142 reviews
Clearly, mental illness runs in the family and wow, this episode did a genius job of unpacking that. Mom most likely has Bipolar Disorder and it seems that Mikey inherited it. Both are obviously self-medicating. Carmy and Nat are dealing with their own symptoms simply from being raised around extremely mentally ill relatives. The genius of this episode is the dynamics of all of it, between everyone. What especially interests me is why Nat can't stop herself from asking her mom if she's ok and triggering her mom, even though she knows better. It kind of makes me wonder if part of her is doing that on purpose? Like it's her own passive aggressive way of asserting some control in an environment that constantly makes her feel powerless. And then she plays innocent? Interesting psychology there. I do think she has a good heart. She's just perhaps not as harmless and innocent as she tries to appear. Or maybe she is. Who knows. This family is as complicated as the dishes they prepare.
Clearly, cooking is a real art in this family, to the point of madness. There's a fine line between genius and insanity, as they say. They are the bears. And also mad chefs.
And then there are the tender moments sprinkled throughout. The moments of sanity that provide a breath of fresh air. The quiet, beautiful, loving conversations in the corners. It's a family of contradictions... rational one second and irrational the next. They can be so loving and genuine, but also so angry and hateful. They are ruled by emotion. They're passionate. These people are not monsters, they're just human. And Italian.
Clearly, cooking is a real art in this family, to the point of madness. There's a fine line between genius and insanity, as they say. They are the bears. And also mad chefs.
And then there are the tender moments sprinkled throughout. The moments of sanity that provide a breath of fresh air. The quiet, beautiful, loving conversations in the corners. It's a family of contradictions... rational one second and irrational the next. They can be so loving and genuine, but also so angry and hateful. They are ruled by emotion. They're passionate. These people are not monsters, they're just human. And Italian.
- amyjo-1111
- Jul 14, 2023
- Permalink
- astonmatters
- Jun 27, 2023
- Permalink
I think this is one of the best family dinner or Christmas episodes of television I have ever, EVER witnessed. The acting was absolutely phenomenal.
The episode is about Carms family coming together for the holidays a few years ago, we get an absolutely STELLAR cast to fill the roles, all of them were great but dear god hats off to Jamie Lee Curtis for one of the best performances on tv that I have seen in years, she was incredible !!!
The episode is on a spiral and there is no getting off until it's finished, and by the way we are treated to AN HOUR compared to the normal 25 ish minutes.
The sheer chaos that consumes this episode is gripping, i felt like this is what it's like being inside Carms mind, how everything everywhere is going a mile a minute and there is no time for rest.
I have not finished yet, I came here straight after the episode but I doubt this one can be topped, hats off to all, ALSO Jon Berntal was incredible when going up against Bob Odenkirk. So damn good ! 10/10 ep.
The episode is about Carms family coming together for the holidays a few years ago, we get an absolutely STELLAR cast to fill the roles, all of them were great but dear god hats off to Jamie Lee Curtis for one of the best performances on tv that I have seen in years, she was incredible !!!
The episode is on a spiral and there is no getting off until it's finished, and by the way we are treated to AN HOUR compared to the normal 25 ish minutes.
The sheer chaos that consumes this episode is gripping, i felt like this is what it's like being inside Carms mind, how everything everywhere is going a mile a minute and there is no time for rest.
I have not finished yet, I came here straight after the episode but I doubt this one can be topped, hats off to all, ALSO Jon Berntal was incredible when going up against Bob Odenkirk. So damn good ! 10/10 ep.
- eoinpgeary
- Jun 21, 2023
- Permalink
This is a gut wrenching episode. The amount of emotions captured for a dysfunctional family is the most realistic take on Christmas I've seen yet. Christmas time last year I felt like I didn't matter to my family just like Carmy's mom did. I felt like I didn't belong as my Uncle pressed the issue, hence Mikey's emotions. I've been told I'm nothing by a family member as well. The reviews saying this is unrealistic is absolute dog puke. This is the closest thing to realistic and will give me something that isn't boring to watch when the holidays roll around, because all of that garbage is happy go lucky while every lonely individual during that time feels pinned in a corner with nobody on their sides. This episode also adds loads of character development to the main characters of The Show, Fak and Sugar included. This show continues to bring raw emotions to the table and its ironic because where the table is at (like working in restaurants too) is where these things live. I feel bad for Carmy.
- chocolatepopcorn
- Jun 25, 2023
- Permalink
I really like how this season truly delves into each character. This is a good episode and easy to follow, but GEESH was I drained afterward.
It was definitely written by someone who has experienced similar, as you can't just pull this work from nothing. It was gritty and raw with elements of uncomfortable humor. I had to walk away afterwards and process the whole thing as my family is nothing close to that. It made me feel for the families that can totally relate, and I appreciate being allowed to experience a bit of what some actually go through, even as uncomfortable as it made me at times. I had to catch the next episode on another day as I knew I wasn't ready to take it in.
It was definitely written by someone who has experienced similar, as you can't just pull this work from nothing. It was gritty and raw with elements of uncomfortable humor. I had to walk away afterwards and process the whole thing as my family is nothing close to that. It made me feel for the families that can totally relate, and I appreciate being allowed to experience a bit of what some actually go through, even as uncomfortable as it made me at times. I had to catch the next episode on another day as I knew I wasn't ready to take it in.
Words really won't do justice how good this episode is, particularly its last 20 or so minutes.
It's strange; I adore 'The Bear' but, based off of Season 1, it has the capacity to produce an episode that is so far beyond its average quality that it's borderline miraculous. The Bear is a brilliant show. But this episode? An absolute hall-of-famer.
The penultimate episode of last season, the 20-minute one-shotter? One of the finest episodes of television ever. That isn't to say that 'The Bear' isn't great outside of these anomalous episodes. But every once in a while, the show decides to suddenly fire on all cylinders and deliver some of the most intensely dramatic sequences ever committed to screen. And when it does this, it's hard to think of many shows that have ever done it better.
I sometimes refer to 'The Bear' as a drama-comedy that is infused with a somewhat uniquely claustrophobic tension. 'Fishes' catapults that description into the stratosphere and pulls off an episode that will almost certainly make you shiver with dread. You cannot watch this without feeling uncomfortable.
The ensemble is great. I always refer to Carmine as the heart of the show but this episode proves that it can transcend him. 'The Bear' isn't carried by a protagonist, if it ever was. It is carried by incredible writing and wondrous filmmaking. I adored this. I really hope we find our way back to another episode with the Berzattos if there is to be a Season 3.
Side Note: It would be unfair to call this episode all-out tension without at least mentioning the hilarity of the Faks and the tug-at-your-heartstrings look into Richie's ex-marriage. And a big shoutout to Bob Odenkirk. Love that guy. This show really can do it all.
It's strange; I adore 'The Bear' but, based off of Season 1, it has the capacity to produce an episode that is so far beyond its average quality that it's borderline miraculous. The Bear is a brilliant show. But this episode? An absolute hall-of-famer.
The penultimate episode of last season, the 20-minute one-shotter? One of the finest episodes of television ever. That isn't to say that 'The Bear' isn't great outside of these anomalous episodes. But every once in a while, the show decides to suddenly fire on all cylinders and deliver some of the most intensely dramatic sequences ever committed to screen. And when it does this, it's hard to think of many shows that have ever done it better.
I sometimes refer to 'The Bear' as a drama-comedy that is infused with a somewhat uniquely claustrophobic tension. 'Fishes' catapults that description into the stratosphere and pulls off an episode that will almost certainly make you shiver with dread. You cannot watch this without feeling uncomfortable.
The ensemble is great. I always refer to Carmine as the heart of the show but this episode proves that it can transcend him. 'The Bear' isn't carried by a protagonist, if it ever was. It is carried by incredible writing and wondrous filmmaking. I adored this. I really hope we find our way back to another episode with the Berzattos if there is to be a Season 3.
Side Note: It would be unfair to call this episode all-out tension without at least mentioning the hilarity of the Faks and the tug-at-your-heartstrings look into Richie's ex-marriage. And a big shoutout to Bob Odenkirk. Love that guy. This show really can do it all.
- bayleykedar
- Jul 6, 2023
- Permalink
I knew the bear had so much potential from the first season and I was willing to bet it will get better and better. This episode proves it without a doubt. This is a great show.
What an insane ride of an episode that was. I don't think I've ever watched a tv episode about a family that felt so real. I started thinking that I would be exactly like the guy with the glasses, cracking jokes and trying to lighten the mood. Like I was there. Every newly introduced character acted and talked exactly like you would feel they do. I don't think people realize how hard is it to write dialogue that flows so naturally and feels so authentic. The acting is crazy good too.
Honestly, one of the best tv episodes I've watched in a minute. The next episode is a breath of fresh air as well. The bear you are spoiling us with this michelin star worthy entertainment. Please continue to do so.
What an insane ride of an episode that was. I don't think I've ever watched a tv episode about a family that felt so real. I started thinking that I would be exactly like the guy with the glasses, cracking jokes and trying to lighten the mood. Like I was there. Every newly introduced character acted and talked exactly like you would feel they do. I don't think people realize how hard is it to write dialogue that flows so naturally and feels so authentic. The acting is crazy good too.
Honestly, one of the best tv episodes I've watched in a minute. The next episode is a breath of fresh air as well. The bear you are spoiling us with this michelin star worthy entertainment. Please continue to do so.
- johny_walker_blacklabel
- Jun 28, 2023
- Permalink
The performances in this episode are some of the best in history. Jamie Lee Curtis is an American acting treasure. What a powerful episode by world class actors. Standing ovation to all. I kept imagining this on a broadway stage as the episode popped off the screen. Would love to see the behind the scene shots of this as this ensemble of actors and direction is a master class. This show is a gem but this particular episode makes it can't miss television and the character portrayal is on point by the entire cast. John Mulaney shows off his acting chops and hope we get more of him in dramatic roles.
- mike-cochran5
- Jul 7, 2023
- Permalink
Simply masterful. So much chaos and you learn so much about our main characters from this one episode that was never fully explained in the previous season.
So much makes sense when you watch this episode and learn about the family dynamics, I never knew why certain characters acted the way they do until now.
The acting has never been better, there wasn't one bad performance or bad line or bad moment.
The cinematography as it has been in this entire season is pure eye candy, as well it being almost like a character itself.
I haven't finished this season yet but I am very excited to finish it.
So much makes sense when you watch this episode and learn about the family dynamics, I never knew why certain characters acted the way they do until now.
The acting has never been better, there wasn't one bad performance or bad line or bad moment.
The cinematography as it has been in this entire season is pure eye candy, as well it being almost like a character itself.
I haven't finished this season yet but I am very excited to finish it.
- rneill-71817
- Jun 23, 2023
- Permalink
I'm a therapist, and watching this episode I couldn't help but think that Dr. Claudia Black who literally wrote the book on alcoholic families would have an absolute FIELD DAY with this episode. Anyone who's ever been a part of a co-dependent family or family with an alcoholic/addict will identify hardcore with the Berzattos after this. It gives some deep insight into how the family came to be this dysfunctional and chaotic. You now see how everyone falls into their rolls which Claudia Black researched and outlined in her books.
And all the guest actors each hit home runs with their performances at the flash back to a Berzatto family Christmas. And we thought we were just getting a Jon Bernthal cameo.
And all the guest actors each hit home runs with their performances at the flash back to a Berzatto family Christmas. And we thought we were just getting a Jon Bernthal cameo.
Lets just first point out that the acting is on point. Phenomenal even you might say.
But was this a fun episode to watch?
No.
I literally developed anxiety issues throughout this episode. Why did this need to be an hour long? You can perfectly describe a dysfunctional family in half the time. At times I had to mute the sound because it was just too much.
There was not much character development also. Everyone went from 0 to 100 in 3 seconds and never took their foot of the gas.
We already knew that Carmen was the different one in the family.
I did have a little fun with the Faks, but there sole purpose was comedic relief.
But was this a fun episode to watch?
No.
I literally developed anxiety issues throughout this episode. Why did this need to be an hour long? You can perfectly describe a dysfunctional family in half the time. At times I had to mute the sound because it was just too much.
There was not much character development also. Everyone went from 0 to 100 in 3 seconds and never took their foot of the gas.
We already knew that Carmen was the different one in the family.
I did have a little fun with the Faks, but there sole purpose was comedic relief.
- maarten_kos
- Aug 8, 2023
- Permalink
- chrismecham-62639
- Jul 12, 2023
- Permalink
Wow........
This is one case where too many cooks didnt spoil the pot, in an episode about too many cooks spoiling the pot. It's hard not to appreciate the irony.
Star after star make a cameo this episode, my favorite being Bernthal but they were all phenomenal. Well written, the music choices have been perfect all season, I'm truly impressed. I really didn't think they could top the first season but after this season it's safe to say this has firmly cemented itself as one of the best shows on TV.
If I have one complaint, they gotta relax with all the close ups. Too many close ups. I understand the intent, as we were meant to feel crampt in, just not for me. Sign of the times, I could nitpick on some other technical details but when art is this good, guess what? It hardly matters. 10 out of 10.
This is one case where too many cooks didnt spoil the pot, in an episode about too many cooks spoiling the pot. It's hard not to appreciate the irony.
Star after star make a cameo this episode, my favorite being Bernthal but they were all phenomenal. Well written, the music choices have been perfect all season, I'm truly impressed. I really didn't think they could top the first season but after this season it's safe to say this has firmly cemented itself as one of the best shows on TV.
If I have one complaint, they gotta relax with all the close ups. Too many close ups. I understand the intent, as we were meant to feel crampt in, just not for me. Sign of the times, I could nitpick on some other technical details but when art is this good, guess what? It hardly matters. 10 out of 10.
- devinpbuffington
- Jun 22, 2023
- Permalink
- gutterbaby
- Jul 23, 2023
- Permalink
In absolute. I'm stating right here and now that this is the best single episode of any tv series or miniseries this year. JLCurtis is a lock for a guest star Emmy in addition to her Oscar. When attempting to describe this episode words like unrelenting, powerful, shocking come to mind it is a rollercoaster ride that just keeps going up and up and up until you can't take it any more.
I don't know how this was written or when, but I'm guessing it was the nucleus idea of the whole show. I can't say enough good about it. I will say that sitting down to the Berzatto Family Christmas reminds me of those beach goers who watch the water mysteriously recede from the beach just before a tidal wave. They know what's going to happen, but they can't tear their eyes away.
I don't know how this was written or when, but I'm guessing it was the nucleus idea of the whole show. I can't say enough good about it. I will say that sitting down to the Berzatto Family Christmas reminds me of those beach goers who watch the water mysteriously recede from the beach just before a tidal wave. They know what's going to happen, but they can't tear their eyes away.
The acting is phenomenal. My heart hurt watching this. Powerful, emotional, REAL. Insanity. What a star studded cast giving their all. Everyone was incredible but Jamie Lee impressed the sht out of me. This, unfortunately, is a very realistic scene at many holidays and many family meals. This gives great insights into the characters as they are today. The season really has been great and this episode was at another level. My heart is still pounding after watching this the directing and producing an acting and writing was all incredible and I can't stress that enough. I'm so glad that the show has came into our screens.
This stellar episode should be taught in film school. I'm floored by every aspect of it. Directing, score, writing and the outstanding performance of the entire cast. I'm sure a lot of dialogue was improvised as it feels so freakin real and spontaneous. I almost didn't breath for the entire show. Jamie Lee Curtis is going straight to the Golden Globes as guest star. But then again, they all deserve awards. This episode will haunt me for days. And everything now makes sense when it comes to the present gang opening The Bear. I feel privileged to have witnessed such a high quality series. A masterpiece.
This episode was just amazing. I was a bit shocked and nervous by the cast of this episode at first since I didn't think this was the type of show to use actors who were that popular but everyone did such a tremendous job and totally embodied their characters. Constant anxiety throughout the ENTIRE episode just like season one episode seven. The tension builds and builds in a similar way and it is done brilliantly with the acting and cinematography. Things are constantly breaking, timers going off, people screaming, etc. I'll gladly be stressed out for an hour straight if it means more eps like this.
- cinemaandallthat
- Jun 21, 2023
- Permalink
Well its february 2024 and I am binge watching this show. So far it has been a great ride and totally enjoyable. And now? I sit here, watching this christmas flashback episode, that annoys the hell out of me, wondering how we dropped into this situation. Were they not just like remodeling the restaurant in episode five and trying to overcome all the current issues? And now we are in a family drama with half a dozen characters that nobody knows (or likes for that matter). The mother is an annoying mess, the in laws looking for investment into baseball card boxes are out of the flow and overall I just cannot connect to this hourlong monstrosity. If it were not for fear of missing some "important" plot hint, I would skip the whole episode. Very big gut punch this one and not at all "best of TV in a while, outstanding, wonderful, superb acting", it's crap is what it is folks.... why do this to a show that was easy to binge in one rush, one day for 15 episodes up to this point? Bloody artsy fartsy indulgence is what it is.
- voigaswolpertinger
- Feb 12, 2024
- Permalink
- jeffbialeschki
- Mar 29, 2024
- Permalink
Sorry, I cannot drink the Kool-aid. 66 minutes of screaming, over the top "drama" was borderline unwatchable. Look, I get it. I recognized the intent immediately. If you're awarding points because nobody ever portrays dysfunctional families this way, whatever. But it reminded me of Uncut Gems, and affected me the same way. IMO, its frenetic, not clever. Its chaotic, and not terribly realistic. There's a reason why you Don't see much content presented this way. Its annoying. I thought JLC was terrible. Was that some master class in acting? Hardly. Bernthal v Odenkirk was very good. Sorry, I gave it a 4, but only for stretching boundaries. Too clever by half.
- fasteddie517
- Aug 14, 2023
- Permalink