Anyone else watching the new season? Curious to see what people are thinking. I'm halfway through but have watched each episode twice. That wasn't by design, I'm just watching with the wife as she gets caught up, but I think it's changed my thoughts a little.
The show is different, I kind of want to say "refined", almost like a fine dining version of the first 2 seasons, much like the restuarant itself transitioning from greasy spoon to Michelin star aspirations. Some episodes were (lightly) non-linear and feature other "elevated" hallmarks like some of the camera/lighting effects or the at-times constant score.
It's very interesting but I must say, it compares very favorably to a fine dining experience. And I dont necessarily think that's a complement. What I mean is there are some really incredible moments. Some great, high quality stuff that makes an impression, like (*LIGHT SPOILER*) Sydney receiving Carmy's dish in NYC. But ultimately I'm left wanting more. Season 2 did such an amazing job developing the characters, especially Richie and Tina, and I think they're missing that this season. At least we're getting more Fak. The world needs more Matty Matheson.
Still a lot of fun, still psyched about the show and looking forward to seeing how it works out, but yeah...it feels like fine dining to me. A cool experience often worth the price of admission, but often leaves you with room for more.
Definitely not stale, that is for sure! They've done a great job not leaning on what's comfortable. I liked it much more on my 2nd viewings, I don't think I was in the best headspace for it when I watched last week.
still one of the best shows on tv. bump this when ur finished, curious re your take on the ending.
I'm guessing that's going to be the consensus. I'm leaning on that analogy but it's apt: fine dining isn't everyone's cup a' tea.
still one of the best shows on tv. bump this when ur finished, curious re your take on the ending.
Will do, also interested in uconn's thoughts
Honestly, from start to finish, maybe only like a month or so elapses over the course of the season. I was hoping for more progression.
And I completely understand and appreciate the fine dining analogy. I just don’t think that it applies in every case. I think, depending on your perspective, the show is going to hit you differently. I also think, depending on your family and the way your family is structured and interacts overtime, it’s going to hit you differently that way, as well.
In our early lives, my wife and I have worked in different levels of restaurants in just about every possible role (between us), and we are just giddy watching it. From its first iteration as a greasy spoon sub shop to the aspiring star venture, we can relate to people and situations we lived. Guessing so many of us have a take like that.
Carmy’s mom and the family dysfunction we have seen (not just the fishes episode but the thread running through it all) has to also resonate with more than just me. lol My mom passed a couple years ago but holy hell, any gathering, even casual but especially bigger full-on holiday get-togethers could really blossom into mini-Wild West scenes lol
Season 3 is really different from 1 and 2, but we love the music choices and feel they really accent the scenes perfectly, like the right spice or side in a great meal.
Love The Bear on all levels.
Oh, and we’re also about halfway through 3.
Yes
Side note, my wife just got back from Europe where she filmed at restaurants and wineries for a potential TV show pilot and it was pretty cool to see this episode right after seeing the footage as they are starting to put together. It’s pretty crazy to see how much filming is required for 5-10 second shots. She commented several times how good the lighting and angles and tension build up was with zero dialogue - it’s the little stuff like that that we love.
Honestly, from start to finish, maybe only like a month or so elapses over the course of the season. I was hoping for more progression.
This is exactly how I feel about season 3. It felt to me like it was mostly just a setup to move the story out of season 2 and transition to whatever they have planned for season 4, but not a ton of memorable moments in itself. I'm thinking of season 4 as really just the second half of season 3, which I think (hope?) is the show's intent.
Side note, my wife just got back from Europe where she filmed at restaurants and wineries for a potential TV show pilot and it was pretty cool to see this episode right after seeing the footage as they are starting to put together. It’s pretty crazy to see how much filming is required for 5-10 second shots. She commented several times how good the lighting and angles and tension build up was with zero dialogue - it’s the little stuff like that that we love.
Terrific post. Thanks.
Richie's turnaround and growth through this episode was just terrific.
But, overall, I think it gives the season a completely different feel and flow. It is almost like a season full of "Filler episodes" as my kids call them, when the episode has the characters and may be loosely tied to the main story, but is its own story on its own. Like I said, they are well done, but I have liked the episodes that have dealt with the restaurant more than the ones that have focused on a specific character.
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There was a lot to like about the season, but ultimately, I felt like not enough happened. There were at least three episodes where the plot didn't really move forward. They were mostly good episodes, but would have felt better if the season itself were longer.
Honestly, from start to finish, maybe only like a month or so elapses over the course of the season. I was hoping for more progression.
This is exactly how I feel about season 3. It felt to me like it was mostly just a setup to move the story out of season 2 and transition to whatever they have planned for season 4, but not a ton of memorable moments in itself. I'm thinking of season 4 as really just the second half of season 3, which I think (hope?) is the show's intent.
He’s had a fascinating life, one of my favorite JRE episodes. He went to theater school in Russia where he also play pro baseball, to almost going to prison for life, to getting his big break with the Walking dead. He now has one of the best podcasts in the business. I get the feeling he doesn’t want to be a big time actor, cares more about other things in life (kids, philanthropy, etc).
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Talking about Bernthal could have a DeNiro like career. He seems to me to be a very good actor.
He’s had a fascinating life, one of my favorite JRE episodes. He went to theater school in Russia where he also play pro baseball, to almost going to prison for life, to getting his big break with the Walking dead. He now has one of the best podcasts in the business. I get the feeling he doesn’t want to be a big time actor, cares more about other things in life (kids, philanthropy, etc).
His story about waiting in the holding cell, hoping the guy he tuned up actually wakes up, cuz he's facing murder charges if not. How he talked about starting to change his mindset, knowing he's gonna have to completely change who he is if he's facing life in prison...it really is one of the beat podcast interviews I've heard the last few years. Real Ones is great too.