Season Three of FX’s “The Bear” is a Mise-En-Place For Season Four

Season three of FX’s “The Bear” is a 10-course meal on an ever-changing menu. 

“The Bear” returned to the table June 26. The first season focused on Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto running his family’s sandwich shop after his brother’s death. The second saw the restaurant remodeled for fine-dining with help from fellow chef Sydney Adamu. The latest season now focuses squarely on the characters, putting the setting on the back burner. 

Each character’s past or present plights are front-of-house — from Jeremy Allen White’s portrayal of Carmy’s haunting past to fry cook Tina Marrero’s evolution to sous chef. The season’s switch from plot-driven to character-driven storytelling holds the integrity of “The Bear.”

With minimal dialogue, the season opener “Tomorrow” is a feat of writing and directing with its nonlinear storyline. The episode serves as both a recap of season two and set-up for the ensuing nine episodes. Focusing on yesterday’s tomorrow, the episode is a glimpse into Carmy’s mental state, his trauma-induced need for perfection and the pursuit of a renowned chef’s approval. 

The camera follows Carmy throughout the season, despite his plating precision and ever-changing menu, he is the only character who doesn’t allow himself the opportunity for growth. While his character remains static, Allen White’s (“Shameless,” “The Iron Claw”) dedication to the performance is anything but. 

Carmy’s sister, Natalie “Sugar” Berzatto breaks through the barrier of secondary characters, making Abby Elliott (“Saturday Night Live”) an unsung actor worthy of acclaim. Alongside her mother Donna Berzatto, played by Jamie Lee Curtis, Elliot leads the episode “Ice Chips” about generational trauma and her fear of giving her newborn people-pleasing traits. Elliott and Lee Curtis (“Everything Everywhere All at Once,” “Halloween”) showcase their acting prowess by developing a realistic relationship — blending the relative and the stranger.  

Sydney, played by Ayo Edibiri (“Bottoms,” “Inside Out 2”) , must decide between a future at The Bear or an opportunity to lead her own kitchen.

Sydney’s inner turmoil is a cause of being cast aside in favor of Carmy, her more privileged counterpart. The new work opportunity would value her skills and talents, but she’s found a family within the newly founded restaurant, The Bear. As Sydney weighs her options she sees flashes of Carmy’s headlines in major publications.

In the kitchen her ideas for dishes get rejected or reworked due to his need for perfection and control. 

Edibiri does more than just act, making her directorial debut in “Napkins.” The episode follows Colón-Zayas as Tina in her transition from unemployed to fry cook and ultimately her position as The Bear’s sous chef. 

The episode was near-flawless in its portrayal of Tina’s character, from her weeks-long struggle to get a job without a degree to stumbling upon The Beef. The use of a slur as a cheap way to portray the development of Richard “Richie” Jerimovich, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach was unnecessary without further critique from the rest of the characters. 

“Napkins” is a good example of diversity in media, which is becoming more common, but it’s not enough to just have a diverse story — there should also be a diverse production team. The episode was directed, led and written by women, telling a woman’s story.  

The emotional toll of “Napkins” was evident in Edebiri’s direction style. The camera to linger on a Puerto Rican magnet posted on a fridge but it was hidden from Tina as she broke down in The Beef. These small directing choices are an indication of respect, not only for the story, but for the characters and actors. 

These stylistic choices make it clear Edibiri and Colón-Zayas’ (“IF,” “Law & Order”) collaboration is a feat of a woman of color directing a story about a woman of color.

While the plot and progression of the overarching story is minimal, taking screen time to develop the series regulars without introducing new characters and sets the table for a well-layered fourth season. 

Season three of FX’s “The Bear” can be devoured now on Hulu and Disney+.