Unveiling Lee: Bob Odenkirk's Intriguing Character in The Bear Season 2

WARNING! The following text contains spoilers for the season 2 finale of The Bear! In season 2 of The Bear, a new character called Uncle Lee Lane is introduced as an addition to the Berzatto family. His role appears to be much more significant than initially perceived. The star-studded Christmas episode of season 2 features cameo appearances from various actors, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Sarah Paulson, John Mulaney, Jon Bernthal, and Bob Odenkirk, who plays the enigmatic Uncle Lee. Although Lee is only shown in the climactic flashback episode, his presence hints that there is much more to his character and his connection to Carmy's past and present. Throughout season 2 of The Bear, we are introduced to several members of the Berzatto family, both blood relatives and unofficial additions. The Christmas flashback reveals a chaotic and tension-filled holiday gathering at the Berzatto home five years ago, where long-simmering resentments and animosities come to the surface. Amidst the conflicts between Sugar and Donna, the most significant argument occurs between Uncle Lee and Mikey. Forks are thrown by Mikey while Lee accuses him of being insignificant. The deep-rooted rivalry between the two characters remains unexplored by The Bear, leaving viewers intrigued about Lee's true role in the Berzattos' past.

Uncle Lee Is A Close Friend Of Carmy's Family In The Bear Season 2

Richie, like Bob Odenkirk's character Lee Lane, is not a blood relative but has been given the affectionate title of "uncle" by the Berzattos in The Bear. Despite the lack of warmth towards him, Uncle Lee maintains a close relationship with the family. In the season 2 premiere, during a meeting with Uncle Jimmy regarding money hidden in tomato sauce cans, Sugar reminds Carmy of Lee's status as "Uncle Lee Lane," to which Carmy responds brusquely, stating that he is not their uncle. This comparison between Lee and Richie emphasizes that Lee is not a blood relative.

Although season 2 of The Bear does not definitively reveal Lee's exact connection to the Berzatto family's history, it is likely that he was a trusted friend or business partner of Carmy, Sugar, and Mikey's father. Carmy's father has not been introduced, leaving his fate a mystery, but Uncle Lee, portrayed by Odenkirk, may offer some insight. His absence during Christmas suggests the possibility of Carmy's father's passing, with Uncle Lee attempting to fill the void and assume a paternal role within the extended Berzatto family, potentially even pursuing a romantic relationship with Donna. This circumstance could explain Mikey's intense dislike for Lee, as Mikey would consider himself the rightful successor to his father's position as the oldest child.

How Uncle Lee Is Connected To Mikey's KBL Tomato Cans From The Bear Season 1

In the season 1 finale of The Bear, Carmy finally opened the tomato cans left by his deceased brother, Mikey, and discovered a hidden sum of approximately $300,000 inside the sauce. Throughout season 1, the meaning of KBL, which was associated with Mikey's debts, remained unclear. However, Uncle Jimmy unveiled the answer in the season 2 premiere, revealing that KBL stood for "Kalinowski Berzatto Lane," the surnames of Uncle Jimmy, Carmy, and Uncle Lee. Despite owing the $300,000 to Uncle Jimmy, Mikey left it for Carmy to use as funding for The Bear restaurant. The role of Uncle Lee in the loan and the reason for his inclusion remains uncertain.

There is a possibility that Uncle Jimmy, Carmy's father or Mikey, and Uncle Lee have been involved in various investments or even engaging in illegal activities for some time. Consequently, it is possible that Mikey proposed an idea and borrowed money from Uncle Lee to give to Carmy instead, potentially as a means to spite Odenkirk's character in season 2 of The Bear, even after his death. Another possibility is that Uncle Lee had a stake in the Original Beef of Chicagoland restaurant, making him part of Mikey's previous plans to franchise the establishment. However, if Lee had invested in The Beef, it would justify his inclusion in the plans for The Bear in season 2, similar to Uncle Jimmy's involvement in the finances.

Will Uncle Lee Return In The Bear Season 3?

The fate of Uncle Lee after the Christmas episode in The Bear season 2 remains unknown, leaving uncertainty about whether he still resides in Chicago. However, as Carmy refers to him in the present tense during episode 1 of The Bear season 2, it suggests that Lee hasn't passed away in the past five years. Consequently, the possibility arises that Bob Odenkirk's character, Uncle Lee, may make a comeback in The Bear season 3 in order to reclaim his share of Mikey's KBL money or potentially stake a claim in the new restaurant. Since The Bear season 2 doesn't delve into Lee's past with the Berzatto family, it is likely that he will make an appearance in season 3 to explore his true relationship with Uncle Jimmy, Mikey, and possibly Carmy's father.

All episodes of The Bear season 2 can now be streamed on Hulu.