The Bearis all about the Berzatto family, both biological and honorary, and every season makes their family tree all the more complicated. This is especially trueafterThe Bearseason 4, when Tiff’s wedding reunites all those family members introduced in the season 2 “Fishes” episode. Not only this, but we got to hear about a few additional family members.
The Berzattos lovingly call one another “Bears,” referencing the first syllable in their family name (Ber-zatto—Ber—Bear).However,someone doesn’t necessarily have to be a Berzatto to be a Bear. Season 1 introduced a variety of cousins and uncles, none of whom are actually related to Mikey, Sugar, and Carmy.The Bearseason 2 kept this going, and we met other Bears whose connection to the Berzattos is complicated.
Now,The Bearseason 4 leaned even further into this idea of a massive,extended Bear family. The restaurant staff, including Sydney, Marcus, Tina, and all the rest, are Bears through and through. Additionally, Claire is a bona fide Bear, even without an active romance with Carmy. It may seem complicated at first glance, but it’s actually simple. Still, asThe Bearseason 4 joked about this aspect, it teased the possibility of further family members we may meet one day.
The Bear Season 4 Reveals Three New Berzatto Family Members
Big Phil, Estelle, & Spooky?
At Tiff’s wedding, Michelle and Stevie (Sarah Paulson and John Mulaney) attempted to clear up some confusion about the Bear family. However, they comically only made things more complicated. Stevie attempted to explain his connection to the Berzattos, stating that his wife,Michelle, is one of several sets of kids adopted by Big Phil’s wife, Estelle.
Of course, we have absolutely no idea who Big Phil or Estelle are, so Stevie’s explanation doesn’t describe how Michelle is actually linked to the family. From there, Mulaney’s character made things even worse,adding in (as if to clarify) that Michelle is “their cousin the way Spooky’s their cousin.” Who the heck is Spookey? Who knows.
The Berzatto family in The Bear is very intentionally confusing.
Stevie’s mention of Big Phil, Estelle, and Spooky is similar to how Francie Fak used to be mentioned back in the day. Since we met Francie at Tiff’s wedding, we can assume that we will also meet these new Bear family members. Still, I wouldn’t count on ever fully understanding what these people’s relationship (biological or otherwise) is to the Berzattos themselves.
The Bear’s Berzatto Family Gets Even More Complicated With Each New Member
The Bear Family Goes Far Beyond Blood
The Berzatto family inThe Bearis very intentionally confusing. Though this is largely for comical effect, the fact that we have no idea how many of these characters are related feeds right into the themes of the FX series.The Bearseason 4, especially, was all about chosen family. The people we work with or generally surround ourselves with are as good as (or better than) blood.
