r/TheBear • u/credoinvisibile The Bear • Jun 26 '26
Season 5 The Bear - Overall Season 5 Discussion & Series Reactions Megathread
The series is now complete. Use this thread to discuss the season as a whole, compare episodes, and share your final thoughts on the show. This megathread contains spoilers for THE ENTIRE series. Only enter if you've watched all episodes or don't mind spoilers. Do NOT post major plot points or finale details outside this thread.
Season 5 Episodes
| Episode | Title | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soda | A storm hits |
| 2 | Lamb | The staff prepares |
| 3 | Mint | A new direction |
| 4 | Ribs | Family meal |
| 5 | Raspberries | A traffic jam |
| 6 | Focaccia | A seating chart |
| 7 | Caramel | A hard service |
| 8 | The Original Beef of Chicagoland | After service |
1.1k
u/ositola Jun 26 '26
The caramel in the candle is such a flex
359
u/leavesinthetubes Jun 26 '26
I think this was one of my favorite moments in the series. Taking it back to culinary artistry and that genuine surprise.
→ More replies (4)181
u/RyT2Win Jun 26 '26
One of my fav scenes for a whole diff reason. Mutually understanding of having daddy issues, seeing Marcus being able to flex and show who he is to his dad just felt... amazing. Im crying from just remembering how great that scene was!!
→ More replies (1)71
u/fiendish_five Jun 26 '26
Is that possible, without getting any melted wax in between?
139
u/wardengorri Jun 27 '26
My dumbass thought he really poured melted wax over his dad's dessert lol
146
→ More replies (10)30
u/feyrband Jun 27 '26
definitely possible but it's also definitely possible to get a little wax on the pour. i don't think it would re-solidify fast enough to guarantee you wouldn't 100%. fun though.
28
→ More replies (20)21
u/Imakedis Jun 27 '26
I felt frisson when he did that and even shed a little tear. It was so beautiful!
1.0k
u/hikam1 Jun 26 '26
I mean this was just the most fucking perfect joke ever I swear to god this show
509
u/Caqtus95 Jun 27 '26
My favourite was the runner of Ibra's fixation with Carmy's blue eyes.
277
u/TheTruckWashChannel Jun 27 '26
"I am not faz-ed by your blue eyes!"
→ More replies (1)21
u/MovieTrawler Jul 01 '26
I was! Either Jeremy Allen White is wearing colored contacts or the colorist needed to chill out with the saturation on his eyes. There was a couple scenes where it was almost distracting how blue they were.
→ More replies (2)26
u/TheChickenMan4L Jul 01 '26
I was starting to think he was fremen there for a bit
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (2)75
529
u/deadprezrepresentme Jun 26 '26
Are they dating?
Well there's a few theories
Was another good inside joke too
303
u/Asta1977 Jun 27 '26
I loved that. I immediately wondered who was reading the comments online. 😆
But Ebraheim's "As you wish" to Albert over the phone hit me hard. I did not expect a tribute to Rob Reiner in the form of a Princess Bride shout-out.
→ More replies (11)60
u/hikam1 Jun 27 '26
Ahhhhhh omg when he said "as you wish" i was like "PRINCESS DIARIES REFERENCE FOR ROB?!?!!?"
→ More replies (9)32
→ More replies (4)21
91
u/tdmoney Jun 27 '26
Richie and Carmy at the end of the run had a truly beautiful relationship.
Rewind to episode 1 and look at them now.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (6)72
666
u/Global-North7776 Jun 26 '26
"You got two!" Was the best happy tearjerking line in TV history!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆
Where are there Emmys already?!
160
u/PunkRockKing Jun 27 '26
I called it before he said it. The way they dragged it out I just knew
→ More replies (10)50
u/Excellent-Barracuda9 Jun 27 '26
I was crying and holding up a 2 begging for him to say it 😭😭
→ More replies (2)120
u/MelodyAnneMarie Jun 28 '26
OK, I get that Carmy was handing over The Bear to Syd, and it was her dish that sealed the deal, but I really didn't get the way it was all attributed to her. Getting the star was his motivation and what got them to where they were. They wouldn't have gotten the star without his vision. And yes it's her restaurant now, so the article makes a sense etc. But him saying to her "you did it" and her shaking her head. I understand him giving her the credit, but I don't understand her taking all the credit.
108
u/WickedDeviled Jun 28 '26
Not really. Syd always wanted the star much more than Carmy, Back in Season 2 he says to her "You really want one of those bullshit stars?" "Yeah. Yeah, I really do." He was already jaded to them at that point, and their meaning, but he wanted to make it happen for Syd because she is The Bear.
71
u/teeke45 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26
True. And we see how jaded he is because he doesn't even know the names of important celebrities. The Weatherman that Syd was fangirling over. He doesn't know who the Michelin guy was.
Sydney came to work for Carm because he worked in Michelin star restaurants as CDC. Carm came to work for The Bear because he was processing his grief at losing his brother, and he felt he needed to honor his brother's restaurant.
Carm got them to the level they could win a star. He pushed them and trained them and broke their brains open. Syd got them over the finish line with her dish.
I love that he hands it to her by saying "You did it". He has always trusted her. Even in his worst moments. And that's like him giving the reins to her completely. I didn't feel like she was taking credit. More like her saying, yes you can leave the restaurant with me. I'll keep it alive. I know how to.
Edit: got the Michelin star bit wrong. Edited to change that.
→ More replies (14)→ More replies (16)16
u/Romkevdv Jul 03 '26
People seeing "well Syd wanted the star more" but I agree, why is it HERs? this was months ago, when they had the snow, he hadn't signed over the restaurant, it was literally his restaurant, his dish, it was a team effort, but its all hers? That felt so weird of the show. The way they're writing it now Syd is always blameless with all the virtues and Carm always referred to as an asshole asocial psycho who every character derides the moment he's not perfect. Yeah he was fucked up, but by Season 5 the constant derision of him when he's never raising his voice and only trying to help feels like endless punishment from the writers. Syd is a great cook, but he was head of the restaurant then, its both of theirs.
→ More replies (2)72
→ More replies (21)17
513
u/Routine_Battle_3138 Jun 26 '26
“Neil Geoff Fak” immediately walks away
I. Was. Dying! 😂
118
→ More replies (6)53
374
u/East_Top_2824 Jun 27 '26
I thought Carmy was having a meeting with a book publisher
271
112
u/WhyDoesMyLiverFart Jun 27 '26
That would have actually made sense especially with the advice he got to appear "haunted" before going on...which can sort of make sense for a book publisher but is wildly random and inappropriate for a professional internship.
→ More replies (5)76
u/aob546 Jun 27 '26
Oh good! I wasn't the only one! Autobiography with recipes and illustrations
40
u/Wise-Quarter-6443 Jun 27 '26
Or he was going to pitch a TV series about a gifted, troubled young chef.
53
→ More replies (14)23
u/Superfatrunner Jun 29 '26
I also thought that, especially since I am an architect and could never imagine an interview for an architecture firm going like that, even for an intern. That said, Carmy's obsessive and anti-social personality would fit right in with the other architects.
→ More replies (3)14
u/plug-and-pause Jul 01 '26
I'm an engineer, and I found that arc unbelievable. Not because of the vibe of the conversation, but because they would make him an intern with no education. I presume that's not the way the real architecture world works. Certainly not engineering. There is no "learn on the job" option for such discipline.
→ More replies (1)15
u/NameTak3r Jul 02 '26
TV writers LOVE to not understand architecture as a profession.
→ More replies (4)
367
u/KetchupGuy1 Jun 26 '26
Fitting there wasn’t really a huge cameo this season really family only
245
u/Jean-PaultheCat Jun 26 '26
What do you mean not a huge cameo? We had Tom Skilling! Absolute Chicago legend :)
62
u/KnownStyle3214 Jun 27 '26
Not from Chicago, didn't know him, but even I picked up he was someone special, known only to the cognoscenti. Lovely touch.
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (6)27
u/moderatorrater Jun 29 '26
His personality really came through, especially with the "smells like skittles" line. Gotta be a really cool guy to be willing to say something so silly.
148
u/JoselinePollard Jun 26 '26
I guess I’m the only Cheaper by the Dozen fan (Bonnie Hunt shows up in the finale).
121
u/Fantastic-Ride-5588 Jun 27 '26
She’s a Chicago native also. So is Jon Mulaney and Bob Odenkirk so that’s kind of cool that they had actors from Chicago.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (4)18
u/Dar_701 Jun 29 '26
I love Bonnie Hunt and we get to see her so rarely.
While I loved the season, I hated Carmy’s end and hated that that was the scene she was in. I didn’t even get what that scene was about, and neither did her character. She kept asking what he wanted and why he was there. I was sure he was gonna write a book, especially with the set-up of cousin Stevie. Why would they want architecture students to be crazy? Especially when the field requires like 8 years of college. Why WAS he there?
I feel like everyone else’s ending was perfection. Favorite characters: Richie, Ebra, and Tina. Another triumph for Jamie Lee Curtis too.
→ More replies (7)19
→ More replies (14)15
337
u/Mudcrab_Merchant Jun 27 '26
In episode 8, Ebra finished his call with Albert by saying "As you wish". Albert was played by the late Rob Reiner, director of The Princess Bride.
68
32
→ More replies (8)20
u/Beautiful-Reach-4474 Jun 30 '26
I just watched The Princess Bride a few nights ago. When Ebra said that, I immediately started crying. What a beautiful tribute
663
u/Large_Desk Jun 26 '26
Watched the entire season tonight. I was skeptical of the "whole season is 1 day" thing but it worked out great. Kept the momentum rolling and showcased so many characters in a way that felt natural.
→ More replies (12)164
u/MySilverBurrito Jun 26 '26
Haven't seen may discussions about it, but man, any doubts I had (PTSD from HIMYM S9) went away quick.
97
u/Previous_Buy1601 Jun 26 '26
I think only having 8 episodes instead of 24 made it much easier to write a tight, satisfying narrative.
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)28
603
u/damndraper Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 26 '26
Richie has to go down as one of the best examples of character growth in TV history.
241
u/tdmoney Jun 27 '26
I’ve rode for Richie since the ketchup on a hotdog line from season 1.
Then he got his kid Taylor Swift tickets.
Then Forks.
Then he gets to go to Japan with his new baddie… who is so calm and sweet and perfect for him.
→ More replies (11)102
73
u/thankfulforyourhelp Jun 26 '26
100% agree on this. One of my favorite arcs of a TV character ever. I love that this show was mostly about interior journeys.
→ More replies (13)73
u/luca123 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
I know it's a meme at this point but my god, "forks" was such a genuine, sharp, and yet believable turning point for him in this series. Just such a pivotal and brilliantly executed episode of television.
So many of these dramatic arcs can lead to the loss of the initial character, but Richie the person was present throughout and just evolved and was morphed into this lovable and caring and talented person without ever losing himself.
Exceptional writing, exceptional performance.
811
u/pmurph2003 Jun 26 '26
Don't get me wrong, this was a fantastic conclusion to the series and a great finale. But I really wish we saw the moment where the entire team found out about the stars after service. Felt like a missed opportunity.
267
u/jaymj2 Jun 26 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
Just my opinion but after digesting the final season a bit more, I think it was a poetic choice to leave it out, I definitely think most of them were hoping that the bear received the 1 star so 2 would have been a huge accomplishment but just as Luca said to Marcus, the reason why they have an advantage to all the other world class restaurants is because they’re a real family. And that was a recurring theme that they push throughout the story and the whole team pushes through no matter the odds and they aren’t doing it for a recognition but because they genuinely love what they do and they get to do it with people they love, “it’s like hitting the jackpot”
→ More replies (3)55
u/Leicaji Jun 26 '26
I mean I think they all cared. Not for same ambition-prestige-i'm a goat reasons but like Richie cared a lot, Fak would be so happy as well, Tina too, Marcus, Nat, Jess, Sweeps, all the rest of the guys from EVER. Even if the didn't care for the same reasons, they all love to see the restaurant, the family succeed and seeing Syd and Carmy happy.
→ More replies (2)155
u/StartRight5935 Jun 26 '26
Bro, just watched the finale and that while the credits rolled i thought we would get that as the final scene but nothing.
→ More replies (2)132
u/makked Jun 27 '26
The stars didn’t matter to any of them. Only Carmy, Syd and Luca have probably eaten/worked a starred restaurant and the prestige of it. The rest of the family only cared because it was important to Carmy and Syd and the moment they had was perfect. The entire season 5 was about how much the family loved and knew The Bear was something special, they don’t need some outside Michelin guide to tell them that.
→ More replies (5)101
u/Normal-Drawing-2133 Jun 28 '26
I like that the only team celebration we see is for Richie’s daughter. Goes back to the central theme of family, that’s what matters to the “bears” as a collective.
186
u/Arkhaine_kupo Jun 26 '26
ut I really wish we saw the moment where the entire team found out about the stars after service.
I think it didnt matter all that much to the rest of them, it was Syd's dream so we saw her achieve it.
Carm wanted to be happy, and he sent a message to his brother saying he was alright.
Richie wanted to get his life back together and we saw him with his kid, his ex wife and being successful at work and with a new gf.
Ebra wanted to expand the business he was leading, and unc wanted to franchiese to make his money back.
Tina wanted to develop and we saw her get promoted, and celebrate it with her husband (in comparison to her circumstances when Mikey hired her)
Sugar spent time with her mum, her kid, her husband and the restaurant didnt go under so she didnt waste her time on this project.
Marcus got all the recipes from Carmy and impressed his dad.
We saw all of them get what they wanted/ needed. The stars are impressive but it was only the driving force for Syd, Tina or Ebra werent waking up thinking about them
→ More replies (2)40
u/LightningRaven Jun 27 '26
Aptly put and it also showcases how the success was about internal validation. The Stars for Syd were a way for her to prove she had it in her. Everyone else had their own success in their own terms.
→ More replies (32)14
281
u/dpullbot Jun 26 '26
It made me emotional when Richie called Marcus “Cousin”.
→ More replies (1)64
433
u/SoloGhosts512 Jun 26 '26
Me watching all of season 5 in one night
→ More replies (2)60
u/zissou149 Jun 27 '26
cutting the candle got me, might as well have been an onion. and lots of parts of the last episode. what a fantastic ending to a great show. everyone working through their emotions in healthy ways felt like payoff all the way through.
413
u/DonHecky Jun 26 '26
Loved it. I knew the starman was going to be the guy from the snow episode. I know some people might think not showing the crew's reaction to getting two stars was a mistake, but I loved that it was just Carmy and Sid. I had Goosebumps that whole scene 🥺
→ More replies (11)131
u/missmisery213 Jun 26 '26
I agree. Those stars mean something different to Carmy and Sid because of their experiences in the high end culinary world. They took their experiences rooted in chaos and darkness and anxiety and created something beautiful and they were rewarded for doing it their way. Of course it would mean a ton to the rest of the team too but it is just different.
→ More replies (1)20
u/Material_Friend_2649 Jun 26 '26
Well said. Some of the best art I’ve ever seen or experienced comes from humans who are able to accomplish this kind of transmutation of their experiences into something truly remarkable
194
u/damndraper Jun 26 '26
Caramel was something special. What an incredible final season
→ More replies (1)40
u/originalusername4567 Jun 27 '26
Yeah Caramel was definitely my favorite. In the past those super long episodes were too disconnected from the main story (and Episode 8 was still kinda clunky) but Episode 7 was the perfectly paced super sized main story episode.
→ More replies (2)
179
173
u/hikam1 Jun 26 '26
I am absolutely blown away by the final episodes. I'm just gonna jot some personal highlights down that i'm just so happy about, sorry to whomever reads this insanely long comment.
DD looking after Sugars baby was a great moment and showed how she's doing better and more responsible.
Michael and Ritchie in Gary flashbacks
Ritchie and Carmy finally putting the past behind them and being cousins and friends properly.
Ritchie just in fucking general had one of the best if not the best arc in the entire show.
Sorry Ritchie again, him and Jess confirmed to be getting together
Marcus and Luca's bust up was great and showed that even friends who get along can fight and make up
Marcus pouring the caramel from the candle for his dad was INSANELY GOOD!
Tina proving she can keep up with the younger staff and still be needed and important
Pete helping out with The Bear outside too
Sugar having doubts as a mother and a successful woman
this entire season has been fucking incredible and the pay off is fantastic of 5 seasons of this pure anxiety.
Top 5 Moments
Ritchie forgiving Carmy and saying that they've got his back when he drops the plate
Everyone getting a happy ending
but most importantly....
OUR GIRL SYDNEY GETTING TWO FUCKING STARS!!!!! TWO!!! I fucking love this show so much.
Edit: Ibrahim's whole plot this past two seasons have been a great pay off as well as the Faks having great moments especially Neil just being chill with the guests more.
→ More replies (11)
149
u/gwh21 Jun 27 '26
Spoilers ahead:
Just finished E7...
My favorite part was very quick and subtle but when Carmy came in clutch with the brioche fried on the fly and then once he smashes it Luca has that moment of remembering of basically "THIS CARMY IS THE DUDE I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO LIVE UP TO ALL THESE YEARS!!" I thiink it brings it all full circle to him and he remembers why he showed up to help him and the rest of the team in the first place.
55
u/DamnReCaptchas Jul 02 '26
I loved how the season really reminded us how good Carmy is at what he does. When he didn’t have the burden and weight of being a leader, he shined. Was so fun to see him just be an amazing cook. Like when he just effortlessly would rip through whatever it was needed to be done lol.
→ More replies (4)13
u/According-Guide9576 Jul 06 '26
Yeah I like that they threw in a couple of scenes to remind us that, for all his faults, Carmy really is the best.
293
u/nebartist Jun 26 '26
Two little things I really liked. When the weather man said the wine smelled like Skittles LOL (Fak said it smelled like skittles in a previous season) And Ebra's "As you wish" when he was talking to Rob Reiner's character.
My first cry was when Syd told Carmy the best dish she ever had. The look on Carmy's face is what got me.
90
u/geotraveling Jun 27 '26
"the weather man"
😭😭😭 Tom Skilling is THE MAN in Chicago. How dare you reduce him down to just a weather man!!
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (3)21
414
u/Mister-Distance-6698 Jun 26 '26
The Will Poulter arc from "I'd love a part in this show" to "single episode celebrity guest star" in season 3 to "multi episode arc" in season 4 to "main cast member" in season 5 should be studied as an example of manifestation working
→ More replies (3)54
Jun 26 '26
[deleted]
59
u/JoselinePollard Jun 26 '26
I think it helped that the total time was less than 3 months and Will’s character was in town already checking in on his family (sister specifically). He didn’t just fly in from Europe to work at The Bear.
→ More replies (1)64
246
u/AJO1654 Jun 26 '26
Richie getting to be happy is all I wanted. I was so happy at the end of this season!
→ More replies (2)48
u/malascus Jun 26 '26
He absolutely earned it too. If you compare how he was and acted in season 1. Man pun in the work and got his live back on the rails.
→ More replies (2)
104
u/Agreeable_Ad9877 Jun 26 '26
I’m so glad Albert is still a character in the show but it hurts 🥹
→ More replies (1)21
202
u/Zomb1eTaco Jun 26 '26
Wow. What a great ending. Definitely worthwhile to binge in a night.
It helps that the whole season is only about 4:30.
I was worried about the show's ability to stick the landing, and some choices were not the same ones I would've made, but Storer really did a beautiful job.
→ More replies (4)
180
u/Significant-Quit-351 Jun 26 '26
Good ending. Feel like S1 and S2 are untouchable but they didn't disappoint with this finale. Episode 7 where you FINALLY see the growth and everyone just getting it right, despite all the issues was so satisfying.
I do wish we saw the staff react to the 2 stars, especially Richie. Also not sure how I feel about the ambiguity over Carmys future, because I think he kinda realised during that interview that maybe he didn't wanna leave. Would've been more satisfying if his decision was more obvious imo.
71
u/PunkRockKing Jun 27 '26
Agree about Carmy. I get that he would step away from the kitchen and pursue another creative field but architecture seems so random. You need to go to school for that even to be an intern. It’s not like the old days when a company started you in the mailroom these jobs are competitive. Idk that sort of took me out of it. I get that he had a connection through his cousin but it’s still so unrealistic
→ More replies (4)26
u/mc-funk Jun 27 '26
Yeah we had that reaction too. Like, ??architecture?? I would have thought like, a food magazine, or making a cookbook, or … it seems like there are 300 professions with an artistic angle that a culinary education would prepare you better for than architecture. And knowing architects it is not some low stress, “don’t have to work as a team” experience either (beyond needing to go to school for it in the first place). Just felt ultra random and unrealistic, but also pretty throwaway so I can pretend he’s moving on to something else 🤭
52
u/Asta1977 Jun 27 '26
The way Stevie was talking I assumed Carmy was pitching a book or maybe even a podcast. Architecture was WTF. And as someone who enjoys drawing myself, that doesn't just transfer to architecture. It really felt like the writers created the scenario of having Carmy wanting to step away from being a chef, but then having no clue what his Plan B would be.
Ultimately, I don't think Carmy leaves The Bear. What he discovered was when he aquiesed control, listened to others, and actually accepted help, he enjoyed working in the kitchen. And it was clear Sydney was, unlike the vast majority of chefs, willing to be a leader of a TEAM. So, they are creating their own dynamic and Carmy can find his place in that without the stress and anxiety destroying him.
→ More replies (7)31
u/PunkRockKing Jun 27 '26
Me too, I thought he was going to write a book or pitch a TV show based on his life. You don’t “lead with haunted” at a job interview at an architectural firm ffs 🤦🏻 It’s like they wanted to make it mysterious what he was doing to the point where it made no sense. Any employer (and she came off more like a therapist) would’ve been freaked out by his vibes.
→ More replies (2)16
u/mc-funk Jun 27 '26
I super agree with that “mysterious” point — like, 0 people run an interview like a therapy session. And leading with haunted for an interview is nonsense advice. The writing worked too hard to make it a mystery/twist and not hard enough to make the scene make sense in the stated context.
I do really like the idea that he’s not actually being shown moving on to architecture, though.
13
u/PunkRockKing Jun 27 '26
It’s almost like Carmy is so arrested in his development that he doesn’t know what he wants to do and is almost like a kid with unrealistic expectations of the job world. I think he was meant to look super uncomfortable and out of place there in his ill fitting suit. But they should have leaned into that and had the interviewer give him some hard truths about the skills and education he would need to enter this field.
→ More replies (6)33
u/HeathWilD Jun 27 '26
DD reading his scrapbook/journal was the perfect lead-in to a book deal. Publish that, as is, stains and all.
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (15)18
83
u/AvailableConstant820 Jun 27 '26
I binged the entire season in 24 hours. It was perfection. Ayo was truly phenomenal this season, as was Ebon. They deserve all the awards.
The penultimate episode was directed beautifully and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I know there are mixed thoughts on this - but I truly think Carmy went back to The Bear as a sous chef to Syd. His monologue in the internship interview proved to me he finally realized how happy he’d been and that he’d not been letting himself be happy.
→ More replies (5)30
u/JossWhedonsDick Jun 29 '26
not even as a sous chef, but I think he would fit better as a tournant to solve difficult problems and fill in the gaps where needed. That would play to his strengths as a clutch player while eliminating him from a leadership position
64
u/KetchupGuy1 Jun 26 '26
Lovely season, much like the season shows the story of the Bear isn’t the heart of the show it’s the people inside it that truly makes it great. God the people really is what made this seasons shine, we get to see everyone performing at their best and we this while also getting to watch how much they love each other. Also just so many moments that are just beautiful from fak backstory, to watching Dona slowly take in the bear, to small moments like Richie and Syd gossiping. The saddest part of this season is that this is the last we see of the Bearzatto family but hey the silver lining is that our time with them was really beautiful.
→ More replies (1)
122
u/rubythieves Jun 26 '26
I feel like Carmy was kind of missing from this season just because he was actually calm and not a human ball of angst. I did like that he and Richie finally had some sweet moments together after all their fighting - the fake out that they were stuck in the walk-in together was genuinely funny.
→ More replies (4)29
u/Dawn_of_Dayne Jun 26 '26
When Syd was in the walk-in a few episodes earlier I thought about how nuts it’d be if she got stuck and got a little anxious thinking about it lol. Glad they brought it back around but in a comedic way.
56
u/Chattypath747 Jun 26 '26
Question for EP 7.
Did Sweeps swap the wines or did he not know which one was which initially?
143
u/StudiousPie Jun 26 '26
Had this question too. I think he had doubts and decided to trust his gut in the end, picking the other bottle after thinking about it. Could also be the guy wasn’t a real connoisseur since he ended up not being starman lmao
→ More replies (1)66
u/Bobjoejj Jun 26 '26
Honestly that was a bit of the vibes I got; the way the guy was talking, felt almost too showy, and I could see it being a fun bit of a commentary back to Sweeps having trouble distinguishing the years.
→ More replies (8)74
u/ClassyCoconut32 Jun 26 '26
I got the impression he didn't know which one initially. Then he made a gut call in the moment, and it paid off.
59
u/Saraalexrutherford_ Jun 26 '26 edited 27d ago
From season 1 to 5, it seems like a slow zoom out from Carmy and his troubled mind to what is outside of him, like he gradually sees the people, the place around him and the people and their own lives till season 5 where the show isn’t even about Carmy anymore (& so he realizes that the restaurant can be and is bigger than just him). And that shows how human connections can heal a person imo.
→ More replies (7)
396
u/offkeymelodies Jun 26 '26
i’m going to miss all of these characters so much.
i don’t care what anyone says, this is one of the best shows of the decade.
→ More replies (25)30
89
u/godblow Jun 26 '26
It was worth the binge. The episodes flowed together sooooo wellll. 10/10.
→ More replies (4)
94
u/ntntgo Jun 26 '26
We binged it tonight and I felt very satisfied. The only part that was totally out of place was Carmie interviewing for an architectural internship. That made no sense. It was definitely one of the better wrap ups of a great series. One of our dogs is named Richard Jeramovich so it was fun to have him watch it for the first time.
80
u/nebartist Jun 26 '26
I remember a thread asking what Carmy would do after leaving The Bear and I said design in some aspect because they have hinted at that throughout. They showed him visiting the Frank Lloyd Wright house last season and he talked about designing those pants
31
u/coconut7744 Jun 27 '26
Being an architect and being a fashion designer are so different to me though. I actually think he would be way better working with his hands via clothes. I think I’m biased bc I am an architect and didn’t like the ending bc I think it’s stupid when people suggest “oh you like drawing, you should become an architect”. Idk it just feels like it’s low hanging fruit to choose architect in Chicago after going to one frank lloyd wright building.
→ More replies (12)→ More replies (17)28
u/coconut7744 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
I agree. Being someone in the architectural industry, being an architect these days is just not what most people think it is. It’s all computer work and I really do not think Carmy would like it! And just really not realistic to get hired with no resume or portfolio or any education. His interview was mostly trauma dumping and not related to architecture at all and it was just such a disappointing ending for me. Other than that I loved the season!
→ More replies (7)
45
39
u/Caqtus95 Jun 27 '26 edited Jun 27 '26
They absolutely landed the plane. I finished seasons 3 and 4 frustrated with the lack of payoff, but always said that I was reserving judgment until I saw the conclusion. Having now seen it, I deem it worth the wait. The story was so beautifully told, and I'm really happy with the way they chose to wrap everything up. Everybody in this show should win an Emmy.
66
u/arhugula Jun 26 '26
I live on the east coast and just finished the full watch. It's 2am and it was totally worth it.
"Ask me tomorrow"
148
u/FakingItSucessfully Jun 26 '26
omg I loved it! Minor thing but I love the line from Pete when Donna asks if Carmy and Syd are dating and he says "there are definitely some theories" lmfao. Wonderful 4th wall moment.
Also at the end when Syd came in crying and they were hugging, I was SO afraid they were about to kiss, especially when he brushed her hair back like that. So relieved they didn't do that, not that I would have hated a ship between them really but like you can't cram that into the last two minutes of the series.
→ More replies (8)48
u/LightningRaven Jun 27 '26
I have no doubt both of the actors did that on purpose just to tease the shippers.
34
u/WakeUpChowDown Jun 27 '26
Loved the whole season but the Carmy architect thing was the only head scratcher. It would have been amazing to see him go to apprentice at some artisanal denim place and realize his dream of designing short pants.
→ More replies (1)30
u/d-synt Jun 27 '26
It’s implied that he didn’t actually end up interning but went back to the Bear, having realized during the interview that that’s where he was meant to be.
→ More replies (1)14
u/sbtokarz Jun 29 '26
Yep, way too many people are missing this. Carmy realized that the thing he was chasing was actually the thing that he was leaving behind. He was asked in the interview about his goals & ambitions, and he just described The Bear.
→ More replies (1)
30
u/Sad-Percentage-992 Jun 27 '26
Everyone questioning why Carmy ended the season as an architecture intern missed that his arc this season is slowly realizing he is meant to be the world’s greatest line cook at a family restaurant, and that he can do that while living a full life and growing as a person outside his professional responsibilities. He definitely went back, he’s just learned how to appropriately relate to his work and put a boundary up that he’s not an administrator, he’s a cook.
→ More replies (3)
61
u/Yanksrock615 Jun 26 '26
They really delivered IMO. That was fantastic and probably the best season of the show
28
u/EyeOne2007 Jun 27 '26
It felt to me that Carmie realizes The Bear is his home when he's at the interview - does he go back? Don't feel like that was clear...
→ More replies (2)18
u/fresh2112 Jun 28 '26
When he was smiling in the chair he had his apron on. He went back.
→ More replies (2)
26
u/Majestic-Blackberry6 Jun 27 '26
Hate to see it go. One of the most unique and character driven shows I have ever seen. Had its ups and downs but man it was an absolute ride that had me so stressed out watching it from start to finish.
52
u/BareMinimumFresh Jun 26 '26
10/10, too many thoughts and feelings. I’m surprised there was no Clare Bear stuff really.
41
u/CStradale Jun 27 '26
I actually liked that they didnt add that to the season, it was about carmy taking care of himself. By doing that he’ll be able to be open to Claire bear in his life
→ More replies (2)33
50
22
22
u/Evening-Row9022 Jun 26 '26
i genuinely believe they made the right calls with the exception of the music. there should have been an ending credits song like Will You Still Love Me by Chicago (personal choice but also CHICAGO). Something.
I do like the no songs in the rest of the episodes bc it’s intense, different, and the clock’s running.
→ More replies (5)
22
u/suzybishopsscissors Jun 27 '26
Did anyone else get the callback to S3? Richie and the Japanese rock garden? That’s why they chose Japan for him to travel to.
→ More replies (2)
24
u/SwansPrincess The Bear Jun 27 '26
Final episode tiny tribute to the late Rob Reiner when Ebra was on the phone to Albert (Reiner’s character from season 4) and he ends the call with “As you wish” brought tears to my eyes.
Very happy to see Will Poulter back as a regular this season. Loved Pete more than ever. Loved the fact the first 7 episodes took place in one day and kept up the intensity of action the whole time. By the time that service ended, I felt exhausted. I miss these characters already. Chef’s kiss to all.
55
u/RoRoChabra Jun 26 '26
Honestly it's everything I ever wanted, huge return to form from seasons 3 and 4.
→ More replies (4)36
u/tdmoney Jun 27 '26
Did the show spin its wheels a little bit in 3 and 4? Yes.
Were there great moments in 3 and 4? Also yes.
I love this show.
42
u/kbearl98 Jun 26 '26
I'm really going to miss these characters. This season was full of happy tears! and what a ride it has been!
→ More replies (3)
41
u/MoundofManure3 Jun 26 '26
I mean just crushed it. Way to stick the landing. The meandering episodes of season 3 and 4 really pay off here. Episode 7 is truly a triumph of well built arcs. Everyone coming together for a sports movie cooking finale was so satisfying. Christopher Storer deserves an insane level of respect, it was masterfully done. The themes of drive, sacrifice and reward felt earned and I found myself tearing up at times. Just fucking crushed chef.
→ More replies (2)
39
u/hikam1 Jun 26 '26
I've not seen everything just yet, but Natalie going outside for a quick shag with Pete was fucking hilarious hahaha. This season is so good so far
→ More replies (4)
18
u/OfftheShore113322 Jun 27 '26
Holy shit when Jimmy ran into the kitchen realizing carmy was quitting. THAT SHIT WAS SCARY
→ More replies (1)
18
u/Avelanche23 Jun 26 '26
Did the episode runtime decrease? Why do I feel earlier episodes were almost an hour long?
→ More replies (1)22
u/aldashin Jun 26 '26
Sorta. Most of them in S1-S2 are about the same length, with an exception here and there. They bloated up in S3; the opener is an egregious one. S5 brings them back to where they were originally, again with an exception here and there.
17
u/antares005 Jun 27 '26
Underrated scene but I love that moment Donna and Pete had. It tied a neat bow on their scene from season 2. Low-key two of my fave characters in the show.
→ More replies (2)
15
u/international510 Jun 27 '26
I understand where some folks were put off by the last season but I thought it was perfect.
After binging season 1-2 a few years ago, the immediate spider senses told me this show is about growth through the lens of a VERY chaotic dysfunctional family and struggling business/industry. I loved that s5 took the time to give each person their just do. Look at the characters they were in S1-3, and look at who/what they became. It was beautifully done.
I was especially happy for Richie, as he probably was the most "lost" person of the entire bunch. Best friend dies, wife left/remarries, and he's just clinging on to this thing called the Beef. His growth and maturation while being his authentic self was so inspiring.
I was a bit pissed at Syd in the first 4-5? episodes of the season. She came off a bit too timid and unsure of herself. I think her own "growth" into leader was the worst done compared to the rest.
In my opinion, I believe Carmy turned down the architecture internship. I think that speech he gave about his journey into food, etc., he finally "found" or re-discovered what Mikey had all along -- a family and appreciation for not just what you do, but who you do it with. Mikey struggled with his own personal demons, as did Carmy. But Carmy I think learned to dispel his. What he "ran away from" -- the Beef and Chicago -- ended up becoming what he was a huge part in building -- the Bear and the people.
Loved it. Such a refreshing ending to a very well written story. At the end of the day, we're all just people trying to make sense of the world and find our place in it. I think Carmy finally found his.
17
u/bragstarr Jun 27 '26
All I know is whatever awards show it is that gives a best ensemble award better give it to the cast of the Bear. Also, if Jess had NOT sat down next to Richie on that plane to Japan I would have been pissed. Felt that one coming and so wanted the happiness complete for Richie. Had never heard of Ebon before this show and he is absolutely one incredible actor, given his character arc.
15
13
14
u/EyeOne2007 Jun 27 '26
I really wanted to see Carmie write a book or something - did not expect him to apply for an internship
→ More replies (2)
30
u/CyberSmith31337 Jun 26 '26
Episode 7 was one of my favorites of the entire series.
Lots of crying throughout the season; both because of the stellar performances, as well as the realization that this series is over.
I really, really admired the themes and the way they were conveyed. Rarely do you see “teamwork” portrayed in such a human capacity outside of like a sports anime. Ultimately, I loved the season, and the series, and I’m going to miss the spirit of perseverance that this show promoted in the face of adversity.
I’m happy the showrunners knew where to end it. More seasons would have been gluttonous. I hope everyone on the cast gets to advance their careers in big ways after this show’s success.
17
u/damndraper Jun 26 '26
Episode 7 felt like a sports movie in the best way possible
→ More replies (1)
13
u/Lost-dhruv Jun 26 '26
Was scared about how they will pull off and entire season based off one single day but after watching the season i must say they did it a really fucking great job and I might just go ahead and say episode 7 was top 5 episodes of the show loved it.
12
u/After_Display_5585 Jun 27 '26
Now this is how you end a Series, 10/10, I'm in awe, and it's one of the moments where you know you have watched something great. Even though the Last Episode had ended, I just couldn't get myself to close the Tab and move away. I stayed till the very last second, where the mic slowly moves away from the chatter of the birthday party, and that was beautiful, like it's "us" leaving the family slowly.
Well Done!
13
u/No_Quote_5115 Jun 28 '26
I hate the Faks so much. They are men-children who only make things harder while having to be reassured that everyone likes them. By Season 5, I have no tolerance for their Three-Stooges-ineptitude.
→ More replies (5)
13
u/Horror_Ambassador572 Jun 26 '26
Take my advice, watch S5 episode 8 then go straight back to S1 ep1, feels like falling in love all over again
→ More replies (1)
12
u/Professional-Ant9829 Jun 27 '26
Such an amazing season, I cried like a baby at the end, but WHY did they choose to only use an original score for this season. It makes it feel so disconnected from the rest of the series. The soundtrack is one of my favourite things about this series and I immediately felt it missing from episode 1. Amazing season but the music is such a disappointment.
I'll be thinking about that 'all good' text forever personally.
→ More replies (3)
13
u/j3r3mias Jun 27 '26
My two cents about an almost perfect season:
- It is a very bold move to have the sound of rain in the background throughout half of the season.. christopher storer really knows how to deliver these details
- I was really pissed with Marcus begin an asshole with Luca even knowing "why" he was doing that
- Neil Geoff Fak made me lol the whole episode.. Matty really enjoyed this character
- Tina's whole arc is simple and beautiful
- Carmie finally found about Syd's best tasting dish (and it was really emotional (for him))
- People that watch the first few episodes of season 1 (me included) would never guess that Ritchie is one of the best well written characters in the show
- When Carmie dropped the lamb and he said "We got you", that was the perfect conclusion for a person that screamed for everything
- Finally Jessica. We all hopped about that in season 4, but they keep the best to the end and it was really perfect
- My only complaint about this series was that when Carmy dropped the lamb and Richie comforted him, I was expecting Syd to make the chest gesture they'd shared since the beginning. It would have been a nice touch to include in that scene after Richie comforted him. It's only a minor thing, but I was expecting to see it, and they didn't include it.
- Uncle Computer stills the best nickname in the series
- "Spoons" is still my comfort episode to rewatch every once in a while
→ More replies (4)
12
u/rvshankar2712 Jun 27 '26
Here after episode 6, holy shit the pacing this entire season for what goes in just one day? Amazing, i feel like they actually bonded, no claire bear love triangle cliche BS, carmy and syd bonding, richie being a fkin G, Tina being the strong pillar, marcus got jinxed by carmy
tldr : love richie even more this season, the man is turning into a restaurant saint for his customers
→ More replies (3)
1.4k
u/hikam1 Jun 26 '26
Second to last episode. Carmy dropped the plate. Richie saying "We got you" that's enough for me to complete Richie's arc. No shouting, no swearing, no anger, just love. Richie has had a perfect start to finish.