Bear writer and alexa1/16/2024 ![]() ![]() ![]() Carmy believes in them enough to know what they need to maximize their potential.Īnd then there are the surprises, which would be a sin to spoil (the network was specific about spoilers for a reason) because every one of them is a blast. Storer clearly had a well-conceived plan going into the new season, so the periods that Tina (Liza Colon-Zayas), Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson), Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and Richie spend away will eventually pay off (some more than others). So while it takes a minute to adjust to this slower pace at first, the series does a good job balancing that out with fantastic wit, sharp humor, and a spotlessly chosen music selection (the songs playing extensively in the background, low-key, is a nice touch). ![]() It’s all part of the plan, though, gradually building up to a boiling point where all hell breaks loose. The absence of that volatile energy is not only palpable but gets to a point where it almost feels like you’re watching an entirely different show-not a bad one, mind you, but not the one you expect. With its new approach, Season 2 eliminates that aspect almost completely in the first five episodes. That roughness, however, also polished their effectiveness as a team and forced them to become brutally honest and vulnerable. The irresistible power of the series was the raw and explosive chemistry between characters, oftentimes driving each other to the verge of a breakdown of some sort. The trouble with that is that not all of these people are as interesting on their own as they are within a team. In contrast, Season 2 is more opened up and often takes place outside the restaurant, focusing on one or two characters at the time. That created the panic- and anxiety-inducing atmosphere The Bear triumphed more realistically than any other film or series before. The debut season unfolded in a tension-filled vacuum that forced these people to be confronted with each other at all times. The biggest appeal of The Bear was the not-so-smooth dynamics among a rough kitchen crew as they learned to work together and got to know one another personally and professionally. That means we often follow those characters individually in a new environment rather than collectively as part of a team. While they do that, as the clock counts down to the opening day, Carmy uses his culinary connections in the industry to send his employees on advanced training. Thus the majority of the plot revolves around problems the Berzattos need to solve in order to get the place running before they can actually work in it. Investing every penny their brother Mike (Jon Bernthal) left them in tomato cans, they still come up short and have to pitch Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) for financial backup if they want to execute their full vision. ![]() To get a grip on the million things that come with opening a joint, Carmy’s sister Natalie (Abby Elliott) steps up as project manager. Picking up where Season 1 left off, we join Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his work (and real) family as they attempt to build and open a brand new restaurant from scratch. Since we now get 10 episodes with varying runtimes, the script is a little looser, taking the time to flesh out each character’s arc. Season 2 works quite differently than its predecessor. That feeling will slowly evaporate as you get further in (past the first half), and you’ll recognize the same passionate and full-on show you fell in love with the first time. I want you to keep that in mind when you start bingeing the series, because there will be moments when you feel that the follow-up to such an airtight debut is a little skewed and off at first before it finds its footing. The biggest hit of the summer last year-exceeding the expectations of its writers, cast members, and creator, too- The Bear Season 2 had an awful lot to live up to. Christopher Storer’s dramedy on Hulu (via FX), The Bear, fits that bill perfectly. Second seasons are often cursed especially when it comes to shows that knocked it out of the park with their debut seasons. ![]()
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