Ice Chips (The Bear)

The Bear
Company type	Television series
Industry	Entertainment
Founded	2022; 4 years ago
Founder	Christopher Storer
Headquarters	United States
Products	Television episodes

Ice Chips represents the eighth installment in the third season of the American comedy-drama series The Bear. It is the 26th episode in total, penned by executive producer Joanna Calo and directed by the show’s creator Christopher Storer. The episode debuted on Hulu on June 26, 2024, concurrently with the release of the entire season.

The narrative centers on Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto, an acclaimed chef from New York City who returns to Chicago to oversee his late brother Michael’s struggling Italian beef sandwich shop. In this chapter, their sister Natalie goes into labor and must reach out to their mother Donna for assistance. This episode is notable for being the first without an appearance by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, although he remains credited.

Critics responded enthusiastically to the episode, particularly highlighting the performances of Abby Elliott and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Plot

While caught in traffic, a nervous Natalie (Abby Elliott) attempts to contact Pete, Sydney, Carmy, Marcus, Richie, and Claire, but none answer as their shifts have just started. After a tense exchange with another driver, she pulls over and calls her mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis).

Natalie meets Donna in the hospital parking area; although Donna’s efforts to soothe her initially cause frustration. Once inside Natalie's hospital room, Donna helps alleviate her contractions and recounts her own experiences during Mikey and Carmy’s births. Obstetrician Dr. Levin (Keith Kupferer) explains the labor process and suggests administering Oxytocin/Pitocin. Natalie confesses she kept her pregnancy hidden from Donna due to fears of perpetuating familial issues.

Donna comforts Natalie by affirming her potential as a mother and shares her ongoing journey to improve as a parent. She reminisces about Natalie's birth day, recalling that "Baby, I Love You" was playing at the time. Pete (Chris Witaske) arrives, expresses gratitude to Donna for staying with Natalie, and provides comfort as Donna quietly steps away to the waiting room. Fak (Matty Matheson) and Theodore (Ricky Staffieri) arrive to support a visibly emotional Donna, who is delighted at becoming a grandmother.

Development

In May 2024, Hulu revealed details about the eighth episode titled "Ice Chips," written by executive producer Joanna Calo and directed by series creator Christopher Storer. This installment marks Calo's sixth writing contribution and Storer's 17th time directing an episode.

Filming

Scenes set in the hospital were captured at Endeavor Health Skokie Hospital located in Skokie, Illinois. Cinematographer Andrew Wehde aimed for an unfiltered and intense portrayal of Sugar’s contractions by utilizing harsh direct sunlight combined with handheld camera work to evoke sensory overwhelm before shifting into a more subdued hospital room environment.

The sequences within the hospital room were filmed over two takes using three cameras: one dedicated to Abby Elliott, another focused on Jamie Lee Curtis, and a third capturing both actors together for "two-shots." Director Storer described the initial take as safe and traditional, while the second allowed for more experimental techniques typical of The Bear, including dynamic zooms and focus changes. Camera operator Gary Malouf praised the cooperative spirit on set, noting that actors performed 27 pages continuously through two takes, which greatly enhanced the realism portrayed on screen.

Sound design and picture editing

Megan Mancini handled the editing of "Ice Chips." Editor Joanna Naugle highlighted the meticulous alignment of hospital ambient sounds with the atmosphere in Sugar's room. Steve "Major" Giammaria and SFX editor Jonathan Fuhrer contributed layered background noises such as machine beeps and murmured conversations, which gradually diminish during close, intimate shots to maintain focus without distraction.

Music

The soundtrack for the episode included tracks like "New Noise" by Refused, "13 Ghosts II" by Nine Inch Nails, and "Baby, I Love You" performed by The Ronettes.

Release

"Ice Chips" debuted on Hulu on June 26, 2024, arriving one day ahead of its initially planned release date of June 27.

Critical reception

The episode was met with widespread praise. Jenna Scherer from The A.V. Club awarded it an "A," commending writers Calo and Christopher Storer for crafting a cathartic and unexpected narrative. Marah Eakin of Vulture gave it 4 out of 5 stars, applauding the authentic portrayal of Natalie's contractions through skilled direction and cinematography. A.J. Daulerio of Decider observed that the episode’s suspense stems from Sugar’s imminent labor, effectively using silence and unspoken trauma instead of overt dramatics. Brady Langmann of Esquire reflected on the theme of legacy within the Berzatto family, suggesting the upcoming generation will leave a positive mark. Natalie Zamora from Show Snob described it as one of the most emotionally charged episodes this season, focusing on pivotal interactions between Natalie and Donna as the season approaches its finale.

Awards and recognition

TVLine honored Abby Elliott and Jamie Lee Curtis as "Performers of the Week" on July 6, 2024, highlighting their deeply personal performances in this episode. The publication emphasized the nuanced and heartfelt resolution between Nat and Donna, praising Elliott and Curtis for their compelling portrayals.

Retrospective evaluations

In 2024, The Hollywood Reporter ranked "Ice Chips" sixth out of 28 episodes, recognizing it as a standout display of Elliott’s dramatic abilities and a touching narrative about family reconciliation amid fresh starts. ScreenRant placed it tenth, noting its status as one of season three’s most intense episodes.

By 2025, Vulture positioned "Ice Chips" seventh among 38 episodes, lauding its genuine childbirth depiction combined with engaging storytelling centered around Elliott and Curtis. Collider included it ninth in their top ten episodes list, emphasizing the emotional complexity within Nat and Donna’s strained yet supportive relationship.

A writer from BuzzFeed praised Natalie’s character for providing a calm presence throughout one of season three’s most turbulent—and beloved—installments.

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