FX’s Sleeper-hit The Bear is back! Bigger, Better, and More Chaotic

The Bear Season 2 is back! But, let me start by talking this how I ended up watching this show. Last year, I randomly started watching a show on Disney+ Hotstar, and it completely hooked me. The season depicted a fast-paced environment behind the counter at a beef-sandwich restaurant in New York. For me, there is a sense of fascination for things that are chaotic, and yet somehow in rhythm.

At the same time, there was another trending movie called Menu in a similar setting, but darker.

Context

Carmy Berzatto, a reputed chef, has to take over the beef-sandwich place after his elder-brother Micheal dies by suicide. The place is in utter mayhem. They are in debt, and the staff is ill-trained and unruly. Carmy didn’t have a pleasant relationship with his brother, either. During the course of season one, we see Carmen dealing with his own emotions toward his brother, and moreover his family. The confusion and panic are reflective of the environment of the place he is trying to manage.

Writing

The writing is so solid, and tight that the tension builds to a different extreme. We can feel the pressure in the rundown kitchen. There is an episode in season one which is no cuts, hence compliments the choice of narration of the show. Further, serves as one of the finest episodes in the season. In season one, the writing mostly keeps you inside the kitchen and gives you limited glimpses into each character’s personal life.

Although, the second two are more personal. We get to know more about Carmy and his familial traumas. Primarily his not-so-pleasant relationship with this brother.

Cinematography

During the course of the season, there were numerous montages of the city, with shots from a Dutch angle. Hence, that always kept me on my toes waiting for things to go south. Spoiler alert! We still don’t know what happen to the new and upgraded ‘The Bear’ restaurant.

The tight hand-held close-ups for conversations and confrontations make it so personal. The choice of shots enhances our reception of the acting too and in turn our viewing experience.

This time there are more dishes. There are more food references. There are shots and montages of them being prepared.

Conclusion

The show is big now. There are so many incredible cameos from actors like Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jamie Lee Curtis, and my favorite Olivia Colman. The episode titled ‘Forks’ is such a satisfying watch. One of the finest.

The show is still very chaotic. But, this Carmy has a love interest. Those conversations amidst the chaotic other parts feel like such a respite, probably for Carmy’s character too. These conversations become a great insight into Carmy’s love-hate relationship with his brother. This season sort of answers the question of why is it titled ‘The Bear’. As, bears are aggressive animals but at the same time are very kind-hearted, and compassionate. 

There is a really nice interview between Jennifer Coolidge & Jeremy Allen White, on Variety. The interview is such a delight.

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