The Bear

Hello everyone! I’m back with another entry on one of my favorite shows, The Bear. I’ve now watched all ten episodes of Season 4, which premiered June 25 on Hulu/FX, and I’m eager to share why this season feels both familiar and surprisingly different, and why the ending has me both satisfied and wondering what comes next and a warning here, there will be spoilers.

Season 4 gets off to a great start when a critical review lands The Bear in the kitchen, setting off a literal countdown clock with 1,440 hours to make things better.   It instantly rekindles the distinct sense of pressure that made Season 1 so captivating.  Here, the focus is on the core team and their relationships rather than the guest-star gimmicks of Season 3. This change was hailed by critics.  Entertainment Weekly refers to it as a "strong return to form" and emphasizes how the season grounds its hectic energy in character development by striking a balance between intense kitchen scenes and quiet introspection.

Central to the emotional arc is Carmy’s journeygrappling with burnout and questioning why he does this job. His deepened bonds with Sydney and Richie drive much of the tension and reward this season. Sydney in particular shines: she co-wrote one episode, and it stands out as a pivotally personal, beautifully shot moment.

Then there’s Carmy's mother, Donna, with one of the most powerful emotional threads. Donna has been sober for a year, and her heartfelt reconciliation with Carmy hits hard. A kitchen-scene meal becomes a true symbol of healing and family connection 

The ticking-clock setup isn’t just dramatic—it’s structural. Uncle Jimmy installs a massive countdown timer, forcing everyone to either fight for The Bear or watch it close. This tangible urgency steadies the narrative, pushing the team to evolve and focus their efforts. Critics noted this clearer focus helped restore the show's momentum after a sluggish season 3. Variety says Season 4 “reclaims the balance between drama and comedy,” while The Guardian calls it a “more reflective, character-driven narrative.” 

That said, not everyone loved the tone shift. Time reviewed it as “formless” and notes that it occasionally feels stagnant or bogged in introspection. Some viewers on Reddit also mentioned the pacing felt slower, though many appreciated the return to character depth over guest cameos.

Episode 10, titled “Goodbye,” carries heavy emotional weight. Carmy announces he’s stepping back, handing partnership control to Sydney and Richiesymbolic of both growth and change. While the restaurant’s future seems hopeful with franchising and possible Michelin recognition, Carmy’s departure opens up the question: can the show continue without him? It ends with uncertainty, but a sense of potential 

After binge-watching Season 4, here's what resonated most: Real characters facing real growth. Carmy's seeking therapy in action, and Sydney's decision-making all hit hard. The show finally focuses on emotional restoration, not just kitchen chaos. Pressure-driven storytelling. The countdown brings urgency, but the show wisely lets characters grow under that heat. An ending that feels like both a conclusion and a launchpad. It could be the last season, or set up a new chapter centered on Sydney and Richie, with Carmy occasionally dropping back in.

So, would I recommend? Absolutely. Even if it’s quieter than earlier seasons, Season 4 of The Bear delivers nuanced character arcs, emotional resonance, and a satisfying sense of closure, while still promising future developments, depending on renewal.

I’m already rewatching parts of it, finding new details each time. And I can’t wait to see whether The Bear evolves again—or ends on this note.