At The Bear, the acclaimed Chicago restaurant, tensions were high the last time we saw Carmy, Cousin Richie, Natalie, and the rest of the crew. Chef Carmen "Carmy" Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) was stuck in the walk-in cooler during an anxiety episode, leaving his sous chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) to manage the kitchen. However, as Season 3 begins, the turmoil and discord of previous seasons have dissipated. Instead, viewers are treated to a tranquil montage of nostalgic flashbacks that gently reintroduce us to The Bear's unique universe.
The season premiere "Tomorrow" delves deep into the chef's mindset, offering insights into his inner world. Through a non-linear narrative, he revisits the mentors, family losses, and key life events that have molded him for his role at The Bear. The intense musical score mirrors Carmy's relentless drive and the complexities of his thoughts, serving as a poignant reminder of his shattered state following the disastrous first service and his unresolved issues with Claire.
By the end of Episode 2, viewers are fully immersed in the tumultuous world of the Berzatto family at The Bear. Cousin Richie and Carmy are at odds, while Natalie struggles with staffing issues and Neil Fak handles a persistent kitchen problem. The atmosphere is loud and confrontational, reminiscent of the restaurant's lively past. Amid Carmy's frequent menu changes and Richie's demands, the reopening of the "beef window" adds to the chaos, catering to a demanding local crowd.
Meanwhile, the kitchen staff faces their own challenges. Pastry chef Marcus grieves his mother's recent passing, Tina struggles on the grill despite Sydney's guidance, and Sydney herself feels the strain of maintaining her calm demeanor, highlighting the tensions within the team as they navigate the restaurant's turbulent beginnings.
Despite regularly attending 12-step meetings, Carmy struggles to cope with the mounting pressure. He continues to battle persistent flashbacks of past traumas, relies heavily on nicotine gum, and obsessively tweaks the menu. His fixation on minute distinctions between nearly identical stoneware bowls drives him to the edge, and he spends money recklessly. Carmy remains haunted by thoughts of his ex, Claire, yet hesitates to apologize to her. At times, it seems Carmy is teetering on the brink of returning to the walk-in cooler at any minor setback.
At times, The Bear feels stretched thin, attempting to tackle numerous heavy themes simultaneously. Its exploration of mental health, family trauma, food systems, economic uncertainty, ageism, and toxic chef culture can overwhelm the narrative, resulting in scenes that lack clarity. The series excels when its actors have the space to delve deeply into singular moments, free from overlapping storylines, allowing their emotional depth to resonate authentically. Even seemingly minor events in Season 3, like the introduction of Carmy’s late brother Mikey (played by Jon Bernthal) to Tina, carry significant emotional weight.
The handling of Claire and Carmy’s relationship also lacks resolution. Stretching their will-they-or-won’t-they tension across 10 episodes feels prolonged. Despite a final intervention by the Fak brothers, the show fails to adequately address the complex emotions between them. This uncertainty extends to all the interpersonal dynamics portrayed — while the reasons for their complexities are clear, the path to resolution remains unclear. This ambiguity might mirror Carmy’s pursuit of perfection, yet the series leaves too many loose ends, compromising its overall coherence.
In Season 3, The Bear—both the show and the restaurant—find themselves somewhat adrift. Carmy continues to grapple with uncertainty, Sydney is visibly overwhelmed by what comes next, and mixed critical reviews cast doubt on Uncle Cicero's ongoing financial backing.
Throughout the season, this group faces pivotal moments. The future of the restaurant hangs in the balance, leaving significant room for potential developments as we await Season 4.
