The third season of The Bear, available on FX and Hulu, is a captivating watch, diving deep into the psyche of lead character, Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White. This season uses peas as a metonym for Carmy's quest for perfection and as a semblance of personal trauma and peace. The character's indecision is brilliantly portrayed through his relationship with these humble vegetables.
Drawing parallels with Hamlet and its fatherless figure in search of mentorship, Carmy, too, appears a lost soul grappling with personal and professional challenges. The death of his father has left him in a foreign kingdom of his own making, a fine-dining establishment that rapidly evolves from a sandwich shop, turning it into a prison of nebulous rules and unattainable aspirations.
The season offers a rich tableau of characters from Hamlet, each struggling with their own personal demons. Sydney, depicted by Ayo Edebiri, cannot commit to a partnership agreement, while Richie, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, fails to RSVP to his former wife's wedding, suggesting looming rebellion. The ghost of the series, Jon Bernthal's Mikey, lingers, and comical characters Neil and Ted, brought to life by Matty Matheson and Rick Staffieri respectively, add to the depth.
The season brilliantly portrays themes of rebirth, transition, and unpredictability, carefully crafting a narrative where life and death coexist. Its visual brilliance, aptly captured in the opening episode "Tomorrow", chronicles Carmy's journey with minimal dialogue, relying significantly on ambiance and editing to enhance viewer experience.
However, the episode "Tomorrow", which disregards linear storytelling, might not sit well with fans who desperately seek answers to cliffhangers left unresolved in the previous season. But adventure seekers might find the risks taken to unfold the narrative quite thrilling. The season culminates in a finale that is as gratifying as it is heartbreaking, asking tough existential questions.
The wait for a review from the Chicago Tribune, Carmy's struggle to reconcile with Claire's overheard conversation, and Nat's turmoil over her ongoing pregnancy evoke a sense of unsatisfactory pause, which feels both bold and audacious. The season leaves numerous questions unanswered, promising an engrossing story arc for its already ordered fourth season.
With a star-studded cast delivering compelling performances and interesting narratives, the series' rollicking run might feel a bit indecisive to some. However, regardless of whether you watch for the plot or the characters, the third season of The Bear promises to leave you yearning for more, awaiting its next expedition into the labyrinth of human life and emotions.
