* This article contains spoilers
The Bear's Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) is tired - and honestly, it's been no secret since the second season. Turning his late brother Mikey's (Jon Bernthal) sandwich shop (which had a debt of $300k) into a fine-dining establishment, all in the space of a few years has evidently left him feeling more than burnt out, but who wouldn't be?
He started his career straight after high school, advanced quickly and never took a break: he won best new chef at only 21, became an executive chef at a three Michelin starred restaurant and begins to run The Bear at 25, his numerous mental breakdows are a glaring reflection of how unwell his job has made him.
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Fast forward to the end of season, it should then come as no surprise that Carmy is finally (for the benefit of his health) ready to leave the industry and The Bear, whether it'll be temporary or permanent is unclear.
Of course, this then means that the restaurant will need someone to replace him, but we're hedging our bets on it being Luca (Will Poulter), as the signs have been there - since season one.
Not convinced? We point out all of the foreshadowing that hints at Carmy's eventual departure and why Luca will take over his position.
Season Two Foreshadowing
Luca's Comment In The Copenhagen Episode
During the Copenhagen episode which is episode four of the second season, titled Honeydew, viewers discover Marcus' (Lionel Boyce) backstory, when he is sent to the European city to go and work with Luca. During the episode, Luca states that the most successful cooks in the industry have all gotten out of the kitchen at some point to experience life - something which Carmy has never allowed himself to do.
Luca's Change In Perspective
Thanks to a few flashbacks in season two, we discover the true extent of Carmy and Luca's history. While they worked under chef Terry (Olivia Colman), Luca believed that the pair were in constant competition, that is until he came to realisation that Carmy was 'much, much better' than him.
This change in perspective allowed Luca to take the pressure off of himself, and build a healthy relationship with his work and personal life, he was now able to learn from Carmy without any pent emotions of anxiety, anger and sadness that Carmy so often feels.
The result? While Carmy may always be the better chef, his practices both professionally and personally are not sustainable, whereas Luca has truly mastered being happy knowing that he may not be the best, but is in a better position, given that he has not allowed the job to consume him.
Season Three Foreshadowing
Marcus Serves As A Foil To Carmy
In the finale of season two, we learn that Marcus' mother has passed away. Throughout season three, the chef is learning to deal with the emotional fallout. While of course he has his own struggles, Marcus is able to find a way to streamline his emotions into cooking, particularly his pastry work, which turns into a passion and genuine joy. Carmy on other hand, doesn't channel his negative emotions, but is guided by them instead, which all leads to his demise.
Episode 10 - Chef Terry's Words Of Wisdom
Throughout season three, we saw Carmy grapple with perfectionism and anxiety, but luckily has Chef Terry, the owner of Ever, as a mentor. As best as she can, she guides him in how to maintain a good work-life balance, a calm environment and running a restaurant in general.
One conversation in particular that hinted at Carmy's departure was after having dinner at Ever, Terry expresses that she took a sabbatical to focus on herself, stating 'I learned a great deal too, I learned I want to sleep in more. I want to go to London more. I want to go to a party. I want to meet people.' To which Carmy responds, 'Live', and Terry ending the conversation with 'Precisely.' Need we say more?
Season Four Foreshadowing
Episode Two - Carmy And Sugar's Conversation
In episode two, one of the clearest motifs that signalled Carmy's departure was during a conversation with his sister, Sugar (Abby Elliott). Carmy quite candidly reveals that he no longer has the same love for the restaurant or him. Sugar consoles him and lets him know that it's okay to step away and prioritse his health and well-being.
Episode Three - The Three Minute Pasta Dish
For pretty much the entirety of season four, Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) has been tasked with one single goal. To cook a pasta dish in under three minutes. She eventually gets there by the series finale, and manages to cook and plate the dish in two minutes and 59 seconds. Prior to this, Carmy confesses that he has never turned the dish around in under three minutes, then later watches Syd do it with little effort. This is another sign that he is slowly coming to grips with the fact that he cannot keep up with her, and he is slowly losing his drive to keep ahead.
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