The Bear Season 2: Richie's Heartfelt Gesture to Uncle Jimmy

The Complex Relationship Between Richie and Uncle Jimmy

The chocolate banana in The Bear season 2 finale that Richie gives to Jimmy is a callback to an earlier episode in the season that fans might have missed. Jimmy, otherwise known as Cicero or 'Unc' by the dysfunctional Berzatto family, is a wise yet no-nonsense influence over Carmen, Natalie, and even Richie who has struggled to earn Jimmy's trust during the first two seasons of The Bear.

Uncle Jimmy smirks in The Bear

Richie possesses the most flaws between him, Natalie, and Carmen, who are all receiving guidance or financial support from Jimmy. This has created a great deal of friction between Richie and Jimmy throughout The Bear since Richie wants Jimmy's help but doesn't have his respect. Jimmy is clearly a man of principle, which is how he became so profitable and sharp in his business practices. Although Jimmy has love in his heart for Richie and the entire Berzatto family tree, he can't look past Richie's failures to honestly believe and invest in him. However, with the simple gesture of the chocolate banana The Bear shows Richie is taking a big step in changing Jimmy's opinion.

Carmy and Richie arguing in The Bear season 2

The Significance of the Chocolate Banana

In The Bear season 2 finale, Richie sends Jimmy a fancy chocolate banana made especially for him at the grand opening of Carmen's new restaurant. The tearful moment is a subtle callback to The Bear season 2, episode 6 'Fishes' where Jimmy explains to Richie's former wife Tiff a childhood memory of his dad taking him to a chocolate banana stand.

Richie wears a black suit in The Bear (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)

In the flashback Christmas episode, Jimmy recalls the smell of the chocolate bananas out of thin air, which Tiff rationalizes as the holidays invoking Jimmy's nostalgia. Moments later in the same scene, Richie gets exposed for claiming that Jimmy offered him a job in front of Tiff. This was a lie made up by Richie to appear like he had earned the opportunity honestly from Jimmy, which he did not. Jimmy could have made it known that Richie was a liar and embarrassed him in front of Tiff, which would have damaged their relationship further. However, Jimmy chose to keep the truth hidden to save Richie's face, a rare sign of good faith although Richie had forced Jimmy's hand.

Tiff and Richie at the dinner table in The Bear season 2 episode 6

Richie's Growth and Maturity

Richie's gift to Jimmy at the end of The Bear season 2 is a sign of Richie's maturity as well as an indication that Richie has always cared about Jimmy despite their differences. After Richie found purpose in performing acts of service, he used his newly inspired outlook to remind Jimmy how much he appreciated him for bringing Carmen's restaurant to life. It was also a gesture of gratitude between the two men that demonstrated Richie's growth, which Richie had previously been too proud or unserious to acknowledge. The chocolate banana was Richie's way of telling Jimmy that he has respected and loved him throughout both seasons of The Bear.

Richie Listens to Taylor Swift in His Car in The Bear