[Review] The Bear Season 3
The third season of The Bear arrives with greater ambition than before, seemingly unwilling to simply repeat the style of the previous two seasons. The first and last episodes of this season are particularly special. The first episode uses a montage of Carmy's (Jeremy Allen White) memories, narrating his experiences since entering the industry and allowing the audience to feel the various emotions of his culinary career. The final episode invites a group of real chefs to dine with the fictional characters, during which they discuss their aspirations, missions, and joys as chefs, resembling a documentary or interview program. These two episodes seem to echo each other, expanding the season's perspective beyond the high-pressure, tense environment of the restaurant to further analyze the essence and meaning of chefs and restaurants. For the audience, this departure from the show's previous style may be something they need to adjust to and comprehend.
A major highlight of the show's first two seasons was the fast-paced, chaotic kitchen arguments and the conflicts between characters. While this season still retains these elements, they seem somewhat reduced. Combined with the new elements mentioned above, this reflects that the show is in a process of transformation. However, whether the result is good or bad, and whether it can find a suitable positioning, remains to be seen. While the show is changing, this season also lays the groundwork for significant changes in the main characters, but by the final episode, there hasn't been much progress, making it seem somewhat stagnant, as if setting up for the next season.
Like the previous season, the sixth episode is entirely composed of flashbacks, but this time the focus shifts to Tina (Liza Colón Zayas), and the pacing differs from the previous season's flashback episode's rapid rhythm. This episode revolves around Tina's story before joining the restaurant, narrating her past disappointments: she suddenly loses her job and faces heavy financial pressure at home, constantly going for interviews but not getting hired. Many people likely have similar experiences, making it easy to empathize. The second half of this episode focuses on the conversation between her and Mikey (Jon Bernthal). Despite their different backgrounds, they share the same feelings: life is really hard, but there is always hope, and this episode concludes on a very optimistic note.
In addition to Jon Bernthal's guest appearance, Jamie Lee Curtis also returns in the eighth episode as Donna. This time, she helps her daughter Natalie (Abby Elliott) prepare for childbirth, continuing to vividly portray the character's neurotic side. Their conversation about Donna's three childbirth experiences fully demonstrates a mother's love for her children while also presenting the common feelings of being a mother, making it the most moving episode of the season.
However, not all guest stars can seamlessly integrate into the show's rhythm. For example, John Cena's guest appearance in the fifth episode seems too abrupt, making it difficult for viewers to immerse themselves and believe he is the character in the show.
Synopsis:
Season three of FX’s The Bear follows Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) and Richard “Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they do what it takes to elevate The Bear, their beef stand turned fine dining establishment, to the highest level, all while doing their best just to stay in business. It’s a losing battle every single day in the restaurant business. Carmy pushes himself harder than ever, and demands excellence from his crew, who do their best to match his intensity.
Their quest for culinary excellence will propel the crew to new levels and stress the bonds that hold the restaurant together. As the team grows in size, each member will strive to reach a greater level of service within their role. In the restaurant industry, you’re never on solid ground, and with that ever-changing landscape comes new challenges and opportunities. Our chefs have learned that every second counts, but this season we’ll find out if they have what it takes to make it to tomorrow.
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Photo and Source: FX