The Bear Season 4 continues its acclaimed run on Hulu, offering viewers a complex blend of culinary chaos and profound character development. Among its standout installments are two distinct episodes: “Worms” (episode 4) and “Bears” (Episode 7). These episodes showcase the series’ remarkable versatility, proving its strength lies in both intimate, focused character studies and expansive, emotional ensemble pieces.
This season finds the core team still navigating the challenges of transforming their Chicago sandwich shop into a fine-dining restaurant, but these particular episodes zoom in on the personal journeys of key characters, sometimes alone and sometimes amidst a crowd.
Contrasting Scales: Small vs. Big Storytelling
The Bear has always excelled at capturing the intense, often suffocating, energy of a professional kitchen and the messy dynamics of a complicated family. Season 4 highlights this duality perfectly through “Worms” and “Bears.”
“Worms,” the fourth episode, deliberately scales everything back. It runs just over 30 minutes and centers almost entirely on sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri). Only a few other characters have significant speaking roles, interacting with Sydney one-on-one.
Conversely, “Bears,” the seventh episode, is a sprawling production. At 69 minutes, it approaches feature film length. It features nearly 20 significant characters, including the main cast and numerous returning guest stars like Jamie Lee Curtis, Bob Odenkirk, and Sarah Paulson. The setting is a large, bustling wedding reception.
Despite their vastly different sizes and tones, both episodes resonate deeply. They underscore the show’s ability to find rich emotional truth whether it’s hyperfocused on a single individual’s internal struggle or capturing the complex web of relationships within a large group.
Sydney’s Intimate Journey in “Worms”
“Worms” is a prime example of The Bear‘s power when it keeps things simple. Co-written by Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, this episode places Sydney at a crucial crossroads. She faces two pressing issues: getting her hair braided and making a major career decision.
Sydney is weighing an offer from Adam Shapiro, a former colleague of Carmy’s (Jeremy Allen White). Shapiro wants Sydney to be the head chef at his new restaurant venture. This potential opportunity forces Sydney to confront the known difficulties of working at The Bear, primarily Carmy’s unpredictable nature, against the uncertainty of starting something entirely new from scratch. Shapiro’s proposed space is described as raw potential, capable of becoming something amazing or a total failure.
The episode follows Sydney to her cousin Chantel’s (Danielle Deadwyler) home to get her hair done. Chantel, a professional hairstylist, offers a stark contrast to Sydney’s usual bundle of nerves. She is portrayed as self-assured and grounded. When Chantel has to briefly leave, Sydney is left with her young daughter, TJ (Arion King).
Sydney’s unexpected time caring for TJ becomes a quiet, poignant centerpiece. The show subtly references Sydney’s mother’s death when she was young. Her interaction with TJ, helping the child navigate a friendship problem, adds layers to Sydney’s character. It speaks to her own complicated feelings about family and caregiving, resonating without needing overt explanation.
While the day doesn’t immediately resolve Sydney’s career dilemma, it pushes her forward. Spending time with her extended family, separate from her work-focused life, reminds her of the importance of non-work connections. Witnessing the dynamic between Chantel and TJ, and later seeing her father (Robert Townsend) in the season, encourages Sydney. It doesn’t lead to a final decision, but it provides the courage to continue discussions with Shapiro about the offer’s terms.
“Worms” thrives on its limited cast and setting. This simplicity highlights Edebiri’s nuanced performance and Sydney’s vulnerability. Like a skilled chef creating a delicious meal from few ingredients, the episode turns its constraints into a strength, allowing the emotional core to shine through clearly.
The Ensemble Magic of “Bears”
In stark contrast to “Worms,” “Bears” is a symphony of characters and storylines. The episode takes place at the wedding reception for Frank (Josh Hartnett), Richie’s (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) ex-wife Tiffany’s (Gillian Jacobs) new husband. Sydney and Carmy attend primarily to support Richie through what is expected to be a difficult day for him.
The episode masterfully weaves together arcs for nearly 20 characters. One particularly memorable scene gathers 16 people — including Carmy, Sydney, Richie, Natalie (Abby Elliott), Pete (Chris Witaske), various Faks, Marcus (Lionel Boyce), and others — unexpectedly under a single table. Initially, the table seems too small, barely fitting Richie’s legs when he first ducks under. Yet, it somehow accommodates everyone comfortably. This almost magical expansion serves as a metaphor for the Berzatto family circle itself – always finding room for those who need support, regardless of blood ties.
The episode welcomes back numerous guest stars from the tumultuous Season 2 episode “Fishes,” which depicted a notoriously stressful family Christmas. While “Fishes” devolved into chaos, “Bears” navigates its large gathering with surprising warmth and emotional connection. Despite the potential for tension, especially for Richie and Carmy, the day proves largely positive for many.
Richie, dreading the event as the final formal step beyond his divorce from Tiffany, finds unexpected reassurance. He recognizes his value within the group, moving from feeling like an “isolated rock” to the “sand holding the whole group together.” His connection to Tiffany and her family, despite their divorce, underscores the theme of chosen family. Tiffany shares a touching moment with Michelle (Sarah Paulson), affirming her deep bond with the Berzatto crew who feel more like family than her own relatives. Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) assures her she’s a “Bear forever.”
Carmy struggles with the crowd and the presence of his mother, Donna (Jamie Lee Curtis), whose arrival echoes her disruptive role in “Fishes.” Richie and Sydney act as buffers for him. A pivotal conversation with his Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk) offers Carmy perspective and validation, including the powerful revelation that his late brother Mikey was proud of him. Carmy also opens up to Claire (Molly Gordon) while under the table.
Sydney is again positioned between Carmy and his family, serving as a “human shield” against Donna. Her difficult conversation with Donna is deeply unsettling but adds layers to her understanding of Carmy and her own feelings about maternal figures. This moment, combined with her experience in “Worms,” highlights her complex navigation of work family versus biological family.
Other storylines unfold naturally within the busy setting: Natalie and Francie Fak (Brie Larson) hilariously reconcile after an evening of arguing; Ted (Ricky Staffieri) and Kelly (Mitra Jouhari) exchange declarations of love; Eva dances with her stepfather Frank, supported by Richie; Neil Fak (Matty Matheson) enjoys a simple pleasure like hot chocolate amidst the chaos. Even minor characters like Frank and Stevie (John Mulaney) get moments that feel real and earned.
“Bears” is a testament to creator Christopher Storer’s direction and Joanna Calo’s script. It handles its large cast and lengthy runtime without ever feeling overstuffed or losing its emotional core. It shows the Berzatto family, in its broadest sense, offering support and finding connection even in unexpected places, like underneath a wedding table.
The Bear’s Dual Strength
Taken together, “Worms” and “Bears” represent the dual strengths of The Bear. “Worms” allows for a deep dive into Sydney’s internal world, exploring her past, her present dilemma, and her future potential through quiet, meaningful interactions. “Bears” demonstrates the show’s ability to manage a vast ensemble, depicting the messy, loving, and sometimes chaotic reality of a large, interconnected group that transcends traditional definitions of family.
Sydney’s career conflict serves as a thread connecting these two episodes. At the end of “Bears,” her decision remains unmade, and her partnership agreement with Carmy is still unsigned. Both episodes contribute significantly to her journey, showcasing different facets of her life – her roots and personal history in “Worms,” and her place within the chaotic “Bear” family in “Bears.”
Whether focusing on one character’s quiet struggle or the dynamic energy of a room full of people, The Bear maintains its signature blend of raw emotion, sharp writing, and exceptional performances. These two episodes, in their distinct ways, powerfully illustrate why the show continues to resonate so strongly with viewers, proving that its magic works at any size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes “Worms” (Episode 4) different from “Bears” (Episode 7) in The Bear Season 4?
These two episodes starkly contrast in scale and focus. “Worms” is a short, intimate episode centered primarily on Sydney’s personal life and career decision, featuring only a few supporting characters. “Bears” is a feature-length, large-ensemble episode set at a wedding, involving nearly 20 characters and exploring the dynamics of the extended “Bear” family. They show the show’s ability to excel at both small, character-driven stories and large, complex gatherings.
What character developments are explored in The Bear Season 4 Episode 7, “Bears”?
“Bears” features significant developments for several characters. Richie grapples with the finality of his divorce but finds reassurance and redefines his role in the family. Carmy confronts his anxiety and his difficult relationship with his mother, gaining perspective from his Uncle Lee. Sydney navigates supporting Carmy while grappling with her own feelings about family. Tiffany solidifies her bond with the Berzatto family, feeling more connected to them than her own relatives.
What decision does Sydney face in The Bear Season 4 Episode 4, “Worms”?
In “Worms,” Sydney is weighing a significant career opportunity: an offer to become the head chef at a new restaurant being opened by Adam Shapiro, a former colleague of Carmy’s. This forces her to consider leaving The Bear and working with Carmy. The episode explores her internal conflict as she compares the known challenges of her current job with the potential and risk of the new venture.
