The Bear has been one of the best shows for two straight seasons and has won many awards, ranging from the Emmys to the Critics Choice Awards. The hit series returned for a third season and has been one of the most talked about seasons because either people loved it or hated it. I am here to share my thoughts and tell you which side of the fence I landed on.

Watching The Bear is a rollercoaster of emotions. Laughter, tears, and nail-biting suspense are all part of the package. Season 3 continued this tradition but with a more grounded portrayal of the characters. They strive to be the best, or in some cases, just come to terms with where they are. This relatable journey is what makes the show so engaging.

Carmy has put the weight of the pressure of the restaurant on his shoulders because he knows that anything less than that Michelin star could be over. As he is so laser-focused, his relationships around him start to crumble. His consistent overtaking and undercutting of Sydney has her leaning towards a possible other job. The relationship with Richie is an all-time worse, with both consistently on the verge of a fight. The money Uncle Jimmy is flooding into the restaurant is starting to run dry, and without that star, it could be gone for good.

The past is vital for many of our characters, as we see Carmy still holding so many things from his past with so much weight. Jeremy Allen White gave one of the best performances of this series throughout each episode. White has done a long way in this role, and his attention to detail in those raw moments is why he has won and will win many more awards.

Sydney’s evolution has been so impressive because you had a somewhat shy cook become this dominant chef, and Ayo Edebiri transformed within the role, which is why it’s easy to root for her. Sydney’s psychological warfare differs slightly from Carmy’s, but all feel the same. She has this offer on the table that could see her fully grow into the chef she wants to be, but the foundation of what she has grown with Carmy has her thinking twice. Edebiri is magical and such a powerful presence within this series.

The remainder of this cast continues to show that it deserves all the accolades for the cast. Sure, people complain about whether or not this is a comedy; I don’t get it because I do laugh, but the level of complexity and authenticity within the cast has you more often on that being emotional.

If you look at this season’s writing, you see the theme of these broken people trying to become unbroken. When you look at it that way, you can’t help but connect to these characters. The restaurant is the centerpiece of their efforts to elevate and overcome that past, but the challenges each of them faces challenge them as humans and chefs. I loved this season and the writing.

Overall, season 3 of The Bear just might be my favorite season of the bunch. It’s a whirlwind of emotions that sees these characters fully come into their own and deliver top-notch performances. Look at this season as our favorite characters attempting to overcome their past and watch it from a different perspective. It is one of the year’s best shows.