Summary
- The Bear season 3 will shift its focus back to the kitchen, returning to its season 1 roots.
- The FX series' approach risks losing the character explorations that make season 2 so great.
- The Bear needs to strike a balance in the coming episodes, capitalizing on season 1 and 2's strengths.
The Bear's characters, all of whom are compelling enough to keep viewers invested in their narratives.
And The Bear season 2 digs deeper into the characters, particularly the Berzatto family. The sophomore season spends more time outside the kitchen, but The Bear season 3 promises to shift its focus back to Carmy's restaurant and what happens behind the scenes there. This is an exciting prospect, especially for viewers who love the kitchen moments from season 1, but it does come with a major downside. Hopefully, the new episodes will strike the right balance when The Bear returns in June.
6 Most Exciting Things To Expect From The Bear Season 3
As The Bear Season 3 gets ready to debut on Hulu, there are plenty more exciting moments to expect upon its highly anticipated return.
The Bear Season 3 Returning To The Kitchen Is Great (But There's 1 Problem)
The FX Show's Character Explorations Are Just As Important
Jeremy Allen White told The Bear season 3 will return to the show's roots, revealing that the new episodes feature more of the characters in the kitchen. Season 2 sees Carmy and Sydney scrambling to open their restaurant, dealing with the logistics of setting up their business. This means there are fewer scenes set in the kitchen of The Bear, as it doesn't open until the season 2 finale. Viewers do get to see Richie training at another establishment, as well as Sydney and Carmy working on their menu. However, the cooking isn't as pronounced as in season 1.
The kitchen scenes are what made The Bear season 1 great, so there's little doubt that increasing these moments will benefit the third outing. But season 2 stepping back from the kitchen wasn't always a negative thing. Less time in the restaurant meant The Bear season 2 could explore the characters and their relationship dynamics in more depth. Doing so allowed viewers to understand Sydney's relationship to her father, Carmy's struggles with romance, and the Berzatto family backstory. Season 3's adjusted approach risks losing these great character explorations.
The Bear Can't Drop Carmy's Backstory After An Episode Like "Fishes"
The Series Needs More Installments Like Its Famous Christmas Episode
Although it's great that The Bear season 3 will depict more kitchen dynamics — this setting is a huge part of the show — it can't drop its best character storylines after season 2. In particular, the new episodes need to show more of Carmy's backstory, which "Fishes" does a masterful job of fleshing out. The Berzatto family has a lot of trauma, and what happened to Carmy's father, and Donna's relationship with her kids.
The Bear season 3 needs another character study like "Fishes," and it must continue the threads set up by season 2.
"Fishes" is arguably the The Bear season 2 — and perhaps the entire series — and it takes place outside the kitchen. With that in mind, it's obvious that the restaurant element of the FX series isn't the only thing worth focusing on. The Bear season 3 needs another great character study like "Fishes," and it must continue the threads set up by season 2. This includes Carmy's and Sugar's relationships with Donna and how their history impacts their current friendships and love lives.
Season 3 Must Combine The Elements That Make Seasons 1 & 2 Great
The Bear Must Strike The Right Balance
If The Bear season 3 wants to sur seasons 1 and 2, it must combine the strengths of both outings. Season 1 may have hooked viewers with its stressful interactions in the kitchen, but the show's characters have kept them invested. Viewers want to know what becomes of Carmy and Claire, as well as what makes the Berzatto family tick. These aren't questions easily answered within Carmy and Sydney's restaurant. The show still needs to venture outside its primary setting, even while returning to its roots.
It's all about striking the right balance in season 3, and fortunately, The Bear has rarely let down viewers before. The show's nuanced character writing and ability to stir conflict makes it well-suited to tackle the restaurant and character elements simultaneously. Only time will tell if The Bear reaches the heights of "Fishes" again, but its promising approach bodes well for its success — even with the risks that accompany its shift back to the kitchen.
Source: Variety
The Bear
- Release Date
- June 23, 2022
- Network
- Hulu
- Showrunner
- Christopher Storer
Cast
Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto
Ebon Moss-BachrachRichard 'Richie' Jerimovich
WHERE TO WATCH
The Bear follows Carmy, a young fine-dining chef, as he returns to Chicago to manage his family's sandwich shop. Amidst personal and professional challenges, he strives to transform both the establishment and himself while navigating relationships with a diverse and gritty team that becomes his chosen family.
- Directors
- Ramy Youssef
- Writers
- Catherine Schetina, Alex Russell, Karen Joseph Adcock, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Stacy Osei-Kuffour
- Seasons
- 4
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu, Dis
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