'The Bear' "Gary": What Is the Special Episode About & What Should We Expect From Season 5?

An unexpected episode of The Bear titled "Gary" was released on Hulu – it's a prequel about the friendship between Michael and Richie.

The show's fourth season could have served as a fitting finale, but streaming services aren't ready to let go of popular projects. Fortunately, the creators of The Bear realized that they couldn't create new conflicts indefinitely, and the story will end on June 25.

How Did 'The Bear' Season 4 End?

Over the course of three seasons, Carmy renovated the family diner and opened a restaurant. In the fourth season, he burned out.

The socially anxious and narcissistic man sank into a deep depression and became more like his brother. He lost faith in himself and considered leaving the establishment he founded.

Previous episodes explored forgiveness. Despite his personality, Carmy, like Mikey, became the center of strong friendships. The restaurant staff became like family and gradually forgot old grudges.

What Is "Gary" About?

The special episode reveals the elder Berzatto's mental breakdown. Mikey is about to leave this world. Previously, the writers hadn't devoted much time to him – the viewer only heard how much everyone loved and suffered for him.

In "Gary," however, the character is revealed in all his glory. He has good qualities, but in the final stages of self-destruction, he sees no boundaries. Mikey humiliates Richie, treating him like a dog by constantly yelling at him, criticizing him, and making disgruntled faces.

By the end of the episode, he does something that shatters everyone's faith in his goodness.

Meanwhile, the writers show Richie before his depression for the first time. He puts together a playlist for the trip, learns interesting facts about the city, and views his boss' assignment as an adventure.

In the prequel, he's not yet divorced – he's rushing home because his wife thinks she'll go into labor at 5:15 p.m. sharp. Despite Mikey's behavior, Richie treats him warmly.

What to Expect From 'The Bear' Season 5?

The Bear has always had special episodes. The most rewarding ones are the flashbacks, like "Fishes" from Season 2, which depicts a family dinner that turns into chaos. "Gary" is much more captivating than last season as a whole, but it suggests that the new episodes will continue the endless arc of forgiveness.

The characters will probably finally come to terms with Mikey's death – they'll reflect on it and realize that it's time to put an end to their collective madness.

Sugar and Carmy will mend their relationship with their mother, and Richie will overcome depression thanks to his success at the restaurant. Sydney will fulfill her dream of becoming a boss.

What about Carmy? We think he'll be fine, too. Maybe he won't follow in his brother's footsteps. He could abandon his obsession with becoming the best in his profession and settle down.