You thought the Griswolds brought us family dysfunction in 1989’s Christmas Vacation, have you had dinner with the Berzattos? While Season 2 of FX’s hit The Bear dropped all episodes in June, we thought it was timely to look back on the spectacularly hellish Christmas-themed episode, “Fishes.”
While Season 1 of the Emmy-nominated series presented a chaotic atmosphere set in the restaurant, Season 2 gave us a slightly softer, more reflective tone. The focus shifted from intense shouting matches to a more introspective journey as Carmy and company collaborated to open their new restaurant.
The series returned to its mayhem form in episode 6, “Fishes.” This relentless episode catapults the audience back in time to a traumatic Christmas Eve dinner at the childhood home of the brooding chef Carmy Berzatto, portrayed with magnetic intensity by Jeremy Allen White (Fingernails, The Iron Claw), alongside his now-deceased brother Mikey, played by Jon Bernthal (The Punisher, The Walking Dead).
The star-studded cast includes Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee, Sarah Paulson as Cousin Michelle, John Mulaney as Cousin Michelle’s partner Stevie, Gillian Jacobs as Richie’s then-wife Tiffany, and a show-stopping appearance by Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto, Mikey and Carmy’s alcoholic mother. The dinner gathering also includes established characters such as Carmy’s sister Natalie Berzatto, Uncle Jimmy, and Neil.
The Christmas Eve dinner, despite its star-studded attendees, is far from a warm family gathering. Donna’s erratic behavior in the kitchen as she attempts to cook a traditional Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes sets a tense tone from the outset. Jamie Lee Curtis’s portrayal captures the character’s unpredictable and volatile nature, with emotions represented by a cooking timer ringing like a siren.
Carmy is subdued amidst the chaos, highlighting his discomfort around his volatile family. The episode provides glimpses into Richie and Tiff’s relationship before its inevitable breakdown, showcasing a deeper understanding of Richie’s charm and flaws. Take a look below:
“Fishes” is characterized by extended takes and frenetic camera work, seemingly designed to secure a spot on end-of-the-year lists and provoke Emmy buzz, echoing the success of the first season’s standout one-take episode, “Review.”
Notably, “Fishes” boasts a runtime almost twice that of the average episode, clocking in at one hour and six minutes. The episode is also adorned with an impressive array of A-list guest stars, creating a veritable parade of movie stars, character actors, and comedians portraying various Berzatto family members and friends. The intricate web of relationships is further blurred by the familiar “cousin” and “uncle” references, adding a layer of complexity to the familial connections.
While the abundance of guest stars may initially seem distracting, their seamless integration into their roles, coupled with the masterful direction by series creator Christopher Storer, contributes to the episode’s success.
Notably, the episode isn’t solely reliant on shouting matches and impulsive actions. It artfully weaves in calm moments, offering equally compelling insights into the characters’ lives. Whether it’s Michelle’s concern for Carmy’s well-being or Mulaney’s poignant grace monologue, “Fishes” proves to be a multifaceted exploration of the Berzatto family’s complexities.
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