Michelle
Michelle, Cousin Michelle
Actor/Actress:
Sarah Paulson
Group/Family:
Berzatto Family / Cousin
Characteristics:
Stable, understanding, supportive, rational
Backstory
Berzatto cousin who appears in flashback Christmas dinner. More emotionally stable than immediate family. Offers Carmy refuge from family chaos by suggesting he could stay in New York. Provides outside perspective on family dysfunction.
Recent Events
S2 E06
1:02
Donna Crashes Car Into House
Characters:
Carmy; Michael; Donna; Sugar; Pete; Mcihelle1; Stevie1; Uncle Jimmy; Uncle Lee; Fak; Teddy Fak
Description:
After her breakdown, Donna gets in her car and drives it directly into the living room, destroying the Christmas tree and severely damaging the house. The family stares in shock as their worst fears are realized in the most dramatic way possible.
Conclusion:
The episode ends with the family in stunned silence, staring at the destroyed living room and the car protruding through the wall.
Location:
Berzatto family home
Timeline:
2018 Christmas Eve
Context:
This represents the ultimate expression of Donna's destructive behavior and mental illness. The car crash literalizes the metaphorical destruction she brings to the family.
Analysis:
This shocking climax represents the complete breakdown of family structure and safety. It explains why all the Berzatto children are traumatized and struggle with relationships and emotional regulation.
S2 E06
0:55
Donna's Final Breakdown
Characters:
Carmy; Michael; Donna; Sugar; Pete; Mcihelle1; Stevie1; Uncle Jimmy; Uncle Lee; Fak; Teddy Fak
Description:
After Stevie's grace, Donna breaks down in tears. Despite being warned repeatedly, Sugar asks if her mother is 'okay,' triggering Donna's explosive final outburst. She screams about not being loved or respected, smashes plates, and storms out.
Conclusion:
Donna's breakdown destroys any remaining peace, leaving the family in shock and devastation.
Location:
Berzatto family dining room
Timeline:
2018 Christmas Eve
Context:
This is the culmination of Sugar's repeated violations of the 'don't ask if she's okay' rule. Donna's breakdown represents years of accumulated resentment and mental illness.
Analysis:
This moment shows how trauma cycles through families. Sugar's compulsive need to check on her mother, despite warnings, demonstrates how family dysfunction perpetuates itself across generations.
S2 E06
0:25
Pete's Eighth Fish Disaster
Characters:
Pete; Sugar; Carmy; Michael
Description:
Pete arrives with a tuna casserole, playfully calling it 'the eighth fish.' The Berzatto siblings are horrified because an eighth fish is considered bad luck and will trigger Donna's anger. Sugar hastily throws the casserole out the front door before Donna can see it.
Conclusion:
The casserole is disposed of, but the incident adds to the mounting tension and foreshadows the evening's disasters.
Location:
Berzatto family home
Timeline:
2018 Christmas Eve
Context:
Pete is well-meaning but often clueless about the family's complicated dynamics. The Seven Fishes tradition is sacred to Donna, and any deviation sends her into a rage.
Analysis:
This scene shows how outsiders can inadvertently trigger family trauma. Pete's innocent mistake becomes another source of stress, highlighting how fragile the family's coping mechanisms are.
S2 E06
0:45
Dinner Table Fork Throwing
Characters:
Carmy; Michael; Donna; Sugar; Pete; Mcihelle1; Stevie1; Uncle Jimmy; Uncle Lee; Fak; Teddy Fak
Description:
At the dinner table, Lee tries to explain the Seven Fishes tradition but Michael repeatedly throws forks at him in aggressive protest. The tension escalates into a standoff as Lee berates Michael for his failures and business ventures, calling him 'nothing.'
Conclusion:
The fork-throwing creates a dangerous standoff with everyone at the table trying to play peacemaker as violence threatens to erupt.
Location:
Berzatto family dining room
Timeline:
2018 Christmas Eve
Context:
Lee and Michael have a longstanding contentious relationship. Lee represents judgment and criticism while Michael struggles with addiction and business failures.
Analysis:
This scene shows the toxic masculinity and violence that runs through the family. Lee's cruel words about Michael being 'nothing' likely contribute to Michael's eventual suicide, making this moment devastatingly tragic.
S2 E06
0:12
Celebrity Guests Arrive
Characters:
Uncle Lee; Michelle1; Stevie; Tiffany; Fak; Teddy Fak
Description:
Various family members and friends arrive including Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk), Cousin Michelle (Sarah Paulson), her partner Stevie (John Mulaney), pregnant Tiffany (Gillian Jacobs), and the Fak brothers. Each character brings their own energy and complications to the gathering.
Conclusion:
The house fills with people, raising the tension and pressure as everyone tries to navigate the family dynamics.
Location:
Berzatto family home
Timeline:
2018 Christmas Eve
Context:
This gathering includes Donna's ex-boyfriend Lee, who has a contentious relationship with the family, especially Michael. Tiffany is still married to Richie and pregnant with their daughter.
Analysis:
The arrival of multiple guest stars creates a powder keg of personalities and tensions. Each character represents different aspects of family dysfunction and the performances elevate the material to Emmy-worthy heights.
S2 E06
0:52
Stevie's Heartfelt Grace
Characters:
Carmy; Michael; Donna; Sugar; Pete; Mcihelle1; Stevie1; Uncle Jimmy; Uncle Lee; Fak; Teddy Fak
Description:
Stevie gives an awkward but heartfelt grace about the Seven Fishes tradition, family love, and taking time to care for each other. His sincere words temporarily calm the explosive tension and bring a moment of peace to the gathering.
Conclusion:
The family shares a brief moment of calm and reflection, with Stevie's words providing temporary emotional relief.
Location:
Berzatto family dining room
Timeline:
2018 Christmas Eve
Context:
Stevie is an outsider to the family dynamics, which allows him to speak with genuine love and hope that the family members can't express to each other.
Analysis:
This moment provides crucial emotional breathing room in an otherwise chaotic episode. Stevie's grace represents the love and connection the family desperately needs but can't give each other.