The Bear Season Three Review – Unbelievably Frustrating

In a tricky spot … Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto in The Bear. Photograph: FX Networks

At its best, "The Bear" is the finest show on TV. However, the new season feels half-finished, squanders its best actors, and ends maddeningly. Only two episodes stand out as knockouts.

A Promising Start with High Expectations

"The Bear" has always been a standout in television, especially when it soars to its highest potential. The first season introduced troubled chef Carmen Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) as he returned to The Beef, the chaotic Chicago sandwich shop owned by his late brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal). The second season refined this setup beautifully, producing special and inventive episodes like "Forks" and "Fishes" that became cultural touchstones. These episodes shaped the series' emotional intensity into compelling drama, propelling "The Bear" to pop culture phenomenon status.

Season Three's Challenges

With such success, the third season of "The Bear" faced immense pressure. The show's main theme of pressure is evident as it pushes its characters to their limits, causing some to thrive and others to collapse. Season two concluded with Carmen closing down most of The Beef to open his own upscale restaurant, The Bear. However, his professional ambitions come at a personal cost, straining his relationships with girlfriend Claire (Molly Gordon) and reformed "Cousin" Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

Lower Stakes and Frustrating Pacing

In season three, Carmen's professional success leaves the story struggling to find direction. The stakes feel lower, with financial issues taking a different form and a looming restaurant review threading the later episodes together. The dysfunctional family dynamic persists, with frequent episodes of characters telling each other to "shut the fuck up." The season, filmed back-to-back with the fourth, feels incomplete, akin to a blockbuster franchise splitting its instalments. The ending, in particular, is unbelievably frustrating.

The Comedy Debate

"The Bear" often wins awards in the "comedy" category, which is ironic given its focus on death and despair. The Fak family's long-running subplot attempts to introduce a lighter mood but detracts from the show's heavier themes. Gallows humour is one thing, but slapstick seems misplaced.

Season Highlights and Missed Opportunities

The season opens with a largely dialogue-less episode showcasing Carmen's previous kitchen roles, setting a circular tone. This repetition, however, hampers storytelling, making it feel stagnant. The excellent Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) is sidelined, both in the storyline and the season, which is a significant waste of potential.

Despite its flaws, "The Bear" still delivers standout moments. Two episodes, in particular, shine. "Napkins," directed by Edebiri, delves into Tina's (Liza Colón-Zayas) journey into the Berzatto family's world. "Ice Chips," a beautifully crafted episode, focuses on Carmy's sister Nat (AKA Sugar, played by Abby Elliott) going into labour. These episodes showcase the show's raw and tender magnificence.

A Season of Extremes

In "The Bear," characters oscillate between screaming at each other and expressing deep love. This season wobbles between these extremes, embodying the show's strengths and weaknesses. Despite its flaws, "The Bear" remains a beloved series, though season three does not represent the show at its best.