Carmy “Bear” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and his chaotically charming kitchen team return for thirds just one year following the release of their sequel season. With countless prestigious awards under its belt and a cast chock full of soaring star power, “The Bear” has become a cultural staple, widely regarded as one of the top shows of the decade. Known for its tightly wound, stressful atmosphere, delicate attention to detail and complex characters, this markedly dark dramedy shows no signs of slowing down.
The second season, which saw our scrappy, unlikely restaurant family flip their lovable sandwich joint into a fancy fine-dining establishment, was one of the most outstanding 10-episode runs I’ve ever witnessed, piling depth and improved craftsmanship into an already impressive world.
While season three might not be as complete or fulfilling, it still embodies modern television in its finest form. Loose ends and meandering narratives aside, “The Bear” continues to flesh out its brilliant characters and study the trials and tribulations of pressure, family and the work-life balance. Though I was left yearning for a more satisfying conclusion, there’s no way to leave this show without wanting more — an impeccably framed, edited, acted and written roller coaster of emotion.
Episode one, titled “Tomorrow” is a beautifully unconventional kick-off to the season, swerving through the defining moments of Carmy’s life that have shaped his current trajectory. There’s hardly any dialogue in what I can only describe as a luminous montage of memory. The music is peaceful and gliding, the acting is subtle and the visual direction is fragilely constructed with passion and precision — an ingenious iteration of a series recap.
Picking up immediately where the previous season left off, the second episode “Next” is a return to form, marking a new era for the Chicago-based restaurant, aptly titled “The Bear.” Carmy and his unruly, unfiltered cousin Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) argue over the restaurant’s newly posed non-negotiable rules, including changing the menu’s content everyday. It’s the show doing what it does best: pitting fiery, budding personalities against each other to shout and trade obscenities for a half hour straight.
“Doors” is another standout episode and one of the more exhilarating entries the season has to offer, showcasing the staff clawing their way through their first month of service. It’s hectic, stressful and will have you fidgeting in your seat, rooting for the team to pull through like you’re a part of the crew. While I can’t relate to their restaurant challenges, each character is tragic and flawed in a familiar, comforting way. They feel like family.
Middle episodes “Violet” and “Children” take a step-back from frenzied hosting, serving and chefing, dialing in on money troubles and personal struggles. The heart and soul of the show, Sydney, played by the endlessly lovable Ayo Edebiri, juggles with independence and new beginnings.
Another standout episode, “Napkins,” places the spotlight on feisty line-cook Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) and the adversity she encountered prior to working at the restaurant. “The Bear” isn’t afraid to completely remove itself from the present in order to deepen a singular character. Every tidbit of information relays how our characters came to be, informing their nuanced personalities. Colón-Zayas shares an incredible scene with Jon Bernthal as Carmy’s late brother Mikey that just might bring you to tears.
The eighth episode, “Ice Chips” is my favorite of the season, following Carmy’s sister Sugar (Abby Elliott) on her way to the hospital to give birth to her first baby. Reluctantly forced to contact her crazy, overbearing mom Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), Sugar’s willpower is put to the test. Elliott and Curtis work wonders capturing such an uncontrolled, intense situation. Curtis’s performance is especially captivating in its ability to partially communicate how Carmy became Carmy. The ending was truly magical and forcefully yanked on my heart strings.
Episode nine, “Apologies,” forces Carmy to consider reaching out to Claire (Molly Gordon), who he regrettably pushed away in last season's finale. The bulk of his internal struggle this season grapples with his inability to communicate his emotions without ferociously exploding. Allen White is exceptional at every beat, shaping one of the greatest protagonists in television history. We know more about Carmy than he knows about himself, which is an excellent point of view to watch his progression unfold.
The home stretch of the season partially concerns the closing of one of Carmy’s stepping stone restaurant opportunities, “Ever.” The final episode, “Forever,” brings together chefs from around the world to celebrate. Carmy confronts the past as Sydney confronts the future. Meanwhile, the restaurant's existence hangs in the balance. None of these confrontations or plot lines are resolved as the season comes to a close. Though I’m excited to see where everything goes, I’m disappointed that season three couldn’t offer a complete narrative.
Still, “The Bear” continues to wow me with its technical prowess and peak character development. As far as I’m concerned, this show could go on for as long as it needs to. In the end, I trust the creators will tie everything together with a tight bow and cement their TV legacy.