Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Bear season 4!Claire plays a crucial role inThe Bearseason 4, but it comes at a moment that doesn’t involve Carmy. Molly Gordon’s Claire made her official debut inThe Bearseason 2 as someone from Carmy’s past. The pair reconnected in the follow-up installment, allowing their friendship to grow into something more. Unfortunately, Carmy’s self-torment got the best of him, leading him to sabotage his romance with Claire by blaming her for his lack of focus at work. ByThe Bearseason 3’s ending, the pair hadn’t repaired their relationship, but their future comes into play in the fourth season.
Gordon’s character has an increased presence in the latest episodes, especially after Carmy finally visits to apologize to her. They don’t officially get back together by theend ofThe Bearseason 4, but there’s now hope that they will reconcile, or at least become friends. The fate of Carmy and Claire’s relationship has been a lingering mystery in the show since season 2’s finale. That said,season 4 gives Claire a more significant role that’s not necessarily tied to Carmy, which should continue inThe Bearseason 5.
Claire Is A Calming Figure For All Of The Bear’s Main Characters – Not Just Carmy
Claire Stepped Up When Sydney Needed A Friend
Carmy has had a tendency to surround himself with chaos. Some of it has been out of his control, but he also picked a career that is never slow-paced and simple. That’s why, when Claire reentered Carmy’s life, he found somewhat of a grounded and calming figure in his life, who was outside the chaotic culinary world. InThe Bearseason 4, however, Claire becomes that gentle soul for other characters instead of just Carmy.
Midway throughThe Bearseason 4, Sydney learns that her father suffered a heart attack, so she heads to the hospital alone. She’s understandably upset, butClaire is the one who gives Sydney the support she needs at the hospital, allowing Syd to vent about all of her feelings and worries. The scene between Claire and Sydney is emotional and heartfelt, proving that Gordon’s character is truly kind to everyone around her. It helps that Claire is in a comfortable environment, seeing that she is a medical resident, though she further reiterates her purpose in the next episode.
The Bearseason 4’s unofficial “Fishes” sequelcomes in episode 7 with “Bears.” Claire is in attendance at Tiff and Frank’s wedding, where she once again encounters Carmy. She also comes in clutch when Frank and Richie need help with Evie, who is a bit overwhelmed at the wedding, leading to her hiding under a table.Claire doesn’t hesitate to be there for Evieand assist the others in making the young girl feel better. When the group joins Evie under the table to discuss their fears, Claire proudly admits that she’s afraid of bees.
Claire’s The Bear Season 4 Role Avoids Problems With Her Seasons 2 & 3 Stories
The Bear Season 4 Finally Gives Claire Real Character Development
The Bearseason 4 may have found Claire’s purpose, but more importantly, her newfound role avoids criticism surrounding her arc in previous seasons. It was intriguing to see Carmy explore a romance until Claire became more like a plot device for him rather than a compelling character of her own. It was no knock to Gordon’s performance, butit was the show’s development of Claire, or lack thereof, that garnered criticism for making the character a clichéd girlfriendpresent to fix her “broken” boyfriend.
Giving Claire more screen time with other characters inThe Bear, like with Sydney at the hospital, proves that Claire can remain an important part of the show without needing Carmy around.
Season 4 avoids those same problems that led to thebacklash surrounding Claire’s role inThe Bear, and instead gives her some agency and meaningful character development. Claire doesn’t instantly come running back to Carmy when he apologizes, as her own feelings about his behavior show immense character growth. Giving Claire more screentime with other characters inThe Bear, like with Sydney at the hospital, proves that Claire can remain an important part of the show without needing Carmy around.
WithCarmy’s shocking decision to leave The Bearat the end of season 4, it’s unclear what the future holds for the character. He will be present inThe Bearseason 5’s story in some capacity, and the same likely goes for Claire. Carmy and Claire getting back together is possible, butThe Bearwould be better off allowing both characters to grow on their own, especially with the show’s previous issues with Claire’s development when primarily tied to Carmy.
