Thank God 'The Bear' Is Much Better This Season — And We Have A Lot Of Thoughts

I definitely went into this season hoping it was going to be its last. But now that it’s over, I’m dying for a Season 5. (It was recently renewed!) I do think Season 5 should stick the landing and end the series. It’s time, and I hate for shows to go on too long when they’ve run out of ideas or the plot seems to be too familiar. That said, I really, really wish FX or Hulu or the showrunners — whoever makes the decision — would have decided to roll out Season 4 weekly. The show is a lot to consume in a binge format. And like me, I think a lot of TV viewers do not have enough self-control to take their time watching a series like “The Bear.” Plus, it generally makes it feel like the conversation about the show only lasts for a moment. One thing I’ve thought about this year is that a show like “Paradise,” also on Hulu, was released weekly, and it seemed to galvanize more and more viewers every week because people could not stop talking about it. “The Bear” could learn a huge lesson here. — Erin

It’s kind of baffling that we, the viewers, have consistently asked that “The Bear” air as a weekly release instead of Hulu dropping the whole season at once. I don’t know what dictates those decisions, but the streamer is doing the show a huge disservice by not giving each episode a chance to breathe and register with audiences. Hell, I’d even settle for two episodes releasing a week, but it really sucks that fan discourse only lasts about a week before people forget about the season and move on to the next show.

When the show returns for a fifth (and, hopefully, final) season, I hope the folks at FX and Hulu actually listen to us and adjust the release schedule. If not to cater to fans, then at least to give a full season of “The Bear” the time to shine like it deserves — which should be much longer than a week. — Njera

I already wrote a full essay on why “The Bear” is not a comedy after it swept up more Emmys in the category last year. However, it seems the creative minds behind the show listened to our critiques because Season 4 actually got some genuine laughs out of me. Way more than last season — not even the comedic relief of the Faks could save it, imo.

Episode 4, “Worms,” is probably the best comedically written episode of the season — shoutout to Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, who wrote it. Danielle Deadwyler’s character, Syd’s hairdresser cousin Chantel, was so unintentionally funny, from her mannerisms to this moment that fans dubbed “the best 16 seconds of recent television.” Syd’s awkward bonding time with Chantel’s daughter, TJ (Arion King), was hilarious to watch, too; I have more thoughts on that in a minute. — Njera

I was so happy to see less of the Faks this season. They were obviously still around, but the writers didn’t try to force the funny through their characters as much as in Season 3. Instead, the show leaned into the natural humor of Edebiri — and put her with other genuinely funny people in Episode 4. I loved it. Then, in the opener for Episode 8, I just loved Syd as Ina Garten in that nightmare; I was cackling. Ebraheim, who runs The Beef, also made me laugh a couple times in his scenes with the business guru Albert (Rob Reiner). So thank you writers, for trying a new way for this show to be funny. — Erin

It is episodes like this, Season 4, Episode 4 titled “Worms” — that renews my faith in television. In “Worms,” Syd (Ayo Edebiri) is at her cousin’s house getting her hair braided, when we get to see another side of the chef. She’s letting her hair down, literally, and opening up to the audiences through the lens of her family. She spends a ton of time in this episode with TJ (Arion King), her cousin’s daughter, who says what’s on her mind and ends up helping Syd through her crisis of trying to figure out if she should accept Shapiro’s offer. We also get to meet Chantel (Danielle Deadwyler) who she hasn’t seen in a while since she’s been so busy with work. I’ve seen Deadwyler in several projects, and this is by far my favorite performance of hers. She’s funny, charismatic and just right on time with every line in this episode. She’s done a lot of heavy work (“The Piano Lesson,” “Till”), so it was SO refreshing to see her take on this role. More, more, please! I also gasped at the end of the episode when the credits roll, and we see that Edebiri and Lionel Boyce (who portrays Marcus) co-wrote this episode together, and it was directed by Janicza Bravo (“Zola”). Bravo, everyone. — Erin

Perfectly said, Erin. I keep telling everyone that “Worms” is my favorite episode of the season for several reasons. The first is that it actually makes a good case for “The Bear” being a comedy (although it still isn’t). But second, it offers such a refreshing look at Syd’s life outside of The Bear. The scene where she’s watching TV and taking her braids out felt so authentic (because, as a fellow Black girl, I do the same exact thing every few months). The same goes for when she’s at her cousin Chantel’s house getting her hair braided. It was just so nice to see Syd out of her cooking element and how she spends her time when she’s not working. Also, something about the tone of this episode reminded me of Season 3’s “Napkins” episode, which showed Tina’s origin story (and just so happened to be directed by Edebiri).

Danielle Deadwyler’s guest star spot is among my favorites in Season 4, but the real standout in “Worms,” to me, was Arion King’s TJ. I enjoyed the funny dynamic of her and Syd helping each other with their problems, but the kicker was TJ letting Syd know that she knew her “sleepover” analogy was really code for trying to decide between staying at The Bear and going to work for Chef Adam. “Worms” was such a heartwarming episode, I really hope they bring King and Deadwyler back because I love learning more about Syd’s life through her family. — Njera

It’s been said about previous seasons already, but the way “The Bear” masterfully portrays the nuances and pains of unprocessed grief continues to blow me away. Mikey (Jon Bernthal) still making appearances four seasons into the show is a great example of how the loss of a loved one never truly leaves you. Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), his mom and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) are still silently grappling with that until it all pours out at the end of the season.

But also, everyone at The Bear is dealing with the grief of possibly losing the restaurant as time ticks away and money runs out. That throughline is the elephant in the room in almost every episode, which makes small moments like Tina finally firing her pasta dish in under three minutes and Marcus (Lionel Boyce) being named one of the best new chefs by Food & Wine even more bittersweet. Yet again, grief is steering the ship in the show’s plot. — Njera

This is one of my favorite things about the show. Grief isn’t linear, so to see it pop in and out as a theme throughout all four seasons, is one of the show’s greatest feats. I cry pretty much every season of the show, and it always catches me by surprise. I keep thinking about when Syd’s dad, Emmanuel (the always great Robert Townsend), ends up in the hospital, and it forces Syd (Ayo Edebiri) to think about their relationship and of course, her relationship to her mom, who died when Syd was young. For Carm, he’s of course thinking about his brother Mikey, and then also thinking about the end of his relationship with Claire (Molly Gordon). We get all kinds of dynamics with it and like you said, it all comes to a head in the finale. — Erin

I love how The Bear staff went all out to give the family from Los Angeles a great Chicago memory to take home with them. When they found out they had a four-top in town celebrating their daughter being six months cancer-free, they surprised them all with original beef sandwiches during dinner service. And to make the night even better, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) called in a favor to fulfill the daughter’s real wish: Chicago snow in the off-season, courtesy of some finessing from the Faks. The look of joy on their faces is exactly what The Bear is all about, and why we love it so much. The tight-knit group of chefs may not have a Michelin star or stellar critic reviews for the restaurant, but you can’t deny that they have the most personable customer service in the city. And that’s what makes them special. — Njera

The Faks for the win, for once! I cried my eyes out on this episode. It was just so heartwarming. It reminded me of my favorite episode of Season 2: “Forks” which focuses on Richie getting training at a fine dining restaurant. That episode had so much good energy, just like this episode. I could’ve used just a little bit more of moments like this this season. When they’re at their best in the restaurant, it feels like all else in the world is gonna be just fine. — Erin

The wedding episode, “Bears,” is probably the calmest, most heartwarming episode of “The Bear” so far. When the runtimes of each Season 4 episode were announced, I low-key braced myself for what anarchy could ensue in 69 minutes (the longest runtime of the season) because I got an instant flashback to the Christmas chaos of “Fishes” — which was also the longest episode of Season 2. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the nuptials of Richie’s ex-wife, Tiffany (Gillian Jacobs), would turn into a wholesome Berzatto family affair. What a relief!

I appreciate that “The Bear” cut viewers a break from the usual anxiety to indulge us with wedded bliss and some great cameos, like John Mulaney’s Stevie and Sarah Paulson’s Cousin Michelle. The biggest one of all, though, was Brie Larson as the infamous Francie Fak. Her hilarious war of words with Sugar throughout the episode was the only intense confrontation, and, thankfully, things never got out of hand.

One would’ve thought that tension would come from Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), because attending the wedding of your ex-wife has to be weird, right? Being there and being cordial to Tiffany’s new husband, Frank (Josh Hartnett), might be the truest sign of growth from him. What made things funnier was when the two were forced to bond, in a sense, when Richie’s young daughter refused to come from under a table to avoid a dance with her stepdad. That somehow pulling half the wedding guests — including Carmy (Jeremy Allen White), Claire (Molly Gordon), Syd (Ayo Edebiri), the Faks and more — under the table for a confession circle was equally hilarious.

Even with a few tense moments, like Carmy running into his mom, the episode managed to keep things light. I almost didn’t want it to end.

I honestly was hoping we didn’t see Claire (Molly Gordon) this season. It seemed pretty clear that Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) wasn’t really ready to be in a relationship, or at least, wasn’t ready to give Claire what she needs. So I was halfway expecting that she was gone forever. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love Claire’s dynamic with everyone except Carm. She really shows up for Syd (Ayo Edebiri) when Syd’s dad, Emmanuel (Robert Townsend), is in the hospital. And she’s a fun presence when all of Carm’s family is around. But it seems like Carm is really trying to get back with her throughout these episodes, and it’s pretty exhausting to watch. I guess I hadn’t realized how integrated she’d become with the Berzattos, but it makes sense since they are childhood friends. I want a better romantic partner for Claire though; maybe Carm will get himself healed next season? — Erin

Agreed, Erin! I like Claire’s presence on the show when it doesn’t involve Carmy’s chaos. However, I had to fight the urge to skip through their scenes together because I truly don’t care to see whatever is still trying to be forced from their relationship. We all know Carmy is in no way, shape or form ready to seriously date anyone, let alone Claire. So, I don’t understand why there was so much emphasis on these two this season. I’m over it. — Njera

I can’t finish my thoughts on Season 4 without acknowledging how Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) became the most valuable chef at The Bear. While the Chicago Tribune review sort of led to the restaurant’s demise, Ebraheim’s Beef window (a continuation of Mikey’s original restaurant) got much praise, and, as it turns out, set up a lucrative future for The Bear. After he recruits a business manager (delightfully played by Rob Reiner) to help elevate his side operation, Ebra realizes the Beef window actually has franchising potential — which could end up being The Bear’s saving grace if all else fails. Woo!

I love the way “The Bear” gives each character in the show a chance to shine, so seeing Ebraheim’s arc expand this season was such a treat. Between the Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and Syd (Ayo Edebiri) drama and the rest of the chaos happening at the restaurant, it’s nice to get these bright spots that show how the series is invested in every little detail — and that no character is forgotten.

I had to mentally prepare myself for this part of Episode 9, “Tonnato,” because we all know what kind of energy Carmy’s mom, Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), brings when she comes around. But I’m actually glad she and Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) finally had this chat, as heartbreaking as it was, which is long overdue. I think I actually teared up hearing Donna express so much remorse for, in her words, not being the best mom to Carmy, Mikey (Jon Bernthal) and Sugar (Abby Elliott). She even wrote a letter detailing all her regrets, concluding it by writing “I’m sorry” a bunch of times. Carmy needed to hear her take that accountability, and I think that finally broke down some of the walls he’s had up with his mom. I look forward to seeing how they progress from here, especially after Carmy stayed to make Donna lunch, which I thought was a nice way to end their heavy conversation.

On another note, Jamie Lee Curtis just might have secured her next Emmy for that outstanding guest actress performance. She plays Donna so so well. — Njera

Listen, I was ready to jump through my TV to eat that chicken Carmy made Donna. There was so much raw emotion in that moment between them when she read that letter. It was almost hard to watch, but it was done so well. — Erin

It really shouldn’t have taken Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) the whole season to decide whether or not to take up Chef Adam (Adam Shapiro) on his offer to work at his new restaurant. However, I’m glad the show finally put a button on that issue, because Syd was starting to stress me out. The smart choice would’ve obviously been to leave The Bear to avoid going down with a sinking ship, but for the sake of the plot (and the success of the show), we don’t need to imagine a world where Syd is no longer working alongside Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and the rest of the crew. But it does look like someone else may be leaving (more on that later). — Njera

This was driving me nuts! It was definitely a long arc that I wish could have been wrapped up by the end of Episode 1. Syd can’t leave The Bear, period. As Carm says later on, she is The Bear. — Erin

Is it just me, or did the Season 4 finale, “Goodbye,” feel like the beginning of the end of “The Bear”? In hindsight, I can’t even see the show going beyond five seasons, but this episode in particular felt like creator Christopher Storer (who also wrote and directed the finale) is trying to prepare us for a big farewell that feels right around the corner.

At the end of Episode 9, Syd (Ayo Edebiri) learns that Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) adjusted their partnership agreement and removed his name. And thus, the finale shows her confronting her fellow chef in the alley behind the restaurant, where the entire episode takes place. Carmy confesses that he’s quitting the restaurant and seemingly retiring as a chef altogether because his heart isn’t in cooking anymore. We all saw this coming after that chat with Sugar (Abby Elliott) earlier in the season, but Syd was blindsided and understandably upset by Carmy’s decision. She feels like Carmy is abandoning her, and honestly, at the worst possible time, as the future of The Bear is as uncertain as ever.

That doesn’t stop Carmy from trying to reassure Syd that she’s more than capable of leading the restaurant because, as he put it, she’s The Bear. And so he seems confident in his decision to leave. But not before Richie comes outside and confronts him, too.

Their intense back-and-forth goes beyond the restaurant turmoil, as Carmy admits to Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) that, contrary to what he thought, he actually attended Mikey’s (Jon Bernthal) funeral. That revelation angers Richie, but the moment turns somber when Carmy acknowledges that he’s not the only one who lost someone when his brother died. Then, as “The Bear” has always done well, grief reenters the picture, and Richie reflects on how he “failed” Mikey before his death.

The grief-stricken moment circles back around to the future of The Bear as Richie is still confused about why Carmy wants to leave, to which the chef confesses that he doesn’t know who he is outside of the kitchen. The episode doesn’t bring any more clarity as the doomsday clock finally runs out, which makes me think it may just be over for The Bear — the restaurant and the show — as we know it.

How will the rest of the crew respond to Carmy leaving? Will Syd’s adjusted partnership agreement (which now includes Richie) even matter if the restaurant closes down? For our sake, I hope we get those answers sooner rather than later.