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Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) is like the working woman’s Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong). This clever observation, pointed out by Twitter fans, really hits the mark. The melancholic lead of The Bear echoes the miserable Kendall Roy from Succession; he’s essentially what Roy could have been if he weren’t a billionaire. But why have these two characters from such different shows resonated as the internet’s favorite sad boys?
While some see Carmy and Kendall as similar characters in different fonts – unhappy men pursuing dreams with themselves as the main obstacles – the truth is that Carmy Berzattos are all around us. They’re in your local deli, coffee shop, bookstore; they’re the friendly neighborhood sad boys waiting for a meet-cute moment.
Two Sides of the Same Coin
Despite their class differences, Carmy and Kendall exist on two sides of the same coin. They’re both tragic figures, striving towards their goals before their emotional baggage brings them down. Kendall aims to be Waystar’s CEO, but his lack of skills and daddy issues make that dream unattainable. Carmy dreams of opening his own restaurant but gets stuck in a fridge on opening night.
They struggle in relationships, their careers often ruining any chance of happiness. Both come from dysfunctional families and rarely smile, embodying a specific type of sad gaze that speaks volumes about their painful pasts.
The Ultimate Sad Losers
Both Kendall and Carmy consistently face failure, with each season finale undoing any progress they may have made. But this cycle of loss is what draws us to them, making us empathize with their struggles and see ourselves in their vulnerability.
While Kendall may be the ultimate sad king, Carmy shines as the ultimate sad boyfriend. Kendall’s ruthless behavior contrasts with Carmy’s efforts to better himself and his relationships. Ultimately, both characters capture the essence of Shakespearean tragedy in their own unique ways.
If I had to choose the healthier sad boy, it would definitely be Carmy. But Kendall will always hold the title for the most chaotic, miserable eldest boy. What we really need to do is put Carmy and Kendall in the same room, because what better solace is there for either of them than each other? Let them merge into a giant puddle of sadness and weave their red flags into a waving banner. How has the slash fic not been written yet?
When all is said and done, no matter which character is your personal favorite, there’s one thing for sure: It’s the summer of sad boys. And what a delightful season it is.
How to watch: The Bear is now streaming on Hulu, and Succession is now streaming on Max.
