Before The Bear returns for its fifth — and seemingly final — season, Hulu released a surprise flashback episode focused on Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal‘s fan-favorite characters.
“COUSINS! PRIMOS! CUGINI!!! Get ready for GARY!!!! We are so excited to finally share this little adventure with Richie and Mikey,” Moss-Bachrach wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, May 5. “Written by me and @jonnybernthal. Directed by the one Christopher Storer. Making this was a dream come true. Thanks to the beautiful people of Gary, Indiana and as always Chicago, Illinois.”
The Bear, which premiered in 2022, explores the food industry through the lens of a talented chef named Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), who returned to Chicago shortly after his older brother Mikey’s (Bernthal) death to take over their family sandwich shop, The Beef. After closing the local spot, Carmy and the employees reinvented the restaurant into The Bear.
Gary, meanwhile, is set when Mikey is still alive. The special is meant to shed light at Mikey’s state of mind before his death — and how it played a role in Richie’s behavior after the tragedy.
The last scene of the surprise episode also featured a scene seemingly in the present-day. Keep scrolling for an explainer on Gary — and what it means for The Bear season 5.
What Is ‘Gary’ About?
According to the official synopsis, Gary is focused on Mikey and Richie’s “complicated relationship, uncovering new layers of Mikey’s mental state while offering crucial insight into the man Richie is when audiences first meet him in season 1 — adding emotional context that reframes their story from the very beginning.”
The title is believed to be a nod to where the episode was filmed in Gary, Indiana.
Who Appears in the Surprise Episode?
In addition to Moss-Bachrach and Bernthal, Gillian Jacobs, Marin Ireland and more make guest star appearances.
Where Can ‘The Bear’ Fans Watch the ‘Gary’ Special?
The one-hour episode is available as its own project — titled Gary — on Hulu.
How Does ‘Gary’ Set Up for ‘The Bear’ Season 5?
While reminiscing on his friendship with Mikey and the road trip they took before his death, Richie gets distracted behind the wheel during a rainy day. A car behind him honks and Richie starts to drive away but is then involved in a possibly dangerous car crash.
When Does ‘The Bear’ Return for Season 5?
FX has yet to make an announcement but The Bear is expected to return in June.
Jamie Lee Curtis previously raised eyebrows after she posted photos of her wrapping production on The Bear’s most recent season, writing via Instagram in February, “FINISHED STRONG! Surrounded by an extraordinary crew and group of writers and producers and scene partners on the show that Chris Storer created, completing the story of this extraordinary family that we have all fallen in love with.”
The actress, who plays matriarch Donna, confirmed she “got to finish it out with” her onscreen daughter, who is portrayed by Abby Elliott. Curtis’ post made some assume that the cast has been told that season 5 would be the show’s last.
