Hulu’s The Bear features a cast of veteran actors who have amassed considerable acting experience. Over the last three seasons, the show has delivered several noteworthy episodes. One standout episode is from season 2, episode 6, titled “Fishes.”
This episode showcases the major members of the Berzatto family gathering to celebrate Christmas. Since this was one of the first Christmases without the oldest son, Mikey, Carmy reflects on the last time he celebrated with the family.
The episode highlights the Berzatto siblings’ mother, Donna, preparing an Italian feast in the kitchen. The episode crescendos as each family member begins to address a myriad of issues and discuss their lives. While the episode itself is a highlight, the standout moments include the performances of the cast members playing various members of Carmy’s family.
A complete cast and character guide for season 2 episode 6 of The Bear
1) Jeremy Allen White as Carmen or 'Carmy' Berzatto
Jeremy Allen White portrays Carmy, the protagonist of The Bear. Despite his love for his family, his brother’s death has set him on a difficult path, affecting both his mental health and career. Carmy struggles with the aftermath of his late brother Mikey’s death and the challenge of running the restaurant while managing his dysfunctional mother.
2) Abby Elliott as Natalie or 'Sugar' Berzatto
Generally, Sugar is referred to as the mom of the group. In season 2, episode 6, she ensures to maintain a stress-free environment for her younger brother, Carmy. Although their mother drives them crazy, Sugar continues assisting her in the kitchen during meal prep to keep her away from her younger brother.
3) Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto
Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Donna, the mother of Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey. Mikey’s absence has left her feeling lonely and eccentric, which she expresses throughout the episode. While she busily prepares Italian dishes, her emotions culminate in a dramatic moment where she crashes her car into the house to interrupt a heated argument.
4) Jon Bernthal as Michael or Mikey Berzatto
Jon Bernthal’s Mikey remains deceased; he committed suicide at the State Street bridge in Chicago. However, the episode did play a bittersweet homage to a Christmas with Mikey alive. The episode saw him striking up a conversation with his family about running a restaurant together. After sharing a few laughs, he ended up having a kerfuffle with his Uncle Lee.
5) Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard or Richie Jerimovich
Ebon Moss-Bachrach plays Richie. In this episode, Richie appears in a flashback with Mikey, showing a gentler side as he interacts with his pregnant wife, Tiff, and takes an interest in Mikey’s business idea.
6) Gillian Jacobs as Tiffany Jerimovich
Not much is known about Cousin Richie’s ex-wife, Tiff, except that they aren’t on the best terms. Other than the love they have for their daughter, the former couple shares nothing in common. In season 2, episode 6 of The Bear, Tiff makes her appearance alongside Richie, pregnant in the flashback. Apart from the waves of nausea she felt, Tiff was seen thanking Uncle Jimmy for Richie’s job at the time.
7) Chris Witaske as Pete
Chris Witaske plays Pete, Sugar’s husband. During the Christmas episode, not only did he manage to be fashionably late but unintentionally offended his mother-in-law. Pete ended up bringing a tuna casserole to the Berzattos who were celebrating an array of Italian fishes, known as the Feast of Seven Fishes.
8) John Mulaney as Stevie
John Mulaney joined the cast of The Bear in season 2, playing Cousin Michelle’s boyfriend. Mulaney is known for his voice acting role in the hit movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Stevie appears to be enchanted by his girlfriend and tries helping Donna in the kitchen. Although his heart was in the right place, Stevie ended up sparking an argument between Donna and her daughter Sugar in the episode.
9) Sarah Paulson as Cousin Michelle
Joining the star-studded cast of The Bear is none other than veteran actress Sarah Paulson. Paulson plays Cousin Michelle on the show and has a very laid-back personality. She’s also one of the main reasons Carmy became interested in bears, as she was fascinated by them. Cousin Michelle brought over her boyfriend Stevie for the celebrations and urged Carmy to move to New York for a new beginning.
10) Oliver Platt as Uncle Jimmy
Oliver Platt reprises his role as Uncle Jimmy. Often known to be a finance guy and a primary investor, Uncle Jimmy is a very dear friend of the Berzatto family. In the episode, Uncle Jimmy and Richie have a serious conversation about his job. He also had to endure the Fak brothers elaborating on their business venture.
11) Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee
Bob Odenkirk joins the cast as Uncle Lee, a friend of the Berzatto family known for his frequent clashes with Mikey. Their tensions escalate during the episode, culminating in a heated argument about Mikey’s decisions and loans.
12) Matty Matheson and Ricky Staffieri as Neil and Theodore Fak - The Fak brothers
Matty Matheson and Ricky Staffieri play Neil and Theodore Fak in The Bear. Neil has been a series regular since season 1, while his brother was introduced in season 2. In this episode, the duo decide to pitch their business idea to a disgruntled and uninterested Uncle Jimmy who shuts it down without a second thought.
The Bear was recently renewed for season 4 and will return soon! Until then, you can binge all three seasons of the show on Hulu or Disney+.
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