The Bear has officially rolled out its highly anticipated fourth season, bringing with it a wealth of engaging elements: a thoughtfully crafted character arc for Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), a series of compelling thematic episodes, and an abundance of mouthwatering culinary delights. However, despite these strengths, the season struggles with the persistent and forced romantic subplot involving Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White) and Claire (Molly Gordon).
Following the breakup between Carmy and Claire in the climactic Season 2 finale, Claire emerges as a lingering specter in Carmy’s memories throughout much of Season 3. In Season 4, her presence intensifies as Carmy seeks reconciliation, and they begin spending more time together, paving the way for a potential reunion in the already-confirmed Season 5. However, many fans of The Bear find it challenging to embrace this pairing or to genuinely appreciate Claire as a character. Here are the reasons why.
The Bear
- Release Date
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June 23, 2022
- Network
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Hulu
5
Claire Embodies the Manic Pixie Dream Girl Trope
Claire Appears Less Developed Compared to Other Characters.
In a television series replete with exceptionally well-crafted and authentic characters, Claire struggles to resonate with viewers as she appears significantly less developed than her counterparts. Her character is primarily defined by her connections to the Berzatto family, her demanding role as an Emergency Room doctor, and her quirky, yet edgy personality. This portrayal often aligns with the classic Manic Pixie Dream Girl trope; following a serendipitous encounter in a grocery store, Claire actively pursues Carmy despite his initial disinterest, even going as far as to chase him down after he provides a fake phone number. Through this relationship, Carmy experiences nostalgia as he reconnects with someone he admired during his high school years, leading to an internal conflict between his burgeoning happiness with Claire and his dedication to the restaurant.
In a television series replete with exceptionally well-crafted and authentic characters, Claire struggles to resonate with viewers as she appears significantly less developed than her counterparts.
Claire consistently delivers the perfect sarcastic remark or profound insight at precisely the right moments, but these lines often come off as forced rather than natural for the context in which she says them. For example, she dismisses Carmy’s mention of Mikey (Jon Bernthal) with an ill-timed joke that seems out of place given their relationship. Additionally, she can turn a simple discussion about the days of the week into an unusually deep philosophical debate. In flashbacks following their breakup, Claire appears as a haunting figure in Carmy’s life in a manner that attempts to feel poetic, yet it feels more like a narrative device. Overall, Claire’s character development feels superficial, leaving viewers with minimal insight into her beyond the surface-level facts.
4
Claire’s Relationship with Carmy Lacks Authenticity
Claire Disrupts the Natural Chemistry Between Carmy and Sydney.
While it might be understandable for Carmy to idealize his relationship with Claire after having harbored feelings for her since high school, it feels disingenuous that she was not mentioned at all prior to her introduction in Season 2. The audience is led to believe that he has been longing for her all along, yet Carmy only seems to recall Claire when they unexpectedly meet. The dynamics of their relationship appear contrived, particularly when Season 1 focused heavily on the organic bond developing between Carmy and Sydney. Even if The Bear never intended to establish a romantic narrative between Carmy and Sydney, their connection seems far more authentic compared to the forced dynamic between Carmy and Claire, rendering Carmy’s romantic interactions with Claire even more awkward and out of sync.
The audience is led to believe that he has been longing for her all along, yet Carmy only seems to recall Claire when they unexpectedly meet.
Claire is portrayed as the person who supposedly brings the most joy to Carmy’s life and understands him better than anyone else, yet this notion is predominantly conveyed through dialogue rather than being substantiated by genuine evidence within the story. Even their more profound conversations, where he confides in her about his deepest secrets, lack the depth and authenticity needed to make viewers believe in their connection. The more Carmy emphasizes his bond with Claire, the more challenging it becomes to accept its validity, especially when juxtaposed against his much more nuanced interactions with Sydney.
3
Claire’s Convenient Backstory with the Berzatto Family
The Backstory Feels Like a Retcon to Enhance Her Characterization.
It becomes increasingly difficult to connect with a character when the narrative seems to push viewers to accept them without sufficient justification, and this is particularly true for Claire. Upon her return to Carmy’s life, his entire extended family—ranging from Neil (Matty Matheson) and Ted Fak (Ricky Staffieri) to Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) and Nat (Abby Elliott)—are incessantly extolling her virtues. Claire is suddenly endowed with a convoluted backstory intertwined with the Berzatto family, wherein she refers to Richie as “Cousin,” receives an invitation to Tiff’s (Gillian Jacobs) wedding, and even assumes the role of an aunt to Eva (Annabelle Toomey). One of the most glaring instances of this is when Mikey gives his unequivocal endorsement of Claire during the “Fishes” flashback.
…Her close relationships with the extended Berzattos ultimately don’t feel that believable.
For someone who is purportedly another member of the extended family, it’s perplexing that Claire was entirely absent from Season 1 and that she and Carmy only began to form a connection as adults. Each subsequent season adds more layers to Claire’s history with the Berzatto family, showcasing her participation at various family functions and her interactions with his relatives. However, this accumulation of lore feels more like a retrospective adjustment aimed at persuading the audience to embrace both Claire’s character and her connection to Carmy. Ultimately, her relationships with the extended Berzatos do not resonate as authentic.
2
Claire Is Presented as an Idealized Character
Claire Risks Falling into the Mary Sue Trope.
It would be one thing if both Carmy and his family depicted Claire as an idealistic love interest due to her shared history, and if that were acknowledged within the narrative. However, Claire is characterized as having no real flaws. She is inherently charming and witty, universally adored by everyone she meets, and she quite literally saves lives in her professional capacity. Furthermore, Claire is portrayed as the victim in her breakup with Carmy, despite the fact that he was unaware of her presence during his moment of vulnerability in the fridge. His entire family rallies around Claire during the breakup, and Carmy is almost driven away when he attempts to apologize to her later.
She is inherently charming and witty, universally adored by everyone she meets, and she quite literally saves lives in her professional capacity.
Claire also enjoys several heroic moments outside of her relationship with Carmy, often finding herself in situations where she is the sole person capable of resolving the crisis. For instance, when Sydney’s father (Robert Townsend) suffers a heart attack, the restaurant team merely accepts her directives without offering their support at the hospital. Instead, it is Claire who encounters Sydney during her shift, ultimately being the one to comfort her in her moment of despair. Although this scene showcases a more relatable and human side of Claire, it feels somewhat contrived for The Bear to use Sydney’s emotional turmoil as a vehicle to enhance Claire’s likability. Later on, when Eva hides under the table at Tiff’s wedding, Claire emerges as the only one capable of negotiating with her and determining her needs. This consistent pattern of Claire swooping in to save the day feels excessively orchestrated, leading to questions about the authenticity of her character’s role.
1
Claire’s Presence Detracts from the Development of Core Characters in ‘The Bear’
‘The Bear’ Has Marginalized Many Established Characters Over the Last Two Seasons.
At this point, it is undoubtedly frustrating when a series continually highlights an underdeveloped supporting character, but the most disheartening aspect is that Claire’s involvement diverts attention from well-established characters who have been integral to the show since its inception. For instance, Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson) received limited focus in Season 3, and while Season 4 grants him a bit more screen time, Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) has been relegated to the background. Many of The Bear‘s most significant characters are only afforded one major storyline per season, leaving them with less prominence than in earlier seasons. Instead, much of this narrative space is occupied by the evolving dynamic between Carmy and Claire.
During Tiff’s wedding, Claire assumes a pivotal role in the under-the-table mediation, overshadowing Marcus’ (Lionel Boyce) presence, which ultimately feels insignificant. Similarly, Pete (Chris Witaske) has been sidelined in Seasons 3 and 4, serving merely as the supportive spouse and resident lawyer. In contrast, Claire appears to seamlessly integrate into the Berzatto family dynamics, especially at the wedding, where she effortlessly engages in conversation and helps draw Carmy out of his shell. Ultimately, The Bear could benefit from allowing Claire to remain a likable secondary character while allowing her romance with Carmy to fade, thereby refocusing on the characters that have been overshadowed by her increased presence. At present, however, Claire’s role within the narrative feels misaligned and ineffective.
