Why Jon Bernthal’s Best Performances in The Bear Takes Less Than 10 Episodes to Binge
A brother’s lasting presence
The Bear follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, played by Jeremy Allen White, as he leaves the fine-dining world and returns to Chicago after Mikey’s death. Carmy takes charge of the family’s Original Beef sandwich shop and transforms it into a restaurant called The Bear.
Mikey has died before the series begins, so viewers come to know him through flashbacks. His influence remains strong in the lives of Carmy, their family and Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach.
Mikey across the seasons
Season 1’s “Ceres” presents Mikey as lively and funny, with close bonds to his siblings and Richie. Season 2’s “Fishes” reveals a more volatile side during a Berzatto family Christmas, alongside signs of trauma and addiction.
Season 3 offers a glimpse of Mikey’s kinder nature when he hires Tina, played by Liza Colón-Zayas, at The Beef. The prequel episode “Gary” also features Bernthal alongside Moss-Bachrach.
A brief but powerful performance
Bernthal makes Mikey feel fully formed despite the character’s limited screen time. His portrayal helps explain why the story continues to revolve around the consequences of Mikey’s death.
Bernthal won an Emmy for his work in Season 2 and later received two more nominations. The Bear concluded with its final season in June, and the series offers a nine-episode binge focused on his appearances.
Key points
- The Bear premiered on Hulu in 2022 and follows Carmy’s return to Chicago.
- Mikey appears through flashbacks after his death before the series begins.
- Bernthal won an Emmy for Season 2 and later received two more nominations.