Katarzyna Petru
Review without plot spoilers
The fourth season of “The Bear” is a groundbreaking season – though not necessarily spectacular. After the cool reception of the third instalment, which got bogged down in repetitive monologues and the emotional chaos of the main character, the new series seems to regain its rhythm. It does not forgo introspection or the characteristic kitchen tension, but finally starts to breathe fully – giving more space to the team and allowing the series to stop revolving solely around Carmy Berzatto.
Restaurant as Metaphor – Once Again with Meaning
The Bear once again teeters on the brink of collapse – both literally and symbolically. Following a crushing media review, the team faces the spectre of closure. The countdown clock reappears... but this time the money invested in the restaurant, dictated by the investor - Jimmy (Oliver Platt), who no longer wants to pour more into the business. However, unlike the previous season, this ticking mechanism is no longer just a decorative element – it gains drama and directs the actions of the characters. The series begins to pose questions not only about whether they will be able to keep the restaurant open, but also why they should actually fight for its survival.
Heroes Return to the Centre
The biggest change – and the greatest triumph of the fourth season – is that the series finally opens up to its full cast. Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), who has been sidelined in many previous episodes, receives a separate storyline that not only deepens her character but also allows for a better understanding of her motivations. Importantly, this development is neither forced nor unnatural – Sydney does not suddenly become someone entirely different, but finally has enough screen time to resonate.
Similarly, Ebraheim (Edwin Lee Gibson) – previously a mere background character – now develops his own path, the significance of which extends beyond the kitchen and touches on a broader socio-economic context. Even Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), whose role previously oscillated between comedic support and being an emotional catalyst for Carmy, gains more depth – and a more conscious presence within the team.
Supporting characters cease to be just additions – they begin to be co-creators. As a result, the entire world of “The Bear” becomes less insular and more balanced.
Carmy takes a step back – and gains from it
Carmy, although still present at the centre of events, is losing his monopoly on the emotional narrative. This is a good thing. In the previous season, his breakdown consumed almost all the screen time, leaving other characters in the shadows. This time, it is evident that both Carmy himself – and the creators of the series – are learning to draw conclusions. The character begins to recognise the consequences of his egocentrism, stops being an infallible boss, and – most importantly – allows others to have their say. It is a subtle but important change that signals a potential maturation of this character, even if it does not occur in a spectacular fashion.
Less tension, more breath
From a technical perspective, “The Bear” continues to impress with its consistency of style and sense of rhythm – although the fourth season intentionally slows the pace. Dynamic editing gives way to longer takes, allowing the characters and emotions to resonate in silence. The camera – often handheld, close to the faces – follows the characters not only physically but also psychologically, sensitively capturing micro-gestures, hesitations, and tensions. The colour palette remains slightly muted, natural, as if the series wishes to maintain intimacy and realism – without resorting to televisual aestheticisation. It is still an image immersed in a specific space: the kitchen, the city, memories – but with a greater breath, a greater trust in the audience and the actors. The directors of the individual episodes are given more freedom here, and the music, as always, underscores the emotions without being intrusive – at times becoming almost absent, and when it returns, it does so with full justification.
“The Bear” was filmed in a 2.00:1 format, which gives it a slightly cinematic character while maintaining the intimacy of television. The shots were captured using ARRI Alexa Mini LF cameras in 4K resolution, with the use of anamorphic lenses that add softness and cinematic depth to the image. The visual style remained raw and naturalistic – with a slight grain, subdued colour palette, and consciously limited lighting. The series balances between chaos and calm, with the handheld camera closely following the characters, creating a sense of authenticity without unnecessary showiness.
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Not everything works, but much succeeds
Of course, there are problems. Some threads are overly drawn out, while others seem too familiar. The series can still be repetitive – certain dilemmas return almost in the same form, as if time has stopped for some characters. But this time these repetitions are no longer the only narrative fuel – they serve as a starting point for small changes. And although it's hard to speak of a grand transformation, the fourth season finally gives hope that "The Bear" will not get stuck in its own success, however...
Is it possible that this is the end of the story?
There is no official confirmation yet that this is the final season of “The Bear,” but the fourth installment clearly bears the marks of closure. The last episodes give the impression of a conscious summary – both emotional and structural. The creators gather the most important relationships in one place, allowing the characters to confront what has remained unspoken or blurred in the chaos of everyday life over previous seasons. There is no grand finale with fireworks – instead, we are given a soft landing that leaves room for continuation, but does not force it. It is a quiet culmination, where what is most important is not what happens, but who arrives at this place and in what emotional state. If this is indeed the end, it is a mature, coherent, and hopeful conclusion – without drama, but with sensitivity.
A word in closing...
Season 4 of "The Bear" is not so much a grand comeback as a quiet reset – perhaps the most mature season in the series' history. Instead of putting everything on one character and emotional fireworks, it tells the story of an attempt at collective survival. The series learns to share the spotlight, trust its characters, and let go of chaos where it is no longer needed. This is not yet a revolution – but perhaps this is how one should step before a revolution: thoughtfully, consciously, collectively. If "The Bear" continues down this path, it will not only survive – it may even surprise us.
Season 4 of "The Bear" available on Disney+ from 25.06.2025.
