Eric Bemis is a significant character in the Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet. As the son of Lisa Palmer and the Hammonds' neighbor, Eric, played by Skyler Gisondo, becomes an integral part of their lives after Sheila's transformation. This article delves into Eric's character, his relationships, and his evolution throughout the series.
Eric's Initial Role: The Zombie Expert
Eric is portrayed as a nerdy and socially awkward teenager with an extensive knowledge of obscure and disturbing topics. When Sheila becomes undead, the Hammonds turn to Eric for answers. He informs them about Sheila's condition, warning them about the need to keep her fed and the potential dangers she poses. Eric's expertise in zombie lore makes him a valuable asset to the Hammonds as they navigate their new reality.
Relationship with Abby Hammond
Eric harbors a long-standing crush on Abby Hammond, a point often emphasized by his mother, Lisa. In the first season, Eric kisses Abby, but his feelings are not reciprocated at that time. Despite this, Eric and Abby form a close friendship after Sheila's transformation, bonding over their shared experiences and rebellious tendencies. They partner in various activities, including covering up the Hammonds' criminal activities and assisting Dr. Wolf.
Romance with Ramona
In Season 2, Eric develops a relationship with Ramona, who works at Rite-Aid. Their relationship takes an unexpected turn when Eric discovers that Ramona is also undead. To his surprise, Ramona is attracted to him, and they become intimate. However, Ramona's feelings are not genuine; she is merely using Eric to obtain the serum that Sheila and Joel concocted to suppress her undead symptoms, after which she leaves for Seattle.
Pretending to Date Abby
In Season 3, Eric and Abby pretend to be dating to divert suspicion from their demolition of a fracking site. The charade becomes overwhelming, leading them to stage a public "breakup." Despite the pretense, their feelings begin to deepen, especially when Ramona returns and asks Eric to accompany her to Seattle.
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Accepting the Chaos
In the season 3 finale, Eric demonstrates his loyalty and acceptance of the Hammonds' chaotic life. He helps Abby kill two undead intruders in their house, expressing his willingness to embrace the chaos and not be excluded from their lives. This act of solidarity leads Abby to confront her feelings for Eric, and they spend the night together at his place. When Eric seeks clarification about their relationship, Abby responds with uncertainty, suggesting an evolving dynamic between them.
Skyler Gisondo: The Actor Behind Eric
Skyler Augustus Gisondo, born on July 22, 1996, is an American actor who portrays Eric Bemis in Santa Clarita Diet. Gisondo began his acting career at a young age, making his television debut in 2003 in the comedy-drama series Miss Match. He has since appeared in numerous films and television shows, including Halloween (2007), Four Christmases (2008), The Amazing Spider-Man (2012), and The Righteous Gemstones (2019).
Early Career
Gisondo's early roles included voice work in the Air Buddies franchise and a portrayal of a young Moe Howard in The Three Stooges (2012). He gained further recognition for his roles in The Amazing Spider-Man films and the comedy series The Righteous Gemstones.
Promposal Assistance from Ben Stiller and Robin Williams
While filming Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Gisondo enlisted the help of Ben Stiller and Robin Williams to create a "promposal" video, formally asking his girlfriend to senior prom. This heartwarming gesture garnered media attention and highlighted Gisondo's affable personality.
Recent Projects
In recent years, Gisondo has appeared in films such as Booksmart (2019), The Social Dilemma (2020), and Licorice Pizza (2021). He has also starred in television series such as Fairfax (2021-2022) and The Resort (2022). In 2023, he was cast as Jimmy Olsen in Superman: Legacy.
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Other Characters in Santa Clarita Diet
The Hammond Family
- Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore): A perky realtor who becomes a zombie, leading to a need for human flesh. She maintains a jovial personality despite her murderous tendencies. Her sex drive is amplified, and she enjoys her newfound energy and determination.
- Joel Hammond (Timothy Olyphant): Sheila's nervous husband who tries to keep his family together. He is a nice guy who becomes more eccentric as the series progresses. He is often seen smoking pot to cope with the situation.
- Abby Hammond (Liv Hewson): The Hammonds' snarky daughter who initially misbehaves due to her parents' situation. She develops a close friendship with Eric and eventually becomes more mindful of her family.
Recurring Characters
- Lisa Palmer (Mary Elizabeth Ellis): The Hammonds' feisty neighbor and Eric's mother. She is known for her open discussions about her sex life and shows hidden depths as a parent.
- Anne Garcia (Natalie Morales): The town's religious sheriff who gets together with Lisa. She is a tough cop with a comically serious demeanor.
- Gary West (Nathan Fillion/Alan Tudyk): A realtor who gets too close to Sheila and ends up as an undead severed head. He becomes a quirky friend to the Hammonds.
- Ron (Jonathan Slavin): An unstable man who Joel meets at the psychiatric hospital. He is a creepy but genuinely caring character who becomes a zombie in Season 3.
- Jean (Linda Lavin): A grumpy old woman who becomes more energetic after Sheila turns her into a zombie. She develops a taste for ears.
Eric's Significance in the Series
Eric Bemis is more than just a nerdy neighbor; he is a vital source of information and support for the Hammonds. His knowledge of zombie lore helps them understand and navigate Sheila's condition. His friendship with Abby provides her with companionship and a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Eric's unwavering loyalty and willingness to embrace the Hammonds' unconventional life make him an indispensable part of their family.
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