Chris Connor reviews the second season of The Bear…
The Bear proved to be one of the hit shows of 2022, depicting chef Carmine Berzatto’s difficulties adjusting to running his late brother’s restaurant and managing a talented yet disgruntled group of fellow chefs. The season ended with the closing of The Beef with the promise of re-opening a new and improved restaurant The Bear.
The hotly-anticipated second season picks up almost immediately after, charting the trials and tribulations of revamping the restaurant continuing the frenetic, high-intensity pacing and tension of the opening season but adding extra depth to the whole cast with a series of new regulars and guest stars. It’s safe to say there was a lot riding on the second season, but it delivers in spades, another spectacular meal for fans to feast on.
The performances continue to impress with Jeremy Allen White born to play Carmine, now struggling with the shift to running his own restaurant, still with frequent thoughts on his later brother Mikey. Perhaps the standout in this sophomore season is Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Cousin Richie, coming into his own with a stellar episode focusing on his time in a high-end restaurant, Richie’s development across the two seasons has been phenomenal with Moss-Bachrach capturing his fragility and growth.
Richie isn’t the only character to have an expanded role with Marcus the centre of attention in episode 4 which takes us to Copenhagen where is placed under the tutelage of a talented pastry chef played by Will Poulter. Ayo Edebiri also continues to be an integral part of proceedings as ambitious and talented Sydney, who further hones her craft across the course of the season.
Perhaps the most notable addition to season 2’s cast is Molly Gordon’s Claire, a childhood friend and potential love interest for Carmie, giving him an important relationship away from the kitchen and diving into his childhood more.
There are several high-profile guest stars including Jamie-Lee Curtis, Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Poulter and Olivia Colman but each slots into the show seamlessly never distracting from the main plot, allowing the writing and acting to take centre stage and not the gravitas of the guest actors.
Simply focusing on the running of The Beef again would have worn thin very quickly so giving viewers a fresh perspective on Carmine and his team is a clever shift in gear making this season stand apart and avoid any clunkiness.
As with the opening season there is a hugely eclectic soundtrack with everything from Taylor Swift to R.E.M, Otis Redding, Pretenders and AC/DC each song helping to set the mood to perfection.
The Bear’s second season is another stellar achievement, building on the foundations laid in the opening season and deepening them, grander in scale and yet still deeply personal, we fully get a sense of what drives each member of The Bear’s kitchen both in the midst of service and when they are away from their aprons.
It is a testament to the writing, Direction of Christopher Storer in particular and acting that what could quite easily have been a one season wonder, continues to be one of the best shows on television and goes in some intriguing and welcome directions fans are sure to lap up. The food itself continues to look stunning, and will surely make many viewers hungry while watching. Whether or not the show gets a third season, it has been a standout across the past two years and worthy of every accolade that comes its way.
Chris Connor
