This show, which there is sadly only one season so far, was so intense that we could really only watch one episode a night, and led to our return to what I would consider to be the TV viewing of my youth, where we watched more than one series at a time. As one reviewer pointed out, it is aptly named. Before I go on, definitely watch this, even if nothing I say going forward makes you think you will enjoy it.
It is so worth tolerating the intensity because it is amazing. Carmen (Carmy) Berzatto (hence ‘The Bear’) has had an astoundingly successful career as a Michelin-starred chef in New York and has returned home after inheriting his family’s sandwich shop after his brother committed suicide. Carmy inherits an ornery and surprisingly talented existing crew. They are not the least bit impressed with Carmen or the changes he tries to upgrade the enterprise to be profitable. His one new hire is an ambitious sous chef Sydney (played by Ayo Edebiri), who trained at the Culinary Institute of America and is the only one in awe of – in fact the only one who understands – Carmy’s talent and reputation as a chef.
The show, set in a busy Chicago sandwich shop, does almost too good a job at creating atmosphere. Watching it felt like being stuck in that kitchen with the cooks as equipment broke, tempers clashed, and no amount of time ever seemed enough to make sure all the food was ready for the arrival of hungry customers. It was intense, uncomfortable, and raw—-but I cannot wait for the next season to watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment