When You’re The Bear, You’re Family

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This critique discloses elements from Season 4 of “The Bear” that might be considered spoilers. However, it does not reveal specifics about significant guest appearances, intricate plot twists, or the final outcome of the season.

As a movie reviewer diving into the fourth season of “The Bear,” I must say that this show has found its rhythm in two distinct styles: artful and charming, or as some might say, artsy and corny. The first season predominantly showcased the artful side with a surprising twist towards charm near the end. Season two cleverly blended charm with artistic flair. However, the third season took a sharp turn back to the artfully smug, with laborious montages, convoluted storytelling, self-conscious cameos by renowned chefs, and an excessive focus on meticulously crafting intricate dishes.

In this fourth season, we find ourselves deep in cornfield territory. The cast teeters on the brink of breaking into a number from the musical “Shucked” at any moment! It’s as if the pendulum has swung so far that it threatens to get stuck in the cornfields!

This is commendable: The Bear truly shines when it’s brutally honest and discards its own flair to concentrate on preparing a delicious meal. Despite not yet achieving the balance that its initial two seasons showcased, some elements have become repetitive enough to diminish their initial charm. However, compared to its predecessor, this season is more polished, engaging, and self-assured as The Bear.

Season four resumes approximately where season three ends, finding Carmen Berzatto’s restaurant crew grappling with the aftermath of a somewhat negative review from the Chicago Tribune about The Bear. Once more, they find themselves in a precarious position, not only in terms of their reputation but also financially, as Uncle Cicero’s funds won’t last forever and their suppliers can’t be generous indefinitely. Personal issues, family stressors, and unresolved emotional baggage add to their woes. The only solution seems to be pouring more money into payroll. Instead of a promising fresh start that takes a turn for the worse, season four offers both the delight and the struggle of helping everyone climb out of this predicament.

In other words, episodes like the one penned by Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, who play Sydney and Marcus respectively in “The Bear,” stand out due to their unique perspective and change of pace. These episodes, such as the one focusing on Sydney’s character, offer a refreshing break from the show’s usual kitchen-centric narrative. By stepping outside the confines of the kitchen, these episodes provide a broader viewpoint that challenges some of the grandiose ideas and recurring themes often presented in the series. This new vantage point adds depth to the characters, particularly Sydney, who brings humor and directness to the restaurant’s challenging circumstances, while Carmy provides the dour opacity. The result is an episode that not only entertains but also offers insight into the show itself by revealing its own self-awareness.

In simpler terms, the series often emphasizes the idea that restaurants serve as more than just places to eat. They’re where you never feel lonely, and they have a sense of familiarity similar to being with family. In fact, it can be said that restaurants function like families, while families, in turn, resemble a restaurant in their own unique ways. The show subtly suggests this parallel through the chaotic dynamics of the Berzatto family and Carmy’s creative process, which thrives on chaos.

The series “The Bear” has consistently explored the intricate blend of familial bonds and professional dynamics within restaurant settings. A notable aspect from its debut season was the frequent use of ‘cousin’ among unrelated characters. However, in Season 4, this thematic clarity veers towards being overtly didactic, almost resembling a slogan. It seems as if the surreal dream sequences and plotless montages from previous seasons have instilled a fear that viewers might overlook the broader message. The show’s tendency to incorporate popular songs accentuates every emotional moment, although not blatantly obvious, still conveying a sense of unease about whether the tone of each scene is instantly comprehended. While Season 4 doesn’t quite reach the extreme of slow-motion shots of people laughing and exchanging endless breadsticks while gazing tenderly into each other’s eyes, it comes dangerously close to this idealized depiction.

Despite its intensity being toned down from season three, this adaptation of The Bear seems to align better with the series’ theme. It has effectively reduced some problematic elements like the Faks, and allows Sydney to shine as a distinct character rather than merely serving as a constraint on Carmy’s impulses. The show has been hinting at Sydney as a significant partner for Carmy since season two, but it’s only in season four that this potential is truly realized. The series excels in combining corniness with grandeur, and it does so effectively. A scene where the staff goes all out for a table of VIP guests might seem absurd, yet it captures the desired sense of extravagance and wonder, reinforcing its commitment to the storyline. Similarly, an episode centered around a family wedding leverages the show’s fondness for bringing together the Berzattos, leading to another scene filled with unlikely emotional spectacle, such as an oversized banquet table laden with symbolic messages.

It’s consistently challenging to distinguish the delivery method from the meaning in “The Bear”. The third season delved into a chef prodigy becoming swallowed by his own ego, anxiety, craving for chaos, and desire for greatness; it was also a season that seemed overly self-important, overflowing with unnecessary elements rather than being guided by a clear, confident concept. Indeed, it was an uncomfortable viewing experience, yet it mirrored the characters’ discomfort as well. One’s unpleasant nature does not make up for the other. Nevertheless, even when it’s frustrating to watch, the narrative of “The Bear” remains intriguing because it mirrors the internal journey of The Bear itself.

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2025-06-26 10:55