The Bear
 

This is excellent. It's a hectic look at the life of Carmy, a chef in a downtown restaurant. There is a load of subplot and there are funny moments as well as a lot of drama.

It's a love letter to all things Chicago, and feels like Uncut Gems in the Kitchen.

8 episodes.

Recommended.

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I went through the whole series (I mean, it is only 8 episodes) pretty quickly when it was released. I agree that it's very strong. The acting is good and the way that they build the various relationships between the characters is enjoyable. I also loved how certain elements would pay off in later episodes (I'm sure you know at least one thing I'm talking about).

And I'm going to keep this really vague, but I have a LOT of respect for shows that can end a story in a way that they can stand on their own or leave space for another season.

Yep, one of the best shows of last year. FX should be appreciated for always backing different ideas.

I posted about this ages okay. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen. Loved it. And I believe there will be a season 2.

Sorry, I did a quick search but couldn't find a thread on it.

Re: The Bear
 

By coincidence, I just started this and already mostly through it. Yeah, such a watchable show. Kinetic, energetic, very entertaining. Great show just a handful of episodes in. Kinda glad I came to it a half-year late, too, because it'll make the wait for the second season a lot easier.

Me too. It just keeps getting better and better. The 8th? episode is a really outstanding piece of tv making which I won't spoil but it's tense as hell.

Re: The Bear
 

Looking forward to it. Probably tonight, tomorrow at the latest.

Honestly, they're all tense. Every time someone bends down to light a pilot light or cut any food with any knife I preemptively cringe because the show immediately primes you to assume something's gonna go wrong.

Re: The Bear
 

Shameless going off the air is the best thing that ever happened to television because now we get to see Jeremy Allen White set free.

I think I wrote about it in Limited Series thread. Whatever. :p

Yes chef. :p

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Watching season 2 now. Four episodes in & it’s somewhat different than season 1 because the restaurant is being refurbished & is not open yet.

Re: The Bear
 

Finished season 2. Quite the ride to say the least. Episode 6 was an hour long & took us on quite the journey.

Final episode has the restaurant up & running (just about) & there’s tons to unpack for a third season.

I have a huge crush on Richie. He’s damaged goods, but not fatally.

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I'm binge watching Season 2. 5 episodes per day. It's addictive. Such a great show with such awesome music,

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I'm so getting this T Shirt:

https://www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/...45622052.S7RYU

Re: The Bear
 

Good Lord that finale. I laughed and I cried. R.E.M. tunes killing it throughout. This show man, it's the best on TV. Only Euphoria perhaps matches it.

The Bear
 

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Just watched the pilot for this critically acclaimed series that in two seasons, has won, among other honors, ten Emmy Awards, and six Golden Globes. The main reason I wanted to watch this is because I'm a huge Jeremy Allen White fan, who won me over when he was playing Lip on the SHOWTIME series Shameless, so I knew I had to watch this at some point. The Series revolves around Carm, a gourmet chef who has returned to his hometown of Chicago to run his family's sandwich shop. The title character is revealed in the opening dream sequence, but not sure what it really means yet, and have had no backstory regarding Carm's life before Chicago. His interview with a sous chef revealed that Carm is one of the most famous chefs in the country, hope we get some backstory on that. This show is also featuring superior production values, especially the editing which reveals a passion for culinary arts that rivals The Menu and Pig. It's lots of fun watching Carm purchase the very best meat available like drug deals. Loving Ebon-Moss Bacharach as Richie, the only other employee at the shop who's white. It was also revealed in the pilot that Carm has only been here two weeks, impressively carving himself a niche already. Wow you can cut the tension in this kitchen like a knife. I guess there's a power struggle between Carm and Richie that hasn't been resolved yet because the place used to be managed by Richie, but when Carm's brother died, he left it to Carm and not Richie. Carm also seems to be exhibiting symptons of an ulcer. Love the way the food is photographed...it makes cooking look like a totally lost art form. Former SNL cast member Abby Elliott impressed in her introduction as Carm's sister. Fell in love with Carm when he was informed that his uncle wants to buy the place and he said not for sale without hesitation. They have established in the pilot that, even though his staff may not realize it yet. Carmy knows exactly what he's doing. "Dude, he's not a nice guy, he's just sad inside." Just realized that Carmy and Richie are cousins. Loving this. Creater and head writer Christopher Storer and Jeremy Allen White are crushing this.

Season One, Ep 2. OK, we're getting the backstory requested in my previous post. Is that Joel McHale playing his previous boss? What's a broken man sauce? "Can't operate at a higher level without consistency." Carmy scrubs that floor like Faye Dunaway in Mommie Dearest. Not since John Hughes has a director made Chicago looks as appealing as Christopher Storer The editing on this show is amazing. How did Sydney acquire that data to compile that report? Didn't that actress playing the heath inspector used to be Chicago PD? Sydney needs to dial it back a little, she just started. They're required to post that rating in the window? Loved the music behind Carmy's coming home scene. "Beware of bitches with notebooks." God, how long can Richie and Carmy co-exist? Interesting reveal as how Carmy's brother died. Oliver Platt playing a wiseguy, odd casting. OK, I guess there's a human somewhere under all of Richie's bluster. They're certainly trying to imbue some sympathy into the character while a certain ambitious insensitivity seems to be bubbling to the surface with Sydney. I knew there were some kind of health issues with Carmy. Would love some more insight into Carmy and his sister. Hope Carmy finds that note from his brother. Had a feeling those cigarettes were Carmy's but I was hoping I was wrong.

Season One, Ep 3. Not shocked by the reveal that Carmy is an alcoholic. That share Carmy was listening to was on the money, I hope he was listening. The staff shouldn't be yelling like that in front of the customers, but I also noticed that none of the customers left either. Love the flashbacks of Carmy's gournet days, more please. Love the movie poster of All the Right Moves on the will, just noticed that...interesting choice of kitchen decor. Why do I have a feeling that Nico is a thumb breaker? Who is Tina trying to sabotage? Do they want me hating Sydney only three episodes in? Why would Sydney try to get that container off the top shelf all by herself? Despite what he told Sydney, I still think Carmy is an alcoholic.

Season One, Ep 4. Those donuts and pastries looked amazing. That scene with Carmy and Richie was very funny. A definite line has been drawn between Sydney and Tina. More Oliver Platt, please. Personally, I've always preferred ketchup on my hot dog. Marcus is really a baker, how cool is that? I like that someone came to Carmy's defense at that party. I hope that "nap time" wasn't something more serious. Who was that guy busting Carmy's chops at the party? I guess nap time was serious. They are awfully calm regarding these drugged out kids. Didn't really realize Jimmy was family. It's a shame that Sydney and Tina are working so hard at heating each other.

For anyone who likes Feck(?), please go watch Just a Dash on YouTube.

I would Patreon/Kickstarter/whatever s3 in a heartbeat. Your mileage may vary with all the other MM content, short of his Vice series.

Season One, Ep 5. Jesus, did you see Sydney's medicine cabinet? What was that about? Would love to see more of her at home because it appears she's miserable there and can't wait to get out to go to work. Sydney really needs to pull back on the sarcasm, it's not as cute as she thinks it is. "Dude, it's a human resources offense, dude." Love that Marcus is a fan of The Bachelorette. The in the bathroom job interview was gold. Carmy looked like he was going to explode when he confronted Richie. Abby Elliott was good in that scene with Carmy. I have to wonder about the legality of Sydney's solution. Liking Marcus more and more with each episode. Hating that Carmy had to come to Richie for $5500. Marcus and the tape...how awesome was that?

Season One, Ep 6. Great to see Jon Bernthal join the cast...terrific actor. Couldn't tell if Richie's date with the girl in the fancy restaurant was in the past or the present. Carmy revealed the perfect adjective for Sydney...impatient. Why is Marcus sleeping at the restaurant? Wow, the restaurant owes back taxes too...Michael left this place in a real mess. "I don't know, I'll ask him when he's not dead." Who the hell is shooting at the restaurant? I guess someone to whom Michael owed money. Richie has some kind of deal going with0 drug dealers? "She says I'm contagious, I only call with bad news." Did Sydney just go behind Carm's back and serve that dish as a special, rationalizing it by not charging for it? Didn't realize Richie actually kept a gun in the restaurant. OK, I don't think those people were dealers, who were they? Can we get Richie a valium please? There's something major going on with him that we haven't been made privy too yet. OMG, that chicken and pepper dish looked so good. Shouldn't watch this show when you're hungry. Loved Carmy's request for more urgency.

Season One, Ep 7. Opening scene was kind of all over the place, felt like a premiere episode. That review sounded promising and loved that Carmy didn't care. Tina's son is adorable. Does Carmy really believe that critic got that dish accidentally? I have a feeling I'm not supposed to, but I'm liking Sydney less and less with each episode. Carmy's really starting to lose it. Did Sydney stab Richie purposely? it was hard to tell. Did Sydney really think Carmy had the time to beg her to stay and change everything to work the way she wants? Jeremy Allen White crushed this episode.

And now the season one finale. Clever way to open the show by recapping most of what we already. maybe a method of getting people caught up? One helluva hallucination. Carmy's share at the Al-Anon meeting was brilliantly written and performed. Looking forward to more secrets about Mike to spill out because we've practically had one in each episode so far. Hope we learn more about Tina and Mike. They're shoving Marcus and Sydney at us and I'm not sure if I'm feeling these two as a couple. Really liked the way Richie was talking about Mike in the present tense. I have to wonder if Richie being in jail and facing possible manslaughter charges is just what he needs right now. Ebon Moss-Bacharach nailed that phone call to his girlfriend. His night in jail might have brought about a change in Richie, let's see if it lasts. Why did Carmy start that fire and then space out? I wondered when we'd get back to that letter. Richie kept that letter from Carmy intentionally? Offering a texted apology was really unprofessional of Sydney? Did she think that would get her her job back? That was jaw-dropping reveal in the final scene, but Sydney got off way too easy. Awesome season finale.

The notorious Zaniac episode.:rotfl: I loved that.

OK, let's start season two. That first scene was so poorly lit I couldn't tell who Marcus was visiting. I see Sydney is still the cynical know it all she was last season. Hard to tell what Richie's latest meltdown is about...does he feel Carmy is pushing him out of the business? Who were those people in those pictures? They're really shoving Marcus and Sydney at us. Love that we're getting to see the entire transition of Original Beef into The Bear and that the season didn't open with The Bear's opening day. I don't know why, but I was surprised Carmy told Jimmy about the money. Is Jimmy their only option? Natalie needs to step up or back away, she's starting to piss me off. The Tina/Sydney scene was great. Loving Liza Colan-Zayas as Tina...superb actress. Have no idea what happened in that closing scene...what changed?

Season Two, Ep 2. "Sometimes I look like February." The phone that Marcus threw and broke is the only phone in the place? Richie seems to be afraid of Natalie, what's that about? I'm assuming that locker they had to saw the lock off of belonged to Mark. God, wjere was Sydney when the sensitivity chips were being passed out? Neil and Richie are so funny together, I guess cause Neil doesn't buy into all of Richie's crap. Why is Ebraheim so freaked out about culinary school? Glad Carmy and Sydney are bonding but not sure how long it's going to last. The ceiling collapse was hysterical even if you did see it coming. Carmy and Claire....how long do we have to wait to get the rest of that story? Sydney was a little rough on her cousin, which didn't really surprise me when he started asking specific questions. I remember the actress playing Claire from Theater Camp...loved that movie. These two definitely have some unfinished business.

Re: The Bear
 

Good life

Season Two, Ep 3. Glad to see Carmy at a meeting, he really needs one right about now. That dish Carmy and Sydney was working on looked NASTY!!! Loved seeing Richie with his daughter. Claire is kind of exhausting. Those spare ribs looked like the ribs served during the ending credits of The Flintstones. That was funny when Sydney got caught trying steal employees. Sydney cannot even accept her own mistakes let alone smene else's.

Season Twp, Ep 4. Loved watching the permits go up. It's so cool the detail they are putting into the reopening by not having the place reopen in a couple of episodes. I cannot believe Natalie is just now telling Carmy that she's pregnant. Oh that was Marcus' mother was in the hospital, I thought it was Tina. Or is Tina his mother? What an interesting choice of music for the Marcus in Copenhagen scenes. It worked perfectly. Who's Marie? Is that Will Poulter playing Marcus' new boss? Was that Alex Moffat who got hired?. It was interesting to hear Marcus' take on Mike. I liked that scene of him and his new boss bonding. This episode must have been made while Jeremy Allen White was still working on The Iron Claw because White only appeared in the opening scene. I'm really liking Lionel Boyce, the actor who plays Marcus. Really enjoying this show...the pacing is leisurely and it totally works.

Season Two, Ep 5. Does Sydney ever listen to anyone else's opinion about anything? Thank goodness Jimmy can tell when Richie is about to open his mouth. Oliver Platt is golden. Loved Natalie correcting Jimmy on how deep he's in. Had a feeling Jimmy might be able to fastrack a liquor license. Wait, they already have a beer and wine license? They should settle for that for now. Claire and Carmy are a little too cutesy for me right now. This dance they're doing right now is not working for me. Why am I sensing that Claire had a relationship with Mike that Carmy doesn't know about? Beer pong? What is this, 1980? Watching Claire's weepy BFF cry about her breakup was a waste of screentime, who cares about her? A Tina musical moment? Sure didn't see that coming. Does Carny actually know these people? Why does Claire keep bringing up the fake number, I thought that was discussed and it's time to move on. Apparently this restaurant isn't big enough for Richie and Natalie? Claire and Richie are cousins? Whoa!!!!

Season Two, Ep 6. I guess I'm a little slow on the take, because it wasn't until the opening scene of this episode that I realized Jon Bernthal is playing Mike and his appearances thus far have been flashbacks. Why do they all call each other Bear? I thought that was Carmy's nickname. Bob Oedenkirk is playing Mike and Carm's father? Oliver Platt's first scene was a riot. OMG, Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis (love referring to her that way) is playing Mom? How awesome is that? Loved how upset the family got when he said he didn't want to come home for Xmas. OK, who is John Mulaney playing and will see him after we return to the present? OK, he called Jamie Lee Auntie Dee so that would make him another cousin? "I threw up so many times I forgot what I was mad about." Who's that actress playing Rchie's girl? Nice to see that Ebon-Moss Bacherach can play sensitive too. Yhat scene with Mike by the fridge made me think that Odenkirk's character is not their biological father, but might be their stepfather or on his way to that position. Oliver Platt was great in that scene with Richie. Wow, I didn't recognize Sarah Paulson with that short hair. I want to hear the story that led Mom to calling Natalie "Sugar." Mulaney and the baseball card guys were hysterical. I'm glad we're getting a glimpse into Mike and I love Jon Bernthal, but we're really not learning much. When Carmy walked out f the pantry you could tell Mike's heart was heavy. I really wanna see Mike confess something to somebody because his head is about to explode. OK, first Mom wanted everybody out of the kitchen and now she's mad because she has to do everything herself? Don't get the seven fishes thing but who brings a main course to Xmas dinner without being asked to? Wow, Michelle's request was vaguely specific...or specifically vague. She seems to think she knows Carmen better than anyone, sure want more details on that. Oliver Platt had another solid scene with Richie and Tiffany. Jamie Lee was heartbreaking in that kitchen scene with Jeremy. I bet a lot of Moms can relate to how she was feeling in that scene. That dinner table scene was dazzling, led by Bernthal, Oedenkirk, and Platt. Mulaney nailed his last monologue too. That episode was pure theater, the best episode of the series thus far, and I can't lie, I was in tears about 10 minutes before it ended.

Season Two, Ep 7. The restaurant looks amazing. Sorry, my bad, Richie is at another restaurant. Why is Richie at another restaurant? OMG, are we actually going to get to see Bo Burnhan? Richie really loves Tiffany, though I'm not sure that I care. Loved the differences between Richie's two wakeup scenes. The employees in this restaurant are like cyborgs, it kind of reminde me of The Menu. What the hell was that dessert that evaporated into the dish from the smoking tree? This episode is weird, I don't understand it, it reminds me of an episode of Atlanta. Whoa, Olivia Colman as Chef Terry....I wonder how long she's going to be around?

I would imagine Colman’s rôle is a cameo.

Saw it a long time ago, but I think they gave Richie the opportunity to learn in a fancy restaurant. How reservations were scheduled & all that. And, of course, he loved it. “I wear suits now”.

Season Two, Ep 8. I agree with Carmy. I think another shoe is going to drop too. I really don't think this girl gives a damn about the restaurant. Would love to see Carmy's tattoos up close. Did Ebraheim flunk out of cooking school? Loved that Carmy referenced the amazing ep 6 that I just watched, did not see that coming. Ebon-Moss Bacarach looks amazing in that suit. Love Natalie wanting a witness for Richie's apology.. He seems sincere, like an alcoholic working on the 9th step. "I could be really great at things you don't wanna do." Loved Carmy's drawings. I knew Sydney would have issues when Carmy mentioned Claire's name, I saw that coming a million miles away. That remark from Sydney about the girlfriend was way out of line. I have to agree with Richie about the napkin. Not happy about Carmy looking to Neil for relationship advice, I hate that Sydney got to him. The way they're hanging everyhing on this fire suppression test is maddening. Loved that Natalie/Jimmy scene...business and family. That steak...OMG.

Season Two, Ep 9. The opening scene definitely could have been lit better. That scene with Sydney and her dad was oddly squirm worthy. Not really feeling Carmy having a meltdown right now. "Well, it turns out crossing off isn't an exact science." Loved Carm and Natalie talking about three different things at once, very well-written. Why is Carm so insistent that nobody contact the fridge guy but him? Liked the Natalie/Richie scene looking at the bottom line. The film editing on this show is Emmy-worthy. Awwww, Marcus named a dessert after Michael. Jimmy really seems to be in support of the Bear, but I'm still not sure if I trust him. I see him going totally ballistic when his first repayment check is a day late. That Oliver Platt monologue was way too long for the point Jimmy was trying to make. Sydney's omelette should be made into a You Tube video. Claire calling Carmen the same time he's trying to call the fridge guy...coincidence, more like an omen. Richie's speech to the staff was awesome. When are they going to give Alex Moffat something to do? "Does it look like I know where a screwdriver is, I'm front of house now." Despite Claire, every now and then there seems to be something between Carmen and Sydney, but I'm not sure...there's something going on there, whether or not its intentional. Sydney's going to melt down now, after being the rock of the reconstruction? Solid episode.

And now the second season finale. It feels like I just started watching this and I've gotten through 19 episodes? On pins and needles for the arrival of mom Jamie Lee Curtis at friends and family night. Richie's front of the house manners were on the money. I wonder if Natalie is going to go into labor during this episode. How does a restaurant with this many seasoned staff members run out of forks? Who are those three people standing against the wall in the kitchen not doing anything? Everybody needs to exhale. Locked in the walk in? Seriously? A little on the cliched side for my taste. The cursing ordering machine was classic. "Poor water, poor wine, read minds, just check in." Why were they ignoring Carmen? Can't tell if Carmen is worried that things aren't working outside or if he's worried that they are working without him. Jamie Lee Curtis made her delayed entrance worth waiting for....does Mom have dementia? That's what they were saving Alex Moffat for? What a waste. Didn't really get the significance of the chocolate banana will that be explained later or did I miss it? I feel so bad for Carmen missing Friends and Family night. Richie and Carmen fighting through the walk in door was brilliant. Six minutes before the episode ends, why is Carmen still in that walk in? Nobody is doing anything to get him out of that walk in? What is with Sydney and the vomiting? Loved when the sparks came into the walk in it looked like God was coming in to speak to Carmen. Terrific season finale, anyone know when season three starts?

June, apparently.

So I got Hulu to watch Shogun, btw that's a must-see, but there's only 2 episodes so far and I needed something else to watch.


I saw the first episode of The Bear awhile back and it was good but it was so chaotic.....kind of like an awesome ride but had to recover before trying again. The shows rave reviews made me come back, and I'm glad I did.


After watching this show, Boiling Point, Kitchen Nightmares, and Hells Kitchen I know I'll never want to work in a kitchen. It's like a trauma center without the lifesaving. Very much enjoy the show though.

This series uses its music, and the selection so perfectly. Not since The Sopranos have I seen it done so artfully.

So I just finished the Seven Fishes episode...

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Re: The Bear
 

Yeah, the tension in that one. Pretty remarkable.

There are alot of needless laws in the legal system that make no sense whatsoever. So what would it hurt if they outlawed cliffhanger season finals. Am gutted.

Re: The Bear
 

Finally getting around to this. Good and chaotic like you said, almost in an Uncut Gems kind of way. I'm a few episodes in, and I'm not sure if I'll want to stick through this kind of tension for multiple seasons haha

Re: The Bear
 

And apparently HULU greenlit seasons three and four, which will they will shoot as soon as three is complete. Very exciting.

Like the comparison to Uncut Gems, I'm feeling that.

Re: The Bear
 

Incredible episode…it was like live theater.

Possibly Jamie Lee Curtis's best performance ever. Everyone was in the zone with their acting that episode. Even Bernthal who I feel is the same in everything, but I still like him.

As good as Fishes is, the next episode, Forks, is even better, believe it or not. It may be my favorite TV episode from last year. I'm excited for you all to see it.

"Forks" was excellent too, but I have a hard time thinking they will ver top "Seven Fishes".

Re: The Bear
 

Finished Season 1 last night. I'm usually a 1 or 2 season kind of guy, and this one was definitely good enough to watch the 2nd season.