Critical darling The Bear has returned for its third season. Season three is more disjointed and unfocused compared to previous releases.
Picking up where season two left the characters. Each member of the main cast is absorbed in their own issues and this guides the structure of the season.
The unfocused nature and sub par structure creates a messy season that’s hard to love.
“Whatever grows together, goes together”
Image credit: FX
Chaos is the name of the game with The Bear and it always has been. The chaos of the kitchen extends further into the personal lives of the characters this time around
Episode one is a fragmented, avant-garde collection of memories. Carmen(Jeremy Allen White) looks back through his career and how he got to where he is, that being stuck in a walk in fridge.
This side step is an interesting approach that, sadly falls apart as the thirty minute episode crawls to a conclusion. Most of the information shown has already been addressed before, and done better in previous seasons.
Jeremy Allen White’s performance as Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto remains fantastic throughout season three. He is able to bring a nuanced take on trauma is refreshing to see.
Episode two and three bring back the whole cast, including Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s iconic Richie and Ayo Ebebiri’s sous-cheg Sydney.
These two episodes introduce Carmy’s “Nonnegotiable’s” list, leading to multiple complainants levied at the items on the list.
The episodes bring the comedic tone back that the shown is known for. However, the best moment comes from Lionel Boyce’s performance as Marcus.
He delivers a touching speech at his mothers funeral, it’s a moment that’s likely to get a couple tears from the audience.
Episode four keeps a similar tone whilst mixing serious moments with light hearted jokes.
Richie gets a scene with his ex-wifes current fiance. It calls back to Richie’s passionate sing along to Taylor Swift’s Love Story in the previous season.
The cinematography of The Bear remains one of it’s best qualities throughout season 3.
A riveting mix of passion fueled close ups that let the audience soak in the tension of many scenes, and creative shots that push the themes.
“Take us there, Bear”
Image credit: FX
Episode five introduces Computer, the person that’s here to put The Bear back on track, as well as a surprise cameo from John Cena.
It brings back a proper plot line that was lacking in the previous episodes, however because of the split focus on the Fak familys nonsense, as well as the serious issues the restruant is having, the episode is caught between two extremes and fails to stirke a chord.
Episode six gives on of The Bears best supporting characters, Tina(Liza Colon-Zayas), time to shine.
Revolving entirely around what brought her to The Beef and how she found a place within the hell that is the Berzatto family. It was also directed by Ayo Edebiri.
Over half way into the season and no major developments have been made. Carmy remains an anxiety ridden mess and Sydney is presented with a new job opportunity but doesn’t make a decision.
It’s a this point it feels like the show is spinning it’s wheels, unable to present anything new. Hiding behind the shiny veneer of it’s pretty direction.
Episode seven spells out the main theme of the season in its title, Legacy. Each central character is defined by legacy in their own way.
Sydney dives deeper into her resentment for Carmy, she’s the only one he listens to, even then he only does half of the time.
Episode eight is the best episode of the season by a huge margin, but even it doesn’t come close to season two’s double whammy of Fish and Forks.
Taking place almost entirely within an operating room as Carmy’s siter Sugar(Abby Elliot) gives birth, comforted by her Mother(Jamie Lee Curtis).
The relationship between Sugar and her Mum is put on full display as both try to understand each other and get past their issues.
It’s a great break from Carmy’s whining and it is sure to get a reaction from audiences.
Episode nine throws the audience back into the fire of The Bear’s kitchen, as the chefs attempt to keep the peace and stay creative, all the while Carmy screams at them.
It opens with a video about magic, and camera trickery, telling the audience directly that the magic of The Bear is fading under Carmy’s control.
Episode ten closes the season on a whimper, unable to find a satisfying conclusion for any of the plot lines established
This issue is only compounded when just before the credits roll a “To Be Continued” flashes across the screen.
Ending the way it does, whilst also asking the audience to stick around for the shows next offering is a hard ask.
“It’s all about nurturing”
Image credit: FX
It’s sad to see a show like The Bear crumble under its own success, considering how incredible the first two seasons were.
The performances remain incredible, with Ebon and Ayo standing out. Delivering seperate performances that carry the season through it’s dips in quality.
Legacy and magic define the season, it makes it all the more sour that it doesn’t hit the heights they set before.
I’ll check out what The Bear serves up next, but it’ll be with a heap of hesitance.
Featured image credit: FX
Fourth year Film and Journalism student
Deputy editor
Contact - deputyeditor@brignews.com
