On May 5, FX and Hulu surprised fans of *The Bear* with the release of a prequel episode titled “Gary.” This standalone offering dives deeply into the complicated friendship between Richie, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Mikey, played by Jon Bernthal. The episode provides a poignant examination of Mikey’s mental health struggles ahead of the series’ first season, enriching the narrative with emotional context that reframes previous events.
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Set approximately five years prior to the initial season of *The Bear,* the episode explores a road trip taken by Mikey and Richie to Gary, Indiana. At this point, the characters reflect different realities; Mikey is still alive and running his restaurant, The Original Beef of Chicagoland, while his mental health begins to decline. Viewers are reminded of Mikey’s death before season one and the subsequent return of his brother, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), who takes over the family business.
The road trip is instigated by their Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt), who assigns them what seems to be a trivial errand, delivering a box of plastic pump impellers. As they travel, viewers quickly perceive tensions that highlight Mikey’s declining mental state and his troubling relationship dynamic with Richie. Notably, Richie is still in a relationship with Tiffany (Gillian Jacobs), who is pregnant with their daughter, Eva. Tiffany’s superstitions about labour create a sense of urgency and familial connection.
Throughout the episode, Richie and Mikey engage in various activities reflective of their complex friendship. They interrupt a local basketball game and later share a meal at a diner, where Mikey suggests the name Eva for Richie’s unborn daughter. However, the lighthearted moments give way to darker themes during their visit to a bar, where the two indulge in alcohol and drugs. Mikey’s candid discussions regarding feelings of abandonment and worthlessness starkly contrast with the surroundings that seem to celebrate camaraderie.
As tensions rise between them, a climactic confrontation erupts. Richie questions Mikey’s commitment to the trip, leading to a painful exchange that reveals Mikey’s inner turmoil. In a particularly hurtful moment, Mikey chillingly asserts that Richie’s unborn child would be better off without him, saying, “Kid’s gonna hate you, Rich.” This revelation not only underscores Mikey’s struggles but also hints at deeper issues within Richie’s character that may be explored in future episodes.
The narrative offers thematic depth by juxtaposing moments of levity with the underlying tragedy of Mikey’s mental health crisis. The episode culminates in a melancholic flash-forward for Richie. After reminiscing about the trip with Mikey while driving, he faces a catastrophic moment when another vehicle runs a red light, putting his fate in jeopardy as viewers await season five.
The release of “Gary” serves as an emotional setup for the upcoming fifth season, which is scheduled to premiere on June 25. With this last chapter of *The Bear*, fans are eager to see how the intertwined fates of these characters will unfold, particularly in light of the unresolved tensions introduced in the special episode.
Overall, the unexpected drop of “Gary” offers an in-depth exploration of Richie’s and Mikey’s friendship, adding layers to the emotional tapestry of *The Bear.* As season five approaches, this standalone episode not only heightens anticipation but also reinforces the themes of love, loss, and the complicated nature of familial bonds that have resonated throughout the series.