FX’s The Bear continues its culinary and emotional journey with a stellar third season that still manages to captivate from start to finish.
The season kicks off with a riveting first episode, immediately pulling viewers back into the chaotic world of Carmy’s mind. His relentless pursuit of excellence is both inspiring and heartbreaking, setting the tone for a season that delves deep into the personal struggles and triumphs of the restaurant’s crew.
One of the standout moments of this season is Ayo Edibiri’s directorial debut in the episode titled Napkins. Edibiri, who is already a standout performer in the series, showcases her talent behind the camera, crafting what is possibly one of the best episodes of The Bear to date. This episode gives us the beautiful origin story of fan-favorite Tina, whose character has experienced one of the most glorious development arcs throughout the series.
First of all, Liza Colón-Zayas is an absolute gem whenever she gets the screen time but the actress really knocks it out of the park emotionally in this flashback episode. The season puts a very clear emphasis on tackling mental health and what we see from Colón-Zayas is as good as it gets. The raw and heartfelt scene where Tina is finally noticed by Mikey (Jon Bernthal), encapsulates the essence of what makes this show so special. The authenticity and emotional depth in their interaction highlight the show’s strength in character-driven storytelling.
It is perhaps one of the most authentic flashback sequences of television that has been seen in some time.
Episode 8, Ice Chips, shifts the focus to a deeply intimate conversation between Natalie and her mother Donna at the hospital. This episode, with Abby Elliott delivering a masterclass performance, provides a much-needed change of pace. After the somewhat slower episode 7, Ice Chips reinvigorates the season with its poignant and engaging dialogue, showcasing the series’ ability to find drama and connection in the quietest moments.
The season finale is once again a tour de force of emotion and tension, tying up storylines while leaving just enough unresolved to keep viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter. The finale episode itself doesn’t quite feel as spectacular as you would hope it would (I personally consider both Season 1 & 2’s finales to be incredible), but it maintains the show’s high standards of storytelling and character development.
While the season is not without its flaws—occasionally offering up too much of its screen time or dialogue to the all-too-familiar celebrity chef / guest star cameo —it remains a powerful and engaging piece of television. The blend of culinary passion, personal drama, and intense character development makes The Bear Season 3 a must-watch.
Overall, Season 3 of The Bear continues to impress with its strong performances, thoughtful direction, and emotional depth. It earns a well-deserved rating of 8.5/10, solidifying its continued placement as one of the most compelling dramedies on television.
Rating: 8.5/10
