FX and Hulu’s acclaimed series, The Bear, returns for its fourth season, and according to reviews, it successfully rekindles the intense, character-driven fire that made its first two seasons must-watch television. After a perceived stumble in its third outing, the culinary dramedy bounces back with raw, riveting episodes that put chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) and his chaotic kitchen family back on track.
Season 4 finds the team feeling stuck after a less-than-rave review from the Chicago Tribune. Carmy admits his weakness for consistency, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri) is hesitant about a job offer, and Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) struggles to find the right motivational words.
The Pressure Cooker is On: A Looming Deadline
The stasis is dramatically broken when Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) and “Computer” (Brian Koppelman) introduce a literal countdown clock in the kitchen. Their ultimatum: If The Bear isn’t profitable by the time the clock hits zero, the restaurant must cease operations. This external pressure forces the team into action. Richie recruits skilled staff from the high-end restaurant Ever – Jessica (Sara Ramos), Garrett (Andrew Lopez), and Rene (Rene Gube) – to help bring much-needed order to The Bear’s operations.
However, as the season unfolds, it becomes clear that the real challenge isn’t just making the restaurant succeed financially, but whether the characters can figure out who they are outside the kitchen walls.
Time and Transformation: Character Journeys
The motif of time extends beyond the ticking clock, symbolizing a broader realization that time is running out for the characters personally. This urgency pushes them to confront difficult truths and voice long-held feelings.
Carmy’s Progress: Despite his admitted struggles with consistency and deeply rooted trauma from his dysfunctional upbringing, Carmy makes significant strides this season. He faces his estranged mother, Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), who has achieved a year of sobriety and offers a step towards reconciliation. A quiet, powerful conversation with Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk), who reveals a surprising friendship with Carmy’s late brother Mikey (Jon Bernthal), helps Carmy understand his decision to leave home wasn’t selfish but necessary to break patterns. Crucially, after a season focused on healing, Carmy confesses attending Mikey’s funeral (a long-held secret that impacts Richie) and, in a shocking move setting up a major cliffhanger, decides he wants to leave The Bear once it’s stable and profitable, seeking personal freedom outside the restaurant chaos. He goes so far as to change the partnership agreement, removing his name and adding Richie’s, leaving Sydney and Richie reeling.
Sydney’s Clarity: Sydney navigates career uncertainty, finding unexpected clarity in a delightful standalone episode (co-written by actress Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, who plays Marcus). A simple afternoon spent babysitting a friend’s tween daughter leads to a conversation that helps Sydney process her own professional path.
Richie’s Evolution: Richie continues his search for purpose, grappling with motivational speeches. Carmy’s confession about Mikey’s funeral provides catharsis, helping Richie process his own guilt over not being able to help Mikey. Richie also focuses on the potential for The Beef sandwich window, receiving mentoring that points towards possible franchising (Rob Reiner guest stars as Ebraheim’s mentor).
Tina’s Stepping Up: Liza Colón-Zayas shines as Tina, whose journey from resistant cook to Sydney’s trusted sous chef is a highlight. The season further explores her character, building on moments like her powerful Season 3 karaoke performance, which the actress described as terrifying but a culmination of Tina’s vulnerability and growth as someone finding recognition later in her career.
Family, Cameos, and Catharsis
True to form, Season 4 features a standout, cameo-packed episode centered around a family gathering (a wedding). While celebrity appearances abound (including Josh Hartnett, Gillian Jacobs, John Mulaney, and Sarah Paulson), the most impactful moments are quiet conversations that bring resolution. A tearful reunion between Natalie (Sugar) and Brie Larson as the long-discussed Francie “Fing” Fak is a payoff, but it’s the honest talks – like Carmy’s conversations with Uncle Lee and a nameless relative – that tackle guilt, Mikey’s legacy, and the necessity of addressing internal struggles. These moments serve as a beautiful complement to the show’s signature kitchen pandemonium and past family catastrophes.
Notable guest stars also include Jon Bernthal in a poignant flashback with Carmy and Will Poulter returning as the charming Chef Luca. The Ever staff’s integration adds new dynamics, even hinting at a potential romance between Richie and Jessica.
Balancing Chaos and Control
The season successfully balances fan service (like the Fak brothers’ antics and the curated Gen X soundtrack featuring bands like R.E.M. and Talk Talk) with forward story momentum. The show still delivers the exciting, fast-paced kitchen scenes and the familiar cacophony of Carmy and Richie barking orders while Sugar tries to maintain order. However, it’s often when the yelling stops and characters are forced to listen that the season hits its emotional peak.
While a significant improvement over Season 3, the show still grapples with pacing issues at times. Some tangents, like a museum field trip, slow the momentum, and the lengthy family episode could have potentially benefited from tighter editing.
The Clock Strikes Zero: An Eye-Opening Finale
The season culminates with the ticking clock hitting zero. With the restaurant not yet definitively profitable (though the Beef sandwich window and potential franchising offer hope) and a Michelin star only a possibility, Uncle Jimmy’s deadline creates intense uncertainty. Adding to this, Carmy’s revelation about leaving The Bear once it’s stable throws the future of the restaurant and his relationship with Sydney and Richie into disarray. This finale serves as an “eye-opening” look at how the series could eventually conclude, leaving viewers in suspense about what comes next.
Ultimately, The Bear* Season 4 navigates the complexities of running a restaurant while delving deeper into the personal healing required for its characters. Despite his struggles with consistency, Carmy and his chosen family make real progress this season, making the show’s return a compelling and emotionally resonant viewing experience.
