THE BEAR: SEASON 2
The Bear is Back with a Roar
What You Need To Know
FX’s Emmy-nominated culinary drama The Bear returns for a thrilling second season as enfant terrible Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto and his sous chef, Sydney Adamu, set out to transform the decrepit “Original Beef House” into a respectable fine dining establishment: “The Bear.” Beleaguered by his distinct brand of neuroticism, Carmy fights to see his restaurant brought to life in spite of his financial troubles, dysfunctional family, and unresolved grief over his brother, Michael, the Original Beef House’s founder, who committed suicide and left the establishment to Carmy prior to season one.
Once again, Christopher Storer, The Bear’s creator and showrunner, pushes the envelope of cable television with unconventional editing, ambitious camera work, and a singularly complex antihero. Jeremy Allen White reprises his role as Carmy Berzatto, whose moniker gives the show its title. Carmy’s mental instability, established in the first season, is explored more deeply, including in a flashback episode to before his brother’s death that displays the Berzatto clan’s dysfunction in all its proverbial glory. White’s brilliant performance elicits compassion and disapprobation in equal measure, as the viewer empathizes with Carmy’s considerable struggles while smacking their forehead in irritation at his unwillingness to grow beyond them. As in season one, the writing is stellar, with Carmy, Sydney, Richie, Natalie, and the rest of the characters taken to new depths. The show’s premise is straightforward; nevertheless, the viewer is on the edge of their seat through every minute.
For all his faults, Carmy’s primary objective is estimable: to honor his late brother’s legacy by turning his restaurant into an establishment that he would be proud of. Although he is prone to losing his temper and cursing out his staff, he demonstrates time and again that he cares deeply for the men and women who share this vision, especially his sister, Natalie, his cousin Richie, and his right hand, Sydney. The bond between the four of them, and the rest of the chefs at the Bear, is essential for their mutual success and is strengthened as they learn to act selflessly towards each other. Although the series is blemished by heavy foul language, uses of the Lord’s name in vain, and a brief, ambiguous sex scene, its core themes of family, friendship, love, and determination in the face of trials both inner and outward are consistent with a moral, biblical worldview. Teenagers and adults should exercise caution when choosing whether or not to view this imperfect but artistically and morally compelling program.
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Dominant Worldview and Other Worldview Content/Elements
Family and friendship are central, characters who initially mistreat each other grow to be selfless and value one another, familial bonds stay strong in the face of dysfunction and tribulation, the protagonist’s objective is to honor his brother’s memory and make him proud with his work, characters learn to apologize and take responsibility for their actions.
Foul Language
Heavy foul language (including frequent F-words), uses of the Lord’s name in vain (especially “J---s C----t”).
Violence
Minor scenes of fisticuffs when characters lose their temper.
Sex
One brief, ambiguous sex scene where we see only the silhouettes of an unmarried couple in bed.
Nudity
None.
Alcohol Use
Mild alcohol use, no drunkenness depicted.
Smoking and/or Drug Use and Abuse
Several major characters smoke cigarettes regularly, a minor character smokes crack in an alley, but it is condemned.
Miscellaneous Immorality
Heavy family dysfunction involving mental illness and verbal abuse, characters act selfishly but mostly change throughout the season.
