I’m not a huge fan of “The Bear” in season 3, at least in comparison to the excellent season 2. But I did find interesting the similarities between the way the main character Carmy was portrayed this season and how Kafuku behaved in “Drive My Car."
Both characters reacted to heartbreak by throwing themselves into their passion projects. Carmy’s passion project is the most insane restaurant that’s ever existed. As the season begins, Carmy creates a list he calls his “non-negotiables,” which includes some completely reasonable standards for the restaurants, but also this: change the menu every day.
That’s a completely crazy concept. No restaurant can remain profitable dealing with all of the different ingredients necessary to serve a different menu daily, never mind the pressure it puts on line cooks (who in this case gained all of their kitchen experience in an Italian beef restaurant.)
But, I have to admit that part of me loves the concept. First, I’m far more comfortable dwelling in chaos than most people, so I find the idea exciting. It’s also pure snobbery, an attempt to get the attention of other chefs, and I’m ok with that too. The best part of it, however, is how it tries to cultivate obsessive patrons. Want to make sure that your best customers keep coming back? Promise them they will never have the same culinary experience twice in your restaurant.
Carmy and Kafuku both want to do something insane, and I’m onboard with their ambition. But we all know the reason why they need to do this: they’re dealing with loss. Kafuku’s is obviously tragic and I’ve discussed it enough. Carmy’s is kind of ridiculous, to be honest, but probably more common to dumb men in their 20s.
While I feel some kinship with Carmy in the way he throws himself into work to escape what’s going on in his personal life, I find his awful social skills cringeworthy. I can’t understand his inability to apologize to Claire for a full season, even if the relationship is in his rear view mirror. It’s just a terrible way to deal with someone you’ve known for so long.
I’m guessing that “The Bear” season 4 (or is it part two of season 3?) redeems this mostly gloomy collection of shows. As someone in a hyperambitious-in-my-own-way state of mind right now, I appreciated the episodes even if I didn’t always enjoy them.
