As Chef Keller said in the season finale- Just remember, right? It's all about nurturing.

Why am I just noticing Richie's Dum-Dum-Dum when Natalie walks in?

He antagonizes her the whole time. The quick dialogue is hilarious.

And jumping into Pete and Nat's conversation- he's an instigator with couples.

Go Fuck Yourself Richard.

Yeah, I will.

Carmy's allies

Carmy needs to encounter all of his enemies and allies according to the 12 steps of the hero's journey.

He has to meet Emmanuel, who will somehow assist Carmy before he confronts Donna - who represents the innmost cave and the mightiest dragon that the hero has to overcome. We're not at this step yet because Emmanuel, is the last of his ally.

How will Emmanuel help him? I wonder about allies in the show who assist Carmy on the journey. Some allies have been hinted to have addiction issues. These allies are helping carmy accept something about addiction and about Donna.

Sone examples of addiction woven throughout: such as Mikey, the front house manager Garret in Forks, who explains to Richie that service helped him overcome his alcoholism. I've also wondered if Luca had a problem with alcohol. He has a tattoo of a bottle similar to Carmy's with the number 4 at the top. Maybe it represents 4 years of sobriety? Carmy's tattoo may represent the influence not to drink, hence the tattoo with the bottle and the grim reaper.

Emmanuel is another ally. It's worth noting that Emmanuel does not drink, which is significant for a show centered around alcoholism and addiction. He could be Donna's sponsor and is helping her with the amends step. It's innermost Donna is overcoming addiction, and she has to make ammends with Carmy.

The hint is what Jimmy said: Donna has been helping him with something. Maybe Jimmy is the one helping Donna set up a formal time where she can make apologies?

So it's possible, as other theories have suggested, that Emmanuel had a problem with alcohol, possibly when his wife passed. Sydney was 4 years old, too young to be affected by his actions.

I The story will possibly explore Carmy meeting a parent who experienced trauma and overcame the negative legacy that could have impacted Sydney. Carmy meets a parent who doesn't let alcoholism come between his relationship with his child. Carmy through meeting his final ally sees, like Luca sees with Sydney, that it doesn't have to be brutal, that he has the power to let go or work with Donna on their relationship.

I'd like to conclude by a quote with an Al-Anon expert about the process of forgiving someone struggling with addiction, which brings to mind Carmy.

Loved this ending because there was a meta somewhere arpund here that shows the shirt represents Mikey and its completely true, carmy puts away the shot that's notably represents Mikey and The Bear. We don't see the note- let it rip this season because he's accepted that he's never grieved Mikey.

But he finds what he is looking for and has to open the box that he keeps avoiding. Donna. He's going to face her, and as the season notes- Carmy can't outrun it.

I'm obsessed with Richie and Carmy. The core of The Bear's story is loneliness. It's just that sometimes the sleight of hand is used.

Although it can be considered a work drama, I still feel this shows a love story. Its core is the loneliness surrounding Carmy and Richie after Mikey's death.

They don't provide much information about Richie's love story—whether or not he wants to be with someone again. Instead, the focus is on Richie finding purpose after the divorce.

The last time his love story is mentioned is 1x06. This is the first insight we get into Richie's loneliness: Richie is trying to tell a story about a life he once lived with his best friend and is disconnected from the woman at the dinner table. He doesn't date again. But that night sets him off to really resist any change Carmy and Sydney implemented.

In the second season, the answer to Richie finding life after mourning Mikey and Tiffany is finding purpose in work.

Although Richie almost reached his end goal and found joy in work, as Jessie points out in 3x10, finding connections outside of work still matters.

But it's something Richie doesn't like to talk about. Like most of his fans hate talking about love in the show.

And yes this is totally about Richie and Carmy's love story (because Tiffany/Claire are connected just like Jessie and Syd)

All signs point to Richie finding love with Jessie. And sydcarmy people are told we're overthinking looks, but most clocked this the first time- and all hoped Jessie would come back in season 3, and she has- the bear has to be about Carmy and Richie's love story, right?

Loneliness wasn't just brought up with Richie- its also brought up with Carmy

1x02: We watch Carmy in his apartment, and it becomes clear that he's incredibly lonely. He also feels that to find joy and amusement, he must find it in the company of other people. Carmy knows more than Richie, and he wants connections.

Because he promises Sydney she's not alone, and that sets off a journey of leaving her alone- breaking his promises and being diligent on it never happening again- so much so he sacrifices his own joy.

It even starts the season with an apology for leaving his partner alone.

As Richie comes to terms with his loneliness, Carmy finds someone he doesn't want to be without and is still trying to figure out what it means and what he should do about it.

I think by the end of season 3, they have some idea on the key to life is connection. Carmy, from the words of chef Terry, will do what he wants, how he wants, with the people he wants to do it with. While Richie, with the words of Jessie, will find someone (jessie) to inspire him outside of work.

It's a love story, intertwining themes of friendship, loss, and new beginnings, bringing Richie and Carmy together (they'll be the newfound best friends) and discovering love amidst tragedy.

If nothing else. There's a wedding coming up. Richie sang his heart out to lyrics it's a love story

What else should I think?

Always connecting Tiffany and Claire

Every time, Claire is brought into the picture - they connect Tiffany.

Richie and Carmy are foils to each other. As we watch Richie overcome his past and try to find purpose, we're watching Carmy go through the same thing. So, as Tiffany is to Richie, Claire is to Carmy.

Carmy and Richie give the audience the summary of their journeys. Richie is going to find purpose after Mikey's death. While Carmy is going to find enjoyment.

But they have to overcome the past to get to their end goals.

It starts with 2x01 when Carmy is looking at the photos that Richie has spread out. There's Tiffany and Claire in the photos.

in 2x03, When Richie tells his daughter he needs a break from the past. Carmy is, in the next scene, connecting with Claire.

In 2x05 Richie reunites with Claire and instantly asks about Tiffany.

And the very next episode Richie telling Tiffany about Claire and carmy

Of course, there's more in season 3. Richie and Carmy have flashbacks of them. While Carmy avoids Claire, Richie avoids Tiffany.

Until 3x09, Carmy was still stuck calling and ending things with Claire, while Richie was on the steps of officially ending it with Tiffany by accepting the invitation to the wedding.

In season 4, that leaked argument will happen after Tiffany's wedding—because that will be Richie's end of the cycle, and it will be a test for Carmy to end his past with Claire.

Jessie and Sydney, meanwhile, show signs of being part of Richie and Carmy's future.

Jessie shows Richie that she has a purpose in what she does at Ever, and Sydney shows Carmy that their passion can also be enjoyable.

Jessi and Sydney also have similar reasons to staying inspired:

Lastly- I love Carmy and Richie watching Sydney and Jessie Work:

Claire is the mother Carmy has always wanted.

Claire is seen this season caring for young boys. She takes care of and successfully distracts a young boy to take a shot and putting a bone back in its place.

The scene where she fixes a bone - seems familiar? It's connected to the story in 2x02, Pasta, where Claire describes wanting to understand a young girl's injuries from a broken arm. She never said she was interested in fixing it, rather she wanted to understand it. Carmy's question about whether she wanted to fix it was projecting, hoping she could heal his childhood wounds.

If only Donna were as gentle and happy as Claire, who imagines fixing kids' injuries, maybe he'd be different. Maybe he could enjoy life more and be happier if he were taken care of.

From the beginning, Claire disarms carmy when he sees her smile. Something Donna barely did.

And she's known as Disarming Carmy in a few articles. I think the song "Disarm" from season 3 relates to Claire in the sense that her own happy disposition disarmed Carmy's wounded inner child, and it's what he hopes Donna could be.

"Disarm" by Smashing Pumpkins as played on 3x10 Forever

It's carmy hoping Claire heals his inner child the whole time. It's a song that has to do with our inner children wounded and attempting to find healing.

The relationship was never going to work because Carmy is stuck in the hope that he could have had a different childhood and that he could fix it in the present.

What solidifies this is Fak sharing stories of Carmy never being happy because of Donna and losing his childhood. Fake hopes in some way Claire could heal Carmy.

Claire, after giving it some thought or at least considering it, closes the book and informs the Faks that it's finished. There's a part of Claire that also wants to help heal Carmy's inner child wounds, but ultimately, he has to fix himself.

No woman could be his mother or babysitter.

Makes these two scenes all the more significant:

Take note of the two scenes where Chef Terry and Sydney are wearing scarves with lines. Even though Sydney calms Carmy, she firmly tells Carmy that she's not there to fix whatever inner damage he has. She is a peaceful figure in his life, but she's not the babysitter and calming influence Chef Terry was for Carmy. Sydney has her own problems and journey that Carmy has to understand and assist with as the series progresses.

There is something about the influence of women in Carmy's life and the connections he must make to grow. However, there's a line between using these women as a stepping stone towards growth and using these women as his source of inspiration. He has to heal his inner child to become the man he wants to be without relying on the women to babysit or care for him unequally.

"You gotta figure that parent shit out first"

-Joanna Calo

Tagging: @currymanganese @whenmemorydies @vacationship @fresaton @moodyeucalyptus @ambeauty

A screenshot of Carmy's notebook in 3x05 Children. This drawing that Marcus reveals to Natalie looks like an egg waiting to be fertilized.

Natalie describes Carmy's notebook as his secret life - an artistic side that he hasn't shared with many people. I'd consider it a wish or desire he keeps to himself or showing how much life is inside Carmy, how he desires to create and continue life after tragedy.

But the strong desire to create and to nurture life has dimmed inside Carmy. Consciously, Carmy disregards the chef's advice on nurturing those around him, and instead of adding more life to dishes - more abundance, he subtracts. He takes on Chef David's motto of perfection over abundance and excellence over joy.

Carmy used to work at a restaurant called "Fairest Creatures,". As @currymanganese points out, is a reference to Shakespeare's sonnet "From fairest creatures we desire increase." The sonnet appeals to the Fair Youth to have children and for artists to preserve their beauty. We cant see this side of Carmy- this life that exists inside and out of him. Not yet, but it's there in small reminders this season (the blood on the blood orange. Another symbolism for life).

The show writers point to Carmy's answer to a new chapter is related to creation (procreation) and life itself. To live and let it rip. The hardest part for Carmy is accepting that life goes on after Mikey. that the world spins and legacies are built - plants that go together grow together.

Like family trees. Parts of people that are taken and made into something else and carried over.. like children.

Adding also that the end of the episode titled children- Jimmy encourages Sydney to continue the Berzatto legacy but she struggles with what's inherited. Meanwhile, Carmy is shown looking at a picture of himself as a baby with his mother. Like Natalie, Carmy has fears and desires of procreation and continuing the Berzatto lineage with what they carry with them, the trauma, and pain, yet he still wants family. He wants to live. To experience life.

Fishes, Water, & Dreams Part III

Exploring the shows biggest symbolism- water based on Jung's Archetypes.

"Water is the commonest symbol for the unconscious. The lake in the valley is the unconscious, which lies, as it were, underneath consciousness...'" - Archetypes of the Collective Unconscious, Paragraph 40.

Water Symbolism 1- The Unknown

Season 3 has a big focus on water, but we can trace the water symbolism to Season 1, Episode 3. The episode begins and ends with Carmy near water, lost in his thoughts.

This is the viewers experiencing the first of Carl Jung's symbolism in explaining the unconscious—it’s the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty Carmy has—a sense of dread that follows. As he looks into the water, it’s Carmy going into his psyche into the unknown. "Let it rip" reminds him to face his fear of exploring those hidden parts of himself, of his emotions.

Dreams involving water—like Jimmy’s dream of driving to a lake with Carmy’s father or being submerged in a pool—add depth to these themes. Donna’s mention of a fish tank with fish swimming and the glass breaking ties into these concepts as well, exploring emotions and the unconscious.

Water Symbolism 2- A Sydney & Carmy Reflection

A reflection - when water is still, it can serve as nature's reflection, and its surface can mirror our true selves. But reflections also remind us of Sydney and Carmy- like Carmy, Sydney stands by the water to reflect on her innermost thoughts in 3x09- she's mirroring Carmy. As the song sings, choose to enjoy one's time by the water.

When Sydney and Carmy reflect their true selves emerge to the surface. There are often scenes of Sydney and Carmy mirroring each other, but the scene where Sydney stares into Lake Michigan is one of the more potent moments of reflection.

In a moment of openness, of rawness, and experiencing the loss of his brother, Carmy reveals his true self—the rebellious, unbound, spontaneous artist. This is the true Carmy that brought Sydney to him in the first place. The blood orange dish itself is also connected to water—it's a fish with blood flowing, like water, like life itself.

They reflect each other, and by being paired, when one connects with their true self beyond the facade of the world, they discover a path to wholeness.

Water Symbolism 3 Life & Birth

Another note—to visit @whenmemorydies, who explains it so much better than I do—but the water represents birth.

It can represent life itself and the process of being reborn based on spiritual beliefs - think baptisms and life in the womb.

In 3x08, Donna talks about the prolonged process of Mikey's birth, suggesting that it seemed like he didn't want to leave. Water is again associated with Mikey, as he takes his own life near the Chicago River, almost as if he wants to end where he began.

The process of being reborn, besides spiritual beliefs, can also connect to our psyche. The character's inferior functions, which are the unexplored aspects of themselves, come to the surface. Exploring those parts of themselves can lead them to be reborn and whole after such tragedy, to start a new life.

To be reborn, one has to die. I think grief plays a role in water. Not only is it our source of life and a representation of the mother, it also signifies the source of our demise - the cause of death. In a moment, characters can drown in their dark life like Mikey and never come back again.

Fun Fact: Natalie and Mike share the same astrological sign (Mikey’s DOB is 11/15/1979, and Natalie’s is 11/10/1988). Scorpio is considered one of the three water signs in astrology, which are associated with deep emotions and transformation. I wouldn’t be surprised if Carmy and Donna are also water signs, like Cancer or Pisces. This family is stuck in inherited patterns of not exploring their emotions to reach fulfillment. The only person to break this curse of not exploring their thoughts and emotions is Natalie (and crossing my fingers for Carmy).

Water also symbolizes emotions and the flood of repressed feelings, which can be triggered by anxiety and stress.

By grief.

Water & Grief

Grief, too, plays a role in water. There's imagery in quotes such as:

"Grief is like the ocean; it comes in waves, ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim." – Vicki Harrison

There is also the concept of being overwhelmed by grief, and as grief becomes more intense, our less developed coping mechanisms might come to the surface. Death is a universal human experience, a part of our collective unconscious. For Carmy, thoughts of Mikey lead him to Lake Michigan. We see the water washing over the expo station, and right after that, Carmy takes a moment to himself while cleaning. Marcus also struggles with loss, taking a moment to look at Carmy. Both continue to push themselves while grieving.

Drawing a parallel to Mikey, and recalling episode 1x03, we witness Carmy going through a grieving process. The imagery of water is associated with Carmy once again as rain lingers on his windows, and he stares at his scar. Thinking of Mikey.

Water is not just connected to Mikey but Water is the characters' connection to their true selfs- to experience this connection they have to go through exploring their emotions, and after grief - the most rawest form of emotions comes rebirth - life continuing to flow after death.

Now You Have Them Too

There's something simultaneously humorous and anxiety-inducing about this scene. I think we are experiencing Sydney's anxiety through the close camera angles and the cuts between Natalie, Carmy, and Sydney. It's disorienting as Carmy and Natalie assert Sydney's inclusion in their family without question. They are pointing out the obvious: the computer, Nicholas marshall – you know you have a family lawyer, right? While for Sydney, this season, it feels unclear about being officially part of The Berzattos- even her okay in this scene is a little reluctant.

Richie really meant it when he told her, "You have them too." Who knew there could also be some horror in Natalie and Carmy considering Sydney as part of the family?

Honestly, while watching this season leading up to episode 5, it is clear that Sydney is very much a part already imprinted as a Berzatto. The computer doesn't really say hello its very casual when he walks in - and the newly introduced Fak brother includes himself in the conversation if he knows her, and Jimmy reminds Sydney that they're past using last names.

Even though Sydney doubts it, the Berzattos and even their family friends consider her as part of their them, which makes it even harder for her to leave.

There is something chilling later on this season about Natalie firmly telling Sydney to sign the agreement.

Jung Meta Series:

The Anima Projection

An excerpt from Man & His Symbols audiobook by Carl G Jung on the negative aspect of the Anima in the male psyche.

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(c)thoughtfulchaos773

Fishes, Water, & Dreams: Dominant & Inferior

Part II of This Jungian Series

"Man becomes whole, integrated, calm, fertile, and happy when (and only when) the process of individuation is complete, when the conscious and the unconscious have learned to live at peace and to complement one another." -― C.G. Jung, Man and His Symbols

I wanted to look into the dominant and inferior Jung's theory Richie was reading in the network script of 2x01, which brought him to question his purpose. Using this I wanted to write what I believe is each character's inferior function.

I'm not a therapist but I love the subject of stories and mental health.

Carl Jung - a leading figure of psychology that theorized how people view and act in the world is based on four psychological functions that are either dominant or inferior. (Four functions are thinking,feeling,sensation, intution)

But TLDR: We behave based on these four functions, and one of these functions is an inferior part of our personality that needs to be explored. Eventually, it seeps into co-consciousness, asking for integration, and can make us act in compulsive ways to compensate for our weakening dominant function.

The inferior function can come into consciousness when a traumatic event occurs. I believe these psychological types reveal each character's inferior function.

The inferior function breaks through the ego's attempts to dominate and exposes us to the unknown and unexplored. According to Jung, despite being perceived as a weak spot in the personality, this "treasure hard to attain" is also the source of our vitality, liberation, and enjoyment.

Descriptions of the rational functions:

Thinking:

Internally or externally, using logical consistency, understanding, and concepts and systems in a personal way (introverted), we make decisions and organize and structure the world objectively, and we implement systems based on outside data (extraverted)

Extraverted: Principled, idealistic, objective, rational

Introverted: Influenced by ideas, independent, often fearful of intimacy.

Feeling:

 It is making decisions based on feelings and relationships. In an introverted way, it centers on internal values and personal emotions. It's about evaluating situations based on what feels right to the person.

Extraverted: Adaptive, relating well to the external.

Introverted: Sympathetic, pleases others, may be dependent, reserved.

Descriptions of Irrational Functions:

Sensation

We can recall and integrate our inner or external world to interpret our immediate environment and the present.

Extraverted: Realistic, concrete, pleasant, and friendly.

Introverted: Calm and passive, restrained, controlled and controlling.

Intuition

Focuses on internal insights that reveal patterns and future possibilities based on past experiences. It involves developing personal long-term visions and intuitively understanding complex ideas.

Extraverted: Enterprising, outgoing, can be irresponsible.

Introverted: Mystical, dreamer and artist. Can be obsessive.

I thought it would be interesting to apply these theories to Carmy, Sydney, Richie, and Natalie in the first part to get a quick profile of the characters. I also attached quotes from psychology types that go deep into Jung's theory on the four functions.

Carmen Bezatto- Inferior Function (Extraverted Feeling)

Dominant Introverted Thinker: Influenced by ideas, independent, often fearful of intimacy.

I was back and forth between extraverted sensing being his inferior or feeling. But Carmy's desire to no longer be alone overshadows. He longs to have Claire and Mikey's extroverted nature and way of being with people. Carmy, not knowing his inner feelings, reflects why he can have trouble focusing on the feelings of others at times. Since Mikey’s death, his inferior function - the longing to connect, to no longer compete - is playing in a way where carmy is resisting. Heavily relying on processing systems - what introverted thinking types are good at instead of working on their relationships and feelings of themselves and others.

This also stood out to me for the dominant introverted thinking types resisting- they will stay in environments no matter the external conditions as long as it lets them focus on their work and projects.

Years ago, to help his trauma, Carmy heavily relied on this function that helped him understand systems and logic - to swallow his feelings and become the best chef. But now his longing for feeling for connection is weaning his introverted thinking effect. Now, it's affecting the relationships around him. His obsession with meeting high standards creates further misunderstandings. The more Carmy resists intergration it is only hurting himself and those he wishes to be close to, the season 3 finale the chefs dialogue reminds Carmy the reason he is running a restaurant has to be about the people. Not the systems of stars but putting importance on relationships will get him closer to wholeness.

Sydney- Inferior Function (Introverted Thinking)

Dominant: Extraverted Feeling

Extraverted: Adaptive, relating well to the external.

Some sites consider Sydney introverted, but I say extroverted. Watching Season 3 highlighted for me that Sydney is an extravert. She can talk to a group of world-star chefs and include herself in conversation seamlessly- adding her humor to the mix- extravert. Also, the party she threw at her apartment, along with the desire to go out and explore the external world. Sydney needs social harmony amongst the team. Sometimes, she shows some socially awkward moments, but that plays into her inferior function, where she can sometimes overthink.

Also important to note is that being alone at her dad’s house was not great for Sydney's headspace. She has to be out in the world exploring and engaging with people.

Sydney is open to new possibilities. Carmy, though he wants to improve the beef, automatically resorts to old, tried, and accurate methods. Sydney presents how different and positive things could be. 

Her inferior function is introverted thinking. Sydney is working on this for the 3rd season. Her dad points out how excited she is about opening The Bear but wants her to still be cautious, and it seems she did this same thought process with her catering business. There seemed to be a sense of urgency? She did move out fast, according to Emmanuel, like that is second nature to her, and for her dad to be pre cautious, she considers it negative.

At the beginning of season 1, by meeting Carmy and being part of the beef, Sydney approaches things differently than what's in her nature. She’s patient (incredibly patient with carmy) and creates and analyzes systems that will work for the business. This, along with her feelings of enthusiasm that I'm sure she hasn't felt since the start of her catering business, has her leaping in despite what happened in review which wasnt quite resolved between Sydney and Carmu. Her feelings are in it. She sees that carmy is open to a new chapter, and her feelings for her team make her jump into opening The Bear.

But 2x10 brings her back down to reality. Because of the Berzattos' dysfunction, she takes a step back to see if she should actually sign the agreement. In this case, her inferior function is asking for integration. This explains why she suddenly wants to think logically when faced with this decision. It’s as though she’s trying to step back and analyze the situation carefully, but this may not come naturally to her, and it leads to internal conflict.

Sidebar: This was not on purpose! But seriously, it's funny that Sydney's dominant function is Carmy's inferior and vice versa. Sydney wants to create a new menu, and carmy says, "Give me a minute." Classic interaction of an extroverted feeling (I feel this, and you should too! Let's do it, carmy!) and introverted type- (I'm not so sure; I need a minute to think).

Richie Jerimovich inferior Function (Introverted  Intution)

Dominant Extraverted Sensing

Extraverted: Realistic, concrete, pleasant, and friendly.

We don’t see much of Richie’s inferior function play except for season one. Since he’s extraverted sensation-dominant, he relies on external senses to connect to the world. Due to Mikey’s death, we don’t see this side of Richie. We only hear stories of the boisterous nature of Mikey’s sidekick, such as all-night partying and random trips. 

With the introverted intuition being inferior, there is anxiety towards thinking long-term. We see him consider long-term goals when Tiffany’s pregnant, but it falls through. His attachment to his immediate environment The Beef,Mikey- attachment to the delicate ecosystem Richie overcompensates with his dominant function - he’s louder and even more stuck in keeping his immediate environment the same. 

Then, in season 2 , Richie becomes more introverted and considers aspects of his personality yet to develop. A lack of responsibility runs inferior intuition, but Richie is on the integration steps when he asks Carmy for his purpose. 

In Forks, his inferior function plays out, mainly when cleaning forks, where he can’t see the purpose or have a deeper reflection of the repetitive task. It isn’t until Tiffany tells him the news of her long-term future happening that Richie again reflects and has a deeper introspection - working on his unconscious, he starts to understand what he can do for self-actualization.

As the episode progresses, Richie’s inferior intuition starts to realize when he begins to appreciate the high standards and purpose at Ever. He connects with Chef Terry’s story about her father’s journals, which helps Richie connect the dots between his life and the importance of how to spend his time, dedication, and purpose. 

Season 3 Richie has a different level of self awareness. He understands the causes of fear and how his dominant sensation function overcompensates (e.g., Carmy changing his environment, which creates fear in his dojo), and he notices Carmy's own need for integration.

You notice at Sydneys partner Richie wasn't as loud as season 1 Richie? He didn't celebrate immediately at Ever Funeral dinner. He connected to the decorations and showed his extraverted personality, which is more pleasant than we've seen him. Even through being in a group, his introverted intution comes into light when he asks Jess how she continues to find inspiration. Richie wants to move forward by still creating that meaning in his life that only the intution function can give him his answer.

Natalie Berzatto Inferior Introverted Thinking

Dominant:Extraverted Feeling

This made me see Natalie and Sydney's relationship in an even more positive light - they have the same dominant and inferior functions- no wonder Sydney naturally asked Natalie if she was okay. Natalie also cares about the well-being of her family and prioritizes relationships and those happiness around her - although this can be positive for Sydney. We see this as a negative for Natalie. She makes herself sick as she tells her mother. But this imo tells me that Natalie's dominant function of feeling for those around her was and drained by Donna, or it's an overcompensation for her upbringing. Maybe both.

Internal introverted thinking is her inferior function, and this plays out in season 3 when Natalie, like Sydney, is having a battle between her heart and her head. She wants to connect to her mother but knows the implications of bringing a child into the world she was raised in. Logically, Natalie knows her mom is who she is, and she must accept it from a distance, but she still longs for a close relationship with everyone around her—she longs for social harmony.

In the Ice Chips episode, we see Natalie's inferior function come out and integrate when she observes her mother during her labor. Natalie can think logically and see why she is the way she is, hold her mother accountable, and see everything objectively. She sees how broken her mother is and can move forward when she balances her head and her heart.

Thank you for reading! Season 3 really did a deep dive into psychology. I would not be surprised if the writers explored personality types and integration. Do you notice the show also uses a lot of symbolism, and a character is always discussing a dream they had? Well, Jung was big on dreams and symbolism as a way to connect to our subconscious to get closer to integration. I'll connect the symbolism and dreams with Jung in the next post.

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Fishes, Water, & Dreams

An introduction to the characters' unconscious.

It seems like Richie was meant to be the show's psychologist—a character who tells us we will go deep into the characters' minds. Jung was a mentee and collaborator of Freud before their beliefs separated. I'm already obsessed with Richie throwing Freudian concepts at Carmy, but now I'm going to explore Jung and his ideas that connect to the show.

The Conscious and Unconscious

Jung believed that our minds are divided into conscious and unconscious parts. The unconscious mind holds hidden thoughts, emotions, and memories that we aren't fully aware of, but they still influence us and our personalities.

Jung identified four psychological functions of the personality: sensation, feeling, intuition, and thinking. One of these functions usually becomes dominant in our conscious personality, while the opposite function, called the inferior function, gets repressed and buried in the unconscious.

For example, if someone is very logical and relies on thinking (dominant function), they might struggle with emotions (feeling function), which becomes their inferior function. This repressed side often seeps into our conscious life, sometimes causing inner conflict or showing up in our dreams.

Richie references the "dominant and inferior" functions, he's thinking about how different parts of his personality affect his behavior and choices. How his history of working with his dominant function calls for a change and exploring his inferiority function to become whole. This could also apply to Carmy, whose struggles with emotions (possibly his inferior function) seem to surface through dreams and emotional outbursts.

Jung believed that paying attention to dreams and symbolic messages from the unconscious can help us understand and integrate the often neglected parts of ourselves. This process, called individuation, is about becoming more complete and self-aware by embracing all aspects of our personality, even the ones we usually ignore.

In the show, the characters' internal conflicts and traumas, especially related to grief and loss, seem to trigger their inferior functions, forcing them to confront parts of themselves they’ve avoided. For Richie, this could be exploring his logic, while for Carmy, it might be his intuition or feelings. The journey to self-realization is at the heart of Jung's psychology, or in Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which is considered self-actualization.

The show's imagery and dreams point to the characters' collective unconscious. Recurring symbols like water and specific cuisines may message viewers to explore their unconscious and call for the characters to go deeper into their inferior function to become whole within and in their relationships.

I wanted to give an introduction to what will be explored; the next post will be the water imagery and point to the characters' unconscious and inferior parts of themselves.