Summary
One of the showrunners of The Bear originally wanted Carmy and Sydney to have a romantic partnership, but the creator vetoed the idea.
Carmy and Sydney successfully maintain a heartfelt and emotive connection without the need for a romantic involvement.
The showrunner of The Bear had a desire to see Carmy and Sydney become a couple, but this idea was quickly rejected. The Bear is a television series that delves into the challenges of managing a restaurant in Chicago. The show has received glowing reviews throughout its second season and has successfully balanced humor, stress, and romance. The romantic relationships of Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, in particular, have sparked debates among viewers. The uncertainty surrounding his connection with Sydney is a central aspect of these discussions, and fans have been enthusiastic about the possibility of their relationship since the show's inception.
During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Joanna Calo, one of The Bear's co-showrunners, disclosed that she had initially planned for Carmy and Sydney to embark on a romantic journey. However, her fellow showrunner and the show's creator, Christopher Storer, promptly dismissed this idea. While Calo was initially intrigued, she has since realized that Storer was correct in terms of the direction for The Bear's second season. Her quote is as follows:
It was truly astonishing to me. At a certain point, very early on, I found myself thinking, 'Perhaps they do become romantically involved.' However, Chris quickly dispelled that notion by saying, 'No!' He was absolutely right, but what I was trying to convey is that these relationships are complex. I've heard people refer to them as 'work wives' — there are various meanings attached to the relationships we have in our lives, and we often rush to neatly categorize everything. There is something beautiful about recognizing the messiness of our lives and how intertwined so many of our relationships are.
Carmy & Sydney's Potential Partnership
The producers and stars of The Bear have been candid about the fact that the relationship between Carmy and Sydney will not match the audience's expectations. The allure of The Bear lies in Carmy's tumultuous life, which leaves little space for anything beyond his restaurant. While a compatible and mutually beneficial relationship might alleviate some of Carmy's anxieties, the producers worry that reduced stress would leave Carmy with little purpose. Edebiri even likens the idea to suggesting that Walter White from Breaking Bad should seek therapy.
Carmy had a previous partner, but their relationship with Claire ended when he became trapped in the refrigerator in The Bear season 2. Claire served as a distraction for Carmy from the demands of his restaurant, but her presence made it difficult for him to fully focus on his business. Their relationship was destined to fail because he had to choose between his restaurant and his partner. Sydney, who works at The Beef and understands Carmy's struggles, has become a suitable alternative for him.
However, The Bear remains primarily a drama series. If Carmy does eventually find the perfect partner who can help him balance his responsibilities, it would have to happen towards the end of the series. Otherwise, there would be no room for further exploration. The Bear continues to receive outstanding reviews from critics and high praise from audiences, so there is currently no need to drastically deviate from the show's central premise. Storer, the writer, refused to allow Carmy and Sydney to become a couple in The Bear, as it would disrupt the series.
Source: THR