A Unique Take on “Fishes” – The Unforgettable Christmas Episode of “The Bear”
Television series often gift their viewers with memorable Christmas episodes, but none have made an impact quite like “Fishes,” the sixth episode of the Emmy-nominated second season of “The Bear.” This particular episode has left an indelible mark on both the series’ audience and critics alike, earning nine out of the 23 Emmy nominations for the show this year. Here, we delve into the making of this extraordinary episode, its impact, and the stories behind the scenes.
Introduction
The episode “Fishes” begins with the familiar festive tune of Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” setting a deceptively cheerful tone. However, the episode quickly descends into a whirlwind of familial chaos. The plot takes us five years into the past, capturing a family gathering where three adult siblings navigate awkward conversations with relatives while coping with their alcoholic mother. The matriarch, teetering on the edge, is desperately trying to prepare the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes, culminating in her dramatic crashing of a car through the house.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster, viewers and critics alike have embraced the episode, evidenced by its significant Emmy recognition. This article explores how “Fishes” was crafted, the performances that brought it to life, and the resonant themes it tackles.
The Making of “Fishes”
Conceptualizing the Episode
The Initial Pitch
Joanna Calo, the executive producer and co-writer of “Fishes,” initially pitched the episode for the first season. However, it found its perfect place in the narrative arc of the second season. By then, the audience had a deeper understanding of the family dynamics, making the episode’s emotional impact more profound.
Choosing the Feast of the Seven Fishes
The idea to center the episode around a Christmas gathering led to the natural choice of incorporating the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Italian-American celebration. This choice added a layer of cultural authenticity and complexity to the story.
Assembling the Cast
Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto
Jamie Lee Curtis, who plays the family matriarch Donna Berzatto, brought an intense energy to the set. Curtis shared that she was drawn to the role after watching the chaotic first episode of “The Bear.” She immediately felt a connection to the character and envisioned herself as the mother of the frantic siblings.
Jeremy Allen White as Carmen Berzatto
Jeremy Allen White, who plays Carmen Berzatto, recalls Curtis’s direct approach on set, skipping small talk and diving straight into her role. Curtis’s commitment extended beyond her performance; she even sourced Steiff bears from eBay, writing letters from Donna to her children, adding a unique touch of authenticity to their relationships.
Jon Bernthal as Michael Berzatto
Jon Bernthal, who portrays Michael Berzatto, shared an anecdote about Curtis’s in-character interactions, highlighting her ability to create a palpable on-set tension. Bernthal remembers Curtis telling him, “You were always my favorite,” a line he suspects she told every cast member, adding to the complex family dynamics.
Filming the Episode
Creating a Safe but Realistic Environment
Cinematographer Andrew Wehde emphasized the importance of giving the actors a safe space to perform authentically. They prelit the set, allowing Curtis to immerse herself in the role, even cooking in character. This preparation enabled the cast to deliver raw, unfiltered performances.
The Kitchen Scene
One of the episode’s most intense scenes takes place in the kitchen, captured in a single long take. Abby Elliott, who plays Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto, described the scene as feeling like a live theater performance. Curtis’s improvisational moments, including grabbing Elliott’s face, added to the scene’s authenticity and emotional depth.
The Themes of “Fishes”
Family Dynamics and Dysfunction
The Weight of Expectations
The episode delves into the burdens carried by matriarchs, especially during festive seasons. Donna Berzatto’s struggle to maintain tradition amidst her own unraveling serves as a poignant commentary on the often-overlooked emotional labor of women.
Resentment and Co-Dependency
The complex relationship between Donna and her children, particularly Carmen and Natalie, highlights themes of co-dependency and resentment. Donna’s unreciprocated efforts to create a perfect Christmas lead to a sense of unappreciation and bitterness, a sentiment echoed by many viewers.
The Impact of Alcoholism
A Family’s Struggle
“Fishes” does not shy away from portraying the devastating effects of alcoholism on a family. The episode showcases Donna’s battle with addiction, her erratic behavior, and the toll it takes on her children. This raw depiction resonates with many viewers who have faced similar struggles in their own families.
Michael’s Downward Spiral
Jon Bernthal’s portrayal of Michael Berzatto adds another layer to the narrative, depicting a character burdened by familial responsibilities and personal demons. The episode reveals the darker side of Michael’s charisma, his despair, and the hopelessness that ultimately leads to his tragic end.
Behind the Scenes Insights
Jamie Lee Curtis’s Dedication
Curtis’s commitment to her role extended beyond her performance. She brought personal touches to the set, including gifting the cast with personalized items and letters. These gestures fostered a sense of authenticity and deepened the familial connections portrayed on screen.
Transformation Through Costume
Curtis’s transformation into Donna was marked by a significant change in her demeanor once she donned the character’s wig. Her colleagues noted the stark difference in her behavior, likening her to a force of nature.
The Climactic Dinner Scene
Building Tension
The dinner scene, where tension reaches its peak, was meticulously crafted to convey the chaotic energy of a dysfunctional family gathering. The actors’ performances, combined with the dynamic camera work, created an immersive experience for the audience.
Unscripted Moments
Several key moments in the scene were unscripted, adding to the authenticity. Jon Bernthal’s decision to flip the table and the ensuing chaos exemplified the raw, unpredictable nature of the episode.
The Resonance of “Fishes”
Audience Reactions
Relatable Chaos
Many viewers found the episode strikingly relatable, with some even sharing personal stories of similarly tumultuous family gatherings. The episode’s portrayal of a not-so-perfect Christmas struck a chord with audiences, who appreciated its unflinching honesty.
Emotional Impact
The emotional weight of “Fishes” left a lasting impression on viewers and critics alike. The episode’s raw depiction of family dynamics, combined with its intense performances, made it a standout moment in television.
Critical Acclaim
Emmy Nominations
“Fishes” garnered nine Emmy nominations, a testament to its exceptional storytelling and performances. The episode’s impact was recognized by critics and peers, solidifying its place as a milestone in the series.
Industry Praise
The episode received widespread praise from industry professionals, who lauded its bold narrative choices and the powerful performances of its cast. Jamie Lee Curtis, in particular, was commended for her transformative portrayal of Donna Berzatto.
FAQs
What is “Fishes” about?
“Fishes” is the sixth episode of the second season of “The Bear,” focusing on a chaotic family Christmas gathering five years in the past. The episode explores themes of familial dysfunction, alcoholism, and the burdens of holiday expectations.
Why did “Fishes” receive so many Emmy nominations?
The episode was nominated for nine Emmys due to its exceptional storytelling, powerful performances, and its raw, unflinching portrayal of complex family dynamics. The episode resonated with both audiences and critics, earning it significant acclaim.
How did Jamie Lee Curtis prepare for her role as Donna Berzatto?
Jamie Lee Curtis immersed herself in the role by bringing personal touches to the set, such as gifting the cast with personalized items and letters. Her commitment extended to her performance, where she transformed into Donna through costume and demeanor.
What was the significance of the Feast of the Seven Fishes in the episode?
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Italian-American Christmas celebration. Its inclusion added cultural authenticity and complexity to the episode, serving as a backdrop for the unfolding family drama.
How did the actors handle the intense scenes in “Fishes”?
The actors were given a safe space to perform, with the set prelit to allow for authentic, unfiltered performances. Several key moments were unscripted, adding to the episode’s raw, unpredictable nature.
Conclusion
“Fishes” stands out as a remarkable episode in “The Bear,” capturing the chaos and emotional turmoil of a dysfunctional family Christmas. Through its raw storytelling, powerful performances, and unflinching portrayal of complex themes, the episode has left a lasting impact on audiences and critics alike. Its nine Emmy nominations are a testament to its excellence, solidifying its place as a standout moment in television history. As viewers continue to resonate with its themes, “Fishes” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and burdens of family, especially during the holiday season.
