Carmy and the gang at ‘The Bear’ have bared it all for another outing in FX’s somewhat esoteric series, but the critics and fans are vastly divided by what the show has evolved into after a polarizing season 3. Season 4 also does not subscribe to the usual story format and focuses more on the characters and their coping mechanisms throughout dealing with the many obstacles the writers have given them.
Viewers have had trouble swallowing this type of storytelling, but all in all, the BR team has been there for it and welcome it as a breath of fresh air…that smells delicious. Warning, beyond this point there are spoilers for “The Bear” season 4.
Season 4 also does not subscribe to the usual story format and focuses more on the characters and
their coping mechanisms throughout dealing with the many obstacles the writers have given them.”
The show starts it’s season 4 by setting up stakes, a doomsday clock that tells us when the restaurant will be closed. This jives with traditional storytelling, but then the clock kind of becomes a prop as the story jumps back and forth between all the major characters who do beat to ignore it and not acknowledge it’s ticking in any way.
The rift between Carmine (Jeremy Allen White) and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is frustrating at times, but also super realistic as vicious family feuds rarely work out the way they do onscreen. Carmy’s partner Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) grows stronger and more captivating to watch each season as she comes into her own and starts to realize she is born to lead the kitchen.
Jamie Lee Curtis pretty much always shine in her limited guest starring roles and seems to have turned a corner in terms of her recovery and ability to manage her own volatile personality.
Many viewers (and critics) expressed displeasure with the slower pace of the show and how certain smaller things hang over the characters head for extended amounts of time. Sydney’s from a rival chef hangs in the balance as a carry over from season 3 and a single review is hyped up for the good part of an entire season. We feel this is indicative how life is and although we wouldn’t want every show we watch to approach the story this way, it is a welcome change from the same tired format that most shows use.
Our biggest disappointment was that there wasn’t enough Jon Bernthal in it, but his opening scene in the premiere does explain exactly why Carmy named the restaurant ‘The Bear’ and also gives a very strong sense of Michael (Bernthal) hanging over Carmy’s head. Carmy trying to win back Claire does feel hyper realistic, unlike the way most relationships are depicted on screen. The wedding of Richies ex Tiffany (Gillian Jacobs) to super likable Frank (Josh Hartnett) is a high point in the season with all of the characters momentarily putting their grievances aside to see one of their own get married.
Will Poulter has an extended stay this season and his zen approach to the other chefs really balances out Carmy’s chaotic vibe.
Ebrahim (Edwin Lee Gibson) really shines this season and recruits Rob Reiner as Albert to help him expand the side business ‘The Beef’ which ends up being the bread and butter of ‘The Bear’ which is viciously fighting to survive in a world that is increasingly cruel to restaurant owners. Oliver Platt’s portrayal of Uncle Jimmy really expands the character and his own needs while his business man counterpart ‘The Computer’ (Brian Koppelman) gives us the cold hard facts to the hilariously misunderstanding chefs that work there. Albert and The Computer links up at the end of the season finale, which could signify a big business move in season 5, but that scene could also end up being another misdirect.
Overall, “The Bear” season 4 really cooks if you’re in love with the characters. If you’re in it for the story, you might end up disappointed, but either way you’re going to laugh and cry at some point throughout if you a stick with it. Season 5 has already been confirmed by FX/Hulu with some speculating it may be the final season due to Carmy’s shocking revelation in the last episode that he will inevitably leave the restaurant. With each season coming out almost exactly 1 year apart, we can expect season 5 in late June 2026, barring any significant delays.
What do you think? Is “The Bear” a pony that’s out of tricks? Or is it coming into it’s own as a very unique show about very unique and damaged people? Will Carmy and Richie ever be truly close?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
