How one of 2023's best TV episodes proves Ebon Moss-Bachrach will be perfect for Fantastic Four

EntertainmentMoviesSuperhero MoviesHow one of 2023’s best TV episodes proves Ebon Moss-Bachrach will be perfect for Fantastic FourWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. EntertainmentMoviesSuperhero MoviesHow one of 2023’s best TV episodes proves Ebon Moss-Bachrach will be perfect for Fantastic FourWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works. (Image credit: FX) Like many, I’ve been a Carmy-come-lately to The Bear, the pressure-cooker FX drama that revolves around culinary wunderkind Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) returning home to Chicago to take charge of his late brother Michael’s greasy, rundown sandwich shop. That is, until ‘Forks’. Even if you haven’t caught the show yet, chances are you heard rumblings about the seventh episode of The Bear’s second season. Not only is it a moment of significant, heartwarming growth for Cousin and one of last year’s best TV episodes, it offers up a fascinating proof of concept on how arguably Fantastic Four’s least-known actor is going to fit snugly into the rock-hard exterior – both literally and metaphorically – of Ben Grimm, AKA The Thing. First, some context: ‘Forks’ is the smooth, refreshing palate cleanser after the raging fire of ‘Fishes’, the previous episode that recounts the Berzattos’ eventful Christmas family dinner five years previous and acts as one of the most exhausting and stressful hours of television you’re ever likely to see. Where that is chaos personified – Jon Bernthal throwing cutlery at a riled-up Bob Odenkirk and Jamie Lee Curtis crashing her car through the family home signs the episode off with a bang – ‘Forks’ is methodical, regimented and, ultimately, cathartic. Carmy, it seems, has called in a few favors at his old fine-dining stomping ground at Ever. Richie doesn’t just waltz into the kitchen of one of the world’s best eateries, however. Here, he is humbled – and it’s where his growth begins. Cooking up a storm (Image credit: FX) ‘Forks’ gets its name from Richie’s first week-long task: cleaning forks. Over and over. It’s here where Moss-Bachrach’s on-screen audition for The Thing – even if he didn’t know it yet – becomes apparent. Sign up for the Total Film Newsletter Bringing all the latest movie news, features, and reviews to your inbox A key character trait for Ben Grimm is that he doesn’twantto be The Thing. Not at first, anyway. Much like Richie slowly becoming acclimated to the details-focused environment of the fine-dining experience, however, he begins to grow and accept the role as part of a team. His rocky exterior, much like the suit “armor” he wears as part of the front-of-house staff, is only half of who he is. Much like Ben Grimm, Richie cares. His joy at overhearing a family not wanting to leave Chicago without trying deep dish pizza – and then running across Chi-Town to deliver the goods – belies his steely demeanour. He, and The Thing, both care deeply about people. It’s something that Chef Terry (a surprise cameo from Olivia Colman) picks up on while they’re busy skinning mushrooms towards the end of ‘Forks’. “He said you’re good with people,” she tells Richie of Carmy’s appraisal of the once hot-headed handyman. “He’s not wrong.” (Image credit: Marvel) It’s not easy to toe the line between unlikeable and affable, but Moss-Bachrach does that effortlessly throughout ‘Forks’. It’s a skillset that will serve him well as The Thing – whose secret appeal lies in those quieter moments, whether it’s with Johnny Storm or his frequent on-off partner Alicia Masters. Need more evidence? Moss-Bachrach gives a masterclass in range throughout the 40 minutes or so he dominates the screen. Whether it’s the frog-in-the-throat ‘I love you’ to his ex-wife (Gillian Jacobs’ Tiff) after being told she’s re-marrying or the giddy car karaoke of Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’, the versatility is astounding. Because that’s The Thing, isn’t it? The rest of the Fantastic Four are usually stuck in their ways: Reed is aloof; Sue is fearsome; Johnny is brash. The Thing? He betrays his stony skin for something altogether more malleable. He can be angry, sad, alone – but works best when he wants to be your friend. Soon, Ebon Moss-Bachrach will be cooking up a different kind of storm –withthe Storms. On the evidence of The Bear, it’s going to be an MCU main course worth savoring. Fantastic Fourhits cinemas on July 11, 2025. For more on what’s coming your way, check out our guides tonew TV showsandupcoming Marvel movies. 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Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”