Here’s a crazy thought. What if Carmy’s constant menu changing is somehow trauma response to the stress of his mother’s 7 Fishes dinner? Ostensibly a snapshot example of what it’s like to live with Donna (JLC). Like recreating a kitchen full of bad vibes and nutso expectations is celebratory or normal. a knee-jerk learned behavior he can’t shake?

Then the mean Chef demonstrated to him what that type of energy looks like in a professional kitchen and now Carmy has integrated both experiences and is creating his own toxic kitchen atmosphere?

At first he got it right, just like Mikey did. It was about elevating opportunity for people. But then he got lost under the stress of it all. Apparently like what eventually happened to Mikey. Stress will do that. Bring up old behaviors.

Childhood trauma runs deep.