Every Single Episode of The Bear, Ranked

by

Back in 2022, when “The Bear” gracefully entered our TV screens, it was swiftly appreciated by critics, yet it took a while to captivate the masses. It required word-of-mouth, recognition from awarding bodies, and appearances on year-end best lists for the show to truly amass a dedicated fanbase. However, three years later, after four compelling seasons, “The Bear” has solidified its position as one of television’s most buzzed-about series. It’s no longer just airing on Hulu but has expanded its reach to FX as well.

As a diehard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the buzz surrounding “The Bear.” Sure, there have been viral moments like Jeremy Allen White’s Calvin Klein campaign and Ayo Edebiri’s heartfelt affection for Ireland that sparked some conversations. But overall, it’s the captivating storytelling of this series that has people hooked. The way creator Christopher Storer portrays the restaurant world is nothing short of brilliant, and each season keeps us guessing with unexpected twists and cliffhangers. I can’t help but wonder what the critics at the Tribune will say, if Sydney will finally make her decision to leave, and who might be the next surprise guest star gracing our screens.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: Just like savoring a slice of Chicago-style pizza, even the less enjoyable aspects of “The Bear” are surprisingly delicious. Admittedly, there were moments during season three that were almost suffocatingly intense and the sudden arrival of John Cena as a secondary character felt a bit jarring. However, these minor hiccups have often been overshadowed by breathtaking peaks.

“The Bear” serves up episodes that resonate deeply, stirring tears, warmth, and empathy – qualities not typically found in shows airing on basic cable. Whether you recognize pieces of yourself in Richie, Carmy, Tina, or Syd, this series will inspire you to strive for betterment while also acknowledging the beauty in our imperfections.

38.
“Tomorrow” (Season 3, Episode 1)

If The Bear’s weakest moment comes in its third season, which seemed both crammed and lacking substance. The premiere episode, titled “Tomorrow,” promises viewers a glimpse into Carmy’s past, showing him on the job at 11 Madison Park, wandering around Noma, and learning from renowned chefs Thomas Keller and Daniel Boulud. While these scenes are aesthetically pleasing, sensual, and intriguing, they fall short in storytelling. The Bear enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each new season to see what unfolds next, but while the show deserves recognition for executing these shoots skillfully, “Tomorrow” ultimately feels redundant.

37.
“Next” (Season 3, Episode 2)

In an episode filled with palpable tension and unexpressed regrets, “Next” stands out particularly for its intense atmosphere. The scene unfolds the morning after Carmy’s fridge mishap at the Bear’s friends and family dinner, and it is packed with suppressed anger and open hostility that makes it almost uncomfortable to watch. Despite moments of charm, such as the opening that honors Chicago’s early-rising blue collar workers at places like Vienna Beef factory and Kasia’s Pierogi, it’s evident in this episode that Carmy has plunged into a self-destructive spiral, suggesting a turbulent journey for viewers throughout the rest of the season.

36.
“Children” (Season 3, Episode 5)

The Bear has generally excelled in utilizing its guest stars effectively, with actors such as Jon Bernthal, Jamie Lee Curtis, Bob Odenkirk, and Brie Larson making significant contributions to the series. However, one notable exception occurred during season three’s “Children” when John Cena was cast as Sammy Fak, a character from the Fak family who was excessively flamboyant (even by the standards of that family). The intention behind this role was clear – to showcase Cena’s comedic talents – but it seems like the show’s creators struggled to find a suitable place for him instead of tailoring the role to his unique skills. Consequently, the overall tone felt discordant.

35.
“Forever” (Season 3, Episode 10)

While there are enjoyable aspects to this episode, it feels excessive when Carmy continues his obsession with Chef David Fields, a character we know is a bully and a fraud from the beginning of The Bear. The repeated scenes become distressing, even for viewers.

34.
“Legacy” (Season 3, Episode 7)

In this mid-series installment from a less favored season titled “Legacy,” events unfold as expected, propelling the narrative. Shapiro’s job proposition to Syd is presented, changes in the meat market are hinted at (dubbed the ‘beef window’), and Natalie goes into labor. Additionally, we encounter another character named Uncle Gary, who brings up supernatural topics like “haunting,” but his introduction feels somewhat muddled due to these unsubstantiated claims. Essentially, it’s an episode that delivers on progressing the plot, but leaves a few question marks about the credibility of some elements.

33.
“Bolognese” (Season 2, Episode 8)

In this episode titled “Bolognese,” which occurs 10 days before The Bear officially launches, the restaurant faces trouble as it fails its fire suppression test. This predicament leads to an amusing or inappropriate revelation by Neil about how Mikey is responsible for the issue. Both Richie and Marcus rejoin the team after their stints elsewhere in the culinary world. Later on, Syd scolds Carmy for his time with Claire, which paves the way for his refrigerator-related explosion in the next two episodes.

32.
“Sophie” (Season 4, Episode 6)

The performance of Rob Reiner as angel investor Albert Schnurr left viewers uncertain about his trustworthiness at that point, and Sugar’s outburst about Francie felt repetitive for regular viewers who might have heard similar rants before within the series by that stage.

31.
“Napkins” (Season 3, Episode 6)

The standalone episode titled “Napkins” offers a decent glimpse into Tina’s journey leading up to working at The Bear, yet it doesn’t reveal much new information about her. Instead, it’s more distressing than humorous to witness Tina encountering snobbish, young professionals who dismiss her job applications, only for her to eventually meet Mikey at The Bear. By the end of the episode, viewers are left feeling outraged by the injustices faced by middle-aged, high school educated women, rather than inspired by Tina’s resilience.

30.
“Sheridan” (Season 1, Episode 5)

In the Sydney-focused episode of “The Bear” titled “Sheridan,” we get hints about the missteps that led the cherished novice chef to The Beef. This episode also highlights her adaptability and ingenuity. Despite Marcus damaging the electrical system while rushing through his baking duties, causing a blackout, Sheridan manages to host a parking lot barbecue to cover expenses. However, most of the $5,000 needed for replacing the fridge condenser comes from an illicit cocaine deal arranged by Richie, which seems questionable given that he has recently lost his friend to drug abuse and depression.

29.
“Replicants” (Season 4, Episode 5)

In simpler terms, Kate Berlant is praised for her acting skills and comedic talent, especially in her one-person show titled “Kate“. However, she didn’t quite fit as a guest star in the series “The Bear“. Her role in the episode “Replicants” involves a lengthy, largely serious monologue at an Al-Anon meeting, which is unusual for her character known for being eccentric and filled with sarcasm. This leads to an expectation of a punchline that never arrives, making the speech feel out of place. Although other parts of the episode are enjoyable, such as baby Sophie’s arrival at “The Bear” and Luca’s return, the initial scene sets the tone for an episode that doesn’t quite find its footing and struggles to recover.

28.
“Pop” (Season 2, Episode 5)

In this episode, Claire and Carmy embark on a journey to a suburban post office box, and much of the plot revolves around the development of their romantic relationship. The couple shares a kiss at a house party hosted by Claire’s roommate Kelly (Mitra Jouhari). Despite the apparent connection between Carmy and Claire, there is a lingering sense that until Carmy sorts out his personal issues, viewers may feel apprehensive about their love story, as we are left wondering when potential complications might arise.

27.
“Pasta” (Season 2, Episode 2)

The transformation of ‘The Beef’ into ‘The Bear’ is underway, and the team is grappling with the practicalities of a much-needed refurbishment. This includes menu revisions, the arrival of Carmy and Syd, along with their endearing yet awkward “I’m sorry” gesture, and the episode concludes with Carmy unexpectedly encountering his old crush Claire in the chilly produce section at the market. Molly Gordon’s charming portrayal of Claire is delightful, and she seems to fit well with the intense Carmy, but some may find their reunion a bit too reminiscent of ‘Garden State‘, as their whimsical romance veers towards being excessively sweet and sugary.

26.
“Hands” (Season 1, Episode 2)

Though “Hands” plays a crucial role in establishing the narrative of The Bear, it contains Richie discovering Mikey’s secret note to Carmy, the debut of Cicero, and some amusing health inspector antics, it is one of those episodes of The Bear that is good but not exceptional. The entrance of Joel McHale as Chef Fields might be the reason for this feeling, as “Hands” seems to lack the spark that makes other episodes truly shine.

25.
“Green” (Season 4, Episode 8)

If we have any criticism towards “Green,” it’s that its initial, grandiose dream sequence – where Sydney appears as an elitist cooking show host in a dramatic setup, later rained upon and changing costumes while running through the Chicago Theatre – doesn’t seem to serve much purpose in the story. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it won’t be significant in future seasons. In contrast to how The Bear often weaves in long-term plot points, this sequence seems more like a production choice rather than a necessary development for the narrative.

24.
“Apologies” (Season 3, Episode 9)

In “Apologies,” I find myself greatly frustrated with Carmen’s behavior. He seems to disregard almost everything Syd suggests regarding the restaurant and other positive aspects of his life. It’s frustrating, especially since he’s been acting this way for most of season three. As a viewer, it feels like I want to yell “enough” at the screen. However, there is a thought-provoking sequence at the beginning of the episode featuring the late, wise Ricky J discussing magic. This serves as a sort of comfort and a reminder that even in difficult situations, there can be moments of wisdom and reflection.

23.
“Violet” (Season 3, Episode 4)

Watching the challenges at The Bear eatery can be tough for many viewers, and how difficult it is might depend on your individual viewing personality. Personally, I find it challenging to watch dishes fail, spills happen, and dedicated workers get overwhelmed. In this episode, we see Ebra giving his best at the beef window, but his abilities aren’t quite matching up. As for bonus points, they go to Josh Hartnett, who makes a cameo as Tiffany’s intended love interest Frank. However, his charisma doesn’t quite reach the level of excellence found in The Bear’s performances.

22.
“Soubise” (Season 4, Episode 2)

Soubise” observes The Bear struggling financially following the mediocre review from The Trib, leading to a lack of funds to cover produce expenses and diminished enthusiasm among staff for delivering top-notch performances each night. This situation is disheartening, further emphasized by Tina reminding Carmy about his neglected visit to his sister’s newborn baby girl, prompting an emotional response that may compel one to seek solace and sigh deeply.

21.
“Omelette” (Season 2, Episode 9)

As a cinephile, I must say that the second season’s “Omelette” kicks off rather nicely, with a morning love scene accompanied by NINE INCH NAILS’ “The Day The World Went Away.” However, it’s evident that whatever Carmy is entangled in with Claire is on shaky ground. He’s evading her calls and appears to be distancing himself from the relationship when he converses with Syd, suggesting that things are taking a turn for the worse in Carmyland. The episode concludes with the promise of a friends and family night, which is delightful, yet this installment feels more like a tantalizing appetizer hinting at the season two finale rather than a standalone main course.

20.
“Ceres” (Season 1, Episode 6)

It’s undeniable that Mikey Berzatto excels at storytelling, as evident in “Ceres”. This episode introduces Jon Bernthal as Carmy’s deceased brother, who seemed to enjoy drinking, partying, and causing a fair share of trouble with Richie in Chicago. For those familiar with the Windy City, “Ceres” is charming, capturing the struggles of Richie against the local mob elements near his restaurant and his conversation with Syd about the neighborhood’s transformation. If you recognize The Original Beef in Chicago, you’d know that River North has been gentrified for quite some time now (and it’s important to note that there are no mobsters lurking around every corner). Moreover, given that The Beef now serves both risotto and hot dogs, one could argue that Richie and his associates have contributed, in part, to the area’s evolution. Despite this slight inconsistency, “Ceres” is generally a well-crafted episode.

19.
“Scallop” (Season 4, Episode 3)

This episode, titled “Scallop,” was mostly excellent, but it faltered slightly by delving too deeply into the “dream-like” storytelling. Out of nowhere, Rob Reiner appears as a benevolent angel investor, Albert Schnurr, who seems almost divine in his efforts to help Ebraheim save The Bear. At first, Schnurr is intriguing but enigmatic, causing viewers to question his intentions. Simultaneously, within The Bear, Richie pulls out all the stops to impress a group of Californian tourists eager for a taste of snowy Chicago. It’s amusing, if a tad far-fetched, but it becomes overly contrived when this entire spectacle unfolds in front of an enigmatic figure named “Mr. Clark,” who the show hints could one day bestow The Bear with a coveted Michelin recognition. However, even The Bear can’t be that fortunate.

18.
“Doors” (Season 3, Episode 3)

An unyielding, noisy journey spanning a month’s work at The Bear makes “Doors” truly remarkable. While it’s undeniably well-crafted, it’s almost agonizing to watch. It’s not that the episode lacks in conveying its message; rather, the message itself is that working at The Bear is so nerve-wracking that merely watching the episode can leave you yearning to peel off your own skin.”

“In essence: The episode is admirable, but the experience it portrays is far from pleasant.

17.
“Dogs” (Season 1, Episode 4)

In a sweet yet somewhat implausible episode of “The Bear”, titled “Dogs”, we’re asked to swallow the idea that a full bottle of Xanax accidentally poured into a cooler filled with homemade Ecto-Cooler at Cicero’s kid’s birthday party, and no one seemed to notice or care. It’s a fun concept, The Bear, but we think you might be underestimating the chaos that usually ensues at parent-teacher gatherings. Perhaps you could join us for a few more of those events before trying to write about such scenarios!

16.
“Brigade” (Season 1, Episode 3)

In the first season of “The Bear,” the episode titled “Brigade” begins with Molly Ringwald delivering a profound speech at Carmy’s Al-Anon meeting. She insightfully suggests that order cannot be restored until something fundamental shifts, a lesson that it seems would have been beneficial for Carmy to understand a bit sooner than he did.

15.
“Groundhogs” (Season 4, Episode 1)

In the beginning of the episode, Carmy proposes The Bear concept to Mikey, following a mediocre review of the Bear in the Chicago Tribune. This leads to a lot of vacillating and justifying as the team gradually returns to the kitchen throughout the episode. This particular scene where they greet each other is a recurring pattern in the show, used on multiple occasions during its run, even in the season four finale. Although it’s usually quite amusing, especially when Neil and others arrive at inconvenient moments, it might be beneficial for the show to reduce such scenes in future seasons for freshness.

14.
“Tonnato” (Season 4, Episode 9)

In “Fishes,” which is further down the list, Donna Berzatto experienced an alcohol and sorrow-induced outburst that spoiled Christmas dinner. Following this incident, Carmy distanced himself from his mother for years, even after returning to Chicago. “Tonnato” takes place when they cross paths again at Frank and Tiffany’s wedding, prompting Carmy to return a box of old photos to his childhood home. This encounter initiates a heartfelt conversation between Jeremy Allen White’s character, Carmy, and Jamie Lee Curtis’s character, Donna, with Curtis delivering a compelling portrayal of the unpredictable and eccentric Berzatto family matriarch. The exchange includes Donna admitting her mistakes, regrets, and feelings of inadequacy as a parent. Although it can be tough to watch, it’s an essential scene that showcases Curtis’s talent once more.

13.
“Goodbye” (Season 4, Episode 10)

It’s inevitable that The Bear eventually won’t keep running, yet it stings a bit to be constantly reminded of this truth. In the season four finale titled “Goodbye,” we discover that Carmy intends to depart once he establishes the restaurant for success. This essentially sets a time limit on Jeremy Allen White’s role in the show, and while it seems plausible that the series can continue without him, it does make The Bear feel somewhat cornered. As an audience member, you root for Carmy to heal and discover himself, as well as for Syd, Richie, and Sugar to achieve their goals on their own terms. However, this doesn’t diminish the sadness that comes with watching everything unfold.

12.
“Beef” (Season 2, Episode 1)

In a new twist for “The Bear,” season two’s premiere, titled “Beef,” explores the possibilities ahead for the now-expanding Italian Beef spot. This episode, a testament to excellent storytelling, intertwines Marcus’s struggles with his ailing mother, the blossoming collaboration between Sydney and Tina in the kitchen, and Cicero’s significant involvement in the restaurant’s future plans. However, it’s Ebon Ross-Bacharach’s character, Richie, who truly shines in this episode, expressing his deep desire to discover his purpose, not just at The Beef but also in life. Here’s to Richie Jerimovich and his journey!

11.
“Worms” (Season 4, Episode 4)

It’s clear that the episode titled “Worms” promises to be exceptional, given the talented individuals behind it: The script was penned by Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, while Janicza Bravo, the director of “Zola”, took charge as director. The star-studded cast includes Danielle Deadwyler, who portrays Syd’s longtime friend and hairstylist Chantel.

Initially, the episode features some awkward Shapiro scenes that serve a purpose. However, “Worms” truly takes flight when Syd visits Chantel’s house, where she finds herself reluctantly spending time with her friend’s 13-year-old daughter, TJ. Their relationship develops sweetly, and it becomes apparent that, while TJ assists Syd in navigating her social life and finding decent food, Syd is also aiding TJ in dealing with her own issues – albeit through the roll of TJ’s teenage perspective.

The series “The Bear” has been known for excelling in standalone episodes like this one, and “Worms” does not disappoint.

10.
“Bears” (Season 4, Episode 7)

If you enjoy the guest appearances on “The Bear,” then prepare to be delighted by “Bears.” This heartwarming tale takes place at Frank and Tiffany’s wedding, reuniting the entire Berzatto family. Notable faces like Gillian Jacobs, Josh Hartnett, Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, John Mulaney, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Brie Larson as Francie Fak grace our screens. The story is filled with laughter, as Carmy reconciles with Uncle Lee and later, almost the entire cast gathers under a table with Richie’s daughter Eva for an intimate heart-to-heart about fears. There’s also plenty of joy, as Richie expresses his newfound purpose in life to Cicero and Sugar and Francie work towards mending their strained friendship. If every wedding was as endearing as this one, it would surely be a wonderful world!

9.
“Braciole” (Season 1, Episode 8)

Braciole” encapsulates the outstanding aspects of “The Bear”. The dialogue in this episode showcases Carmy’s emotional monologue at Al-Anon, where he expresses his feelings about his brother, saying, “I always thought he was my best friend, but it seems everyone else felt the same.” Richie’s action of handing over Mikey’s note to Carmy, which reads “I love you dude. Let it rip,” and directs him towards a seemingly ordinary spaghetti recipe for family dinner, adds depth to the narrative. The plot unfolds as Carmy discovers $300,000 hidden by Mikey, who had borrowed the money from Cicero. This revelation is messy yet heartwarming, making “Braciole” one of “The Bear’s” finest episodes.

8.
“System” (Season 1, Episode 1)

In an exceptional manner, the pilot of “System” skillfully kicks off “The Bear”, leaving a powerful impact. This introductory episode doesn’t merely present characters and the show’s environment; it establishes the show’s tone, dialect, and rhythm. As you immerse yourself in this first episode, you are instantly drawn into the heart and soul of “The Bear” – past, present, and future. This is a masterclass on how to create an impactful pilot. It’s safe to say that every Hollywood professional didn’t just hear about “The Bear”, they watched that pilot and sat up to take notice.

7.
“Sundae” (Season 2, Episode 3)

On occasion throughout the series, “The Bear” dedicates episodes to celebrating its setting in Chicago and the food industry it depicts. An example of this is the episode titled “Sundae.” In this installment, Carmy proposes they explore the Chicago food scene with Syd to refresh their tastes, but eventually abandons her. Despite this, Syd persists, and witnessing her savor the city’s finest cuisine is breathtaking. The show seems to go the extra mile in producing these episodes, showcasing both luxurious restaurants and long-established mom-and-pop eateries alike. If you have any connection to Chicago, experience working in a restaurant, or simply enjoy feasting your eyes on delicious food, “Sundae” offers a unique, memorable experience.

6.
“Ice Chips” (Season 3, Episode 8)

In essence: “Here’s the deal: A vast number of TV shows have attempted to depict the genuine process of giving birth, but only a tiny fraction have been successful. Remarkably, ‘The Bear’ did just that with the episode “Ice Chips,” and even more impressively, they wove compelling storytelling into this grueling and intense-looking scenario. Despite having only two main actors, Abby Elliott and Jamie Lee Curtis, on screen for most of the time, ‘Ice Chips’ still feels rich, significant, and profound. After watching it, give your mom a call to make amends.

5.
“Honeydew” (Season 2, Episode 4)

Similar to “Worms” and “Napkins,” the series “Honeydew” follows the adventure of an individual staff member at Bear, in this instance, Lionel Boyce’s character Marcus. Carmy and Syd have dispatched him to Copenhagen to collaborate with Carmy’s old friend Luca (Will Poulter), who happens to be a chef there. The episode is skillfully directed by Ramy Youssef, featuring extended shots of Marcus wandering the dimly lit streets of Denmark at night and exploring various exotic culinary delights. There are delightful musical interludes, such as the tune “Holiday Road” from National Lampoon’s European Vacation, and it’s uplifting to see Marcus develop his self-confidence and unique pastry-chef skills. It’s quite impressive considering he was originally hired by Mikey straight out of McDonald’s.

4.
“The Bear” (Season 2, Episode 10)

In a way that might seem contradictory, referring to “The Bear” as a “friends and family night” is somewhat misleading. Although the dining room is packed with supportive friends and investors, Carmy, Syd, and the entire Beef crew appear incredibly anxious, possibly too fearful of failure to truly embrace their aspirations. As soon as they dive into the kitchen chaos ensues – Carmy mistakes his old adversary Chef Fields for someone else in the dining room and later gets trapped in a lock-in fridge.

In this crucial moment, tension escalates significantly as Carmy behaves like a trapped bull, shouting and violently moving around the refrigerator, teetering precariously close to his personal bottom. Michael Chernus’ portrayal of Carmy alone elevates “The Bear” to greatness, more so when you factor in the poignant self-disparagement speech he delivers unintentionally to his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend Claire. The success of “The Bear”, however, lies not only in Chernus’ performance but also in the stellar efforts of every cast member this episode. Richie, played by Jeremy Allen White, takes charge when needed, while Uncle Cicero, moved to tears by a surprise dessert, showcases his emotional depth. The song “Animal” by Pearl Jam excellently underscores the music and underscores just how exceptional “The Bear” (and, indeed, “The Bear”) truly is.

3.
“Fishes” (Season 2, Episode 6)

If there’s a memorable “Bear” episode, it’s titled “Fishes,” which left viewers in awe due to its array of guest stars. In this episode, Paulson portrays Michelle and Mulaney plays her husband Stevie, while Odenkirk and Jacobs appear as Uncle Lee and Tiffany. Notably, “Fishes” also introduces Curtis as Donna “Deedee” Berzatto, a character who is disorganized, intriguing, and intimidating, appearing both fragile and terrifying. As it takes place in the past, Bernthal’s Mikey makes a reappearance in this episode, adding to the overall chaotic atmosphere.

From the get-go, “Fishes” is a powder keg, with Sugar appearing extremely anxious, even trembling outside when the episode begins. If you found The Bear stressful, the Berzatto household during Christmas would give that a run for its money, with twice as many personalities and ten times more alcohol. Throughout the entire episode, everyone seems to be teetering on the edge of a razor’s blade. Just as dinner is about to start, Uncle Lee and Mikey explode into a heated argument. The room goes silent, as if watching a car accident unfold – and then it happens when Donna storms in, causing chaos by losing her cool on everyone present, fleeing the scene, and eventually driving her car straight through the living room wall.

In this episode titled “Fishes,” it’s not just entertaining to watch, but also insightful about each character’s backstory. The interactions between Neil and Stevie give us a sense of Neil’s family dynamics. When Pete arrives with a tuna noodle casserole for the seven fishes table, we witness not only the harsh remarks thrown at him but also the reasons behind his kind gesture. It becomes clear why Carmy is struggling, how Sugar acts as a peacekeeper, and Mikey takes on a paternal role unexpectedly. Understanding the past helps us navigate the present, and in “Fishes,” The Bear series gave us a roadmap of their history.

2.
“Review” (Season 1, Episode 7)

Season one’s “Review” has many appealing aspects, and it begins superbly with the late, adored WXRT DJ Lin Brehmer passionately praising his hometown before playing Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago.” This kicks off a stunning cinematic ode to the city, filled with breathtaking shots of buildings, eateries, and if you have any connection to Chicago or similar Midwestern cities, or simply spend time in such urban areas, you’ll likely finish with a lump in your throat.

The situation takes an unexpected turn for the worse as we step into the Beef, finding that not only has the local paper, the Tribune, published a piece about the evolution of the cherished rundown beef shack, but also it’s the debut day for their newly launched online ordering system. However, upon activating the ordering tablet, they discover to their dismay that Syd, who established the system, inadvertently left the “preorder” function on overnight, leading to a massive influx of orders from hundreds of customers expecting immediate delivery. What was initially a relaxed scenario quickly transforms into a chaotic and high-pressure situation, with Carmy shouting at the staff to prepare every available dish in the kitchen, Richie getting injured after a heated argument with Syd, and Marcus being so detached from the unfolding events that he remains oblivious to the ensuing chaos.

Everything unfolds harmoniously with the constant hum of an online order printer and the melodious strains of Wilco’s “Spiders (Kidsmoke)” playing in the background. This episode is a unique masterpiece, making it even more impressive from a technical standpoint. It’s a flawless piece of television, full stop. No room for improvement.

1.
“Forks” (Season 2, Episode 7)

Among the episodes of “The Bear,” it’s widely considered that “Forks” from season two surpasses even “Review.” In this episode, Richie reluctantly works at Chef Andrea Terry’s restaurant, Ever. His initial days are challenging as he spends entire shifts polishing forks after forks without much improvement. However, following a heart-to-heart conversation with Garrett, a member of the front-of-house staff, Richie gains a new perspective. Despite his belief that Carmy sent him to Ever as a prank, he becomes resolved to improve.

When the restaurant goes the extra mile to serve an out-of-town diner authentic Chicago deep dish pizza (thanks to Richie’s trip to Pequod’s), it seems as if a light bulb goes off in his head. This marks a new chapter for Richie – he’s evolved, becoming more competent and empathetic towards those around him.

Watching Richie’s metamorphosis is contagious. As you see him passionately crooning to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” in his speeding car, it makes you feel like singing along on your way home from work late one night. Seeing him thrive at his job motivates you to strive for success just as much as he does. From the very beginning of the pilot episode, we’ve been cheering Richie on, whether consciously or unconsciously, and witnessing him discover his niche in the world—and, in a sense, at The Bear—feels enchanting.

Moreover, not only does Olivia Colman unexpectedly appear as the enchanting, tranquil Chef Andrea Terry, but she also has an uncanny ability to improve those around her simply by being herself. Richie encounters her while she is preparing mushrooms, and they engage in a gentle conversation about military fathers and the idea that it’s never too late to begin anew. Instantly, you yearn for her to be not just your mentor, but also your closest confidante and cherished friend.

In “Forks,” The Bear shines at its zenith, embodying an uplifting blend of respect for labor and astonishing twists, tempered with rough growls and a tightly wound tie. If Carmy is the public face of The Bear, Richie embodies its heart. This episode serves as a poignant reminder that we all have the potential to improve, if we hold onto the realization that each moment matters profoundly, from this point forward.

Read More

2025-06-27 19:57