Jeremy Allen White Reveals Why Carmy’s Biggest Season 5 Mistake Was Exactly What He Needed
This article contains minor spoilers for The Bear season 5.
The employees of The Bear always have many plates spinning.
But the idiom took on a very literal meaning during season five, when rain-induced delays leave the staff—including Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas), Marcus (Lionel Boyce) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach)—scrambling to serve courses in under 10 minutes apiece.
Matters are only complicated, in true The Bear fashion, when they realize this is the evening that “Star Man” (a.k.a. the representative from the Michelin Guide) has decided to dine with them. But just as it seems like everything is going to work out, Carmy drops the very last piece of lamb that was destined for Star Man’s table, watching with nothing less than abject horror as the plate shatters on the ground, ruining the dish and seemingly The Bear’s last hope at earning a coveted star (or two).
“That’s such an important moment for Carmy,” Jeremy told E! News in an exclusive interview, “where he’s made the decision that he has to take a step back. And he’s discussed that with everybody at this point, but he has a hard time letting go.”
Because while Carmy seems lighter in the first episodes of season five following his decision to step away from the food industry, Jeremy says the character still has “such ego,” and after being praised for “years and years” for his abilities, it’s not easy for Carmy to shake off old habits.
And as the plate shatters to the ground, viewers see the panic that begins to descend on Carmy as memories of his failures in past kitchens flash by in a montage. However, whereas such a mishap may have once led to further chaos, his colleagues rise to the occasion and serve Sydney’s Coca-Cola short ribs to Star Man’s delight.
FX
“There’s this sort of ego death, and then acceptance of love and support,” Jeremy said of the moment. “I think Carmy’s also found it very difficult, historically, to accept care, you know? And so, I think that that moment, as devastating as it is, is really important for Carmy to get to where he’s going, which is ultimately this acceptance and understanding of self.”
But Carmy Berzatto isn’t the only character whose story arc comes to a satisfying pinnacle throughout the season.
In one especially poignant moment, the now-Executive Chef Sydney asks a stunned Tina to be her Chef de Cuisine (CDC), a.k.a. the top operational leader in a professional kitchen.
“To be entrusted with this title, maybe it is a little ego thing,” Liza told E! of Tina’s reaction, “because I’m like, ‘I got this title!’ I feel at that point a little closer to being ready to accept it and honored to be of service in a more serious way and confident way.”
Courtesy of FX
Detailing the character’s journey from line cook to her coveted CDC role, the Emmy winner continued, “And any time, as an actor, Tina working in the kitchen is seen and validated, I feel it deeply.”
And with The Bear ending with this fifth season, the entire cast is just grateful to have been a small part of the show’s perfect recipe.
As Lionel explained, “We’ve just grown closer as family. I think outside of when we’re working in Chicago for that couple of times a year, when we see each other, it’s always all love.”
Plus, each cast member brought their top shelf acting chops for the series, aware of how special the series and opportunity was. And Matty Matheson is quick to credit the show’s creator for inspiring the cast.
Theo Wargo/Getty Images
“Chris Storer tried to make this thing for a long time,” the real-life chef—who plays Neil, one half of the hilarious Fak brothers, in The Bear—told E! News. “Then he got to make a pilot, and we all got together, they got the right ingredients, and then it turned into what it turned into. This is a once in a lifetime thing. It’s heavy, it really is.”
As he put it, “We are all very normal people and now we’ve been put into this world, and it’s incredible.”
The fifth and final season of The Bear premieres June 25 at 9:00p ET / 6:00p PT on FX and Hulu.
For more series hanging up their hats this year—and others promised a new season—read on.
Emerson Miller/Paramount+
RENEWED: Dutton Ranch
Paramount+’s Yellowstone spinoff is saying giddyup to season two.
Netflix
CANCELED: The Boroughs
The Duffer Brothers’ post-Stranger Things sci-fi series is done after just one season, Deadline reported.
Apple TV
RENEWED: The Reluctant Traveler With Eugene Levy
Eugene Levy‘s travel series will continue globe-trotting on season four.
Apple TV
RENEWED: Widow’s Bay
The spooky series starring Matthew Rhys as the mayor of a haunted New England island will be back for season two.
Netflix
ENDING: A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
Netflix announced the small screen adaptation of Holly Jackson‘s bestselling book trilogy will conclude with the upcoming third season. This final chapter will bring Pip’s ultimate investigation to its gripping conclusion.
Ralph Bavaro/NBC
CANCELED: The Hunting Party
The NBC drama is done after just two seasons, according to Deadline.
Eddy Chen/HBO
ENDING: Euphoria
Following the May 31 finale of Euphoria—which saw a heartbreaking end for Zendaya’s Rue—creator Sam Levinson confirmed the third season is the HBO show’s last.
“In terms of the story that we set out to tell,” he said during an appearance on the New York Times’ Popcast, “which is a story about addiction and its consequences, this feels like the end to me. Looking back, you know, on the last eight years, I think it was such a kind of fulfilling journey in terms of this cast, the crew, what we were able to accomplish.”
Acorn TV
RENEWED: You’re Killing Me
Brooke Shields‘ Acorn TV murder mystery series will be back on the case when it returns for season two.
Netflix
ENDING: Emily in Paris
It’s time to say “au revoir” to Emily Cooper. Netflix announced season six of the Lily Collins-starring series, set in Greece, will be its last.
Disney/Steve Wilkie
RENEWED: The Testaments
Blessed be this news. The Handmaid’s Tale spinoff starring Chase Infiniti was renewed for a sophomore season.
Apple TV+
RENEWED: Margo’s Got Money Troubles
The Apple TV freshman comedy series starring Elle Fanning will return for season two.
Netflix
ENDING: The Lincoln Lawyer
Court will be adjourned for the Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, with the Netflix legal drama’s fifth season serving as its last.
Netflix
RENEWED: Quarterback
Netflix’s docuseries following the NFL’s top-tier athletes will return for season three.
Netflix
RENEWED: Love Is Blind
Love Is Blind is shipping out to Boston.
Netflix confirmed the series—which premiered on the streamer in 2020—has been renewed for season 11, set in the Massachusetts capital.
Katrina Marcinowski/Netflix
RENEWED: Running Point
Kate Hudson‘s sports comedy scored a slam dunk with season three renewal.
Netflix
RENEWED: Big Mistakes
Dan Levy‘s Netflix comedy will take fans on another wild ride during season two.
Netflix
RENEWED: My Life With the Walter Boys
The coming-of-age series was renewed for season four at Netflix.
Kareem Black/Bravo via Getty Images
RENEWED: Summer House
See the fallout from Amanda Batula, West Wilson and Ciara Miller‘s love triangle scandal continue to play out when the hit Bravo series returns for season 11.
Courtesy FOX
CANCELED: So You Think You Can Dance
Nearly two years after the 18th season of So You Think You Can Dance aired, Fox president Rob Wade confirmed, per Variety, “there’s no plans to order another season.”
However, the network noted it had not completely shut off the music, with Wade adding, “We’ve had conversations about it, but nothing formal.”
Koury Angelo/Bravo
RENEWED: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
Get excited, baby gorgeous. Utah’s iconic Housewives are returning for season seven on Bravo.
Bravo
RENEWED: Below Deck Down Under
Bravo is setting sail on season five of the travel reality show.
Courtesy FOX
CANCELED (FOR NOW): So You Think You Can Dance
The dance competition series’ fate hangs in the air following season 18, as Fox Television President Rob Wade confirmed in May that “right now, there’s no plans to order another season.”
Bravo
RENEWED: Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition
A new batch of Real Housewives stars will switch places with real-life moms when season two premieres on Bravo.
Bravo/NBCUniversal
RENEWED: Southern Charm
These Charmers aren’t going anywhere. Charleston’s beloved socialites will spill more sweet tea during season 13 on Bravo.
Oxygen
RENEWED: Killer Grannies
Oxygen’s true-crime series hosted by June Squibb will document more murderous grandmas during season two.
Bravo
RENEWED: Married to Medicine
Bravo’s long-running reality series was renewed for lucky number season 13.
Bravo
RENEWED: The Valley: Persian Style
Buckle up for more drama when season two debuts.
FX
ENDING: The Bear
Goodbye, chef. FX announced the culinary drama’s upcoming fifth season will be its last.
Oxygen
RENEWED: The Death Investigator With Barbara Butcher
Oxygen’s true crime series will be back for season two.
Oxygen/NBCUniversal
RENEWED: Prosecuting Evil With Kelly Siegler
Kelly Siegler will be back on the case when season three debuts on Oxygen.
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