Danielle Deadwyler makes it all look so effortless, but I was really taken by the easy chemistry she had with Ayo Edebiri in their episode. It was weird how much this season felt like an echo/revisiting of previous seasons, right down to the musical choices. That said, some of that really worked- I loved the wedding episode specifically because there was an echo of Tiff being an honorary Berzatto and Syd becoming part of the family in a similar way. Also, I cannot believe how believable the evolution of Syd and Richie's friendship is- very good acting from both of them there. On the other hand, this conclusion is a bit dicey to me- it smacks of 'men will literally give up their calling and partnership in a restaurant to avoid therapy.' But I hope there's a Season 5 to delve into this further.
As a total tv nerd, I am grateful to have this space. S4 felt more thoughtful and I was practically weeping in episode 3 to see Ebrahim get to shine. But the fact that Claire got nearly as much (or more?) screen time than Tiff IN AN EPISODE ABOUT TIFF'S WEDDING is a hate crime.
After stewing for a few days, I finally realized why I feel such rage for this cipher of a character - the way everyone talks about her reminds me of all the times characters on Studio 60 talked about what geniuses the writers were and how special and hilarious and unparalleled the show was....and not once did I see evidence of this genius onscreen. Claire, as written (and as played) is a doctor with more free time than any doctor I've known in my life, and an absolutely tiresome personality. The fact that they keep trying to focus on her when there are spectacular female characters like Tina, Sugar, and Tiff is frustrating. So much time wasted.
The only solace to Carmy's departure is that maybe we won't have to see her any more.
I agree mostly here and certainly the two best episodes. I was much happier with wedding than say with fishes which just felt so overwrought. The quieter episodes here moved slowly but I was never bored. I’m not sure I like the ending here. But I could live with it ending here that said. I loved how they revealed the Marcus surprise especially. Dude is so great!
Finished The Bear this weekend so caught up on all your coverage. One minor note: in the piece on Worms and Bears, you mention that Kelly never appeared before, but she's Claire's housemate who comes to the door when Carmy rings the bell in "Scallops." And looking at imdb, she's in three past season episodes. That said... I can't blame you because my god is this show confusing with its various characters' relationships. Really wish there was like an official family tree. I was really struck how Tiffany is basically claiming the Berzattos as her own family, when in reality it's her ex-husband's fake family, not even his actually family.
the highlight of the season for me was giving Ayo more to work with because she killed it. the show tries to be unique and authentic but the celebrity cameos are getting ridiculous. this is nitpicking but the tonal shift from the end of the wedding episode to Sydney's surreal dream was jarring...why not have that at the start of the Syd-centric episode?
there are still moments of greatness or scenes that make a lump appear in your throat – Carmy/Uncle Lee, Tonnato, Carmy/Richie confession – but the magic is starting to fade.
As the season developed, Carmy seemed increasingly disinterested in running the restaurant. When he left to deliver the photo album to his mother at the end of Chapter 8, I thought he might never return. So, I thought the season did a fine job setting up its ending.
I don’t think it’s the last episode but there might be a long break (ala Ted Lasso) with the cast now getting bigger movie roles. I wish networks were just more transparent about a show’s plans instead of this unnecessary mystery.
Danielle Deadwyler makes it all look so effortless, but I was really taken by the easy chemistry she had with Ayo Edebiri in their episode. It was weird how much this season felt like an echo/revisiting of previous seasons, right down to the musical choices. That said, some of that really worked- I loved the wedding episode specifically because there was an echo of Tiff being an honorary Berzatto and Syd becoming part of the family in a similar way. Also, I cannot believe how believable the evolution of Syd and Richie's friendship is- very good acting from both of them there. On the other hand, this conclusion is a bit dicey to me- it smacks of 'men will literally give up their calling and partnership in a restaurant to avoid therapy.' But I hope there's a Season 5 to delve into this further.
As a total tv nerd, I am grateful to have this space. S4 felt more thoughtful and I was practically weeping in episode 3 to see Ebrahim get to shine. But the fact that Claire got nearly as much (or more?) screen time than Tiff IN AN EPISODE ABOUT TIFF'S WEDDING is a hate crime.
After stewing for a few days, I finally realized why I feel such rage for this cipher of a character - the way everyone talks about her reminds me of all the times characters on Studio 60 talked about what geniuses the writers were and how special and hilarious and unparalleled the show was....and not once did I see evidence of this genius onscreen. Claire, as written (and as played) is a doctor with more free time than any doctor I've known in my life, and an absolutely tiresome personality. The fact that they keep trying to focus on her when there are spectacular female characters like Tina, Sugar, and Tiff is frustrating. So much time wasted.
The only solace to Carmy's departure is that maybe we won't have to see her any more.
And she has no flaws! On a show that is all about finding a way to love people in spite of their flaws!
And now that The Pitt is out there, I have support for my critique of Claire in no way resembling an Emergency Medicine doctor!
This is so real.
I agree mostly here and certainly the two best episodes. I was much happier with wedding than say with fishes which just felt so overwrought. The quieter episodes here moved slowly but I was never bored. I’m not sure I like the ending here. But I could live with it ending here that said. I loved how they revealed the Marcus surprise especially. Dude is so great!
Lots to say, but no matter what, the acting on this show is just so so good. Jeremy Allen White & Bob Odenkirk my goodness.
I’ve gotta say - if this *is* the last season, it should have been a 12 episode S3.
If we *are* getting a S5, then spending S3 drowning in Carmy’s misery will work *really* well, for the full story of the series.
Finished The Bear this weekend so caught up on all your coverage. One minor note: in the piece on Worms and Bears, you mention that Kelly never appeared before, but she's Claire's housemate who comes to the door when Carmy rings the bell in "Scallops." And looking at imdb, she's in three past season episodes. That said... I can't blame you because my god is this show confusing with its various characters' relationships. Really wish there was like an official family tree. I was really struck how Tiffany is basically claiming the Berzattos as her own family, when in reality it's her ex-husband's fake family, not even his actually family.
the highlight of the season for me was giving Ayo more to work with because she killed it. the show tries to be unique and authentic but the celebrity cameos are getting ridiculous. this is nitpicking but the tonal shift from the end of the wedding episode to Sydney's surreal dream was jarring...why not have that at the start of the Syd-centric episode?
there are still moments of greatness or scenes that make a lump appear in your throat – Carmy/Uncle Lee, Tonnato, Carmy/Richie confession – but the magic is starting to fade.
Better than last season and some really effective moments. Carmy didn't really sell me on why him leaving is good for him or the restaurant, though.
As the season developed, Carmy seemed increasingly disinterested in running the restaurant. When he left to deliver the photo album to his mother at the end of Chapter 8, I thought he might never return. So, I thought the season did a fine job setting up its ending.
I don’t think it’s the last episode but there might be a long break (ala Ted Lasso) with the cast now getting bigger movie roles. I wish networks were just more transparent about a show’s plans instead of this unnecessary mystery.