Season 4 of Hulu’s “The Bear” continues to follow the chaotic, amusing, and emotional development of beloved Chicago chef Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto, played by Jeremy Allen White, as he pushes himself to confront familial trauma and resolve unanswered questions in the pursuit for success through his restaurant. 

Following criticism of Season 3’s flat narrative focus, critics and audiences alike were left to wonder if Season 4 would follow in the shallow footsteps of its prior season or rekindle the fire ignited during the first two seasons. 

In the wake of Season 4’s release, critics such as Richard Lawson from Vanity Fair, have less-than-stellar reviews to share. Lawson stated the new season “serves up the same tired meal.”

“Season 4 mostly doubles down on all the most frustrating aspects of the series—the problems that have plagued it from the very beginning,” Lawson said. 

While I may not be a renowned critic like Lawson, I enjoy dramatic storytelling and would eat anything served at The Bear. 

That being said, Lawson is far from correct. But he isn’t entirely wrong. 

‘The Bear’ first hit screens on June 23, 2022, raking 853 billion minutes viewed in its first season, receiving grand reviews from critics and the public for its raw but comedic interpretation of a restaurant workplace. 

White was praised for his grungy and complex portrayal of Carmy, a troubled and wildly talented chef. He is supported by Ayo Edebiri, who captivated audiences through her character, Sydney, a flourishing chef with a deeply rooted passion. 

Viewers are thrown into the messy Berzatto family drama and how it has affected every aspect of their lives, as the restaurant progresses from the family-owned The Original Beef of Chicagoland to its high-scale successor, The Bear.

This “dive in” plot style captivated audiences and was further supported by the artistic cinematography, a beautiful score, and a phenomenal cast that brilliantly executed even the smallest roles. 

These aspects are what I believe are missing from the latest season, but does that make the entire season a kitchen misfire?

While Season 4 does not grip audiences immediately, it outperforms its Season 3 predecessor by continuing to develop the relationship between characters while confronting internal conflicts. 

While some critics disagree with Carmy’s slow and repetitive progression, the progression of oneself is hardly ever linear. I believe the pace of Carmy’s growth balances well with the development of the season, thus continuing to support his character’s authenticity. 

Another strength of the season is the unlikely friendship between Sydney and Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, that I am not afraid to say I want more of. In previous seasons, the two struggled to see eye to eye, whereas presently they confide and advocate for each other. 

While on the topic of Sydney, I must give Edebiri her flowers. Not only is she a phenomenal actress, but an amazing writer, as proven in my favorite episode of the season titled “Worms.” 

Through Edebiri’s writing, she allows us to see the seemingly mundane parts of her character’s life and how those moments can shape her future. It is the progression of a character’s arc while never losing sight of the primary plot. This style of episode is what I believe is missing from Season 4 and fueled critics’ harshness for the season.

The episodes where supporting characters’ personal lives were highlighted are what sets “The Bear” apart from other television series. However, Season 4 lacked this exploration of supporting characters, and is what I believe contributed to the “slow” or “repetitive” nature critics believe this season exhibited.

The dedication and care to create well-rounded characters with little to no exceptions is what made previous seasons of the show unique. Episodes like these provide a pause from the primary plot while feeding audiences important information on the characters we have come to love.

If you have loved this show since the start and are truly passionate about the characters, Season 4 prepares said viewers for a potentially wonderful redirection in the series’ future. 

While I applaud Season 4 for its accomplishments, I cannot grant “The Bear” a Michelin star presently. However, I see an exciting future in the series progression.