The Bear is an FX original television series created by Christopher Storer and stars Jeremy Allen White, Ayo Edibiri, Lionel Boyce, Ebon Moss Bacharach, Liza Colon-Zayas, Matty Matheson, and Abby Elliott. On June 27th, the fourth season was released on Hulu. If you recall, I was disappointed with the third season, so I had some reservations going into this one. Fortunately, with The Bear season 4, I think we are back!
Spoilers will be ahead for The Bear, so if you are not all caught up or have not seen any of the show, then proceed with caution. Without further ado, the fourth season of FX’s hit original series The Bear was great!
Previous Owners: The Bear Season 3
We last left off with the crew receiving their first critical review as a part of their process to earn a Michelin Star. The general vibe of the season was that the show was telling you to be stressed or feel emotional. Generally speaking, Season 3 felt as if it were confused with its direction.
Some important moments cemented the characters and their places within the show’s greater context, but as for what the show itself hoped to achieve or how I should feel, I was lost. The season was not bad, but it lacked the same punch it normally did. After feeling that disappointment, I was afraid my goat might have been washed and chopped (washed up and ugly). Fortunately, again, we are back.
Michelin Review- General Thoughts on The Bear Season 4
Season 4 is good. The Bear creates a new mission for itself every season, and whether they achieve it or not, there is so much to learn along the way. Season 4 was a literal race against the clock, as the crew had to earn a Michelin Star before Uncle Jimmy ran out of money. Okay, cool, so now we have tension again. While balancing the tension of the clock and the drama of the kitchen, season 4 fantastically blended everything.
As everyone fights to get the system down, master their craft, and be the version of themself that they can be, Carmy is on an apology tour; I love it. This is the emotional balance I wanted from season 3. All performances were improved, the overarching plot was more engaging, and the general tone of the season was more cohesive.
The Bear has been moving in a new direction from the stress-inducing first and second seasons, and I am okay with that. Carmy’s apology tour led to an interesting finale, which, for the first time since the first season, I could not wait to see what happened next.
Deserts and the Bill- The Finale and What is Next
Rather than focusing on the moment we have all been waiting for (the Michelin Star), we get a very intense conversation between Carmy, Sydney, and Richie about the future of The Bear. Carmy is leaving, and Sydney will be co-owner with Richie. Of course, I want to know if they achieved the star, but when it is revealed that Sydney will be the sole owner of The Bear, I have to lock in on this now.
I am excited to see what happens next, just as I was during the first season. Carmen is the face of this show, and he is leaving. What will he do next? Does Carmen know what to do with life outside of the restaurant business? Will Carmen spend more time mending his relationships with Claire, his mom, or even Richie?
Speaking of Richie, what will The Bear look like with him in charge? What does The Bear look like with Riche at the center? What does The Bear look like with Sydney in charge? Everything that we have seen on this show so far has been under Carmy, and because of Carmy, but will the future be without Carmy? Will they actually take Carmy out of The Bear? If so, how long does it last? I am excited about finding answers to any of these questions.
Atmosphere- Tone and Energy
Season 4 of The Bear balanced the chaotic energy it is known for while allowing each character to deal with the ever-expanding world they created for themselves properly. I appreciate that, not only do our characters take time to center themselves in their places, but it feels like the series’ creator, Christopher Storer, is doing the same.
The Bear season 4 is fun, engaging, and a worthy investment of your time. For those who shared my fears that their goat was washed, I implore you to check this season out, or push through season 3 if you are stuck. We have fun, we stress out, we empathize, and we learn along the way. The Bear is The Bear again, and it is still one of, if not the, best show currently on television.
The Bear Season 4 by Christopher Storer
The Bear is back, and it is as good as it ever was. For all of the shortcomings, this is a good season and is worth your time. I am so intrigued by what could come next, and I eagerly await the next steps. You can check out The Bear Season 4 now on Hulu. That is enough about me.
What did you think of season 4?
Are we back, or is it still so over?
What was your favorite episode?
Who is your favorite character?
What do you think will happen in the next season?
Let me know, and be sure to stick around here at Respect My Region for more reviews!
