Episode 7 of "The Bear" kicks off with a peek into the frenetic final weeks before the restaurant's eagerly awaited opening. As Sydney pores over Coach K's book, snippets of his interview echo through the air, urging us to embrace our mistakes, step back, and reclaim our mantle with renewed vigor. Coach K's words resonate with the importance of teamwork, mutual understanding, and the fulfillment of shared goals.
Meanwhile, Richie's fate is decided by Carmen, who sends him to what is purportedly America's finest restaurant. Richie views this as a punishment, assuming Carmy has exiled him there to rid himself of the unwanted cousin. Begrudgingly, Richie rises from his bed on the first day, his alarm clock mocking him before he can silence it. Every second spent in this glittering new restaurant feels like a torturous eternity to him.
The kitchen, pristine and orderly, is a stark contrast to Richie's chaotic existence. The words "Every second counts" are boldly displayed on the wall, a constant reminder of the restaurant's rigorous standards. Garrett, a member of the back-of-house staff, assigns Richie to "fork" duty, a euphemism for the mundane task of washing and wiping forks. Richie dreads the prospect of this labor-intensive work, which only makes it harder for him to drag himself out of bed each morning.
The kitchen's impeccable organization and rhythm are owed to Chef Terry, Carmy's former mentor. Under her guidance, the restaurant achieved the coveted three-star rating in its inaugural year, a testament to her culinary prowess. As Richie watches and learns, he's reminded of Carmy's own dedication to honing his craft and the significance of The Bear to him. This montage of Carmy's efforts to instill his vision at his restaurant underscores his commitment to the craft and the profound meaning of The Bear to him.
Richie and Garrett engage in a heated altercation, but Garrett remains steadfast and rational in his argument. He attempts to reason with Richie, explaining that the restaurant does not depend on him. People eagerly await their chance to dine there, and it is a privilege to host them and create memorable experiences. Garrett urges Richie to respect the work he does and, in turn, respect himself.
During a brief break, Tiffany calls Richie with tears in her eyes, revealing that Frank has proposed to her and she has accepted. This news seems to shift Richie's perspective. Additionally, a picture of Luca and Carmy hangs on the kitchen walls, a constant reminder of the importance of teamwork and surrounding oneself with good people throughout the season.
The following day at work, Richie finally shifts his focus away from himself. He overheard the manager informing a couple, who had been eagerly anticipating their dinner at the restaurant for years, that their meal had been taken care of. The couple's excitement was palpable. Richie is assigned to the floor duties, and it is here where he begins to excel. He carefully observes the seamless operation of the staff, their movements as precise as a well-oiled machine.
Jessica particularly impresses Richie with her ability to orchestrate the customer's experience with ease. One memorable moment occurs when Richie hears a table request a "Deep dish" pizza before they depart. Without hesitation, he rushes across the street to fetch the pizza, presents it to the chef, and then delights the customers by presenting the freshly prepared deep dish. Richie's satisfaction seems to hinge on theirs, and the joy he experiences, carrying the plate behind his back as if it's a precious trophy, is infectious and sure to bring a smile to anyone who witnesses it.
Richie has finally grasped the essence of his strengths, transforming his professional life into a vibrant journey of growth. His improved performance at work has fostered a deep camaraderie with Garrett and Jessica, fostering a sense of belonging that Richie had long craved. What's more, the former addict revealed to Richie that his past as an alcoholic had been a dark chapter in his life. However, this job served as a catalyst for his transformation, teaching him the value of caring for others and fulfilling their needs. This shift brought him a sense of tranquility and fulfillment that he had never experienced before.
Yet, this marks the end of Richie's journey at the restaurant. He confronts Carmy, accusing him of sending him there to get rid of him. Carmy attempts to explain his intentions, but his words are interrupted by the drama unfolding in the kitchen, where Neil narrowly escapes an electrocution mishap.
On his final night, Richie's path crosses with Chef Terry (Olivia Coleman), sparking a conversation that is truly surreal and deserves to be heard. They delve into the origins of the restaurant, Terry's personal transformation, and how this experience has enabled her to understand others more deeply.
Carmy's faith in Richie was the driving force behind sending him to the restaurant. And Richie, as a result, has emerged as a changed man, resolved to make every moment count.
