The Bear Season-Finale Recap: The Elephant in the Bear

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In simpler terms, “The Bear” show has finally revealed all its hidden details after carefully avoiding them throughout its fourth season. The secrets surrounding Sydney’s secret job offer, Carmy’s partnership changes, and Richie’s mysterious GoFastBoatsMojito plans have been openly discussed in a lengthy, approximately 30-minute episode.

This doesn’t make the outcome for The Bear any more predictable. As the series concludes with the restaurant’s time seemingly running out, I remain hopeful that things will work out for the actual establishment. Despite the title “Goodbye” from the finale, there are numerous indicators such as the beef-window franchising, Marcus’s recognition in Food & Wine magazine, and the possibility of a Michelin star that hint at the Bear managing to carry on.

The main question left by the series finale “Goodbye” is about Carmy’s future. In his intense confrontation with Sydney, it becomes clear that Carmy is leaving the Bear restaurant. Although he promises to stay on for the smooth running of the business, the lack of information regarding a potential Season 5 leaves us in doubt about whether this might mean another limited time commitment from Jeremy Allen White in the series. It’s possible that the story could take a new direction, focusing both on the Bear restaurant and Carmy as an individual. I believe it is more likely that the narrative will follow two paths, given White’s current involvement in other projects like underwear campaigns and Springsteen biopics. However, we can only speculate until further information becomes available.

It’s understandable why Carmy feels compelled to depart, as he explains to Sydney and Richie, because he struggles to define himself outside of the restaurant world. He’s been drawn to kitchens since his childhood, but this doesn’t necessarily mean he enjoys it. Although Syd and Richie are frustrated by Carmy’s decision being “the best for the restaurant,” they seem to comprehend that it might also be what’s best for him personally. When Carmy admits, “I think I was putting obstacles in the way of dealing with real issues,” his past bouts of mania become strikingly evident because, indeed, he was erecting barriers, even if they were labeled as “nonnegotiable.

In an ideal scenario, I’d be thrilled if Sydney could manage my issues and serve as my backup in the restaurant too; I suspect he secretly yearns for that role in his dreams. Even if he chooses a career path as an architect or denim designer (or something else entirely), I believe he’d still possess the necessary skills to cover our expenses should anything happen to Carmy’s operation. However, Carmy seems adamant about this notion – and he’s trying hard to persuade Sydney of it – that she embodies everything he isn’t. “You’re thoughtful,” he points out. “You embrace emotions. You empathize and guide. You’re a born leader and educator, and you do all these things for all the right reasons.

Carmy expressed to Sydney, “There was always a possibility of success for this project when you arrived, and its continued survival depends on you.” Later, he told her, “I have faith in you greater than I’ve ever had in myself. You are the one they call ‘The Bear.’

The title’s interpretation, whether it refers to the restaurant, the Berzatto family from “Bears,” or the caged animal that initiated the series, is open to discussion. However, what truly matters is that, for Carm and the seven individuals who would risk their lives for Sydney, she’s the one they rely on. She’ll lead them there since Carmy can’t.

Immediately, Sydney reinforces Carmy’s argument by expressing her desire to revise the partnership agreement following the altercation with Richie. She insists on including Richie in the deal, not as a mere formality. In her opinion, Richie deserves a place in the partnership, having demonstrated remarkable growth and leadership throughout the four seasons. Initially perceived as a brash failure, Richie has proven to be a crucial figure, not only for the show but also for the restaurant. He effectively manages the front of house, recognizing the need to bring in the Ever players to help revitalize the Bear, even if he struggles with high-end culinary books like the French Laundry Cookbook. Given his dedication and understanding of the restaurant, it’s only fitting that he share in its success – or failure, should the Bear ever falter. As for Tina, Marcus, and the rest, while they too deserve a share of the profits, that’s a topic for another season, perhaps.

It appears that Richie and Carm have reconciled, as the tension between them throughout the series seems to have been resolved during their heated exchange in a back alley. Carmy confesses to Richie that, although he doesn’t recall what Richie was wearing at Mikey’s funeral, he did attend, even if only for a brief moment. Carmy expresses remorse for disregarding Richie’s criticisms about Mikey, admitting he didn’t understand the depth of Richie’s grief because he “lost someone too.” This apology seems somewhat insincere to me given Richie’s obvious distress over Mikey’s death throughout the series. However, it’s plausible that Carmy may not have fully grasped Richie’s feelings, considering he is often preoccupied with his own thoughts and concerns.

It’s quite likely that Richie may not have realized how difficult life was for Carmy during his absence, working at various high-end restaurants. Although we’ve witnessed Joel McHale’s cruel treatment of Carmy repeatedly, Richie wasn’t present at the scenes of abuse, and Carmy never disclosed this mistreatment to anyone. Richie is unaware of the origin of Carmy’s large hand scar and is not privy to the fact that while Carmy excelled in numerous intense skills in Copenhagen, New York, and other places, it appears that acquiring these abilities may have had an impact on Carmy’s mental health to some degree.

Now, the truth has been exposed. Transparency is beneficial in this case. If the Bear’s actions were predominantly positive in the last episode, then this heated argument, despite being intense and distressing, serves to further strengthen that positivity. The only uncertainty now is whether the team can secure a win on their own terms, or if they will succumb to the relentless pressure of those ominous, red, digital figures. Considering the circumstances so far, I’m inclined to be hopeful.

Small Bites

I can’t wait to check out the script for this episode! The way “The Bear” writes scenes where everyone is talking over each other is simply brilliant, but I bet it must be quite a challenge to read through that in the script.

• Those Thomas Keller circular stencils really do seem like no joke.

It seems we all concur that Richie would win a physical confrontation against Carmy, don’t we? I certainly hope they never come to blows, but when Richie got angry and advanced towards Carmy, talking about there being “no door separating them” anymore, it made me ponder. While Carmy has the advantage in terms of muscle mass, Richie outmatches him in sheer determination. I believe Richie’s scrappiness and disregard for rules might give him the upper hand in a contest between the two.

It’s amusing to me when non-smokers attempt to smoke, such as Syd. They end up holding the cigarette awkwardly, with their hand movements looking strange. It’s the small details that make it interesting.

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2025-06-26 22:55