaction to his destroyed home represents the destruction of his family. While he appears numb and accustomed to his family’s dysfunction, seeing his home crumble before his eyes forces him to confront the impact of his family’s toxicity. This pivotal moment emphasizes the connection between Carmy’s family trauma and his passion for cooking, as well as his longing for love and stability.
5. Does “Fishes” set up future storylines in The Bear Season Two?
Yes, “Fishes” sets up several intriguing storylines, including the exploration of the Carmy-cannoli connection later in the season. It also introduces the question of whether Carmy can ultimately find happiness and healing within his family or if he is better off leaving his past behind and embracing the newfound love he has found with Claire.
