Claire shudders at the sight of bees, while Richie trembles at the mere thought of AI. Frank's heart races at the prospect of heights, and Neil's nerves fray at the approach of large canines. Ted finds enclosed spaces claustrophobic, while Kelly's mind is haunted by the specter of the planet's gradual demise. Stevie fears the onslaught of disease, Syd dreads the sting of failure, Chester recoils in horror at the sight of spiders, and Carm, paradoxically, is terrified of peace. Indeed, each member of our eclectic group harbors a secret fear, even the formidable Berzatto family, who crash Tiffany and Frank's wedding in what promises to be the grandiose event episode of season four. Though we missed out on the heartfelt vows, the festivities were replete with action, welcoming back Sarah Paulson's cousin Michelle and her spouse Stevie, masterfully portrayed by John Mulaney. Bob Odenkirk's Uncle Lee made an appearance, escorting Jamie Lee Curtis's Donna, while Josh Hartnett reprised his role as Frank. Brie Larson donned a snarky yellow peasant dress and headband to embody Francie Fak, whose past deeds were surely nothing short of intriguing.
Much like any authentic family wedding, Frank and Tiffany's nuptials served as a catalyst for bringing together disparate clusters of individuals, who awkwardly conversed, danced, and shied away from direct eye contact. The long-awaited reunion between Carmy and his mother, who hadn't spoken since the harrowing events of season two's "Fishes," unfolded in an odd yet mercifully brief exchange. Donna remarked that Carmy looked all grown up, stumbling over words as she shared the news that he was now an uncle. Carmy managed to utter that there were "many familiar faces" amidst the crowd before Richie and Syd swept in, providing him with an escape route.
Carmy sought refuge in what appeared to be a butler's pantry or an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), where he was unexpectedly discovered by Uncle Lee. In "Fishes," Uncle Lee had been an unmitigated jerk, trampling over Mikey's stories and inserting himself into every conceivable drama. This didn't justify Mikey's relentless pelting of forks at him, but it seemed that time had healed wounds, as Lee revealed to Carmy that he and Mikey had actually grown quite close in the years and months preceding Mikey's untimely death. Lee would visit Donna, and Mikey would often be present, leading to heartfelt conversations. Mikey would confide in Lee about Carmy's endeavors, such as his ants-infused dish or his fish cooked inside potatoes, and Lee could always sense Mikey's immense pride in his brother. Though Mikey may not have verbalized it, and Carmy may not have felt it — a fact Lee was acutely aware of, having caught Carmy slipping out of Mikey's funeral unnoticed by others — Mikey cherished his brother deeply. It was heartening to witness Lee imparting this knowledge to Carmy.
Through Lee's revelations, we glimpse into the transformative journey he and Donna are undertaking to evolve into more level-headed and productive individuals. Lee has been attending "meetings" three times weekly, delving into conversations about stakes, divinity, and the intricacies of life. As for Donna, Lee asserts that though she is brimming with unspoken agony, she is finally mastering the art of voicing her pain before it accumulates, indicating a genuine effort towards self-improvement. Despite her premature exit from the wedding, Donna's endeavors are palpable; she appears healthier than during Christmas, her smoking habits notwithstanding. The cessation of her drinking is a commendable step forward.
The wedding, replete with Berzattos—a breed described by Stevie and Claire as possessing "distinct and intense personalities that vibrantly feel and experience life"—maintained a serene ambiance, with the exception of the Francie Fak saga. The epitome of the day's drama unfolded with little Eva Jerimovich, whose vehement aversion to dancing led her to hide beneath an colossal banquet table, requiring the intervention of nearly every adult present to coax her out. Her tiny, spirited heart deserves all the blessings it can get.
Natalie and Francie, after an excruciatingly melodious screaming match witnessed by an abundance of wedding guests, managed to reconcile. Francie, portrayed by the delightful surprise of Brie Larson, seems to hail from the Fak family's conventionally alluring clan, akin to John Cena. Sugar's assessment of Francie as somewhat of a nightmare, terrorizing Neil and Ted's girlfriend for seemingly no reason despite Kelly's affability, suggests that someone had to inherit the family's type-A traits. Regardless, Neil was consoled with a lavish cup of hot chocolate adorned with whipped cream and marshmallows.
As Carmy sought refuge in conversation with Uncle Lee, leaving his mother behind, an intriguing dynamic emerged between Syd and Donna. The screen had yet to witness Jamie Lee Curtis and Ayo Edebiri share scenes, yet both are pivotal. Donna grilled Syd with inquiries about her family, the restaurant, and her son's wellbeing, while Syd, exuding charm, indulged Donna's requests for a hug and commiserated about the Bear's characteristic din. Donna recounted her brief tenure at the Beef, acquired by her husband, and how she cherished the daily familiarity, whether with customers or staff. This routine brought her comfort, a sense of being "vividly alive." Their discourse on work families transforming into blood families resonated deeply with Syd, hinting at her potential decision to remain at The Bear, especially considering her avoidance of Shapiro's calls for several days.
I believe the resolution in this episode that resonated with me the most revolves around Richie, who, following a virtual panic attack in the alley, chain-smoked cigarettes while peppering Sydney with quotes from Philip K. Dick, ultimately mustering the courage to enter the wedding. Inside, an unexpected camaraderie blossoms between him and Frank, who, it transpires, is consumed by jealousy over Richie's bond with his daughter and riddled with fears of becoming an inadequate stepfather to Eva. Richie, ever the epitome of generosity, soothes Frank's nerves and imparts wisdom on the art of parenting, resisting the urge to indulge his selfish longing for his daughter's affection. This moment underscores Richie's transformation into a far more enlightened individual than the one we first encountered in The Bear.
A poignant callback enhances this theme when Richie confides in Cicero about William Friedkin's contemplation in Kyoto's rock garden, previously referenced in season three's "Violet." Richie relates how Friedkin pondered the rocks amidst the sand, contemplating, "What if they represent families or individuals, and these gardens symbolize the isolation and distance between them, with only the sand serving as their connector?" It's a profound yet melancholic reflection. Fortunately, Richie shares, his perspective on that garden, and by extension, himself, has shifted. He's "immensely relieved" and "fucking grateful," he tells Cicero, as he now sees himself not as a solitary rock but as the interconnecting sand. If only he can harness this newfound interconnectedness to rekindle his relationship with Carmy, perhaps then, The Bear will reclaim its serious momentum.
