'The Bear' Season 4 Review – Sydney’s Crossroads, Carmy’s Chaos, and the Cost of Ambition

Every Second Counts.

And for Sydney, the clock is ticking for her to make a decision - stay at The Bear or start a new restaurant with Adam, Carmy’s friend. Speaking about clocks, Uncle Jimmy and The Computer breaks the news that money is rapidly depleting, and the restaurant will need to cease operations in two months. A digital clock sits in the kitchen to convey the seriousness of their dilemma which is now exasperated by the poor food review.

Dissonance. Carmen’s fear of peace ignites a fire hydrant of chaos. It’s a warm cozy blanket of self-sabotage that he can’t seem to shake. With constant menu changes, poor communication, avoidance, overspending and lack of discipline – Carmen slowly comes to the realization that he is stuck in a constant loop. Every day is Groundhog’s Day. How do you break free?

Throughout the season, we get to see more tones of Sydney, as well as her growth throughout the series. Ayo’s performance is nuanced as it capitalizes on stifled frustration. Episode 4 titled Worms, with guest star Danielle Deadwyler, was a fun escape from the restaurant filled with hair braiding, cooking and heavy contemplation. Has she outgrown The Bear? Will loyalty keep her stagnant?

Dissonance is the cloud that hovers over Carmen which he needs to shed or everything the Chefs worked so hard for will disintegrate. It’s a season full of hard truths, brutal honesty, and restoration. As Carmy pauses and takes assessment of his surroundings, he can see the growth of all the chefs within the restaurant. He also realizes that he needs to face his demons that block his progress and path to happiness. It’s a concept only in his dreams, not in reality. And that scares him.

As for standouts in the season, one of my favorites through-lines is the role of fathers. New fathers, stepfathers, current fathers, father-figures – there is an undercurrent that is rarely is seen on scripted shows. Robert Townsend and Ebon Moss-Bachrach play the ultimate girl dads helping their daughters navigate their evolving worlds. Uncle Jimmy as patriarch also contributes as a steady hand for Carmy as he pushes to the edge. So much heart in pivotal scenes that showcases tenderness as well as fear of messing up.

No one is perfect. And no one understands that more than Donna, Carmy’s mom who is eager to make amends.

“I’m asking to be a part of your life again…I have been sober… I am trying to be responsible and accountable,”

Donna said.

As Donna apologizes, the guilt seems to melt away as Carmy receives a much-needed breakthrough. It’s okay to embrace goodness and he is worthy of peace. Chaos does not have to be a life sentence.

One of my favorite moments was seeing Ebra incorporated more into the season. Eager to bring value to the restaurant, he gets a mentor played by Bob Reiner to help grow the business (think small, big money). With The Beef being a solid money generator, Ebra has a sense of purpose that he has been seeking since the changes at the restaurant. Ebra felt an urge to create opportunity so he could belong, which made Carmen realize he failed him by not being present. Another powerful scene that showcase the talents of this cast.

With Season five renewals locked in, will The Bear be able to survive on its own or will the doors permanently close? Whichever path the show decides to take, Uncle Jimmy said it best, “It’s been a real pleasure for me to watch you grow.”

What did you think? Drop a comment and vote in our poll.

What did you think?

Change Image

• Loved it
• Hated it
• So/So