Off the heels of its third season,The Bearreceived positive reception as expected. However, there wassome criticismregarding its plot, with some episodes dedicating way too much time to individual scenes or not moving the story forward enough and instead focusing on past plot threads to a frustrating degree.
Set in a Chicago sandwich shop, The Bear follows Carmy Berzatto, a young professionally trained chef who returns to take over his family business after the unexpected death of his brother. At odds with many of the shop’s employees due to his culinary training, Carmy struggles to maintain order and keep the shop from failing entirely. Jeremy Allen White stars as Carmy alongside Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Ayo Edebiri.
Nevertheless, the dramedy still stands as a television highlight, in part due to the many wise and informative quotes shared by the characters themselves. Revolving around personal growth, grief, regret, and hope, these quotes have stuck out as some of the most memorable and effective pieces of dialogue in the series.
15"Are you okay?" - Natalie
Season 2, Episode 6 - “Fishes”
“Fishes” stands as one of the series’most celebrated episodes, offering a closer look at the Berzatto family during a traumatic holiday dinner. As the rest of the family enjoys catching up, nonsensical questions, and entertaining nonsensical arguments, Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis) secludes herself in the kitchen, devoting her time and energy to making the perfect meal.
However, resentment builds due to the rest of the family neglecting needs and leaving the family matriarch with the heaviest of responsibilities, and when Natalie checks in with an innocent “You okay?” Donna lashes out.
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An Unraveling That Is All Too Common
Throughout the series, there have been slight nods and comments made that allude to the treatment Natalie receives from the rest of her family, her nickname being a major indicator. However, her innocent inquiry shines a bright light on the overlooked mental health crisis in the Berzatto family, as well as the concerning neglect of the Berzatto women, an experience Natalie would come to experience herself.
14“You’re watching the fire and you’re thinking, ‘if I don’t do anything…this place will burn down and all my anxiety will go away with it.” - Carmy
Season 1, Episode 5 - “Sheridan”
Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White) experience with anxiety is one of the defining storylines of the series. An earnest and vulnerable moment sees Carmy reflecting on his mental health. In a discussion with Marcus (Lionel Boyce), Carmy offers him this statement in hopes of promoting resilience in the face of struggle, even if one feels overwhelmed.
An Earnest Examination of Mental Health in the Context of Workplace Toxicity
While this scene serves as a heart-to-heart moment between Marcus and Carmy, the latter’s response offers a raw and honest depiction of a person living with anxiety. Often overlooked, the overwhelming pressure that comes with having anxiety makes life unbearable. Balancing an admission of suicidal ideation with a dedication to weathering through the storm, Carmy’s advice manages to be both realistic and optimistic.
13"Trying to fix the restaurant was me trying to fix whatever was happening with my brother." - Carmy
Season 1, Episode 8 - “Braciole”
In another scene with Carmy and Tina, Carmy reveals that his main motivation behind repairing The Beef is due to his connection with his late brother Michael (Jon Bernthal). Michael remains a fixture throughout the season, never feeling like a crutch to help support Carmy or Richie’s storyline. Instead, the show realistically captures Michael through glimpses into the past and by way of casual conversation.
An Up-Close and Personal Glance at Grief
This quote particularly resonates beyond its illustration of Carmy’s fractured relationship with his brother. Given his history as a chef, especially considering his brutal instruction at the hands of an unnamed tyrant, Carmy’s admission begs the question to what extent is his love for cooking ultimately connected to his fractured love for Michael. If so, what does that spell out about the success of the restaurant? In a way, the show aims to answer the question.
12“The more I learn about Michael the less I understand.” - Ebraheim
Season 1, Episode 3 - “Brigade”
Michael may have passed, but he never feels completely gone. From flashbacks to his time at the restaurant and swift glimpses of his smile,The Bearnever neglects to tell his story.
In the third episode of the series, Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) and Carmy discuss him as they both attempt to acclimate to the newly implemented kitchen brigade. It is then that Carmy opens up about Michael’s tenure at “The Original Beef Of Chicagoland”. Ebraheim’s discloses his confusion about Michael’s conduct, illustrating a much greater point about the latter’s role in everyone’s life.
The Multitudes of a Special Individual Explored
The handling of Michael’s suicide in the series is both earnest and scarily realistic. Keeping up a facade of amusement kept many from learning of Michael’s struggles with finances and mental health. Coupled with societal pressures to keep oneself together for others as well as rigid expressions of masculinity, the result is a tragedy that reframes previous perspectives of Michael as simply rash as a cry for help in many ways.
11“You can spend all the time in the world in here, but if you Dont spend enough time out there…" - Luca
Season 2, Episode 4 - “Honeydew”
In the fourth episode of the second season, Marcus gets the opportunity to go to Copenhagen and work at a restaurant with Luca (Will Poulter), Carmy’s friend and former co-worker.
Between the change in scenery as well as Marcus' enthusiasm and interest in creating different dishes, “Honeydew” has been considered a delightful viewing experience by the majority of fans. In particular, many viewers gravitated towards an insightful quote shared by Luca during his conversation with Marcus.
The Show’s Themes Transcend the Culinary Arts
Luca’s advice speaks to more than the culinary arts and that is part of its unique appeal. The call to experience the world, and more importantly, other people, is not only beneficial on a personal level as it opens one up to new interpersonal connections, but said connections also inform one’s art, be it culinary or otherwise.
A pivot towards a cosmopolitan frame of thinking not only offers Marcus another creative outlet, but it leaves audiences thinking about the inspirations and exciting moments they can receive if they embrace the delights the rest of the world has to offer.
10"You ever think about purpose?" - Richie
Season 2, Episode 1 - “Beef”
Introduced as boisterous and hardheaded, Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) spends most of the first season resisting Carmy’s instructions, in an attempt to retain the atmosphere of the restaurant that he helped cultivate. However, the second season sees Richie work towards a transformation of sorts, never forfeiting the qualities that make him exceptionally entertaining or annoying depending on the day, but he ultimately betters himself for his own sake.
An Exciting Chase Towards Ambition
While the episode “Forks” documents much of his metamorphosis, this budding interest of Richie’s appears in the Season 2 Premiere. While in a rather unorganized basement, Richie asks Carmy if he has ever pondered about purpose.
Not only does this single question highlight Richie’s self-doubt amidst the many alterations occurring in the restaurant, but it also is the spark that initiates Richie’s journey of self-improvement, one of the more gratifying storylines to watch unfold throughout the series.
9“You’re Here.” - Sydney
Season 3, Episode 5 - “Children”
In one of the more tender moments of the recent season, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) and Cicero (Oliver Platt) discuss the next steps in maintaining some semblance of order in The Bear, including Sydney’s partnership agreement that has yet to be signed.
Cicero then lowers the barriers and opens up about his regret for what he perceives as not being there for Carmy, Michael, and Natalie enough. To which, Sydney retorts with a frank yet heartfelt “You’re here,” seemingly alleviating Cicero’s earlier doubts.
A Common Insecurity Addressed
While the long-winded monologues and confrontational spats prove to be moving in their right, all it can take is just two words to affirm someone. Despite the rapid adjustments made to The Bear, many characters can not help but reminisce about the past.
Approaching the issue of Michael’s disappearance and the mental health issues in the Berzatto family with a particular penitence, Cicero steps out of his usual crass demeanor. In a moment of vulnerability, he receives grace from a wise Sydney, who reminds him of his continued support for the Berzatto siblings and their current dreams.
8"Learn how to listen. You’re not gonna learn with you just talking." - Coach K
Season 2, Episode 4 - “Forks”
Considered by most to be one of the best, if not the best, episodes ofThe Bear,“Forks” sees Carmy arrange for Richie to shadow at a restaurant the former previously worked at. A fine dining establishment named Ever. During his tenure at Ever, Richie learns about the importance of discipline. Part of his success lies in his eagerness to question everything around him, even to the dismay of his newfound peers.
However, through bonding and receiving advice from his peers as well as a special message from Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, former basketball coach at Duke University.
A Universal Message Delivered at the Perfect Moment
While Coach K does not appear physically, his image and insight serve as one of the many pillars that Richie uses to evolve. Considered one of Krzyzewski’s most famous quotes, the advice also speaks to Richie’s reluctance to listen to his peers. His previous attitude could be taken at the base level, but upon further investigation, it speaks clearly to his fear of being left out.
By actively listening and getting to understand his co-workers, Richie realizes that the change he has perceived as an oppositional force could actually prove to be beneficial in his personal and professional life.
7“Having someone really, actually pay attention to you…Well, that was really special.” - Marcus
Season 3, Episode 4 - “Doors”
Marcus clearly shines as one of the more innocent workers at The Bear and, in the second season, fans are treated to a phenomenal story that sees Marcus venture out on his own in the capital of Denmark. “Honeydew” sees Marcus in a rarer form. Between tending to his mother and his delicate handling of the food he was instructed to prepare, Marcus' attentiveness demands attention from the audience.
However, the third episode of the third season sees Marcus reeling from a personal tragedy. Nevertheless, Marcus leaves audiences with a revelation that seems simple but will pull at the heartstrings of many.
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Insight Spurned by a Devastating Loss
“Doors” opens with the employees of The Bear attending the funeral for Marcus' late mother, attentively listening to the former’s speech about his time spent with her and heralding her as a genuinely sweet soul who loved to pour into those around her. He concludes by admitting that he’s never been a parent but having been a child raised in an affirming household has given him an exceptional experience that he will forever cherish.
It seems that parents have always gotten lost in the sea of responsibilities and hierarchies. For a child, that may mean being at the receiving hand of neglect, ire, and abuse. Marcus' closing statement illustrates just how powerful receiving affirmation as a child is, especially when the support comes from a loved one within a child’s community.
6“I think this place could be so different from all the other places we’ve been at.” - Sydney
Sydney enters “The Original Beef At Chicagoland” as a new hopeful attempting to retain as much information as possible about the day-to-day operations of the restaurant while also looking to implement some of her own ideas.
Despite the grueling hours and the less-than-inviting environment, Sydney still strives to succeed despite the challenges. Instead, she quickly adapts to her new surroundings, remembering that she is working towards both a personal and collective goal. Nonetheless, she and Carmy have amuch-needed conversation about mutual respect, where she reveals what excites her the most about working with him and the rest of the employees.
Kindred Spirits Connecting
Given that they come from similar backgrounds in terms of culinary education, Sydney and Carmy exist on a similar wave length. When they are on the same page, it makes for some of the best leadership decisions that an organization can see. When it doesn’t, the chaos is all the more consuming.
Moments like these, however, help ground the two in a shared appreciation for cooking, food service, and a mutual desire to provide everyday folks with an unforgettably satisfactory dining experience.
