The Bear Season 3 feels different…let's talk about it

Not and season tbh

[@timpo717]

I think people who hated this season never experienced down periods in their life. Its those down periods that often get you where you need to be and to appreciate the good times. That to me is season 3 of this show. It doesnt make for the most entertaining experience because its so emotionally draining, but its brillian story telling.

[@charmsz566]

Also i LOVED Richie's character development this season --- it did catch me a little off guard, he didnt seem as sharp and as focused on "self care" and therapy-speak in the first two seasons, so hearing him use all the psychotherapy talk was a surprise but i totally loved it -- it showed that he's really working on himself and getting over the loss of Mikey (and other traumas, i.e. divorce, etc) in a way that Carmie really isnt doing very well. It almost makes him seem like he has the upper hand and the better sense of maturity between them for the first time, it's a very cool shift in the dynamic!

[@maria-madalinaifrim7095]

Q

[@odinwilliams3319]

Screw Claire and Camry, Gimme Richie and Jessica (Girl from Terri’s restaurant)

[@cv8499]

Yes, please! I'm reeeeally hoping he takes her to his ex-wife's wedding as his date. I thought in the last episode we would see him RSVPing finally to the wedding invite and adding a plus one.

[@requiemrave]

YES!!!

[@lcpharm]

I found John Cena and the brothers screen time incredibly annoying. Other than that, I really liked this season. Great analysis, I agree with all of it.

[@SarahFrom5to7]

I don’t think the show needs a Sydney and Carmy romance but I can totally see why fans are so invested in their ‘relationship’. Personally I don’t think there needs to be a romance plot in the centre of the show at all. Carmy and Sydney have amazing chemistry which works as a friendship/mentor - mentee (whatever other iterations they fit into). I really liked a more nuanced male female relationship and I think the sidelining of it for the bland Claire and Carmy romance is why people are so desperate for the genuine connection between Carmy and Sydney. lol, not that I’ve thought about it that much

[@vjones4769]

I can see what you’re aiming at. And yeah… I’m over the Claire storyline. I definitely skipped forward the few times the dialogue revolved around her.

[@ASocialMediaConsumer]

I agree

[@tonij5620]

This season felt like a waiting room. I wanted things to progress and it was jarring to constantly look back! Also, Carmy doesn’t have time to smoke! He’s not gonna allow himself time to deal with the Claire situation.

[@meadowbrookow]

I totally agree on you questioning Claire's reaction to what Carmy said in the fridge... she was set up to be a really understanding and empathetic person - even the characters who know her point this out to Carmy. To me, her reaction didn't line up with who the character was made out to be and it made their situation and the whole back and forth of "just apologise to Claire" in S3 hard to take seriously. It wasn't a simple matter of just Carmy being a jerk. After what she heard him say in the fridge, she didn't reflect on why he might've said what he said, especially given that he initially gave her a wrong number as a signal that he doesn't want/can't be engaging in a relationship with her, and the way he struggled to open up during their relationship. If she was initially hurt by his words but then came back and said "I can see that this is bigger than just how you feel about me" it would've made more sense for her character.

[@PunishedDad]

finally, a sane take

[@lunamercury_3113]

I also felt like everyone was so chill about the fridge thing like no one rlly checked in on him

[@ja_santana]

I would go further about Claire: the way everybody seemed to "cheer" for their relatioship and put some presure on Carmy to make a move on that "super cool girl" was strange as hell. He also was going to AA meetings and honestly should'n even be dating...

[@surette2012]

I get them worrying that he’s becoming avoidant and isn’t really letting himself have good experiences, but I agree it’s so strange of the people around him. I’d rather you shave my head then going to by ex’s workplace and be like ‘he’s really sowwy and struggling and loves/misses you. Give him a chance.’ Why make that girl suffer as well dating someone clearly not ready for something like that? I also found it strange they seem to put Claire on a pedestal and get up in arms when she showed a bit of fragility and cried. Like…carmy’s been reaming everyone. Syd is having panic attacks and everyone is on his war path, yet the girl he hardly knew, dated for a second and idealized seems to be the person everyone wants to protect? That’s where they draw the line? At least in s2 I can defend Claire being the snappy cool girl with it being through carmy’s pov where he might just be romanticizing her and keeps her at a distance to maintain some mystique to her. But in s3 she really is just that. A Well adjusted nurse that just *gets it.* she’ll fix you with a tangent about picking glass out of a teenage girl and how sometimes you just don’t feel the pain hit yet. She just feels too disjointed from the plot. It’s like a greys anatomy character wandered on set or something.

[@Terranz25us]

Carmy is not an alcoholic though. AA wasn't for him.

[@kaiwancallender2761]

Yeah, they’re not. They had a couple for sale. I’m loving the sister and I’m loving the money and everything else.

[@kaiwancallender2761]

And Tina’s episode was pretty good too

[@lunamercury_3113]

Agreed

[@Liv-hx9xx]

Ok my take on the Sydney Carmy ship. I thought this season they really didn’t have any romantic undertones, so if the show progresses with this type of dynamic, then I’m fine with that. However in season 1 and especially season 2, there are heavy romantic undertones. The scenes I usually go to for reference is the under the table scene where Carmy says to syd “I couldn’t do this without you, I wouldn’t even wanna do this without you” and then also the scene where Carmy is having a panic attack and the thing that calms him is thinking of Sydney. Now season 3 really focused on Claire as the love interest, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they end up together and continue to go in that direction, but I just hope the writers are committing to an outcome so they can effectively write for they. If they want to go for the Sydney ship, I would want them to start building that more, and give closure to the Claire if it all. If they want to go in the Claire ship, then I would like to see that feel more developed, maybe some flashbacks, or like Carmy really trying to get her back or at least make good with her, maybe some yearning idk…this is just me. For all we know he could end up with someone new, or nobody at all. But this is just my take. Aside from this I just want to say that I’m a new subscriber but have loved everything I watched, I feel like we watch things the same way, and analyze the shows similarly and are drawn towards similar things. For this season I agree with your top 3 episodes and your takes on character such as sugar and Claire. Anyways I’ll leave it there. Looking forward to more.

[@coeurdeparadis]

People have also pointed out Carmy’s dishes and how they relate to Sydney. There’s two dishes that take inspiration from her bandanas and then there’s also the fact that Carmy’s rendition of the blood orange cake was made for Sydney. People have also talked about their matching tattoos, but I don’t understand that one as much.

[@MsNadz808]

@@coeurdeparadis What dishes relate to her? I haven't seen that, I'm just curious.

[@user-fu1gd2ux8p]

@@MsNadz808 it may just be a coincidence but people point out that in the same episode where sydney wears a black bandanna with white polka dots carmy makes a dish that has a black and white sauce (with the white forming dots like the bandanna).

[@harnessmadeofhopes]

needed the faks to get off my screen like 5 minutes into their time and then it just kept GOING

[@manuelrojas7843]

I need someone to compile how much screen time they had vs everyone else, or if their presence just slowed time to a crawl

[@kwk111]

They were cute in small doses in prior seasons but damn, this season made me hate them so much. The scene where main Fak was asked to pour the soup in front of the customers and then he just took the soup back to the kitchen... nobody is that stupid.

[@patiencekillz]

@@manuelrojas7843i’m currently doing screentime for the bear. finished s1 a week ago and posted it to the bear subreddit. currently have 3 eps left in s2, which i’ll also post, and then s3!

[@cv8499]

* (This will be an essay. Sorry!) I agree with you. I liked this season a lot more than people online did. It was the weakest season, but the bar was so high. And people just have no patience for what they're trying to do. I appreciated the deep dive into the characters and setups for the future, even if it did repeat some stuff. The purpose was to show why each character NEEDS The Bear to work out so that we can be heartbroken right along with them when it looks like it won't. I get what you're saying about Marcus's flat delivery and lackluster eulogy, but it fit with his character. His mom lived 2 years past when the doctors said she would. So he's been saying goodbye to her for a long time. That explains the lack of emotion. (The scene where he puts the monitor back on because he'd grown so used to that sound and it makes him feel like his mom is still alive--that was poignant.) I disagree about Carmy and Syd. Carmy was edging closer to being like the chef he hated. He even started quoting him verbatim. He wasn't as cruel, but he had made his kitchen an unpleasant place to be. He was getting credit for dishes Sydney had created after making minor adjustments (same thing evil chef had done to him) and he stopped taking her suggestions. I don't think the freezer incident made him feel like the kitchen could operate without him. It just scared him because he realized how unfocused he had been and how close that led them to total disaster. The staff was able to pull it off without him, but only because he got them to that level. If he hadn't, the place would have folded. The last time he achieved greatness, he was working for that horrible chef, so he started emulating him. Hopefully, reconnecting with Chef Terry will remind him that you can be great and inspire greatness in others without traumatizing them. For Syd, it's not just the breakdown in communication that bothers her. It's that she's desperate to make a name for herself, and Carmy is not allowing her to. In all the articles about The Bear, it's Carmy who is front and center, even though she hired the staff, chose the plates, helped develop the menu, applied for all the permits, etc. She even went without pay for months, and after all that, he won't even let her add a dish to the menu. The guy from Ever is offering her the same control she had with her own business but with the support in place to make it actually work and for better pay and benefits. I think she'll end up taking the job and becoming a star in her own right--maybe earning a Michelin star while she's at it. She'll reach her professional goals but miss her team at The Bear like crazy. There is a spark of something romantic between them, and I don't believe it's immature to think so. Nor is it doing a disservice to the characters. What you noticed was lacking in the build up of Carmy's relationship with Clair was there in abundance between him and Syd. There is a mutual respect, they have common goals, they make each other laugh, calm each other down, and push each other to be better. And there's one really important thing that counts in Syd's favor: She never knew Michael. She's the only one on the show who didn't, so she is the only one that came to work there because of who Carmy is, not because of who Michael was. The reason people picked up on a vibe between them is because the writers planted it there on purpose. Take the convo they had under the table with Syd lying on the floor and Carmy looking down at her tenderly, telling her he wouldn't even want to do this without her. Very intimate. When Sugar mentions Clair to Syd, there's a hint of jealousy on her face (which she swears she isn't, even though no one had ever accused her of that). When Carmy stands her up for the restaurant tour, she's hurt as if she got stood up for a date. Yes, she's also angry that her business partner is flaking on her, but this show is layered, and there's more there. Just as a relationship between Josh and Donna on The West Wing couldn't be explored until they were on more equal footing, I think the same is true here. My prediction: Syd will leave to run the other restaurant and make a name for herself. Carmy will be devastated at first. But he will replace her with Luca, who said he'd be in town for a few months. During that time, Syd will start dating Luca, which will drive Carmy nuts. He will try to patch things up with Clair, but she won't go for it because 1. Carmy is too unpredictable. 2. She doesn't want to get in the way of his dream. 3. She suspects he has feelings for Syd. By then, they'll both be famous chefs. They'll be equals in every way, and that's when it'll happen between them. The show is great about keeping the food and the restaurant as everyone's main priority. But as Chef Terry pointed out, it's also important to have a life. As for Clair, keep in mind that the storytelling so far has been non-linear. It took two seasons to find out why Carmy's relationship with his mom is so strained. It took 3 to find out why Tina loved Michael so much and why she was so resistant to Syd. It may take a 4th season to get into Clair's story and explain her love for Carmy and how it all began. I wouldn't be surprised if she got an episode to herself next season so we can see she didn't just come out of nowhere. As for people in the neighborhood holding her up as this perfect being, often when you come from the kind of neighborhood where few people make it out, the kid who goes to college and becomes a doctor is seen as special and is put on a pedestal, whether it's deserved or not. (In the play/movie In the Heights, you see the same dynamic with the character Nina. She goes to college and the whole neighborhood sings her praises.) And everyone's invested in that relationship because they've never seen Carmy with a girlfriend and were hoping that dating Clair could stabilize him in a way that Michael wasn't. But Carmy will eventually realize that Clair was his dream girl in the past. He can't get that time back, and he's a different person now. It's better for his mental health to start fresh with someone not so connected to his past baggage. Enter Sydney.

[@rachelm.3173]

Wow! This is one of the best takes I've come across regarding The Bear 💯 You even convinced me to hate Claire's character just a tad less! Solid points made.

[@rachelm.3173]

I also agree that season 3...although not my favorite, is still good TV.

[@cv8499]

@@rachelm.3173 Thank you! Can you tell I've thought about this show a lot? Ha ha... I actually had even more thoughts, but an essay was turning into a book, so I trimmed it down! lol

[@cv8499]

@@user-fu1gd2ux8p Don't be sorry! These are great points. Especially about the cannoli, which came to be called The Michael. What better embodiment of all his trauma?

[@fluff975]

I don't in the least bit understand your issue with the appearance of Carmy's old boss in the finale (Joel McHale). His confrontation w him is one of the best, most emotionally authentic scenes of the series for me. The show isn't trying to remind us who the guy is as if we forgot... It's not retreading old ground once he's actually there in the present (retreading old ground would've been showing more flashbacks, which is all they do in episode 1, which ironically you loved?). Carmy finally having the chance to speak to him again since all the trauma he experienced while working for him puts things in a completely different emotional context than the flashbacks and the moment he confronts him perfectly gets at the psychological conflict and devastating reality behind victims of abuse and their abusers (in business relationships) and what enables their cycles of abuse to continue; how often people in positions of power over us have an immeasurably damaging impact on our self-esteem and continue to shape how we see ourselves over time, all the while they barely even remember our names ("BerGATzzo?") take no accountability, and gaslight you into thinking (and are probably genuinely convinced themselves) they were actually doing you a favor ("you're welcome"). It was a wrenching, deeply resonant and powerful scene to me. My favorite of the finale and one of my favorites of the season, maybe the series. Jeremy Allen White is just heartbreaking. I 100% agree with your take on the Claire situation, however.

[@marshallstannus]

I found the editing to be a lot personally I like the scene on paper, however I guess the confrontation felt a bit under done or something? I’d need to watch again, but I remember wanting to feel more and finding the interaction cartoonishly simplified, carmy / Jeremy’s side of things was fantastic, but I felt the head chef may as well have been twirling a moustache while talking It was excellent on paper I just wanted a more subtle well done scene for someone who was such an integral part in shaping carmy into who he is today

[@UndarZ]

@@marshallstannus I think it works, because the show hypes up the confrontation to where you expect it to be this huge thing where Carmy finally gets one up on him, and gets his confidence boost. Instead he gets shut down immediately. The chef does not care. And that hits Carmy, hard. He realizes just how petty his grudge has been, since holding on to it never got the resolution he needed. And that the attitude he copied from him never amounted to anything. And all the time he could've moved on, he didn't.

[@blondefisk]

Line of the season : 'It's Dystopian Butter?' Best Episode is Ice Chips

[@123laurag]

LOVE this analysis - you have a talent for somehow articulating how I responded to this season but couldn't put into words, I love your other videos but this one felt absolutely spot on, thank you for doing it.

[@Keesha_Hardy]

The interesting thing is that Sydney & Richie are the only ones who aren't focusing on Claire like the rest. Richie does bring her up, unfortunately, to hurt Carmy & regrets it. He even admits that it was low to bring her up in S3E2.

[@laurengin4581]

the Bear is the most naturalistic TV since Friday Night Lights. The first episode was a film. Like a Terence Malick beauty. I think its amazing and beautiful and I cant understand any gripes. I watched eight episodes and was mesmerized. Tina's episode is the most sympathetic and detailed inquiry into the lives of working class people. America is class blind these presentations are so real. I am concerned about Carmy is he doesn't get help he's on his way to kitchen tyranny.

[@juicebox630]

I think I’ve just been in too many fandom spaces but i never realized how anti-shipping people are. Like I come from shows where 2 people breathe next to eachother once and theres at least 20 fics about them. Or even NO interaction, but the IDEA of them interacting is interesting for a ship. So its weird seeing such vitriol about it

[@remlin1031]

YESS thank you for talking about the syd and carmy shipping it makes no sense to me. i just don’t see how people see any romantic chemistry or tension between them. i read sydney’s anger at him when talking about claire as her anxiety around the restaurant and carmy not being the right person to be doing this with not jealousy

[@jackmoroney00]

I agree with a lot of what you're saying here, very comprehensive. Was just going to say in episode 3 it's mentioned that multiple months have passed since the restaurant has been open after the montage. This could be why the kitchen suddenly feels more against carmy as its the first time we see the kitchen in full effect this season.

[@iseemelanie]

I totally agree with you regarding shipping between Carmy and Sydney. I have no idea why anyone thinks they should be together at all. Carmy has been disappointing her this whole series in one way or the other.

[@the_nikster1]

omg, your take on Claire's response to Carmy in the walk-in is so spot-on! she handled that so poorly. I never disliked her character in season 2, but to see her just completely ignore Carmy trying to talk to her about the situation is just so disappointing and childish. I also never realized that nobody really checked in with Carmy after the walk-in incident, except for Tina right before the Claire situation. that explains a lot. btw, the point of the story Claire told Carmy was that sometimes in life, we don't realize we're in pain until much later, after the trauma that caused it has come and gone. it was a parallel to what Carmy has been going through since we met him; not dealing with his emotions and not even realizing how much pain the trauma of losing his brother and the trauma he'd gone through with Chef David had caused him. as for the season as whole, I was so confused when I finished the season and went online to see people saying they hated it. the season left me devastated and raw and I absolutely loved it. while I can see the criticisms, part of me feels like those moments are meant to make us feel like something was off because it is. everybody is off their game and this season feels like the storm before the calm of season 4.

[@caibleadh]

I was down for sydcarm because I thought that if the show wanted them to grow up, work past their issues, and become better people for each other, that would make for an interesting couple! This isn't to discredit their individual character work, but I do find the inherent narrative of trying to help yourself for the people you care about to be very romantic. That said, I have no qualms if they decided to cut the breaks on that or go another way with them entirely. It's not the only reason I watch The Bear in the slightest - it's just that compared to some of the other actual romances I've seen on the show (and tbh, I'm just a hard sell for romance plots in general), they had the chance to be very compelling as a potential slow burn.

[@caibleadh]

Also, glad to see another Ice Chips appreciator! I definitely agree that Sugar and Donna deserved a full episode to work through their issues, and having also known people with mothers exactly like that, she felt very real and believable. Also I think people are underselling the fact that the long drawn-out ness of this scene is intentional. Childbirth sucks and takes a very long time for most people, and we're meant to feel the same claustrophobic panic that Sugar's struggling to fight off as she goes through that with her mom in the room. It's completely earned in my opinion!

[@catherinewu8248]

I agree so whole heartedly that ice chips was the best episode. Just amazing writing and portrayals of such a complex mother daughter relationship

[@NISSANZ33]

Wow that was my worst episode.

[@snakey973]

I thought the thord season was the best season - i dont get why people are saying its not. The character development and intercharacter developement is SO GOOD. It did drag a little more in parts but I didnt think it was major. Carmi has basically become Donna where people are afraid of him and dont want his bad energy around, -as happens so much in dysfunctional families. He is repeating the behaviors in a slightly different way

[@bellareid3488]

I agree about Carmy and Sydney, but I felt palpable chemistry in that scene in 2 where they fix the table together. It's a weird one. They clearly love each other but it's about the work and respect they have for each other

[@the_nikster1]

yes. I think the issue is that some people mix up romantic chemistry with platonic chemistry. they had plenty of chemistry in that scene but it was far from romantic. we just don't have enough representation of men and women in close platonic relationships on tv. I was so happy to see that in this show!

[@luciennedespota909]

This season is a set up for something really big happening next. Serious funding problems and profitability are becoming more obvious. Thinking Carmy may just shut this one down and eventually open up a less stressful/less fancy restaurant that is more his, as he continues to evolve personally. Also what is it about successful series that start out with humor and then become more and more serious as they become more and more self conscious. Humor is so powerful! (Similar to Grey's Anatomy). Not at all funny anymore. Thanks for this vid!

[@apal4u]

Truly enjoyed episode 1 of this season. It def gives more color to Carmy since he is a character who has so much going on internally. As you said, given we don’t get much more from him this season than being an anxious hot head, it was nice to have. Plus the score and pacing of shots and interconnecting them with scenes that would show up later in the season made for a pleasant intro to the season which had previously left on such an explosive S2 finale.

[@blondefisk]

Is S3 intentionally awhole representative of Carmy .... The show hasn't bought into its hype... Carmy has bought into his hype. He has forgotten how food is fundamentally 'Family meal'. The restaurant used to be the 'Beef'.. Food.. Now it's 'The Bear'... We don't eat bear, bears are hunters, massive, frightening.. (Are) we getting commentary on the elevation of people as Auteur, even within themselves. Have so many thoughts, especially with you bringing up Succession. Cant ignore how much you said 'overbearing', how instinctual that seems... I love how fitting that is... Carmy, The Bear, is destroying himself by being The Bear and disassociating from his humanity. He is confusing his mal adaptive coping skills for healing, health, acceptance and control. Have many thoughts. Also can the writers actually write Claire... She is a Manic Pixie Dream Girl just dialed down. All the staff (and they are staff, can we remember that) at the restaurant want Carmy with Claire because she is good for him. But WTF, he is not good for her! They cant pretend that others know and care for her but want them together. They are compatible but not ready. It's so bad being with someone ( esp as a woman) because you are good for them, and end up being responsible for their healing in a very one lane road way.

[@calebalwayswill7423]

Claire DID get clarification from Carm about how much he meant it. To her, he made the answer loud and clear when he chose to NEVER reach out to her after that. You don't have to believe your partner truly meant what they said for your feelings to still get hurt. She was probably waiting for the reassurance that never came

[@ny2phillyholloway592]

I thought episode 4 The napkin was 100% perfection with it's subtle brilliance!!

[@highwind1991]

The cracks really did start to show this season, but I still think that it's a very, very good season of television with masterful highs. I still loved most of the episodes and even the episodes that were probably the weakest that the show had so far still had great elements to them. I'm curious how season 4 chooses to follow this up, especially since it might be the final season.

[@someguythatdoesstuff7658]

To me, the final episode is about Carmy confronting and being confronted by the best and the worst of his mentors. I really got the impression that what both of them said meant a lot to Carmy and that inevitably clashing next season which is super exciting. One is a mentor who cut himself off from the world and "living" for the perfection of his art, while the other is one who is deeply connected with others and life itself. Terry messed up a lot, trudged through life, but somehow made it. The other was a monster with a perfect track record. To me, I trust Terry's word more since she herself is an excellent chef. It should be noted that she closed the Ever willingly without force, making it far from a failure. It was a beyond successful restaurant that simultaneously had a healthy work environment, something Carmy won't get if he took the word of tall glasses man.

[@wichothecreecho]

I’m starting to feel bad for the Claire hate. I actually completely disagree with your take on the scars scene with her and Carmy, I thought it was quite nice. Not only was it an allegory for Carmy’s pain not being fully realized but it was a good moment that showed Carmy’s listening and attentiveness. If you know anyone that works in medicine you know that making mistakes in that field be some of the most heart stopping, gut wrenching feelings that stick with you for years. The fact that Claire had someone to talk to about it was nice to see but it just sucks that so many people look past that simply because they don’t like her. I found it perfectly believable as I’ve had a similar experience that I was able to open up to with my current partner. I’m rooting for Carmy and Claire!

[@rachelm.3173]

I just finished episode 5. So far...my two grips about this season is the forcing Claire down our throats, and too much of the Fak brothers. The brothers remind me of the Two Stooges and it's tired.

[@flannelsaurus]

I absolutely loved ep1 of s3 as well. An absolute tone poem.

[@alecadabra_]

I might just be blinded by my love for this show, but this was my favorite season yet. I don’t think I have any complaints at all, aside from some of the humor just not landing

[@benjaminz2523]

You have terrible taste.

[@magnenoalex2]

​@@benjaminz2523 Art is subjective

[@kwk111]

I genuinely do not understand why Claire got so upset.

[@oakerz-]

Completely agree with your stance on Sydney/Carmy relationship. I literally NEVER saw it that way from the show until I saw it online. Like what show are yall watching??

[@the_nikster1]

agreed! not once did I feel any type of romantic chemistry between them and I was so confused when I saw it online. Season 3 solidified for me that they are more like siblings than romantically attracted to each other.

[@CarmellaASMR]

YESSS THANK YOU! can’t wait to watch when I finish the season!!!

[@felicialewis7969]

Minute 16...he is...he intentionally tried to break down Richie and Sydney broke down and had several what appeared to be anxiety attacks over his behavior. He is already there it seems

[@joshadams1551]

I would love for you to do a retrospective review on the first two seasons!

[@blondefisk]

Good morning from New Zealand Boom first! (maybe) Haven't watched the video yet but about to settle in with cuppa, fold laundry and watch. Always look forward your readings of film, TV and reality shows. Thank you for being part of my parasocial circle of friends ( with Alt Swift X, Glidus, and Hello Future me). So curious for being able to read the titles on the bookshelf. Aroha to you and your partner

[@Keesha_Hardy]

I disagree about S3E10. I don’t think those flashbacks are about showing us how bad or evil the chef is, I think it’s about what’s going on in Carmy’s mind in that moment.

[@Bren]

UM, HELLO, CARMY NEEDS TO CALL CLAIRE!!!!!!! Why is it on her to contact him? She literally tells the guys at the hospital, “well he hasn’t called me.” She would totally hear him out, but he needs to reach out to her after what he said. This is so not Claire’s fault. Carmy calls Richie to apologize but not Claire. Come ON!!! THIS IS CARMYS FAULT CLAIRE IS IN THE RIGHT HERE. Do you seriously think that after he said all those horrible things about their relationship, that she is the one who is supposed to call him? Hell no. Even if it is understandable he was having a breakdown, he needs to be the one to call her and apologize.

[@marshallstannus]

Tbh I think they’re done, I don’t think he should call her, I don’t think she should call him However I do think there was a lack of understanding on her part for sure and the fact she’s running around misquoting him feels a bit 🤨 In saying all that yeah if they wanna reconnect he should probably be the one to call? I guess but like why would he want to imo

[@cla4332]

I love Clairebear slander. Thank you!!!! She is the WORST love interest. So boring. So bland. Completely useless to the story imo.

[@medea7197]

i find the negativity towards claire so interesting, and i‘m not her biggest fan. but i wonder if part of it is because she‘s not a fixer, something we often expect of female love interests. (not an accusation, just a thought)

[@ilovetofu2016]

excellent excellent analysis

[@kaiwancallender2761]

I think this is the road to becoming a fancy restaurant they put on Covid preferences in that restaurant

[@ladb9145]

I dont care for Claire🤦🏾‍♀️

[@gnocchi5326]

These comments on Claire are so on point my gods. It feels like she is just filling the trope of "supportive partner that is so perfect because they are so kind and understanding" whose only part in the story is giving up on carmy and creating additional tension. Not to say people like that don't exist, but she doesn't step away from this (somewhat outdated tbh) trope and feels separated from the rest of the cast. Hopefully in the future she would be a more fleshed out character instead of a cool girl cardboard we are given right now

[@djtyshon]

I completely agree. I think the show looks great, sounds great and is well acted. But they wasted 10 eps on not developing most of their characters. I wished Sydney told Carmy about the job and about how she was feeling

[@milosradmilac8911]

To me Ice Chips is an excellent episode, BUT it feels slightly out of place? Like a standalone 'special' would be perfect, but as part of an overall narrative it didn't belong. Performances are awesome, and pacing as well- it DID NOT feel like 40 minute episode, but a 10-15 minute one. It builds the relationship between the two characters and well... progresses Sugar as well (not just because of the birth, but overall). And it's a conversation basically. But if you cut it out... would much be missing? Modify things slightly and you wouldn't miss a beat.

[@lanyap5669]

Claire is a device, not a well drawn character. Also, MPDG.

[@may.k_me]

You talked briefly about the scene between Richie and his ex-wife's fiance but you didn't clock that it was Josh Hartnett?

[@marshallstannus]

I did notice! Just didn’t think to mention ☺️

[@charmsz566]

there were way too many shots of just looooong pensive looks that could have conveyed the emotion/tension/message of the scene in half the time. I think long scenes that make the viewer feel uncomfortable are a useful tool in storytelling but these were not only uncomfortable but felt like i was wasting time and missing out on plot development. still -- excellent show. just wished the pace advanced a little more.

[@kaiwancallender2761]

I’m only two episodes in to the season and I’ve never really liked it the bear it seems like a really carbon copy of another show that was back but I’m trying, but it seems like it showing different thing

[@SL-eh6hp]

3rd season is classic writers' arrogant self-absorption following kudos from previous work. It's boring, predictable, exaggerated drama. Did The Bear lose their good writers from seasons 1 & 2?

[@ReaperRells]

the show is woefully overrated altogether. All this anxiety that people speak of is literally nothing. No plot. Character development is meh. And this is for all three seasons.

[@jddz238]

really over "bear"ing at times

[@kaiwancallender2761]

I’m halfway done with season three of disliking. It does show the struggle back in a restaurant and show the struggle on the farm being affected by Joe Biden

[@benjaminz2523]

Season 3 is NOT great. Stop lying. It's terrible.