The final episode of the critically acclaimed FX series 'The Bear' paid an emotional tribute to the late director and actor Rob Reiner, who tragically passed away last year. Reiner had a memorable three-episode guest arc in the show's fourth season, portraying restaurant consultant Albert Schnurr, a character integral to the narrative's development.
In the series finale, which premiered yesterday, the character of Ebra, a line cook played by Edwin Lee Gibson, is shown making a phone call to Schnurr. During the conversation, Ebra delivers positive news about the restaurant's future, stating, "Albert, we are in business. It's perfect. I will have all the documents, email it to you immediately. Anything else I can do?" While Schnurr's voice is not heard, Ebra's subsequent response, "As you wish," serves as a poignant homage. This line is famously spoken by Cary Elwes' character Westley in the 1987 classic film 'The Princess Bride', which Reiner directed.
Reiner, aged 78, and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, 70, were discovered murdered in their Brentwood home in Los Angeles late last year. The news of their deaths sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, prompting an outpouring of tributes from numerous celebrities and public figures, including Jack Black, Jane Fonda, Stephen King, and Barack and Michelle Obama.
Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested in connection with the deaths and subsequently charged with two counts of first-degree murder with "special circumstances." He pleaded not guilty to the charges during a court appearance in February.
'The Bear', created by Christopher Storer, stars Jeremy Allen White as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard “Richie” Jerimovich, and Abby Elliott as Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto. The fifth and final season follows Carmy's decision to step away from the restaurant industry, leaving the remaining team to navigate financial difficulties, a potential sale, and a challenging Chicago storm in their efforts to keep the restaurant afloat and achieve their long-sought recognition.
The series has garnered significant critical acclaim throughout its run, with its final season being described by NME as a "suitable send-off" for its beloved characters, providing a "satisfying final course" for viewers.
Source: NME