Has the clock run down for the Bear? As the Original Beef crew seemingly nails their niche with mere hours ticking on "Green's" countdown, the outlook darkens. If a turnaround doesn't materialize pronto, it appears Computer and a reluctantly consenting Cicero are poised to pull the plug. Echoing the Berzatto siblings' plea, "Our mother of triumph, hear our prayers." If a miracle is in the offing, it might just arrive from beyond their ranks. We are aware that Food & Wine has dined at the Bear, yet their verdict remains under wraps. My suspicion lingers that the solo diner "Mr. Clark" from earlier episodes was, in disguise, the Michelin-starred enigma, and I await his reveal with bated breath. Moreover, there's a realm where Ebra and angel investor Rob Reiner might intervene with a beefy cash injection, keeping the flagship restaurant afloat. In a utopian dreamscape, all this transpires, and the Bear flourishes endlessly, serenaded by celestial choirs. But this is "The Bear" we're dealing with, where drama fuels the narrative, so let's see how the chips fall. Fortunately, with but two episodes left in this season, resolution is just around the corner.
One matter that no longer teeters on the brink is Syd's pivotal choice. Though she still hasn't inked that darn Docusign, she finally phones Shapiro to decline his offer. His demeanor flips from the benevolent "I believe in your talent! Ain't I the bee's knees?" type to a stone-silent reproacher. He berates Syd, fresh from a bizarre nightmare, calling her decision "truly idiotic" and accusing her of "choosing to stay on a sinking ship." While the latter may hold a grain of truth, his scolding falls on deaf ears. Syd chose with her heart, blind to any juicier, undisclosed perks hidden in that Docusign. Her unwavering loyalty to the Bear speaks volumes.
Marcus and Luca, too, exhibit steadfast commitment. Luca, initially visiting Chicago in Season 3 to see his sister, finds his time in the Windy City surprisingly enchanting, hinting once more at Will Poulter's potential full-time stay on "The Bear." Whether the restaurant can financially accommodate him now is uncertain, but should fortune smile upon our beloved eatery once more, it will undoubtedly reward those who stood by the Bear, come what may.
As Marcus navigates through uncertainty, his head slightly askance, dodging his father's presence at Lou Mitchell's and wandering aimlessly through the kitchen, his culinary prowess remains undiminished, burning brightly like a well-stoked fire. Imagine a tart crafted from brown-butter rye bread, topped with marshmallow ice cream – a delightful sin that I'd eagerly indulge in. Marcus has clearly ascended to new heights in his craft, evolving from Luca's student to his peer, and I find myself thoroughly captivated by his character development.
Richie, too, seems to be turning a corner, gradually opening up to Chef Jess. The interaction is awkward, befitting Richie's demeanor, but Jess recognizes the need to steer the conversation if she hopes to unearth any personal insights. She probes into Mikey and the origins of the Original Beef, seemingly discovering the right prompts to nudge Richie towards a heart-to-heart with Carmy. Their playful tug-of-war over straightening a tie adds a charming dimension to their relationship, and I commend the casting department for casting Sarah Ramos in this role, her auburn-haired allure reminiscent of a Tiffany figure that resonates deeply with Richie, as if she were his polar opposite yet perfectly aligned.
We've long known that Claire mirrors Carmy's fractured psyche. Despite their months-long estrangement following his hurtful actions, their recent encounters – from his unexpected visit to her place to their shared moments at the wedding – seem to pave the way for reconciliation. As Carmy calls her from outside his mother's home, ostensibly to discuss delivering a dreaded box from the Bear's basement (a nod to their shared Central Ave. upbringing), their conversation blossoms into something more profound. Claire commends Carmy for the emotional maturity it took to even consider stepping back into his childhood home, while he admits that she's wonderful, something he wishes he had said daily when he had the chance. They even share a nostalgic anecdote about a green sweatshirt Claire lost at a birthday party marred by Donna's pizza-grilling mishap, fostering hope that Carmy's suburban sojourn will not only bring him peace with his mother but perhaps also the recovery of a cherished 15-year-old hoodie.
This episode of "The Bear" imbues a sense of quiet joy and reassurance. Sweeps may not deem Carmy's wine education swift enough, but at least he no longer perceives all wines as tasting like Skittles. Tina remains stressed over her inability to expedite her cavatelli preparation, but Luca assures her to take a deep breath, reminding her that doing her best is all anyone can ask. Most enchantingly, Richie finds a way to make Neil feel truly at home within the restaurant's walls, whispering words of affirmation and barking out a sentiment that feels like a family crest: "You're beautiful," and "This is your fucking house." While Neil has often borne the brunt of teasing, particularly from Richie, their unwavering loyalty shines through, a comforting testament to their familial bond.
Yet, hearts and hugs alone cannot stave off financial woes, and the Bear finds itself mired in deep financial troubles. If justice prevails, Computer's stark, black-and-white assessment of the restaurant's finances should not be the final verdict determining the gang's fate. Cicero paces the parking lot, weighing the gravity of his decision – to crush his niece and nephew's dreams or save himself from ruin. However, I cling to the hope that he will reach the same conclusion as Natalie: that they should forge ahead because, as a family, one stands by one another, come what may.
