On behalf of Italian Americans everywhere, please don’t let the volatile, perennially miserable and explosive Berzatto family depicted in “ The Bear ” scare you into running for the hills if you find yourself drawn into an Italian famiglia’s orbit. We really are much more fun than they are. Hulu’s can’t-decide-if-it’s-a-drama-or-a-comedy mega-hit, “The Bear,” has been the talk of the town since it premiered in 2022, and deservedly so.
It’s great storytelling and brilliantly acted by the entire cast. But about those Berzattos — who in their right mind would want to hang out with them? Speaking as someone who is 85% Italian (thank you, 23andMe) and brought up in a huge extended family with even friends referred to as aunts, uncles and cousins (“Hey, paisan!”), it truly is about love, laughter, joy and ..
. oh, you get the point. So, to set the record straight for all us Italians out here, let’s explore how we can teach the Berzattos to heal their wounds, embrace life with enthusiasm — and maybe crack a smile every now and then, shall we? • Sing your heart out Berzattos, you need to chill.
Turn on a little Dean Martin, some Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra. Hearing them croon about amore and life being beautiful (“Bells will ring ting-a-ling-a-ling and you’ll sing, ‘vita bella’”) or even Irish songstress Rosemary Clooney promising, “You getta happy in the feets-a when you mambo Italiano” can’t help but put a smile on your face. Your em.