"Fishes" is the sixth episode in the second season of the series The Bear. It aired on June 22, 2023.
Synopsis[]
Flashback to an intense and heated Christmas dinner in the Berzatto family.
Plot[]
Around five years prior to The Bear's anticipated opening, Carmy returns from Copenhagen to celebrate Christmas with his loved ones. During this time, Natalie expresses concerns about their mother Donna's well-being, prompting Carmy and Michael to warn her against doing anything that might upset her.
Inside the kitchen, chaos ensues as Donna frantically prepares a meal based on the Feast of the Seven Fishes while indulging in multiple bottles of wine. Carmy and others attempt to lend a hand, but the task proves increasingly difficult. Meanwhile, Richie's pregnant wife, Tiffany, falls ill, leading Richie to care for her and contemplate their future. Seeking employment, Richie approaches Cicero and requests a job.
Carmy becomes upset when Michael, Richie, and cousin Stevie casually mention running into his high school crush, Claire, causing him to feel taunted. Adding to the tension, Natalie's husband, Pete, arrives with a tuna casserole, dubbing it the "eighth fish," much to the dismay of everyone. Recognizing Donna's distaste for it, Natalie discreetly discards the casserole before Donna catches sight of it.
As the group eagerly awaits dinner, a spirited debate ensues regarding the origin of the Seven Fishes tradition. Tempers flare, particularly between Michael and his uncle Lee. Eventually, Donna completes the cooking but becomes increasingly emotional and intoxicated. Carmy reassures her of her value and appreciation.
Gathered around the dinner table, Cicero officially offers Richie a job, bringing some relief. However, tensions escalate further when Lee attempts to recount the origin of the Seven Fishes tradition, leading Michael, under the influence of drugs, to throw a fork at him. The situation intensifies as others attempt to intervene.
Suddenly, Donna enters the dining room, causing a momentary pause. Stevie improvises and says a grace in an attempt to defuse the mounting tension. Unfortunately, Donna's emotional state worsens, prompting Natalie to inquire about her well-being. This inquiry triggers an emotional outburst from Donna, who abruptly leaves.
In the midst of the chaos, Michael hurls another fork at Lee, nearly inciting a physical altercation. However, the commotion is interrupted when Donna unexpectedly crashes her car into the dining room, bringing the tumultuous evening to a shocking halt. Michael pounds on the door screaming at Donna to get out of the car, as Carmy and Natalie wearily survey the chaos.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Jeremy Allen White as Carmen Berzatto
- Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard Jerimovich
- Jon Bernthal as Michael Berzatto
- Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto
- Oliver Platt as Cicero
- Abby Elliott as Natalie Berzatto
Guest Starring[]
- Matty Matheson as Neil Fak
- John Mulaney as Stevie
- Sarah Paulson as Michelle Berzatto
- Chris Witaske as Pete
- Bob Odenkirk as Lee Lane
- Gillian Jacobs as Tiffany Jerimovich
Co-Starring[]
Trivia[]
Gallery[]
