Season 3 of The Bear builds up to a significant moment – the restaurant’s first major review. The foundation for this moment is set early on in the season with the Fak brothers’ project to track down every Chicago-based restaurant critic, blogger, and influencer. However, the timing of this project proves to be too late as by the end of the episode, it is revealed that The Bear is being reviewed by the Chicago Tribune. This review hangs over both Carmy and Syd’s heads both personally and professionally, as the outcome could make or break the restaurant.
The review from the Chicago Tribune holds significant weight as it could potentially impact the future of the restaurant. Uncle Jimmy, the biggest investor, makes it clear to Carmy that the restaurant’s funding is contingent on receiving positive press. The anticipation and anxiety surrounding the review are palpable throughout the season, culminating in a flurry of messages and notifications as the review is finally published. The snippets of phrases from the article appear to be a mix of compliments and criticisms, leaving Carmy in a state of disbelief with his reaction being a simple “motherfucker.”
One of the major sources of conflict in the season stems from Carmy’s decision to change the menu daily, leading to innovation in the kitchen but also creating tension with Sydney. Sydney feels undermined and undervalued, resulting in a strained partnership that comes to a head in the finale where she has a panic attack. The juxtaposition of adjectives in the review, such as “confusing,” “inconsistent,” and “innovative,” reflects this internal conflict within the restaurant and highlights the struggle between creativity and stability.
The review seems to comment on the diverse aspects of The Bear, from Carmy’s international reputation to the staff’s training requirements to the juxtaposition of a high-end restaurant with a walk-up window. The contrasting elements within The Bear create a unique dining experience but also pose challenges in maintaining consistency and cohesion. The reviewer’s choice of words suggests a complexity and depth to the restaurant that may not always be clear on the surface.
The season ends with a “to be continued” title card, leaving viewers with unanswered questions and speculations about the future of The Bear. Carmy’s expletive-filled reaction could be interpreted in different ways, reflecting his perfectionism and the pressure he feels to uphold the restaurant’s reputation. The review sets the stage for future developments and challenges for The Bear, leaving audiences eager to see how the story unfolds in the next season.