Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Bear Season 4. Season 4 of the acclaimed kitchen drama The Bear is now available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+. This season delves into various character arcs and themes, yet it notably leaves one of the most beloved characters, Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson), in a state of uncertainty. Fans eagerly anticipated a resolution to Ebraheim’s storyline, particularly after the exciting cameo by Rob Reiner as Albert Schnurr, a savvy business consultant. Unfortunately, the potential of transforming The Original Beef of Chicagoland into an offshoot franchise remains unexplored. Throughout the initial three seasons, Ebraheim primarily served as a supportive figure, working alongside Tina (Lisa Cólon-Zayas) in the kitchen. However, in Season 4, his pickup window and his quirky team, who specialize in selling beef sandwiches, assume a much more prominent role, warranting a satisfying conclusion to his journey. This storyline should be among the first to be revisited if there is a Season 5 of The Bear.
Ebraheim Demonstrates Business Acumen and Seeks Guidance for Growth
Ebraheim’s beef sandwich business and his delivery app, affectionately named “Charlie,” were pivotal in keeping The Bear operational, yet he has not received the recognition he deserves. As an astute entrepreneur, Ebraheim meticulously analyzes every financial detail in preparation for his future endeavors. All he desires is the chance to pursue his vision, but his commitment to supporting the Berzattos in maintaining the restaurant’s profitability hinders him from realizing his aspirations. Ebraheim is an endearing character, and as viewers, we become deeply invested in his inspiring narrative filled with potential.
In Episode 9, titled “Tonnato,” a crucial handshake agreement occurs between Ebraheim and Albert, which is then brought to Nicholas “The Computer” Marshall (Brian Koppelman). However, the lack of resolution leaves a void, as this moment is merely part of an overarching montage meant to provide a quick update. By the time we reach the finale in Episode 10, the series does not return to Ebraheim’s ambitions just as the audience’s interest peaks. The momentum built throughout the season was promising, and Albert’s advice to “Think small to get big” was a philosophy that Ebraheim could embrace, one that his rather oblivious coworkers might also comprehend.
The Ebraheim Narrative Delivers Humor and an Engaging Concept
Watching Ebraheim interact with his hilariously crude team of misfits at The Beef is a true delight. Characters like Chi-Chi (Christopher Zucchero) and Chuckie (Paulie James) constantly banter and joke around, yet Ebraheim remains focused and determined, rising above the chaos. His unwavering commitment to the bigger vision of owning his own business stands in stark contrast to the antics of his employees. As a Somali immigrant, Ebraheim’s journey to America—and his quest to transform Mikey Berzatto’s (Jon Bernthal) iconic beef sandwich into a successful chain of restaurants—serves as a powerful testament to the realization of the American dream.
If Season 5 materializes, we can anticipate a deeper exploration of Ebraheim’s entrepreneurial journey and whether he achieves his business aspirations. After three seasons of relegating him to the background, Christopher Storer and the creative team finally provided Ebraheim with a well-developed narrative arc. The unresolved nature of his story is one of Season 4’s most frustrating aspects. This cliffhanger only heightened the disappointment for viewers who had become deeply invested in Ebraheim’s journey. The narrative built up to a moment with The Computer, a character with connections to Uncle Jimmy ‘Cicero’ Kalinowski (Oliver Platt), who could potentially finance the venture, yet aside from a hopeful handshake between Albert and The Computer, we are left without a satisfying conclusion.
The Bear is currently available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S.
