Fishes (The Bear)

6th episode of the 2nd season of The Bear

"Fishes"

The Bear episode
Episode no.| Season 2
Episode 6
Directed by| Christopher Storer
Written by|

* Joanna Calo
* Christopher Storer

Original release date| June 22, 2023 (2023-06-22)
Running time| 66 minutes
Guest appearances

* Oliver Platt as Uncle Jimmy
* Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto
* Gillian Jacobs as Tiffany Jerimovich
* John Mulaney as Stevie
* Bob Odenkirk as Uncle Lee
* Sarah Paulson as Cousin Michelle
* Ricky Staffieri as Theodore Fak
* Chris Witaske as Pete
* Jon Bernthal as Michael Berzatto
* Maura Kidwell as Carol

Episode chronology
| ← Previous
"Pop"  | Next →
"Forks"

|

The Bear season 2
List of episodes

"Fishes" (titled "The Berzattos" on-screen) is the sixth episode of the second season and 14th episode overall of the American comedy-drama series The Bear. With the rest of the second season, it was released on June 22, 2023, on Hulu. It was directed by series creator Christopher Storer and written by Joanna Calo and Storer.

The episode notably features numerous high-profile guest stars, most of whom were not announced as part of the cast prior to the season's release. At the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards, "Fishes" gained nine nominations, winning four, including Outstanding Guest Actor for Jon Bernthal and Outstanding Guest Actress for Jamie Lee Curtis.

## Plot

[edit]

Approximately five years before The Bear is set to open, Carmy returns from Copenhagen to spend Christmas with his family and friends. Present at the Berzatto household are Carmy's mother Donna, his siblings Michael and Natalie, his cousin Michelle and her boyfriend Stevie, Richie and his pregnant wife Tiffany, the Fak brothers Neil and Theodore, Uncle Cicero, and Donna's on-and-off boyfriend Lee. Michael and Carmy warn Natalie not to keep asking their mother Donna, a temperamental alcoholic, if she is "okay."

Donna drunkenly prepares a meal based on the Feast of the Seven Fishes, even though Carmy claims no one ever eats it. Michael, Richie, and Stevie tell Carmy that they recently ran into Claire, his childhood crush, and "put in a good word for him." Carmy and Michael later have a moment together where Michael reassures his brother that he genuinely wants the best for him. Carmy gives Michael a framed sketch of The Bear restaurant, which he wants to open with him. Michael is moved by the gift, but displays mental distress the moment Carmy leaves the room.

Richie tends to Tiffany in Donna's bedroom, and the two share a delicate moment discussing their upcoming parenthood. Richie then asks Cicero for a job to help support his child, which Cicero later grants him after Tiffany unwittingly thanks him for the job. Michael entertains the group with a travel story, but Lee cuts him off, chastising him for repeating the same stories to everyone while failing to follow through on any of his business ventures. Natalie's boyfriend Pete arrives with an additional seafood dish that he playfully dubs "the eighth fish" to the group. This infuriates the Berzatto siblings, who remind him that an eighth fish is a symbol of bad luck and will send Donna into a tailspin. Natalie hastily trashes the food before Donna can see it. Michelle encourages Carmy to stay with her in New York to pursue his career, noticing how the dysfunction in his family weighs on him.

While the rest of the group awaits dinner, Carmy tends to his mother in the kitchen; Donna laments the effort she makes for her family while saying she receives little appreciation in return. Carmy attempts to comfort her, only for Donna to admonish him to return to the table. Donna begins crying to herself as soon as Carmy leaves. At the dinner table, the family debates the origin of the Seven Fishes tradition. Lee offers his interpretation, but an intoxicated Michael repeatedly throws forks at him. The tension between the two mounts until Donna finally joins the table. Stevie says a heartfelt, impromptu grace calling for the family to be kinder to one another, after which Donna breaks down. Despite being explicitly told not to, Natalie asks Donna if she is okay, much to the visible chagrin of everyone in the room. Donna berates Natalie for asking and has a profane outburst at the family before leaving the room. Michael throws another fork at Lee when he scorns Donna's behavior and a fight nearly occurs, only to be interrupted by Donna crashing her car into the living room as Carmy and Natalie stare in shock.

## Cast

[edit]

### Main

[edit]

* Jeremy Allen White as Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto
* Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard "Richie" Jerimovich
* Abby Elliott as Natalie "Sugar" Rose Berzatto
* Matty Matheson as Neil Fak

Main cast members Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, and Liza Colon-Zayas are credited as usual in this episode, but do not appear.

### Guest appearances

[edit]

* Oliver Platt as Uncle Jimmy "Cicero" Kalinowski
* Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto
* Gillian Jacobs as Tiffany Jerimovich
* John Mulaney as Stevie
* Bob Odenkirk as "Uncle" Lee Lane
* Sarah Paulson as Cousin Michelle Berzatto
* Ricky Staffieri as Theodore Fak
* Chris Witaske as Pete
* Jon Bernthal as Michael Berzatto
* Maura Kidwell as Carol

## Production

[edit]

### Development

[edit]

The episode was directed by series creator Christopher Storer and written by Joanna Calo and Storer. It was Calo's fourth writing credit, and Storer's eighth directing credit.[1]

### Casting

[edit]

"Fishes" introduces a number of new characters played by high-profile guest stars, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Gillian Jacobs, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, and Sarah Paulson; only Odenkirk's casting was announced prior to the season's release.[2] Jon Bernthal also reprises his role as Michael Berzatto from the first season.

### Filming

[edit]

Star Jeremy Allen White recounted that production of the episode was relatively smooth, and praised the egoless, collaborative environment on set.[3] Ebon Moss-Bachrach said that there was a lot of camaraderie among the guest stars on set, and later went on to praise Jamie Lee Curtis' acting ability and performance in the episode.[4]

Unlike the rest of the series, which is shot digitally, this flashback episode was shot on 35mm film.[5]

Chris Witaske, who portrays Sugar's partner Pete, said that the preparation for the episode was more chaotic than the rest of the series, particularly due to the large amount of dual-dialogue in the script.[6]

Storer revealed that Bernthal was originally given a rubber prop fork to throw at Odenkirk during the dinner argument scene, but that was then later substituted for a plastic fork so that Bernthal could better "whip it" for the camera.[7]

## Reception

[edit]

Jon Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Bob Odenkirk (left to right) received Emmy nominations for their respective guest performances, with the first two winning.

GQ described "Fishes" as the standout episode of the second season, praising the ensemble cast.[8] Brady Langmann of Esquire described the episode as "one of the year's best".[9]

The Los Angeles Times praised the episode and Curtis' portrayal of the "notable character" Donna.[7] Various critics called her performance Emmy-worthy.[10][11]

Salon.com critic Melanie McFarland praised the episode's ability to deliver on plot and thematic issues while delivering the show's trademark intensity.[12] Vulture called the episode "absolutely exhausting to watch" and said "[b]oth the writing and the execution of 'Fishes' speaks to how well The Bear is able to walk its dramatic tightrope, and come Emmy season 2024, you just know everyone involved in this episode is going to clean the hell up."[13]

### Accolades

[edit]

Award  | Category  | Nominee(s)  | Result  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

76th Directors Guild of America Awards | Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series | Christopher Storer | Won  | [14]
76th Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series | Won  | [15]
Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series | Joanna Calo and Christopher Storer  | Nominated
76th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards | Outstanding Contemporary Costumes | Courtney Wheeler, Lariana Santiago, and Steven "Rage" Rehage  | Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series | Jon Bernthal | Won
Bob Odenkirk | Nominated
Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Jamie Lee Curtis | Won
Outstanding Contemporary Hairstyling | Ally Vickers, Angela Brasington, and Melanie Shaw  | Nominated
Outstanding Contemporary Makeup (Non-Prosthetic) | Ignacia Soto-Aguilar, Nicole Rogers, Justine Losoya, and Zsofia Otvos  | Nominated
Outstanding Picture Editing for a Single-Camera Comedy Series | Joanna Naugle  | Won
76th Writers Guild of America Awards | Episodic Comedy | Joanna Calo and Christopher Storer  | Nominated  | [16]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "The Bear \- WGA Directory". Writers Guild of America West. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
2. ^ Shanfeld, Ethan (April 26, 2023). "Bob Odenkirk Joins 'The Bear' Season 2 (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved July 3, 2024.
3. ^ Campione, Katie (July 7, 2023). "'The Bear' Star Jeremy Allen White Talks Carmy's Season 2 Finale Breakdown: "In The End, It's All Too Delicate"". Deadline.
4. ^ Rankin, Seija (June 28, 2023). "Ebon Moss-Bachrach on Embracing a Lonelier Season of 'The Bear' and Finale's Big Fight Scene". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
5. ^ https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/473995/the-bear-season-2-a-delicious-conundrum-of-chaos-drama-and-humour/
6. ^ Eakin, Marah (July 5, 2023). "The Bear's Chris Witaske on Being the Berzattos' Pain Sponge". Vulture. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
7. ^ a b Villarreal, Yvonne (June 26, 2023). "How 'Fishes,' the most chaotic episode of Season 2 of 'The Bear,' came together". Los Angeles Times.
8. ^ "This Is the Standout Episode of 'The Bear' Season 2". GQ. June 22, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
9. ^ Langmann, Brady (June 23, 2023). "'The Bear' Season 2's 'Fishes' Episode Left Me Speechless". Esquire. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
10. ^ Seth, Radhika (August 3, 2023). "Just Give Jamie Lee Curtis Her Guest Star Emmy For The Bear Already". British Vogue. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
11. ^ Gallucci, Nicole (June 23, 2023). "Jamie Lee Curtis Deserves An Emmy For Her Haunting 'The Bear' Performance". Decider. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
12. ^ McFarland, Melanie (June 29, 2023). ""The Bear" hides crusts of meaning and trauma in an episode about the Feast of the Seven Fishes". Salon. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
13. ^ Eakin, Marah (June 22, 2023). "The Bear Recap: The Christmas Guests". Vulture. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
14. ^ "DGA Announces Nominees for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Television, Commercials and Documentary for 2023". Directors Guild of America. January 9, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
15. ^ "The Bear". Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
16. ^ Schneider, Michael (February 21, 2024). "WGA Nominations: 'Oppenheimer,' 'Barbie,' 'The Bear,' 'Succession' Among 2024 Nods". Variety.

## External links

[edit]

* "Fishes" at IMDb

* v
* t
* e

The Bear

| Season 1|

* "System"
* "Hands"
* "Review"
* "Braciole"

|

Season 2|

* "Beef"
* "Pasta"
* "Sundae"
* "Honeydew"
* "Pop"
* "Fishes"
* "Forks"
* "Bolognese"
* "Omelette"
* "The Bear"

Season 3|

* "Tomorrow"
* "Next"
* "Doors"
* "Violet"
* "Children"
* "Napkins"
* "Legacy"
* "Ice Chips"
* "Apologies"
* "Forever"

Season 4|

* "Groundhogs"

* Category

Awards for "Fishes"

* v
* t
* e

Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directing – Comedy Series

1971–2000|

* John Rich for "All in the Family" (1971)
* Gene Reynolds for "Pilot" (M*A*S*H) (1972)
* Gene Reynolds for "Deal Me Out" (1973)
* Hy Averback for "Alcoholics Unanimous" (1974)
* Hy Averback for "Bombed" (1975)
* Alan Alda for "Dear Sigmund" (1976)
* Paul Bogart for "Edith's 50th Birthday" (1977)
* Paul Bogart for "California, Here We Are" (1978)
* Charles S. Dubin for "Period of Adjustment" (1979)
* Noam Pitlik for "Fog" (1980)
* Alan Alda for "The Life You Save" (1981)
* Alan Alda for "Where There's a Will, There's a War" (1982)
* James Burrows for "Showdown: Part II" (1983)
* Jay Sandrich for "Pilot" (The Cosby Show) (1984)
* Jay Sandrich for "Pilot" (The Golden Girls) (1985)
* Terry Hughes for "Isn't It Romantic?" (1986)
* Will Mackenzie for "A, My Name is Alex" (1987)
* Steve Miner for "Pilot" (The Wonder Years) (1988)
* Barnet Kellman for "Brown Like Me" (1989)
* James Burrows for "Woody Interruptus" (1990)
* Peter Bonerz for "Uh Oh: Part II" (1991)
* Tom Cherones for "The Contest" (1992)
* James Burrows for "The Good Son" (1993)
* David Lee for "The Matchmaker" (1994)
* Gordon Hunt for "The Alan Brady Show" (1995)
* Andy Ackerman for "The Rye" (1996)
* Andy Ackerman for "The Betrayal" (1997)
* Thomas Schlamme for "Pilot" (Sports Night) (1998)
* Thomas Schlamme for "Small Town" (1999)
* James Burrows for "Lows in the Mid-Eighties" (2000)

2001–present|

* Todd Holland for "Bowling" (2001)
* Bryan Gordon for "Special Section" (2002)
* Tim Van Patten for "Boy Interrupted" (2003)
* Tim Van Patten for "An American Girl in Paris: Part Deux" (2004)
* Marc Buckland for "Pilot" (My Name Is Earl) (2005)
* Richard Shepard for "Pilot" (Ugly Betty) (2006)
* Barry Sonnenfeld for "Pie-lette" (2007)
* Paul Feig for "Dinner Party" (2008)
* Jason Winer for "Pilot" (Modern Family) (2009)
* Michael Spiller for "Halloween" (2010)
* Robert B. Weide for "Palestinian Chicken" (2011)
* Lena Dunham for "Pilot" (Girls) (2012)
* Beth McCarthy-Miller for "Hogcock!" / "Last Lunch" (2013)
* Jill Soloway for "Best New Girl" (2014)
* Chris Addison for "Election Night" (2015)
* Becky Martin for "Inauguration" (2016)
* Beth McCarthy-Miller for "Chicklet" (2017)
* Bill Hader for "Chapter One: Make Your Mark" (2018)
* Bill Hader for "ronny/lily" (2019)
* Susanna Fogel for "In Case of Emergency" (2020)
* Lucia Aniello for "There Is No Line" (2021)
* Bill Hader for "710N" (2022)
* Christopher Storer for "Fishes" (2023)
* Lucia Aniello for "Bulletproof" (2024)

* v
* t
* e

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

1950s|

* Peter Tewksbury for "Medal for Margaret" (1959)

1960s|

* Ralph Levy & Bud Yorkin for The Jack Benny Show (1960)
* Sheldon Leonard for The Danny Thomas Show (1961)
* Nat Hiken for Car 54, Where Are You? (1962)
* John Rich for The Dick Van Dyke Show (1963)
* Jerry Paris for The Dick Van Dyke Show (1964)
* No Award (1965)
* William Asher for Bewitched (1966)
* James Frawley for "Royal Flush" (1967)
* Bruce Bilson for "Maxwell Smart, Private Eye" (1968)
* Greg Garrison for "October 17, 1968" (1969)

1970s|

* Dwight Hemion for "The Sound of Burt Bacharach" (1970)
* Jay Sandrich for "Toulouse-Lautrec is One of My Favorite Artists" (1971)
* John Rich for "Sammy's Visit" (1972)
* Jay Sandrich for "It's Whether You Win or Lose" (1973)
* Jackie Cooper for "Carry On, Hawkeye" (1974)
* Gene Reynolds for "O.R." (1975)
* Gene Reynolds for "Welcome to Korea" (1976)
* Alan Alda for "Dear Sigmund" (1977)
* Paul Bogart for "Edith's 50th Birthday" (1978)
* Noam Pitlik for "The Harris Incident" (1979)

1980s|

* James Burrows for "Louie and the Nice Girl" (1980)
* James Burrows for "Elaine's Strange Triangle" (1981)
* Alan Rafkin for "Barbara's Crisis" (1982)
* James Burrows for "Showdown: Part 2" (1983)
* Bill Persky for "A Very Loud Family" (1984)
* Jay Sandrich for "The Younger Woman" (1985)
* Jay Sandrich for "Denise's Friend" (1986)
* Terry Hughes for "Isn't It Romantic?" (1987)
* Gregory Hoblit for "Pilot (Hooperman)" (1988)
* Peter Baldwin for "Our Miss White" (1989)

1990s|

* Michael Dinner for "Good-bye" (1990)
* James Burrows for "Woody Interruptus" (1991)
* Barnet Kellman for "Birth 101" (1992)
* Betty Thomas for "For Peter's Sake" (1993)
* James Burrows for "The Good Son" (1994)
* David Lee for "The Matchmaker" (1995)
* Michael Lembeck for "The One After the Superbowl" (1996)
* David Lee for "To Kill a Talking Bird" (1997)
* Todd Holland for "Flip" (1998)
* Thomas Schlamme for "Pilot" (Sports Night) (1999)

2000s|

* Todd Holland for "Pilot" (Malcolm in the Middle) (2000)
* Todd Holland for "Bowling" (2001)
* Michael Patrick King for "The Real Me" (2002)
* Robert B. Weide for "Krazee-Eyez Killa" (2003)
* Anthony and Joe Russo for "Pilot" (Arrested Development) (2004)
* Charles McDougall for "Pilot" (Desperate Housewives) (2005)
* Marc Buckland for "Pilot" (My Name Is Earl) (2006)
* Richard Shepard for "Pilot" (Ugly Betty) (2007)
* Barry Sonnenfeld for "Pie-lette" (2008)
* Jeffrey Blitz for "Stress Relief" (2009)

2010s|

* Ryan Murphy for "Pilot" (Glee) (2010)
* Michael Spiller for "Halloween" (2011)
* Steven Levitan for "Baby on Board" (2012)
* Gail Mancuso for "Arrested" (2013)
* Gail Mancuso for "Las Vegas" (2014)
* Joey Soloway for "Best New Girl" (2015)
* Joey Soloway for "Man on the Land" (2016)
* Donald Glover for "B.A.N." (2017)
* Amy Sherman-Palladino for "Pilot" (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) (2018)
* Harry Bradbeer for "Episode 1" (2019)

2020s|

* Andrew Cividino and Dan Levy for "Happy Ending" (2020)
* Lucia Aniello for "There Is No Line" (2021)
* MJ Delaney for "No Weddings and a Funeral" (2022)
* Christopher Storer for "Review" (2023)
* Christopher Storer for "Fishes" (2024)

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