"The Bear Season 1" Surprise Me With More


     I am in love with The Bear. Not only does it involve great shots of them cooking food, and as a foodie I do indeed love watching people cook, but the show is genuinely great. As my brain becomes more and more ADHD-addled and I suffer from finding it much more difficult to finish a show, The Bear breaks the mold. Clocking in at about 30 minutes per episode for a total of 8 episodes in the season, I think the best way to describe the show is that I was captivated for every single minute of it, even if in reality very little happened during the 8 episodes of the show.

    Let me explain, so The Bear follows a chef, Carmy, who was at the top of the world, and decides to step down from his podium to take over the family restaurant after his older brother killed himself. Taking this as sort of a challenge to himself to try and tackle his family issues, the entire season revolves around Carmy slowly trying to figure out what the hell happened to his brother, while him and his rag-tag team of chefs struggle to keep the business afloat. Normally, after watching the show, you'd expect them to have a finale of hope, where they keep the restaurant as it finally looks up for the crew that has been digging for air the entire season. However, it throws a curveball at viewers, and despite receiving the money needed to finally stop this restaurant from sinking, decides its time to leave it all behind, and go for a new fresh restaurant.

    And, honestly it works. Sure it'd be nice to keep the original beef of Chicagoland, but at the same time, they've been trying to turn it more into a fine dining restaurant, and this might be their chance to do that. Frankly, even with eight episodes, I don't think much actually happens. Like, it keeps you on your toes as you watch with bated breath over what's going to happen next, but you really don't learn much about the crew or the past. In that sense it sort of reflects a real workplace, you guys have history in the location, and with each other, but once you put on that uniform any personal history you have sort of takes a backseat for any shared history that might remain.

    Part of why The Bear, lacking much backstory works is because the show understands the rule in television that its better to show than tell. Yes, while there is dialogue in the show, much of it is banter. This show isn't afraid to be a little surreal, I mean the opening scene is literally Carmy freeing a bear, and as on the nose as it is, it's pretty cool. The only complaint I might have is that, the fresh slate they have is almost too fresh? I mean I think it's bullshit that Richie received aggravated assault charges for breaking up a fight, but at the same time they get to open the new restaurant pretty much without consequences. I mean they went through all the hardships of the season, but at the same time, they're finally rid of what's truly holding them back, which is the restaurant and the ghost of Michael which has consumed Carmy.

Final Score: 80/100

    I think I might have to bump this score up later, but as of right now, this is one of the best shows out there period. It's short, but it's great while it lasts, and even if you don't love food I think the show is so well done that you should watch it regardless. From the surreal scenes, to the colourful cast of characters, it almost makes you want to work in a kitchen, almost though. I mean I wouldn't want to work in a restaurant that has employee's stabbed and windows shot up. It wears Chicago on it sleeve and I love the show for it, The Bear has everything and is one of the best pieces of media I've seen this year.

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