Can't "Bear" It Anymore: My "Beef" Regarding Popular TV Show

By Edward M. Bury, APR on July 25, 2024

Photo by Pete Nuij on Unsplash. Yes, this is a real bear, doing what real bears do.

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Without question, the following commentary assuredly will be in the minority regarding the subject at hand, and my thoughts may even raise the vehement ire of those who disagree with the perspectives to follow.

So, let me get right to the point: I am not a fan -- nor do I comprehend the many accolades -- given to the highly lauded FX Network television show, "The Bear."

Yes, this true lifelong Chicago guy who has enjoyed his share of real Italian beef sandwiches and welcomes a well-crafted meal at just about any type of restaurant remains puzzled over the near cultish fandom developed by the program, which is set in dining establishments, across streets and alleys, on public transit, and throughout the very fabric of the great metropolis I call home.

Again, I certainly stand relatively alone with my perspectives about the program, now in its third season. Yet, I stand firm.

The program has received many critiques praising its storyline and acting, and there are even reports that detail the recreation of recipes for entrees and appetizers prepared during this season's episodes. Last week, "The Bear" received 23 Emmy nominations for the 2024 season, and as noted in this online Emmy report, the program did quite well in 2023. What's more, local online news site Block Club Chicago published a report last week that chronicled a "travelogue-worthy sequence" of segments highlighting a wide scope of places and people that shout "Chicago!"

From another perspective, "The Bear" has amassed lots and lots of "good PR!"

Before I continue, some full disclosure: No, I have not watched every episode of the program, but I have watched some episodes in their entirety over the past three seasons. And, I do not consider myself an accomplished television program critic. However, back in the day I worked for a local public relations firm that had a number of excellent local restaurants on the client list; I've been to the back-of-the house. Plus for some 20 years Susan and I worked as restaurant "secret shoppers," which resulted in more than one hundred reviews of Chicago eateries from the high-end to the casual.

So, I bring more than just a "knife-and-fork" perspective to this discussion.

Rather than engage in a scholarly analysis of why I don't appreciate "The Bear," please consider four random bullet point perspectives:

F Bombs Away! Swearing is part of many conversations these days, and I would gather that the back and forth that takes place in the back-of-the house at many restaurants is quite on the "salty" side. (Could not resist.) But the dialogue in many episodes of "The Bear" rises to the top of the spectrum; the curse-filled segments especially take place when star Carmy engages in conversation with Cousin Ritchie ... on just about any subject.
The 2023 "Family Christmas Meal." Spoiler alert: If you did not watch this Season 2 ending episode, I won't spoil too much with too many specific details; but I found the premise -- the Berzatto matriarch becoming dramatically unglued while preparing the traditional Italian seven fishes meal -- to not only be bizarre and unbelievable but deeply troubling. Oh, then for some untold reason she smashes her car into the front of the family home! Happy holidays, indeed.
This is a "comedy" program? Yes, "The Bear," with plot lines that revolve around despair, deceit and anger and feature some characters who should be locked up or at least steered to mental health treatment, is classified as a comedy. Perhaps program creator Christopher Storer wanted to break the mold on what's considered "comedy" when conceiving the show. Perhaps a laugh track will be incorporated into season four.
What happened to the "joy of cooking?" Food that's prepped, cooked, plated, and then served encapsulates dining. A meal prepared by professionals should be an enjoyable experience. Yet, there is very little joy displayed during kitchen scenes I've witnessed. Fortunately, I've not viewed any cooks featured on "The Bear" punctured or slashed by a chef's knife.

I could continue with other aspects of my "distaste" for "The Bear," but hey, all good things -- and blog posts -- need to come to an end. To conclude my thoughts here, many aspects of "The Bear" embody what's wrong with much of society today: Outright vitriol, demeaning actions, back-stabbing, pettiness, and a lack of common decency.

Those characteristics are not what I want to see on any type of menu.