Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal have come together to create a prequel episode to The Bear, featuring their characters, Mikey Berzatto and Richie. The storyline of this episode is before Mikey’s death.
The episode begins with Mikey blaring the horn, waiting for Richie to get in the car. They’re delivering a box to Indiana for Uncle Jimmy. Mikey won’t tell him what’s in the box. Richie makes him promise to be back by 5:30 as it’s Tiffany’s due date. Richie puts in a CD called Tunes For Gary, which is where they’re going in Indiana.
They make a stop, and Richie calls to check on Tiffany. She tells him not to be worried and to enjoy his time with Mikey. They then stop at a diner and meet the server, Alicia. After they leave the diner, they drive past a basketball court, where kids are playing. The two of them decide to make a pit stop and play a game. They win the game and keep on to their destination.
The two of them make another stop, waiting about an hour to get the phone call from whoever they’re delivering the box to. Richie looks behind him and notices a bar across the street. He tries to tell Mikey that they should go inside, but Mikey is persistent in staying in the car to wait for the phone call. Richie gets out of the car, acting loudly, practically begging Mikey to get out of the car so that they can go to the bar. Richie gives up and decides to go in on his own.
Mikey is still in the car waiting when a woman, Sherri, comes up to the window asking if he’s a hockey player, which is what Richie tells her. Mikey has no choice but to go into the bar, only to find Richie telling an embarrassing story about himself. Later, Mikey talks with Sherri. Meanwhile, Tiffany calls Richie and gets upset when she learns the two of them are at a bar.
Sherri and Mikey go to the bathroom to do cocaine. He vents to her about how people feel about him and the things they say. He rambles on about life. He tells her that he feels like he’s drowning, and he’s tired. The two come close to sharing an intimate kiss when Richie interrupts, telling Mikey they need to go. Mikey and Sherri leave the bathroom as Richie tries to exit the bar. Upset, Mikey begins to rant about America and freedom. Richie gets uncomfortable with Mikey acting rambunctiously. Mikey speaks about Richie being happy and how he’s about to be a dad, and starts to get emotional. Mikey then proceeds to talk about how bad Richie’s going to mess up being a father. Sherri tries to stop him, but Mikey keeps on talking, making it even worse. Richie slaps him, and Mikey continues taunting him, spitting on him, which makes Richie slap him again. As Mikey begins to calm down, he says, “The kid’s gonna hate you, Rich.”
They finally make it to the meeting, and Richie finds out what’s in the box: plastic pump impellers. After the drop off, the car ride is dead silent.
The scene transitions to the current time. Richie’s sitting in his car, and as he moves through the green light, a car hits him.
Overall, this was a good episode. It started with good vibes and then ended with a depressing note. The episode leaves us with a cliffhanger about what happens to Richie. It was heartbreaking to watch Mikey say those things about Richie, to his face and embarrassing him in front of everyone. Even though we get flashbacks throughout The Bear, this nice little prequel was a good addition to learn more about Richie and Mikey’s dynamic. It makes more sense as to why Richie has been acting the way we’ve seen since his cousin’s death. Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach did an amazing job showing their relationship and emotions with each other. Now, we will just have to wait to see what will end up happening to Richie in the next season, coming in June.
Rating: 8.5/10