Commentary: The Greatness Of ‘The Bear’ Stems From Learning

At its core, The Bear is a story about greatness and what it requires to reach that level. The show was just beginning to enter this territory at the end of its previous season as Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) receives an unbelievably glowing review for his restaurant. So it’s interesting to look back on the development of his character to see how that greatness was formed. Because of the show’s tension and drama, a lot of focus is placed on the negative aspects of Carmy’s personality, such as being too hard on his workers and himself, but it’s important to recognize the positive traits as well.

Although Carmy has a natural ability to cook and understand food, his greatness didn’t manifest out of nowhere. A large portion of the show, told through both flashbacks and the main narrative, explores how Carmy traveled the world to work at the best restaurants and study under the best chefs. This part of his life features heavily in the season three premiere. When Carmy has one-on-one time with any of these master chefs, the focus and attention he’s paying to their teachings is extraordinary. He’s absorbing and listening to every word, maximizing his time with them so that he may add it to his own skill set.

The way Carmy dedicates himself to these teachings is admirable and is an example of why the show is so great. Despite his faults, Carmy is devoid of an arrogance typically common amongst chefs. He certainly has his moments of cockiness, but he never acts as if he knows better than his teachers and he doesn’t have something to learn. He understands that they all have something to give to him and he is fully present and dedicated during his time under their wing. That’s an important characteristic to be admired and one of the reasons he becomes so great.

The Bear is now streaming on Hulu.