The Bear opens with Carmy instantly colliding with Richie as a power struggle between the cousins plays out. Neither one can get over what was said during the freezer incident. Things get worse with Carmy's non-negotiables and daily menu changes causing trouble in the kitchen. The more the restaurant struggles to bring in more revenue the more Carmy becomes obsessed, anxious, and compulsive for perfection. He lets his relationship with Claire fall apart, believing he shouldn't have anything outside The Bear.

Carmen throws himself full-send into the restaurant, letting everything else in his life fall away. The Bear is struggling to make ends meet which puts added pressure on his deal with Cicero and creates tension within the restaurant.

Carmy is outside stressed, pacing around like a mad man