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The Show Should End Here: A Surprising Perspective

Editor’s note: The following review contains mild spoilers for Season 4 of The Bear.

As I embarked on watching Season 4 of The Bear, I must confess that my expectations were quite low. Following a somewhat flawed yet decent Season 2 and an underwhelming Season 3, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Christopher Storer’s dramedy finishes on an incredibly uplifting note. Initially, I feared that the chaotic and underdeveloped nature of the third season would persist into Season 4. However, this new chapter not only elevates the overall quality but also effectively rounds out existing story arcs, offering viewers a more satisfying narrative experience.

At this juncture, it’s still uncertain whether Season 4 serves as the concluding chapter for The Bear or if more seasons are on the horizon. Regardless of my favorable impression, this series has reached a powerful and fitting conclusion. Continuing the story beyond this point could potentially jeopardize its integrity and lead to a decline in quality. Nevertheless, if this is to be the final act in the saga of the Berzatto family and their restaurant in Chicago, it couldn’t have ended on a more impressive note.

Syd (Ayo Edebiri) working at the kitchen station next to Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) in Season 4 of The Bear

Image via FX

It should come as no surprise that one of the key strengths of The Bear has always been its outstanding cast. The ensemble is brimming with charisma and exceptional on-screen chemistry, and just as the chefs maximize every moment, so too do the actors. Leading the charge is Jeremy Allen White, who consistently delivers a riveting portrayal of Carmy’s perpetual neuroses and anxiety. However, while White’s talent is undeniable, he often finds himself eclipsed by his equally gifted co-stars.

Ayo Edebiri emerges as a central figure this season and throughout the series. Although the show bears the name The Bear—which primarily refers to Carmy in its narrative—Season 4 shifts the focus to highlight that the entire staff embodies the spirit of “The Bear.” Just as every member of the Berzatto family represents this theme, so too does their extended and chosen family. In this context, Edebiri’s Sydney stands at the heart of it all. Edebiri shines with multiple standout moments, showcasing her talent both in a powerful monologue that resonates deeply with viewers and in her interactions with actors like White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Jamie Lee Curtis. Additionally, she collaborates with Lionel Boyce, who plays Marcus, to co-write an episode that emerges as one of the season’s highlights.

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Continuing with my praise for Moss-Bachrach and Curtis, both of whom have consistently impressed me in earlier seasons, they once again deliver outstanding performances. While Moss-Bachrach doesn’t quite reach the heights seen in Season 2’s memorable “Forks,” he remains a steady and grounding presence throughout the season. Richie has undergone significant transformation since Season 1, and each moment serves as a poignant reminder of both the man he was and the man he has become, with this evolution feeling remarkably organic and authentic.

Conversely, Curtis’ portrayal of Donna, the unpredictable matriarch of the Berzatto family, continues to evolve towards a gentler representation of her character. When we first encountered her, she was a dynamic force, exuding both fear and magnetism, but the Donna of Season 4 presents a multitude of layers due to both the exceptional writing of her character and Curtis’ incredibly nuanced performance. One of her pivotal scenes with Carmy stands out as one of the most powerful and cathartic moments of the entire season. What initially appeared to be a surprising cameo has matured into a central narrative element that resonates deeply with the heart of The Bear.

‘The Bear’ Effectively Integrates Its Star-Studded Guest Appearances

I’ve always held the belief that The Bear‘s guest star appearances often felt like mere stunt casting. This sentiment was particularly true during the final episode of Season 3, which showcased an impressive lineup of celebrities and renowned chefs. However, those moments frequently came off as heavy-handed when we visited the Berzatto family and were bombarded with an abundance of familiar faces. Surprisingly, Season 4 has changed my perspective.

This season, The Bear reunites the family for a significant event in Episode 7, which runs for an impressive hour and nine minutes, making it the longest episode of the season. However, this episode doesn’t rely on rapid-fire jokes or clever banter. Instead, it delves much deeper into the characters’ relationships. Moments filled with heartfelt exchanges between Richie and Frank (Josh Hartnett), a tearful interaction between Carmy and Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk), and a scene featuring the entire family together exemplify the essence of this imperfect unit. Although another big-name guest (who is Marvel-famous) joins the Berzatto family, that cameo does feel a bit like stunt casting once again. Nonetheless, it doesn’t detract significantly from the season. Storer and the creative team have demonstrated their ability to transform what initially seems like fool’s gold into genuine treasure, reaffirming our trust in their storytelling prowess.

‘The Bear’ Season 4: A Journey Towards Perfection

While there is much to commend, Season 4 is not without its flaws. It’s evident now that The Bear excels in many areas, but romance is not one of them. Molly Gordon reprises her role as the lovely and kind Claire, yet despite the undeniable chemistry between her and White, I often feel the urge to tell her to escape from Carmy as quickly as possible. There’s also some flirtation between Richie and Jessica (Sarah Ramos), but it remains unexplored and lacks meaningful development.

Additionally, Oliver Platt‘s Uncle Jimmy is frequently one of the highlights of the show, yet his storyline feels somewhat truncated in Season 4, with much of his character development happening off-screen. The same can be said for other characters like Corey Hendrix‘s Sweeps, the sommelier who struggles to distinguish a 2019 wine from one that has been bottled for decades, and Liza Colón-Zayas‘ Tina, who appears to grapple with a singular issue throughout the entire season. As for Edwin Lee Gibson‘s Ebraheim, who was absent for much of Season 3, he possesses one of the most compelling storylines in Season 4 but ultimately feels somewhat sidelined.

Of course, given the limited number of episodes, it makes sense that these narratives have to exist within their own confines. However, it’s disappointing because—especially in Ebra’s case—we know that the series excels in dedicating entire episodes to these characters, allowing them to experience fully developed arcs. It’s a champagne problem to possess an abundance of talent and insufficient time, but it remains a concern nonetheless.

‘The Bear’ Reveals Its True Essence: More Than Just a Kitchen Drama

Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) looking back at Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) in Season 4 of The Bear

Image via FX

Although The Bear centers around a restaurant and the family that operates it, Season 4 shifts much of the narrative away from the kitchen and the frenzied action. This transition not only enhances the pacing but also helps conclude storylines that cannot be resolved organically during a busy service. The show’s pacing significantly benefits when it steps outside the confines of the kitchen, allowing for deeper character exploration.

If this indeed marks the conclusion of The Bear, it will have done so on a remarkable high note. The finale stands out as a masterclass in acting, devoid of the rapid cuts or chaotic scoring that characterized the first season. Instead, it features the emotional depth that resonates profoundly with viewers. The finale is essentially an extended conversation that addresses all the characters’ grievances. For many shows, this approach might feel like a narrative shortcut—more telling than showing—but The Bear has consistently demonstrated the power of showing rather than telling across its three seasons. It’s gratifying to witness the emotional dam burst, allowing everything to flow freely.

While the Season 4 finale left me eager for more, wanting to follow the narrative of the Bears into their next life chapter, it also feels like the perfect moment for this series to conclude. Contrary to popular belief, there is indeed such a thing as too much of a good thing. For a time, I suspected that The Bear had overstretched itself after the initial two seasons, but now I am convinced that four seasons were just right. Should the show continue beyond this point? No. While I have no doubt that the performances would remain stellar and the entertainment value high, this current narrative arc has been beautifully tied up, and extending it further could jeopardize its pristine closure.

The Bear Season 4 is currently available for streaming on Hulu in the United States.


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The Bear

The Bear impressively delivers a strong Season 4, wrapping up long-standing story arcs in a compelling and satisfying manner with powerhouse performances.

Release Date

June 23, 2022

Network

Hulu

Showrunner

Christopher Storer

Directors

Ramy Youssef




Pros & Cons

  • A powerful conclusion that feels like a natural endpoint to this story.
  • Ayo Edebiri and Jamie Lee Curtis deliver standout performances with impactful monologues.
  • The pacing of the narrative improves as it shifts focus away from kitchen service, allowing for deeper character exploration.
  • Romantic plotlines still suffer, representing the weakest aspect of the story.
  • While the show leaves room for continuation, it should refrain from pursuing more seasons.

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Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.