The Bear Season 1 Review

We can’t all be running around the kitchen at once. Chefs make a team.

Freshly baked and now streaming on Hulu, The Bear is a 2022 series. Amidst the sudden and tragic loss in the family, Carmen is thrust into the role of inheriting the business. Faced with the daunting task of reviving the struggling restaurant, the already fragmented staff grapples with personal issues that strain their ability to work together.

Immersing viewers in the exhilarating world of culinary pursuits, The Bear defines a captivating portrayal of the fast-paced nature of the restaurant industry. Each episode brimming with tension and characters racing through the kitchen striving to meet demands, The Bear emphasizes the matter of finding a balance between professional careers and mental health.

Jeremy Allen White was a standout as Carmen Berzatto. Perfectly embodying the essence of the show, White also went to cooking school and worked in multiple kitchens. Carrying too many burdens on his shoulders, Carmen grapples with an overwhelming load of responsibilities while suppressing tumultuous emotions.

White’s pivotal scene is his deliverance of a mesmerizing monologue that delves into Carmen’s feelings regarding the unexpected turn of events. This extraordinary display of vulnerability is what won him an Emmy.

The entire cast not only delivers exceptional performances but also showcases their culinary talents by handling all the cooking on the show. The characters can best be described as "exasperated," encapsulating the relentless nature of their circumstances.

While the setting may resemble a typical restaurant, the dynamic within the ensemble is a stark contrast to the narrative. Shouting at each other and undergoing their own life stresses, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, and Liza Colon-Zayas are strong actors.

One of my favorite parts about cooking/restaurant films is the characters. Here is a diverse group of people put together in a kitchen harboring unique backstories. Whether by choice, the characters share glimpses of their pasts. Eventually, the characters overcome their animosity towards one another they overcome their difference for the sake of their work.

I was first introduced to Ayo Edebiri in the hit comedy series Abbott Elementary. Edebiri shines, portraying the character of Sydney as a fiercely independent individual. Learning to embrace vulnerability, mirrors the essential teamwork to achieve positive outcomes.

If there’s any character who I wanted to strangle, it’s Richie (Moss-Bachrach). I don’t blame Sydney for getting annoyed by his childish antics or the ridiculous things he says. Then again, you have to pay attention to his backstory.

Food has an essential role in the show. To ensure the authenticity of the food preparation scenes, the dedicated cast members took on the task of actually prepping the food themselves. Filmmakers skillfully crafted the kitchen to evoke a claustrophobic space, effectively amplifying the inherent stress and tension.

The Bear is one stress-inducing series. As listed, I thought it was a comedy. The Bear is a dark series filled with several dramatic and intense moments. Some themes could be triggering for some viewers. The characters channel heavy and raw emotions. you can see how exhausted the actors look once a scene finishes.

Characters practically spit in the viewer's faces with all the close-ups and belting out orders in the kitchen. Christopher Storer didn’t just highlight the restaurant world, but also how to embrace life matters in healthier practices. This show occupies kinetic energy like no other.

With season 2 now released to Hulu, I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. Watch The Bear on Hulu. The episodes are only a half hour so it’s an easy binge. It’s intense but an entertaining series.