- Does the show deserve the next TV star?
When the FX series "The Bear" debuted in June 2022, it was a culinary hidden gem among TV fans. It transported viewers into the incredibly stressful daily life and, as several real top chefs have confirmed, realistically depicted the madness that comes with running a restaurant. At the same time, the first eight episodes served up interpersonal dramas that made the fates of all characters appealing. From the supposed culinary genius Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White, 33) to the smallest kitchen helper.
"The Bear" has been far from a hidden gem since its second season last year. Four Golden Globes won so far and ten Prime Time Emmys swept speak against it, rightfully putting "The Bear" in the spotlight. The series also hit the taste of its growing audience in season two, seasoned with massive guest stars, and once again creatively satisfied visual culinary cravings. "The Bear" has already earned two stars, and with the new season coming to Disney+ here on August 14, a third is set to be added.
From Michelin-starred cuisine to a shambles? Here's where season two left us
Head chef Carmy is huddled in the locked cooler like a heap of misery, having accidentally broken up with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, the stress is getting to his head chef Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri, 28) so much that she has to throw up in the restaurant's backyard. And in the kitchen itself, chaos has long broken out. The stress test before the reopening of "The Bear", which closed the finale of season two, lived up to its name.
In the new episodes, Carmy therefore first has to lick his own wounds and make amends with his staff. But the ruthless timer in the kitchen doesn't give him much time for self-pity. Since the beginning of the second season, a expensive sword of Damocles has been hanging over "The Bear": To finance the reopening, Carmy and his sister Natalie (Abby Elliott, 37) had to borrow $500,000 from their "uncle" Jimmy "Cicero" Kalinowski (Oliver Platt, 64). They have only 18 months to pay it back, otherwise the property, including the restaurant, will go to him. In short: The next disaster is just a knife's edge away.
When passion becomes obsession
"The Bear" won its Emmys mostly in the comedy category, and it's true: The series serves up a large portion of humor thanks to its gallows humor and chaotic events. But a good recipe needs more than just one ingredient. At its core, "The Bear" is a drama series that takes its characters and their profession seriously.
"The Bear" explores themes like mental health with the same, sometimes harsh light it uses to scrutinize the new creations of its chefs. Like the outstanding music drama "Whiplash", a central question is posed: At what point is passion still passion - and when does it become obsession?
Carmy, in any case, had to admit at the end of season two that he couldn't manage to balance his career and relationship. In a particularly unfortunate turn of events, he accidentally confessed this to his girlfriend Claire, who then fled the restaurant in tears. It seems he can't have her. But without her, he might have lost his last lifeline, which could save him from a fate similar to that of his older brother Mikey. Will Carmy be able to sort out the mess he's created by season three?
Admittedly, the overwhelming stress in the kitchen of "The Bear" might only be fully understood by those who work in the industry. Nevertheless, everyone knows those situations where everything seems to be piling up and threatens to come crashing down. This is where "The Bear" truly shines: at its core, it's an optimistic series that offers heartwarming camaraderie and friendship amidst the chaos, and the reassurance that everything will be okay in the end. After all, as the saying goes, "It's always darkest before the dawn."
Human and Symbolic Main Characters
One of the most important main characters since episode one is the food prepared in "The Bear". The series finds clever ways to highlight its culinary delights visually and audibly, even if it's just an omelette being cooked as an ASMR treat. It's also important for the creators to show the challenging path to the perfect menu, and how often creative but inedible attempts end up in the trash or on the wall.
Besides the trio of Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edebiri, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach (47), around whom most of the stories revolve, it's the guest stars who give "The Bear" its unique flavor. In the Christmas episode of season two, for instance, half of Hollywood made an appearance, including Jamie Lee Curtis (65), Bob Odenkirk (61), and Sarah Paulson (49). I won't reveal the biggest cameos in season three, but I can say that there will be some new and familiar star guests.
Will the new season of "The Bear" live up to the high standard set by its previous seasons? Disney+ subscribers can find out for themselves starting August 14, when all ten episodes of season three will be available. And even after watching, they'll still be hungry for more.
My friend and I were excited to watch the new season of "The Bear," given its critical acclaim. Despite never working in a restaurant, we could relate to the overwhelming stress depicted in the series.
In the new season, my friend was particularly invested in Carmy's struggles to balance his career and relationship, as they often face similar situations in their own lives.
