Latest news with #CarmyBerzatto
Arab News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Arab News
REVIEW: ‘The Bear' season four is a triumphant return to form
DUBAI: We should've had more faith. Fears (including from this reviewer) that 'The Bear' was floundering after the glacial pace of its third season can now be put to bed. Season four is pretty much everything fans of the show could've wanted: tense, dramatic, joyous, thought-provoking, funny and deeply moving. And with plenty of further proof that this might be the most talented ensemble cast currently on our screens. For the latest updates, follow us on Instagram @ Season three ended with the fate of the titular restaurant in the balance as the team — led by star chef Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), his mentee Syd Adamu (Ayo Edebiri), maître d'hôtel Richie Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), and business manager Natalie 'Sugar' Berzatto (Abby Elliott) — awaited a make-or-break review in the Chicago Tribune. That's quickly resolved: Despite some highly positive comments, the review is ultimately a dud — thanks largely to Carmy's stubborn insistence on changing the menu daily; a choice that isn't just leading to inconsistent performance from his team, but in heavy hits to the budget as they can't bulk buy from suppliers. So, that old enemy time takes center stage, as financial backer Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and his ruthless cost-cutting friend The Computer install a countdown clock in the kitchen, giving the team 1,440 hours to save itself. That clock hits zero in the excellent final episode. In between times, the development of several characters' back stories that contributed to the feeling of aimlessness last year starts to pay off here, as much of the action is taken out of the kitchen and into a deeper exploration of what the show is really about: family — the ones we're born into, the ones we choose, and the ones that choose us. Once again, there's a Berzatto (extended) family get-together at the season's heart in a one-hour episode set at Richie's ex-wife's wedding. The stage is set for another dysfunctional social disaster. Instead, we get something altogether warmer but equally dramatic. It's exceptional television. At the heart of it all is the characters' continued quest for self-improvement — from Tina's attempts to improve her cooking speed, through Syd's efforts to silence her self-doubt, to Carmy's endeavors to allow emotional connections into his life and stop self-sabotaging. This season may still be a little too slow for those pining for the claustrophobic hyperactivity of season one, but the creators have found a sweet spot here between that and the stagnation of season three. 'The Bear' is back.
The Age
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Age
The Bear is back and ready to be binged. Here's what you need to know
The FX dramedy The Bear arrived on Disney+ in the winter of 2022, and unlike a lot of award-winning TV, this series has stuck to a yearly release schedule, always arriving in late June. So get ready to start hearing 'Yes, chef!' during everyday interactions. Season 4 debuted in full in Australia on June 26, returning viewers to the eclectic, vibrant Chicago food scene and the struggling restaurant at the heart of the story, the Bear. At the end of last season, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), the Bear's chef and co-owner, had just received a review in The Chicago Tribune that might determine whether or not his place stays open. But viewers still don't know what it says. They almost certainly will find out in the new episodes, though Christopher Storer, the creator of The Bear, likes to keep the show unpredictable. Here are some things to keep in mind going into the new season. Chaos on the menu
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
By taming its chaos, ‘The Bear' bravely shows us what addiction recovery looks like
In the beginning there was chaos. Three years ago, FX's 'The Bear' splattered across our screens and made it impossible to look away. The yelling; the cursing; the gravy-slopping, bowl-clattering, grease-slick, jerry-rigged anxious sweaty mess of the Chicago sandwich shop the Beef and the wildly dysfunctional group of people who worked there, including elite chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), who inherited the Beef from his dead-by-suicide beloved brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal), wowed critics and raised the culture's collective cortisol count to eye-twitching levels. Critics used terms like 'stress bomb' and 'adrenaline shot'; current and former restaurant workers described symptoms not unlike those of PTSD, and viewers ate it all up with a spoon. Season 2, in which Carmy follows through on his plan to turn the Beef into a fine-dining establishment, only increased the anxiety level. With real money on the table (courtesy of Carmy's uncle Jimmy, played by Oliver Platt), along with the hopes, dreams and professional futures of the staff, including Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Marcus (Lionel Boyce), Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas), Sugar (Abby Elliott) and, of course, Cousin Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), stakes were cranked to do-or-die. When the episode 'Fishes,' a stomach-clenching holiday buffet of trauma, revealed the twisted roots of a family forged by alcoholism — Carmy's mother Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis) — and abandonment — Carmy's father — viewers could not get enough. This being television, we knew that all the wild dysfunction would inevitably coalesce into triumph — you cannot achieve greatness without driving yourself and everyone else crazy first, right? When, at the end of Season 2, the Bear somehow managed to have a successful opening night, despite Carmy locking himself in a refrigerator and having a full-on existential crisis, our deep attachment to 'yes chef' pandemonium appeared vindicated. Fistfuls of Emmys and dopamine cocktails all around. Except being able to open is a rather low bar for success, even in the restaurant business. Carmy is, for all his talent, an utter mess, and creator Christopher Storer is not, as it turns out, interested in celebrating the time-honored, and frankly toxic, notion that madness is a necessary part of genius — to the apparent dismay of many viewers. When, in Season 3, Storer and his writers opted to slow things down a bit, to pull each character aside and unsnarl the welter of emotions that fueled the Bear's kitchen, some viewers were disappointed. Which, having become dependent on the show's stress-bomb energy, they expressed with outrage. 'The Bear' had lost its edge, was getting dull, boring, repetitive and reliant on stunt-casting; it should have ended with Season 2 or, better yet, become a movie. Thus far, the reaction to Season 4 has run the gamut — where some condemn what they consider continuing stagnation, others cheer a return to form. Which is kind of hilarious as this opens with the staff of the Bear reeling from an equally mixed review of the restaurant from the Chicago Tribune. (Shout out to the notion that a newspaper review still has make-or-break influence, though the Bear's lack of a social media awareness has long been worrisome). Turns out that Carmy's obsessive determination to change the menu daily, and keep his staff on perpetual tenterhooks, was perceived as disruptive, but not in a good way. 'They didn't like the vibe,' he tells Syd in a morning-after debrief. 'They didn't like the chaos,' she replies. 'You think I like chaos?' he asks. 'I think you think you need it to be talented,' she says, adding, 'You would be just as good, you would be great … without this need for, like, mess.' Coming early in Episode 1, Syd's message is a bit on the nose, but addiction does not respond to subtlety, and 'The Bear' is, as I have written before, all about the perils and long-range damage of addiction. That includes Donna's to alcohol, Mikey's to painkillers, Carmy's to a self-flagellating notion of perfection and, perhaps, the modern TV audience's to cortisol. As Season 4 plays out, with its emphasis on introspection and real connection, viewers might consider why 'addictive' has become the highest form of compliment in television. It's such a sneaky bastard, addiction, happy to hijack your brain chemistry in any way it can. Our collective attention span isn't what it used to be and the adrenaline rush unleashed by crisis, real or observed, can create a desire to keep replicating it. Even on broadcast and cable television, most dysfunctional family series take a one-step-forward-two-steps-back approach to their characters' emotional growth. The mess is what viewers come for, after all. Particularly in comedy, we want to see our characters get into jams for the pleasure of watching them wildly flail about trying to get out of them. Early seasons of 'The Bear' took that desire to a whole new level. But having amped up the craziness and the stakes, Storer now appears to be more interested in exploring why so many people believe that an ever-roiling crucible is necessary to achieve greatness. And he is willing to dismantle some of the very things that made his show a big hit to do it. Frankly, that's as edgy as it gets, especially in streaming, which increasingly uses episodic cliffhangers to speed up a series' completion rate — nothing fuels a binge watch like a jacked up heart rate. Like Carmy, Storer doesn't appear content with resting on his laurels; he's willing to take counterintuitive risks. As an attempt to actually show both the necessity and difficulty of recovery, in a micro- and meta- sense, 'The Bear' is an experiment that defies comparison. At the beginning of this season, Uncle Jimmy puts a literal clock on how long the Bear has before, short of a miracle, he will have to pull the plug. Carmy, still addicted to drama, claims they will still get a Michelin star, despite evidence to the contrary, which will solve everything. (Spoiler: A gun introduced in the first act must go off in the third is one of many tropes 'The Bear' upends.) The rest of the staff, mercifully, takes a more pragmatic approach. Richie, having become the unexpected sensei of the Bear (and the show), does the most sensible thing — he asks for help from the crackerjack staff of chef Terry's (Olivia Colman) now defunct Ever. Watching chef Jessica (Sarah Ramos) whip the nightly schedule into shape only underlines the absurdity, and damage, of the auteur theory of anything — greatness is never a solitary achievement. As Carmy loosens his grip, other outsiders pitch in — Luca (Will Poulter) shows up from Copenhagen to help Marcus and also winds up aiding Tina; Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) drafts an actual mentor (played by Rob Reiner) to help him figure out how he can grow the Beef sandwich window and Sweeps (Corey Hendrix) finds his own in another sommelier (played by retired master Alpana Singh). Carmy, thank God, not only returns to Al Anon, but he finally visits his mother, which allows a now-sober Donna (in another potentially Emmy-winning performance by Curtis) to admit the harm she has done and try to make amends. It is, inarguably, a very different show than the one that debuted three years ago, with far fewer cacophonous kitchen scenes, and many more Chicago-appreciating exteriors. When the long-awaited wedding of Richie's ex, Tiffany (Gillian Jacobs), reunites many of the characters from the famous 'Fishes' episode, fears about a gathering of Berzattos and Faks prove unfounded. Despite a high-pitched and hilarious spat between Sugar and her ex-bestie Francie Fak (Brie Larson), the event is, instead, a celebration of love and reconciliation and includes what passes for a group therapy session under the table where Richie's daughter Eva (Annabelle Toomey) has hidden herself. (This scene, which involved all the main characters, was more than a little undermined by said table's TARDIS-like ability to be 'bigger on the inside' and the fact that it held the wedding cake, which did not fall as they all exited, is proof that 'The Bear' is not a comedy.) Not even the digital countdown could generate the sizzling, clanking, sniping roar of chronic, organic anxiety that fueled the first two seasons. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss it — I love my adrenaline rush as much as the next person. But that's the whole point. Real change doesn't occur with the speed or the electricity of a lightning bolt; as many addicts discover, it's about progress, not perfection. Recovery takes time and often feels weird — if you want to have a different sort of life, you need to do things differently. That's tough on a hit TV show, as the reactions to Season 3 proved (we'll see how it fares when Emmy nominations are announced in a few weeks). Few series have made as large a shift in tone and tempo as 'The Bear,' but its intentions are clear. To illuminate the necessity, and difficulty, of breaking an addiction to anything, including, chaos, you can't rely on talk; you life to be different, you have to do things differently.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Will There Be ‘The Bear' Season 5? Here's Why A Renewal Could Be Complicated
THE BEAR — 'Tonnato' — Season 4 Episode 9 (Streams Thursday, June 26th) Pictured: (l-r) Jeremy ... More Allen White as Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto, Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu. Copyright 2025, FX Networks. All Rights Reserved. FX's 21-time Emmy-winning series The Bear returned this week with its highly anticipated fourth season. The 10 new episodes delivered plenty of ups and downs for the restaurant and its characters. As Carmy confronts his past and begins to rediscover himself, he makes a life-changing decision in the Season 4 finale that could change everything . Warning: Spoilers ahead. In Season 4, The Bear survives the Chicago Tribune review and the crew adapts by making substantial changes to the way the restaurant is run. While some staff members say goodbye, more effective (and familiar) ones are brought in to help Richie tighten the ship. Carmy finally eases up on changing the menu every day and commits to serving the most popular dishes consistently, making everyone's lives easier. Sydney also made the difficult decision to turn down Shapiro's offer and stay loyal to The Bear despite its uncertain future. Carmy and his mother Donna finally have a heart-to-heart conversation where she apologizes for how she acted as a mother. There's also a 'Fishes' reunion at Frank and Tiffany's wedding, where in one touching scene, everyone is gathered under a table comforting Richie's daughter, Eva, by sharing their fears. And then, there was the ending no one could have seen coming. Forbes Who Is Francie Fak On 'The Bear'—And Why Does Natalie Hate Her So Much? By Monica Mercuri Following the emotional cliffhanger that wrapped up season four, a lot of questions remain about what it all means — especially for Jeremy Allen White's character, Carmy, who is taking a step back in the culinary drama. With a major shift on the horizon, what does the future of The Bear look like? Will FX renew the drama for another season, or could this ending serve as the series finale? Here's everything to know so far about the status of The Bear Season 5, including the latest from FX about a potential renewal, the challenges of filming another season, what could happen next and more. Will There Be The Bear Season 5? THE BEAR — 'Groundhogs"— Season 4 Episode 1 (Streams Thursday, June 26th) Pictured: Jeremy Allen ... More White as Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto. Copyright 2025, FX Networks. All Rights Reserved. FX has not yet renewed The Bear for a fifth season. The fourth season earned a quiet renewal from the network in 2024 and was filmed back-to-back with Season 3. But as of June 2025, there's been no official word about a potential fifth season from FX. According to a new report from Variety , series creator Christopher Storer has an idea of where The Bear could go next in Season 5. However, the challenge of creating another season depends on 'cast availability, creative intent and network decision-making on when it can happen,' according to the publication. One of the main challenges is the availability of the show's biggest stars, who are in high demand for big-budget Hollywood projects. Jeremy Allen White is set to play Bruce Springsteen in the upcoming biopic Deliver Me From Nowhere . Ebon Moss-Bachrach will soon make his Marvel debut as Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, in Fantastic Four, followed by roles in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars in 2026 and 2027. Ayo Edebiri, who voiced Envy in Inside Out 2 , is set to write the screenplay for the upcoming live-action Barney film. She will also star in Apple TV+'s new rom-com series Prodigies and in Luca Guadagnino's After the Hunt opposite Julia Roberts. Later this year, she'll appear alongside Woody Harrelson in James L. Brooks' Ella McCay . What Could Happen In The Bear Season 5? THE BEAR — 'Soubise' — Season 4 Episode 2 (Streams Thursday, June 26th) Pictured: (l-r) Ebon ... More Moss-Bachrach as Richard 'Richie' Jerimovich, Lionel Boyce as Marcus. Copyright 2025, FX Networks. All Rights Reserved. Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Bear Season 4. Season 4 ended with a cliffhanger that raises questions not only about the future of the restaurant, but also about its head chef. In Episode 10, which was shot entirely in the back alley of The Bear, Carmy reveals to Syd and Richie that he no longer wants to work in restaurants. The conversation comes after Syd discovers that Carmy had been planning to leave after he made a change to the partnership agreement through Pete. Instead of splitting The Bear's 50% share three ways, it was adjusted to 25% for Natalie and 25% for Sydney, with Carmy removed from the agreement entirely. Forbes 'The Bear' Season 4 Ending Explained—Is Jeremy Allen White Leaving? By Monica Mercuri Carmy tells Syd that he wants her to run The Bear because she's 'everything" that he's "never going to be.' 'You're considerate. You allow yourself to feel things. You allow yourself to care. You are a natural leader and teacher and you're doing all this stuff for' the right reasons, he says. 'Any chance of any kind of good in the building, it started when you walk in. And any possibility of it surviving, it's with you… Because you're The Bear.' If White returns for Season 5, his character could be heading in a new direction as he begins to explore life outside the culinary world. This could include getting back with Claire, finally processing Mikey's death and healing relationships with his family and friends — something he started to do in Season 4. Most importantly, the next chapter could focus on Carmy discovering himself and his passions beyond being a chef. But we also don't expect The Bear to close its doors — even though Uncle and Computer's timer reached zero. Carmy promised Syd he would give his 25% stake to Richie, allowing him to have an ownership role in the restaurant moving forward. He also vowed to do everything in his power to save The Bear so they could have smooth sailing ahead. Season 5 will likely see Syd and Richie step into their leadership roles without Carmy, shaping The Bear into the restaurant they always envisioned. As shown in the final episodes of Season 4, The Bear is on track to become profitable, not just because of The Beef's successful takeout window, but also due to the significant changes made in response to the Chicago Tribune review. Marcus also made Food & Wine Magazine 's list of Best New Chefs. Which Cast Members Could Return For The Bear Season 5? THE BEAR — 'Soubise' — Season 4 Episode 2 (Streams Thursday, June 26th) Pictured: (l-r) Sarah Ramos ... More as Jessica , Jeremy Allen White as Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto, Lionel Boyce as Marcus, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard 'Richie' Jerimovich, Ayo Edebiri as Sydney Adamu, Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina. Copyright 2025, FX Networks. All Rights Reserved. If The Bear is renewed for Season 5, most of the original cast members will likely return, including White, Edebiri, Moss-Bachrach, Abby Elliott, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Matty Matheson and Ricky Staffieri. Sources told Variety that the principal cast is contractually committed for a fifth season if FX renews the show. Like previous seasons, Season 4 featured new and returning guest stars. Jamie Lee Curtis returned as Donna Berzatto, while Jon Bernthal and Will Poulter reprised their roles as Mikey Berzatto and Chef Luca, respectively. Viewers also saw Michelle Berzatto (Sarah Paulson) and Stevie (John Mulaney), along with other family members from Season 2's 'Fishes' episode. Additionally, Brie Larson made her debut in Episode 7 as Fancie Fak, Natalie's former childhood friend–turned–lover–turned–enemy. Stay tuned to learn more updates about a potential fifth season. The Bear Season 4 is streaming on Hulu and Disney+. Watch the official trailer below.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Could a Michelin Star Actually Save the Restaurant in ‘The Bear?'
This article discusses scenes from FX's 'The Bear' Season 4, now available in full on Hulu. A single seared scallop crowned with foam. A dessert of dehydrated pear, violet caramel and shiso in an edible cup. All served in an unmarked building that once housed the Original Beef of Chicagoland sandwich shop, by a chef who worked at Noma, Daniel and the French Laundry. No restaurant seems more poised to earn a Michelin star than the one at the center of the hit show 'The Bear.' In Season 4, accolades are on the mind at the Bear, the ever-evolving, ever-struggling restaurant. The staff is reeling from a mixed review from The Chicago Tribune, and money is running out, illustrated by a countdown clock in the kitchen that ticks out the remaining two months of their financial parachute. Amid a discussion of this bleak picture, the chef and owner, Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White), asks, 'What about when we get the star?' The star is a Michelin star, a mark of distinction for fine-dining restaurants awarded by anonymous inspectors. Once confined to France, Michelin Guides, owned by the French tire manufacturer, have become a global phenomenon, and the organization has awarded stars to restaurants in Chicago since 2010. How realistic is it that a star could save a struggling fine-dining restaurant? For one in its first year of operation, chasing Michelin requires investing even more money, effort and stress. 'You're trying to create a balance between what's good for business and for your vision,' said Miguel Guerra, a chef at Mita, a plant-based Latin American restaurant in Washington, D.C., with one Michelin star. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
