Movies

We Finally Know the Deal With The Bear’s Francie Fak—And Who Plays Her

BBG News

In the series The Bear, the episode “Fishes” stands out as particularly noteworthy amidst its grand and tension-filled collection. This hour-long Christmas special (loosely referred to as such) in Season 2, which takes place five years before Carmen decides to reopen his remodeled restaurant, is essentially a chaotic, boisterous family gathering. Given the cast of characters, it’s hardly surprising. The Berzattos, the Fak brothers, Uncle Jimmy, Uncle Lee (who has an on-off relationship with Donna), Cousins Michelle and Steve, friends Richie and Tiffany, Natalie’s husband Pete – it’s a diverse group that could potentially ignite a Molotov cocktail.

In no time at all, something can easily catch fire. Over dinner, a discussion about the Seven Fishes tradition unfolds, but it swifts from lively to tumultuous. Mikey ignites a heated argument with Lee which results in forks being hurled around. When Natalie (also known as Sugar) queries her mother Donna if she’s alright, it initiates a fight. In the midst of the chaos, Donna departs from the table and accidentally crashes her car into the dining room. This incident serves as an intoxicated climax to a turbulent, violent evening. Furthermore, it marks a significant event for Carmen, another painful experience that prompts the chef to migrate to New York, distancing himself from the harmful individuals in his circle.

In the whirlwind of events during the episode, a fleeting reference was made about my friend Neil and Ted’s sister, Francie Fak. Earlier that night, when Michelle asked why she wasn’t at the party, they confided that Francie couldn’t attend because their other sibling, Natalie, refused to share the same space with her. As a movie buff who loves a good family drama, I found this dynamic intriguing and added depth to the storyline.

“She’s mad as hell. She’s angry,” Neil says of Natalie. “‘Cause of the thing…” 

“Still, huh?” Michelle remarks, surprised. 

Fans of “The Bear” eagerly wondered about the cause of the rift between characters, as the details were left unexplained during a brief conversation in the show. They wanted to know when this event occurred, what led to it, how significant it was, and if Francie would reappear. Among dedicated Reddit users, these questions persisted throughout Season 3, yet the heavy emphasis on Carmen’s storyline left little room for exploration of ancillary backgrounds. When would the truth about their falling-out be revealed?

After a span of twelve months, the long-awaited moment has arrived. In the seventh episode of Season 4, the scene is set for Francie, portrayed by none other than Academy Award winner Brie Larson, to make her dramatic debut on the series. During this hour-long event, which unfolds at Tiffany and Frank’s wedding reception, Natalie and Francie engage in a heated verbal exchange, share a tender moment of vulnerability, and eventually reconcile, putting an end to their decade-old dispute. However, we only partially uncover the roots of their conflict.

Upon her arrival, Francie warmly embraces Uncle Jimmy, which leaves Natalie looking displeased. The duo then initiate a series of verbal altercations. “Feel free to apologize whenever you like,” she snaps at Francie. “You insufferable cow!” Their arguments soon deteriorate into playfully mocking each other’s words, resembling a squabble between children. “Not true? Yes it is? Well… ” It seems we might be on the brink of another “Fishes”-like situation.

Gradually, the facts become clearer amidst their constant arguing. Although it’s challenging to discern due to the continuous squabbling, fragments of the night that led these two individuals to become sworn enemies gradually surface. Natalie complains about what seems to be a house party, stating “whipped cream was everywhere,” and that Francie was intoxicated, and “I didn’t know how to start the car…

Francie retorts: “Back then, it was pouring rain and the bus was about to depart,” followed by adding an extra detail: “And remember, there were no cell phones available yet!

At this juncture, as more vulgar words fill the air, Pete steps in to break up the altercation between the two women and de-escalate the situation. Suddenly, Ted makes a surprising revelation. “Pete is ignoring the truth that these two have been intimate,” he claims. Pete dismisses this claim, looking at his wife with disbelief. “The two of you have any such encounter,” he asserts. In the tense silence, Natalie and Francie exchange glances. “Well…,” Natalie begins hesitantly.

The sequence is both entertaining and enlightening, but it doesn’t provide all the necessary details. As the story unfolds, creators Christopher Storer and Joanna Calo gradually reveal more about Francie’s background and why Natalie might harbor such intense animosity. When Neil and Ted approach her near the bathroom, they inquire as to why she is so cruel towards their girlfriends. “I am supposed to do this,” she replies, before criticizing Ted’s girlfriend’s shoes. “Those shoes are terrible and it speaks volumes about a person,” she says, essentially advising him to end the relationship. “Stay focused.

Larson’s selection for the role fits perfectly, given the unique portrayal it demands. Contrary to the stereotype of a Faust sister, she presents an unexpected image and steps away from her usual roles as warm, likeable characters. Instead, she embodies her character with a regal beauty that masks her vulnerabilities by expressing aggression towards others. This choice aligns well with the series’ tendency to create buzz through high-profile appearances – be it renowned chefs, British actors, or ex-wrestling legends (as seen in John Cena portraying Sammy Faust).

Larson was a great pick for this role because she didn’t fit the typical image of a Faust sister and instead gave a powerful performance that hinted at her character’s hidden flaws. This choice also shows how the show likes to bring in big names, like John Cena playing Sammy Faust.

In time, they find themselves seated side by side, discussing their concerns openly. They share their deepest feelings with each other, and frequently think about the other’s well-being. Each hopes that the other is content and achieving great things. “Fancy giving friendship a try?” Natalie proposes. When Francie agrees, she adds one more question to ease her doubts. “And you won’t betray me, right?

In this TV show, the way things unfold and Francie’s presence fit perfectly within the series’ narrative. This particular episode could be seen as a spiritual successor to “Fishes,” as it brings back the entire family for another joyous occasion. Unlike previous seasons, Season 4 is more peaceful, mirroring Carmen’s ultimate objective (“removing the negative, to make it positive”), which he articulated at the end of Season 3. It’s a journey about healing from past wounds, offering forgiveness, and progressing forward. And what could be a better backdrop for renewing a friendship than at the wedding of two other friends?

It remains uncertain if we’ll ever discover exactly what transpired between Natalie and Francie. However, one thing is certain: they won’t be sharing any close encounters with whipped cream anytime in the future.

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2025-06-26 15:06

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