The Bear is not only a well written and well acted show but it’s always teaching us about cooking and restaurants (remember Oreweilian Butter? story HERE).

Well, in episode five of the season four episode “Replicants” we get a new word. “stage”.

And with the new word, we get an old face, in Luca played by Will Poulter, who showed up last season during the Ever angle, and before then as a chef who takes Marcus to the next level in Denmark (story HERE). Luca is working as a stage in The Bear.

A stage is an intern or assistant who works in a restaurant for little or no pay. What they do get is more experience in a new setting and the chance to learn additional skills.

Now, let’s be real, Luca is way overqualified to be a stage. Just as Chef Jess and Garrett, who taught cousin Richie what he knows about service, are also doing The Bear a favor by working with them. This is why Sydney and a couple of others who already know Luca are smirking at the fact that he’s also helping them as the restaurant slowly bleeds out.

Still, The Bear showrunners understand that us viewers adored these guest stars, and Will “Adam Warlock” Poulter is due to play a bigger part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe after being introduced in Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3. This isn’t a big jump for him. And it also doesn’t hurt that Poulter himself is very good in the role.

My only hope is that Luca gets the chance to ask “You guys are getting paid?” sometime when he’s onscreen.

And there you have it. The Bear keeps educating. What did you think of the surprise return? Let me know in the comments.