- Primary Subject: The Bear: Special Episode "Gary"
- Key Update: A surprise flashback episode co-written by the lead actors reveals a pivotal moment between Richie and Mikey and ends with a modern-day cliffhanger.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: May 6, 2026
- Quick Answer: The special episode follows a flashback road trip to Indiana, ending with a present-day car accident that leaves Richie’s fate unknown heading into Season 5.
FX surprised every The Bear fan by dropping a special episode titled “Gary” on May 5, 2026.
Following cousins Richie and Mikey in a flashback, the two go on a road trip from Chicago to Gary for a special job from Jimmy.
So, what happened in “Gary,” and how did it set up The Bear Season 5? Read on to find out.
What Happened in The Bear Special Episode ‘Gary’?
WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD. READ WITH CAUTION.
Co-written by Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jon Bernthal themselves, The Bear's special episode “Gary” reveals the close bond Richie and Mikey share.
The two travel to Gary to complete a drop for Jimmy. But as they wait for the transaction to happen, they take a stroll around town and grab hot dogs at a nearby spot that reminds them of The Beef.
They spend their free time playing basketball and visiting a bar. However, Mikey chooses to stay in the car, while Richie sends over a woman named Sherri, who asks him if he plays for the Blackhawks.
Mikey says yes, and the two head into the pub, share a drink, and talk about life, while Richie continues to drink heavily.
Other patrons then warn Richie about the train. He tries to contact Jimmy, but Mikey’s phone battery dies, and their drop is approaching.
When Richie asks Mikey to complete the job, Mikey goes on a tirade, bringing up Richie becoming a father as Tiffany is about to give birth.
A fight is about to break out between the two, but Sherri stops them. As the cousins leave the bar and complete their drop, they discover they are only delivering pump impellers and that the FedEx strike is now over, meaning they can no longer do another run for Jimmy.
As they head back home, they get stuck behind a train, leaving them unable to drive back to Chicago.
How The Bear Surprise Episode Connects to Season 5?
While “Gary” is set as a flashback years before the series began, the special episode briefly flashes forward to the present as it nears its end.
The episode shows Richie sitting alone in a car during a heavy downpour. By the looks of it, the surprise episode suggests he is reminiscing about his time with Michael when a car honking behind him brings him back to reality.
As he moves a little further ahead, he doesn’t notice a car coming straight toward him. He yells “stop,” but it is already too late–the car crashes into him.
As the screen fades to black, “Gary” does not reveal what happens to Richie, setting the stage for The Bear Season 5.
However, since the car appears to have hit Richie’s passenger side, many hope the fan-favorite character only suffers minor injuries.
Whatever the outcome, viewers are hoping it is not serious, with answers expected when the series returns, possibly in June 2026.
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