In season two, episode four of The Bear, titled “Honeydew,” the character Marcus, played by Lionel Boyce, embarks on a transformative journey. This episode serves as both an external and internal exploration for Marcus as he leaves his ailing mother behind in Chicago and travels to Copenhagen to work under a renowned chef named Luca, portrayed by Will Poulter. Marcus is tasked with creating three dishes for The Bear’s dessert menu during his time there. This experience not only affects Marcus’s culinary skills but also ignites his personal growth throughout the rest of season two.
The episode, directed by Ramy Youssef, takes a more introspective and contemplative tone compared to the fast-paced intensity of season one of The Bear. It allows the audience to delve deeper into the characters’ lives and understand their motivations and experiences. It becomes one of the most significant episodes for Boyce, who has previously worked on Bald Fade Productions with Tyler, the Creator.
Before season two began, Boyce discussed the changes in tone and pacing with co-showrunners Chris Storer and Joanna Calo. He trusted their instincts and knew that the second season would not feel like a continuation of the first. The scripts confirmed the tonal shift and the desire to explore the characters’ lives on a deeper level. The filming style and pace reflected each character’s home life, creating a different and immersive viewing experience.
For the episode “Honeydew,” Boyce underwent extensive training to authentically portray Marcus’s culinary skills. He worked closely with Courtney Storer, the culinary producer and Chris Storer’s sister. Boyce visited her house to learn more about cooking techniques and to incorporate them into his character’s development. The experience allowed Boyce to tap into the creativity and joy that comes with being a chef and helped him better understand Marcus’s passion for cooking.
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Working with director Ramy Youssef was a new experience for Boyce, as he was the first director outside of the show’s core team. Youssef brought his own childlike wonder and fresh perspective to the episode. His approach to shooting, the number of takes, and his exploration of different detours allowed the cast to fully immerse themselves in their characters’ journeys. Youssef even traveled to Copenhagen before filming to capture the essence of the city and its authenticity. The locations chosen for the episode were carefully selected to reflect the real and meaningful places that locals would know and appreciate.
Being in a foreign kitchen in Copenhagen revealed new aspects of Marcus’s character. It was his first time leaving home and working in a different environment. Marcus felt a mix of wonder and fear, stepping into an unfamiliar territory with a different language and new colleagues. He had to adjust to the fast-paced nature of the high-level restaurant and earn the respect of Chef Luca. The experience was simultaneously exciting and tense, and Boyce expertly portrayed the character’s emotions and growth throughout the episode.
Boyce also had the opportunity to work closely with Will Poulter, who played Chef Luca. The chemistry between the two actors was apparent, and their characters embarked on a specific journey together. Boyce greatly admired Poulter’s work and recognized him as the perfect choice for the role. Their camaraderie extended beyond the screen, and their shared experience enhanced their performances.
Overall, the episode “Honeydew” showcases the evolution of Marcus’s character and highlights the transformative nature of his journey. Boyce’s commitment to authenticity and his collaboration with the show’s creators, director, and co-stars, resulted in a powerful and engaging episode of The Bear. The season two shift in tone and pacing allows for a more personal and introspective exploration of the characters’ lives, creating a richer and more immersive viewing experience for the audience.
