Warning: This article contains spoilers forThe Bearseason 3.
Summary
The Bearstar Liza Colón-Zayas reflects on the Tina-focused episode in season 3 of the FX on Hulu show, explaining why her character was crying in the scene with Michael. Written by Catherine Schetina, and directed byThe Bearcast member Ayo Edebiriin her directorial debut, “Napkins” is a flashback episode that focuses on Tina Marrero in 2018. The half-hour shows how Tina lost her job of 15 years and wound up connecting with Michael “Mikey” Berzatto (Jon Bernthal). Before long, he offers her the gig of a line cook at his restaurant, kicking off her journey throughThe Bear.
In comments toGQ, Colón-Zayas talked about why Tina broke down in tears during theBearflashback with Michael. The actor opens up about Bernthal’sseason 3 cameo and the scene they shared, saying thatMikey’s kindness had a profound impact on her,and talking about how Tina truly was terrified of losing everything. Read her quote below:
That kindness. That one thing of, I don’t know how broke she was, but maybe she didn’t just go in there for a cup of coffee. I think the dam burst in that moment. Sometimes food will bring up memories and feelings, and I think that there’s something about how warm and delicious [the food was.] [It] took her to a place that allowed her to admit that she’s terrified of losing all of it.
Why “Napkins” Might Be The Bear Season 3’s Best Episode
It Does What Most Of The Season Avoids
Althoughreviews ofThe Bearseason 3have been largely positive, with critics mostly sharing their praise for the outing, there has been a feeling that the FX on Hulu series plays it relatively safe throughout most of its run. Unlike the second outing, which had more momentum by building to the restaurant’s rebranded opening,season 3 favors a quiet and more subdued approach to mixed effect. This has led toThe Bearreceiving a surprising 59% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating how divisive it is among viewers.
The Bearseason 3’s critic Rotten Tomatoes score is 94%.
“Napkins” is a clear exception. A bit of a marvel in terms of economic storytelling, in the way that season 2’s “Forks” was for Ritchie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), it takes viewers through Tina’s life andreveals so much about its central character with so little. It builds up Tina’s optimistic attitude, even in the face of mounting pressures, and allows her to briefly break in a lovely scene with Michael. This adds many layers to Tina’s character in a relatively simple way.
The Bear Season 3 Ending Explained: What’s Next For Carmy & Sydney
After walking through Carmy, Sydney, and the crew’s struggles with their new restaurant, The Bear season 3 ends on a fascinatingly ambiguous note.
“Napkins” is a showcase for a lot of parts ofThe Bearthat work really well, whether it’s a standout performance by Colón-Zayas or Edebiri’s confident debut behind the camera. It also quietly shows more of who Michael was, why he meant so much to so many, and in turn, why the restaurant itself means as much as it does. Coming in as the sixth episode ofThe Bearseason 3, it provides the Emmy-winning hit with a big jolt.
