If you’ve been hearing buzz about a captivating new TV series called The Bear, you’re definitely in the loop. Since its debut in mid-July on Hulu, this show has garnered a perfect 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with rave reviews from both critics and viewers alike. But What Is The Bear About exactly? Is The Bear truly as good as everyone says, and more importantly, is it worth your time to watch?
The short answer is a resounding yes. Seriously, you might want to pause whatever you’re doing and start binging it right now. But let’s delve deeper into the reasons why The Bear is generating so much excitement, because what I initially anticipated from this series was completely different from the powerful experience it delivers.
The series throws us right into Carmy’s (played by Jeremy Allen White, known for Shameless) intense world as he faces down a bear. It turns out to be a dream, but he quickly awakens to a different kind of nightmare, one that’s very much real. He finds himself at the helm of a crumbling family restaurant, facing a mountain of debt and a staff that presents its own unique set of challenges. As the first episode unfolds, we discover that Carmy was once a rising star chef, honing his skills in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens. However, he’s returned to his Chicago hometown to take over his family’s Italian beef sandwich shop. It’s a classic, no-frills takeaway joint known for its simple spaghetti and decent sandwiches, but Carmy is driven to transform it into something exceptional.
Carmy’s ambition faces considerable resistance. The restaurant staff, while loyal, are set in their ways and resistant to change. His brother, the previous owner who tragically died by suicide, left behind a crushing burden of debt. And then there’s his cousin Richie (Ebon Moss-Bacharach, recognized from Girls), a chaotic force of nature who seems determined to undermine Carmy at every turn.
Initially, I expected The Bear to be a fast-paced, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the organized chaos of a thriving, bustling restaurant kitchen. While it does capture that element to some extent, my initial vision leaned more towards a series focused on the inner workings of a successful establishment and the drama that unfolds behind the scenes. That kind of show would undoubtedly be fascinating, but The Bear takes a different, and arguably more compelling, path.
Prepare for a rollercoaster of stress with each episode. Image: FX.
What The Bear truly delivers is an authentic underdog story. The series gradually reveals crucial backstory details as we are plunged headfirst into the relentless, high-pressure, and utterly chaotic daily grind of running this struggling restaurant. It’s an intense experience that will leave you feeling genuinely stressed. From exploding kitchen equipment to disastrous health inspections, crippling IRS issues, and even a shocking gunshot incident, both the characters and the audience are constantly kept on edge, never knowing what crisis will erupt next or if the restaurant will even survive to the end of the day.
Yet, amidst the turmoil, they persevere. In this resilience, The Bear subtly echoes the heartwarming spirit of Ted Lasso. There’s a deep sense of heart woven throughout the series – a family grappling with grief yet bound by strong ties, a talented young chef determined to honor his family’s legacy, and a group of kitchen misfits who oscillate between affection and animosity. You can’t help but find yourself rooting for this little restaurant and the flawed but endearing people within it. In a particularly poignant moment, a makeshift outdoor stove is ingeniously constructed from salvaged materials from a nearby demolition site, simply to handle the overwhelming lunch rush. It’s a display of resourcefulness and camaraderie that’s genuinely touching.
However, while Ted Lasso radiates unwavering positivity in the face of adversity, The Bear offers a more raw and realistic portrayal of struggle. It’s less about cheerful optimism and more about witnessing a constant battle for survival. Many of the key characters are deeply flawed and emotionally messy. Cousins Richie and Carmy are constantly at each other’s throats. The restaurant isn’t just struggling financially; it’s often sabotaged from within by internal conflicts amongst the staff. It’s hard not to cringe when a staff member deliberately ruins a stock that has been simmering for hours, purely out of spite. Chaos is the constant state, and optimism is often in short supply – yet, they stubbornly persist.
The undeniable chemistry between the actors is the vital ingredient that binds this series together. While the writing and direction are undeniably exceptional – showrunner Christopher Storer is widely praised for the series’ pacing and the impeccable soundtrack featuring 90s classics, personally curated by Storer for each scene – the show’s heart truly lies in the dynamic energy of its ensemble cast.
The series boasts numerous brilliant pairings. Allen White and Moss-Bacharach convincingly embody the turbulent dynamic of family, their rapid-fire dialogue echoing the kind of familial history previously witnessed in Succession – capturing the essence of grown men bickering like their childhood selves. Moss-Bacharach’s portrayal of Richie is particularly award-worthy; he embodies the character’s hurricane-like energy, a hothead driven by impulse with little foresight, who barrels through life with misplaced confidence.
Then there’s the evolving relationship between head chef Carmy and his ambitious sous chef Sydney, played by the breakout star Ayo Edibiri. Whether their connection is brother-sisterly or potentially romantic is secondary to the genuine tenderness and realism of their developing bond. Edibiri truly shines in every scene, with a standout moment being an initially reluctant hardware store trip with Richie that unexpectedly blossoms into one of the series’ most heartwarming scenes.
Ayo Edebiri is a stand-out. Image: FX.
The stellar performances extend beyond the leads. The entire kitchen ensemble brings their A-game, from Liza Colon-Zayas as the fiercely protective longtime employee Tina to Abby Elliott as Carmy’s supportive but worried older sister, Sugar. The Bear could have easily become solely focused on Allen White’s character, but instead, it evolves into a compelling ensemble piece where you become invested in every character’s journey.
The pacing dips slightly in the middle episodes of the season – you might find yourself yearning for Carmy and his team to catch a break. However, the relentless crises and mounting odds, while sometimes emotionally taxing, are ultimately what maintain the show’s grip on the audience.
This minor pacing issue doesn’t diminish the overall brilliance of The Bear. This series is destined to be a major topic of conversation. Christopher Storer – thank you for this masterpiece.
