Gritty, loud and confronting, season one of The Bear finds renowned young chef Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto leaving the world of fine dining to run his family’s popular blue collar diner.
Following the suicide of beloved brother Michael, Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) returns to Chicago to the chaotic world of the family business and a popularist, starch-based menu. Any attempts at change are initially met with hostility, particularly from volatile manager Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) who feels displaced by Carmy’s return. Staffing issues, supply issues, financial issues, menu issues, family issues all confront chef as he tries to turn the business round – and come to terms with his grief and understanding of Michael’s suicide. Personality clashes abound in the small, claustrophobic kitchen where resistance is the norm and even potential support in the form of new sous chef, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) or wannabe pastry chef Marcus (Lionel Boyce) is not always recognised or appreciated.
The fast-paced eight episodes of The Bear are take no prisoners, no holes barred. It’s a visceral confrontation of Chicago energy with its frenetic editing that adds to the emotional investment of this totally believable and authentic series.
Rating: 81%
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