Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Season 2 of The Bear.
Season 2 of The Bear is a standout in many ways. It’s challenging to pinpoint a single aspect as the best because everything is executed so flawlessly. While there are notable character arcs and comedic moments, the season’s greatest strength lies in its portrayal of masculinity and male relationships. The show manages to present these themes in a healthy and refreshing light, even though the male characters are flawed. They may scream, fight, and exhibit childish behavior, but they also strive for personal growth from various perspectives.
One particularly compelling element of The Bear is its exploration of fatherhood. The Berzatto siblings, who grew up with an absent father figure, find role models in unexpected ways. Uncle Jimmy “Cicero” initially poses a potential threat, with The Beef facing financial struggles in Season 1. However, he evolves into a father figure for the kids, offering advice (especially in financial matters) when they need it most. While he may be harsh and insensitive at times, Carmy and Sugar lack experience in parenthood, and Cicero serves as a guiding force. His conversation with Sugar about modern fatherhood is emotionally touching, despite his initial response of not wanting to have children. Additionally, his exchange with Tiffany about the banana stand and his own father reveals his wisdom and insight into the complexities of fatherhood.
Pete, a character who is about to become a father himself, stands out as a beacon of positivity and politeness amid the chaos of the Berzatto family. Although others view him as a drag, he fully embraces who he is and doesn’t apologize for it. He sees the Berzattos for the flawed yet good-hearted individuals they are, and that’s enough for him. Pete’s unsuccessful attempt to persuade Donna to attend the new restaurant launch is followed by a moment of vulnerability when he privately sheds tears (without disclosing the reason to Sugar). This demonstrates his emotional maturity and willingness to express his emotions openly. The future baby Berzatto can look forward to a great father who embodies emotional growth, setting a positive example for the family.
Emmanuel Adamu, Sydney’s father and not a Berzatto himself, is a model father figure. He is supportive, available, cautious, and proud of his daughter. Sydney lost her mother at a young age, and Emmanuel admirably raised her mostly on his own. Sydney displays a strong sense of self-awareness and understanding of her place in the world, despite Emmanuel’s excessive worrying, particularly regarding her trust in Carmy. Nonetheless, he supports her choices and gifts her a book on leadership to encourage her personal growth.
The Bear also navigates the complexities of maturing into adulthood and the varying paces at which it happens for different individuals. Carmy and Richie, for instance, experience contrasting journeys. Despite being older, Richie has always struggled with maturity and clings to his role as an adult “player” from the past. His life revolved around following his friends, leading him to The Beef when Mikey Berzatto took control. However, when Mikey is absent, Richie loses his primary source of security. Richie’s confession to Carmy that he is all he has highlights the magnitude of his vulnerability. Richie has already lost Tiffany, their daughter, and his best friend, and he may lose his place at the restaurant as well. While Carmy would never let that happen, Richie deserves recognition for the personal growth he experiences this season after training with Chef Terry. Carmy himself is a work in progress, having achieved professional success but still grappling with personal growth. He has always struggled to connect with his family, and the Christmas episode reveals his fear of commitment in his personal life. Surprisingly, he is receptive to the changes Claire introduces to their relationship. Despite Season 2’s conclusion, which suggests otherwise, it was refreshing to witness a successful man like Carmy open to personal growth.
The Bear also emphasizes the importance of positive working relationships between men and avoiding the abuse of power dynamics. Carmy’s relationships with Sydney and Sugar at work present potential risks, considering the power dynamics between a male leader and female employees. It would be easy for Carmy, if he were less mature, to take advantage of Sydney’s admiration for him, especially given their age difference. However, the show illustrates the benefits of mature relationships between men. Marcus and Chef Luca serve as an excellent example. Initially, we expect Marcus to endure a challenging apprenticeship in Denmark, but their relationship proves to be respectful and based on equal exchange. Unlike Carmy’s own apprenticeship, where the power dynamic favored the boss, Luca recognizes that he can learn from Marcus just as much as Marcus can learn from him. This relationship contrasts the common male tendency to establish dominance-based hierarchical relationships in the workplace. Luca’s perspective on cooking as a means of personal expression, as well as his willingness to learn, contributes to an incredibly positive working dynamic.
Christopher Storer, the creator of The Bear, should be commended for his skill in capturing and representing various aspects of the male experience. The series prompts constant reflection on masculinity, emphasizing that perfection is not expected, but growth is necessary. Season 2 leaves viewers with the valuable lesson that self-improvement is attainable for every man.
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Khushi Patel is a science fiction author who lives in Austin, Texas. She has published three novels, and her work has been praised for its originality and imagination. Khushi is a graduate of Rice University, and she has worked as a software engineer. She is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America, and her books have been nominated for several awards.
