Warning! Spoilers for The Bear season 4 ahead!
The soundtrack forThe Bearseason 4 hints that Richie has a romance story coming his way. This character has had one of the more intriguing arcs in the FX series, having started as a loud-mouthed jerk who wouldn’t take anything seriously. Of course, like all the other Bears (both blood-related and honorary), there’s a rather sensitive heart hidden beneath Richie’s exterior. Things began to change for him after he staged at the restaurant Ever and developed an appreciation for the service industry. Now, Richie might just be ready to find further happiness inThe Bear.
It’s been no secret throughoutThe Bear’s existing seasons that Richie is still in love with his ex-wife, Tiff. However, the wedding inThe Bearseason 4could be the beginning of a new start for Richie. Frank is a good guy, and Richie’s relationship with their family was only further solidified by the events of season 4. The situation provided him with some closure, andthough he still has a long way to go, this could be the beginning of something new for Richie. Based on a detail from season 4,The Bearseason 5is all but guaranteed to begin a new romance for this character.
R.E.M.’s “Strange Currencies” Playing During Richie & Jessica’s Conversation By The Espresso Machine Seals Their Romance
This Song Was Featured Previously In The Bear As Well
InThe Bearseason 4, episode 8, “Green,“Richie and Jessica chat about their personal lives in front of The Bear’s espresso machine. These two characters became friends back when Richie staged at Ever, but there has never been anything overtly romantic between them. Even this scene inThe Bearseason 4 only demonstrated some subtle chemistry that could still easily disappear if neither Richie nor Jessica makes a move. However, the song that plays in the background during their talk is a significant hint that the pair will fall in love.
This scene is accompanied by the song “Strange Currencies” by R.E.M., which is a number we have already heard a handful of times inThe Bear.It would play whenever Carmy and Claire would talk and flirt back in season 2, and it made a return in season 3 during another of their romantic scenes. The fact that it played over Richie and Jessica’s talk inThe Bearseason 4 seems to be the FX series' way of telling us that this is the direction these characters are headed in.
It’s also worth noting that the contents of Richie and Jessica’s conversation further hint that they have the potential for a serious romance. Richie was concerned that he had been unprofessional when he confided in Jessica about some personal moments from his past (Mikey’s death and Carmy’s return to the restaurant). Rather than reassure Richie that it wasn’t unprofessional, Jessica told him that she had asked him about that experience.She was essentially saying that things didn’t need to stay professional between them. Interestingly, this represents a significant shift forThe Bear.
Richie & Jessica Getting Together Would Be A Series-First For The Bear
The Bear Has Stayed Away From Romances Within The Staff
The Bearexplores the relationshipsand dysfunction between the restaurant staff. However, it has so far steered clear of romance within The Bear itself. Marcus asked Sydney out in the past, but she put a quick stop to it, and the two have only been friends since.Dramatic hookups and breakups between the staff have just never been an anglethatThe Bear’s writers have been interested in, which is likely a good thing, as the overarching idea here is that these people form a unique sort of family. However, it looks like there will be a shift as Richie and Jessica’s relationship evolves.
Though a romance at The Bear could be a disaster,Richie and Jessica have significant potential as a couple. Jessica played a role in Richie’s development, since she helped him develop his passion for service. Moreover, Jessica’s personality type perfectly balances out Richie’s chaotic anxiety. The big question here is what a romance with Richie would mean for Jessica’s character development, which hasn’t yet been a focus ofThe Bear. Regardless, this dynamic is certainly something to look forward to.
