After devouring the second season of Bear, Awards Insider’s Rebecca Ford and David Canfield have gathered to see the countless guest stars who have dropped by and who might join the conversation with next year’s Emmy’s guest star.
Rebecca Ford: After the first season of the knockout, people have high expectations for the second season of the food drama Bear. And the show did not disappoint. Not only did they bring drama in the Cow/Bear’s kitchen, but they boldly showcased their supporting talent with independent episodes and delved deeper into the characters’ lives and personal pasts. One of the best side effects of this extended season is a really crazy parade of guest stars. In the sixth flashback, we get to meet Carmy’s extended family, and it feels like every character is played by a very famous face. Plus, an Oscar winner even stopped by the kitchen in episode seven. I have to assume that when you have one of the most groundbreaking TV shows of the year, actors will scramble to drop by, but this crowded lineup just seems to exceed the norm.
While Bearthe first season to qualify for the current Emmy race, this second season will be part of the 2024 race. So yeah, we’re a little ahead of ourselves. But David, let’s try to predict what might happen with the guest star race for this show next year. With so many surprise appearances, it can be difficult to pick, but we can also analyze who showed up, what they did, and why that could put them in the conversation next season. . Where will we start?
David Canfield: Episode six is perhaps the most meaningful, with big names popping up on either side, but most of them gathered around this chaotic dinner table. But before we get into all those interesting names, I think it’s worth highlighting the continued stellar work of Jon Bernthal, who could be nominated as a guest in a few weeks for the season one. As Carmy’s brother Mikey, he’s explosive, the heartbreaking loss of his character in the present informing every beat of his flashback performance. In this episode, he was so absorbed that I had to hold my breath during the climax, when he engaged in a fork-throwing showdown with Bob Odenkirkuncle’s. It’s not a special funny turn, but it is excellent and I hope it will be recognized among the big names.
Because, yes, there are many of them. Have John Mulaney in a surprisingly influential role is the husband of Carmy’s cousin, who is played with lively appeal by Sarah Paulson. Have Gillian Jacobs, pregnant with Richie’s child, and as mentioned, Odenkirk joins Oliver Platt (who will have to compete for support this season) as another scolding uncle in the family. Between them, there are five potential guest contenders and all can participate. And that doesn’t even make it into the actual introduction of the episode, Jamie Lee Curtis as an unhealthy matriarchal. Curtis tries to be as human as possible here, which makes sense, as “Fishes” illustrates the pull her character maintains towards her family. It’s also undeniably baited for award voters, just in time after she’s won an Oscar for an entirely different performance in Everything Anywhere All At Once. Am I correct in saying that she is basically a lock to win a year from now?
Ford: Yeah, it feels like Curtis is the one to beat. She came back in episode 10 with a heartbreaking scene about being a disappointment to your kids that broke my heart and I have to assume leaves a lasting impression on those who voted. To give her that extra moment, she’s ahead of the rest of the guest stars from episode six.
