The Bear's Claire Backlash: Why Carmy's Girlfriend Is So Divisive (2024)

The Bear introduces Claire as Carmy's love interest in season 2, but she's proven a surprisingly divisive addition to the FX show. Although The Bear's first season focuses more on Carmy's work in the kitchen than his personal life, the sophom*ore season digs deeper into his relationships. The Bear's famous Christmas episode explores the Berzatto family dynamic, and Claire's addition to the show reveals how Carmy's trauma impacts his romanctic life. Claire is a huge contrast to Carmy, as she immediately seems calmer and more grounded than anyone in the Berzatto family.

And although their differences initially seem good for Carmy, The Bear raises questions about whether they should really be together. They break up at the end of The Bear season 2, and it's unclear if they'll get back together — though The Bear season 3 trailer confirms Claire will return in some form. This development is likely to divide the show's fan base, as many viewers aren't huge fans of Carmy's girlfriend. Despite having such a mild personality, Claire has gotten a lot of backlash since her debut. There are a few key reasons that viewers are mixed about her character.

Claire Is Very Different To The Bear's Other Characters

Is Claire Underdeveloped On The Bear Compared To Other Characters?

Claire is very different from The Bear's other characters, and this could be one reason viewers find her underwhelming. While most of the characters have their strengths, they're also rough around the edges. Carmy's family and friends come from complicated backgrounds, and this makes them complex people. Richie, Uncle Jimmy, and Sugar all do positive things throughout the FX series. However, they also demonstrate major flaws, from anger management issues and lack of ambition to avoidant behavior. Even Sydney, who's arguably the most down to Earth, can be moody and confrontational at times.

Unlike everyone else in Carmy's life, Claire is fairly straightforward. She has a calm and compassionate personality, and Carmy is able to count on her for support, no matter what else is going on. It's obvious that Claire is secure in herself and the people around her, and thus, her arc lacks the complexities that define the other characters'. In some ways, this makes Claire feel underdeveloped. It doesn't help that viewers only see her from Carmy's perspective. With The Bear rarely showing Claire struggle, it makes sense that she feels less interesting and relatable.

Claire Has Been Described As A "Manic Pixie Dream Girl"

The Bear's Claire Has Been Accused Of Simply Being A Male Fantasy

Another point of contention about Claire's character is that she falls into the "manic pixie dream girl" trope. An archetype often used in late '90s and early 2000s films, the manic pixie dream girl is a quirky female character typically used to further the male protagonist's story. Manic pixie dream girls exist primarily for this reason, which is why this trope has gotten so much backlash in recent years. Most of Claire's scenes in The Bear see her teaching Carmy a lesson or helping him grow. With that in mind, she does fit the mold of the MPDG.

It's not Clarie's fault the writers are using her to prop up Carmy's storyline, but the lack of her own does make her less interesting by comparison. Having her mainly there to support Carmy whittles her down to a love interest and makes her feel even less developed. She also doesn't have many flaws to speak of. Like the manic pixie dream girl, she feels too good to be true. In a show like The Bear, which is known for its realistic portrayals of flawed characters, Claire feels incredibly out of place.

The Bear Fans Shipping Carmy & Sydney Is Another Reason Some People Dislike Claire

Could Carmy & Sydney Actually Get Together On The Bear?

There are good points to be made about how Claire's character is written, but there's another reason some viewers don't appreciate her and Carmy's relationship in The Bear. Sydney enters Carmy's life a full season earlier than Claire, and some fans of the show began rooting for Sydney and Carmy before Claire even showed up. Those hoping for Carmy and Sydney to get together simply don't like that Carmy is preoccupied with another woman. Even if The Bear does see Carmy developing feelings for Sydney, Claire's return in season 3 will likely hold that up.

It's hard to say if there's any chance of Carmy and Sydney starting a relationship in future episodes of The Bear. While the characters complement each other well — Sydney challenges Carmy and curbs some of his perfectionist tendencies — that doesn't mean they'll work romantically. Becoming a couple could put their business enterprise at risk, potentially hurting the restaurant and their dreams. Additionally, there's no reason The Bear can't show what platonic friends look like. And with the FX series teasing a romance between Sydney and Marcus, any hopes of her getting with Carmy are beginning to wane.

Is Claire Being Underwritten And Too Perfect The Point Of Her Character?

What Is Claire Really In The Bear For?

Claire's lack of development in The Bear may be the reason she's received so much backlash, but the FX series could be characterizing her this way intentionally. It's worth looking at what Claire represents in Carmy's narrative. The fact that she's more emotionally healthy and well-adjusted than most of the people he's grown up around speaks volumes about Claire's role in the story. She represents an ideal way of living and communicating with others, one that's unaffected by trauma — and one that Carmy doesn't feel he can attain or even deserves to.

Looked at from this perspective, it makes sense that Claire feels less developed than the other characters in The Bear. She doesn't have as much baggage weighing her down, and so, she has less to dwell on than the others. This is great for her well-being — and it's something many people would envy — but it doesn't necessarily make for interesting character writing. Additionally, the fact that Claire is only seen from Carmy's perspective could also indicate that he's downplaying flaws and problems. Perhaps Carmy's fantasy of Claire is what viewers are supposed to see.

Only The Bear season 3 can answer these questions, and it might improve on Claire's character now that she's returning. On the heels of her break-up with Carmy, it's possible viewers will see a more flawed version of his ex-girlfriend. Carmy might not look at her the same way, and it's possible she won't handle their split as well as she's let on. Both prospects open the door for further exploration of her character and her dynamic with Carmy. This could change fans' minds about her when The Bear returns.

The Bear

Comedy

Drama

Where to Watch

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Set in a Chicago sandwich shop, The Bear follows Carmy Berzatto, a young professionally trained chef who returns to take over his family business after the unexpected death of his brother. At odds with many of the shop's employees due to his culinary training, Carmy struggles to maintain order and keep the shop from failing entirely. Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy alongside Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri.

Cast

Jeremy Allen White , Ebon Moss-Bachrach , Ayo Edebiri , Lionel Boyce , Liza Colón-Zayas , Abby Elliott , Oliver Platt

Release Date

June 23, 2022

Seasons

3

Network

FX

Streaming Service(s)

Hulu , Disney+

Writers

Christopher Storer

Directors

Christopher Storer

Showrunner

Christopher Storer