The Bear Season 2's Heartbreaking Mikey & Carmy Moment: A Rollercoaster of Emotions Unveiled

Jon Bernthal delves into a poignant moment between Mikey and Carmy in season 2 of The Bear. The second season, which premiered on Hulu on June 22, continues to follow Carmy Berzatto, a young chef from the world of fine dining, as he returns to Chicago after his older brother Mikey's passing. Carmy takes on the responsibility of running their struggling Italian beef sandwich shop, facing challenges such as debt, a rundown kitchen, and an unruly staff. Bernthal reprises his role as Mikey in episode 6 of The Bear season 2, which showcases a chaotic and tense Berzatto family dinner from years prior to Mikey's death.

In a recent interview with Variety, Bernthal discusses his return as Mikey in The Bear season 2's Christmas episode. The actor explores the intensely emotional moment when it becomes clear how much Carmy desires to work alongside his brother at The Beef, and how strongly Mikey resists involving him in his own troubled situation. Bernthal offers a heartfelt explanation of the dynamic between Mikey and Carmy, shedding light on why the older brother was determined to keep his younger sibling out of his mess.

I find the unknown to be just as intriguing as the known. The creation of deeply complex and nuanced characters is what makes this show truly exceptional. It is deeply personal to the creators, and being a part of it is an immense honor. While I have limited knowledge, I am aware of Mikey's outcome. When we love someone and are conscious of our own flaws and despair, seeing him in his current state feels overwhelming. He perceives his shop and everything around him as a burdensome weight, driving him further into hopelessness. He is consumed by despair and strives to protect his brother from it. However, this may sometimes result in feelings of envy and anger.

The Bear Season 2 Explores Much More of Carmy & Mikey's Complex Relationship

Despite the tragic nature of Mikey's suicide, Bernthal's character has had limited screen time in the story. He initially appeared in The Bear season 1, specifically in season 6 for a brief flashback. In this scene, Mikey is shown preparing his ceremonial Sunday braciole and entertaining his family with an anecdote about a wild night out in Chicago. However, it is in The Bear season 2, episode 6 that Mikey's return is highly acclaimed, offering a deeper exploration of his intricate relationship with Carmy through an extended presence on screen.

In Season 2 of The Bear, there is a poignant moment between the brothers where Carmy presents Mikey with a sketch of his dream restaurant's exterior as a Christmas gift. This gesture signifies Carmy's strong desire to collaborate with his older brother. However, as soon as Carmy departs, Mikey is overwhelmed with emotion and bursts into tears, resorting to slapping himself in the face. Through minimal dialogue, this powerful scene effectively illustrates Mikey's self-awareness of his toxic and helpless nature, and perhaps his inevitable destiny. Though these emotions may also manifest as jealousy and anger, Mikey primarily wishes to spare his brother from getting caught up in his own chaotic situation.