Jon Bernthal, star of The Bear season 2, opens up about the intense and potentially hazardous scene he shared with Bob Odenkirk. The actors come together in the Christmas episode of The Bear season 2, where Bernthal reprises his role as Mikey Berzatto, the deceased brother of Carmy and Sugar, in a flashback. Odenkirk, on the other hand, makes his debut as Uncle Lee. The tension between Lee and Mikey quickly escalates, culminating in a dramatic moment at the dinner table where Mikey defiantly throws a fork at Lee.
During an interview with Variety, Bernthal reveals that the scene with Odenkirk had its moments of danger. He highlights the importance of a strong ensemble cast, especially in a Christmas flashback that heavily relies on guest actors and group dynamics. Bernthal also praises Odenkirk as his acting partner and credits their chemistry for the impactful final scene. Here is Bernthal's full statement:
"The scene with Bob Odenkirk definitely had its moments of danger. It really showcased the power of an ensemble, particularly in our Christmas flashback where we heavily relied on guest actors and group dynamics. Working with Bob was a pleasure, and his talent as a lead actor in Better Call Saul really shines through. Our collaboration definitely elevated the final cut of the scene."
The power of an ensemble, much like the power of theater, lies in the fact that everyone sitting at that table is incredibly talented. This creates a palpable tension in the room. Each time we worked on it, it was a completely different experience – a new person would emerge, bringing a fresh burst of intensity and apprehension. The atmosphere inside was incredibly intense, because everyone was fully committed and skilled in what they were doing. And the material itself was absolutely stunning.
Working with Bob was a dream come true for me. I've always been a huge fan of his, and he was the perfect choice for this project. He was fully willing to engage with me, and vice versa! When you have an environment like that, where everyone is open to taking risks, it creates a sense of danger, but also a deep level of trust. There was so much love and dedication among the cast. Our focus then became, how can we surprise each other? How can we frighten each other? How can we do something that nobody would ever expect? How can I lose myself completely in this experience? When you establish an atmosphere that is both incredibly creative and incredibly safe, finding that sense of danger becomes effortless. It was truly enjoyable! It felt like doing remarkable theater work, which is quite rare.
Odenkirk & Bernthal Both Deserve Emmys For Their Performance
Odenkirk delivers yet another brilliant performance in Lucky Hank, particularly in the show's standout episode where a marital dispute takes center stage. However, his appearance in The Bear season 2 is on a whole different level. Initially appearing as a less significant guest, Lee's true cruel nature is unveiled when he interacts with Mikey, Carmy's older brother. Lee consistently undermines and belittles Mikey, leaving him feeling diminished. Odenkirk's portrayal of Lee is subtly menacing, showcasing a depth even Saul Goodman may not reach.
Lee's cruelty is heightened by the knowledge that Mikey has tragically taken his own life. Bernthal, a seasoned actor known for his roles in Marvel and The Walking Dead, skillfully portrays Mikey's profound brokenness during the family holiday gathering. Even before the explosive dinner confrontation, Mikey struggles to conceal his depression long enough to engage in conversation. Bernthal's understated performance is at times heart-wrenching, leaving a lasting impact.
Should The Bear season 3 come to fruition, as seems probable considering the enthusiastic reception and rave reviews, we can anticipate the return of Odenkirk and Bernthal. Here's to hoping they receive due acknowledgment for their exceptional performance in a remarkable episode, enriched with noteworthy guest appearances and profound moments that truly define the show's enduring impact.