FX and Hulu have unexpectedly released a special hour-long prequel to The Bear, called “Gary.” Written by and starring Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach, the episode is set a few years before the main series and shortly after the Season 2 episode “Fishes.” It centers around Mikey and Richie taking a road trip to Gary, Indiana to deliver a package for their Uncle Jimmy, and explores their complicated relationship and personal struggles along the way. Be aware that spoilers follow.
Okay, so the new episode, “Gary,” felt a lot like one of those deeper-dive flashback episodes of The Bear. It really centered on Mike and Richie – we got to see them playing basketball, playfully arguing with some kids, and just… being Mike and Richie. There’s a lot of love and tension between them, as always, and somehow, through all of that, they actually get the package delivered! What added to the stress, though, was that Richie promised Tiff (Gillian Jacobs makes a quick appearance) he’d be back by 5:15 because she’s about to have the baby, which just ramped up the anxiety like we’re used to with The Bear.
The episode concludes with Mikey driving and Richie riding shotgun as they wait for a train to pass. Then, the scene jumps forward in time – Richie now looks different – and he’s driving alone, looking sadly at the empty seat beside him. As he starts driving, a van crashes into his car, and the episode ends abruptly with the impact.
Was Richie’s Car Crash In “Gary” Actually From The Bear Season 5?
It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when the scene with Gary ends, but it’s definitely set sometime after previous events, and he’s wearing his usual black shirt and tie. Many viewers believe this scene takes place during or right before the events of The Bear Season 5. The scene depicts what appears to be a serious car accident, not a minor one, and this event hasn’t been mentioned in the show before. Including it in the prequel makes sense only if it happened around this time, and the way it’s presented – with uncertainty about the timing and outcome – suggests that’s the intention.
If this turns out to be true, it will significantly affect the final season of The Bear. While Richie might not die in the car accident, the show will likely explore the aftermath and how the characters react. This is especially important because he’s about to become a partner with Sydney, and his condition could change their working relationship, the restaurant’s operations, and Carmy’s future plans.
Seeing Richie hurt is a really surprising way to leave Gary’s fate hanging, and fans will definitely be worried as we wait for Season 5. Depending on the severity and timing of the injury, Richie could be hospitalized for much of the season, which would significantly change the show’s storylines. We’re hoping it’s not too serious, but now anything seems possible.
The Bear Season 5 is expected to release on FX on Hulu in June. Gary is now available to stream.
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2026-05-05 21:42