Worms

This episode focused entirely on Sydney which I thought wasn't a bad idea, since her character is also going through a time with some major choices!

Ever since season 3 Sydney got a second propersition with a job a different place, and rver since we have seen her character really struggle with that decision!

I really enjoyed Sydney trying to explain this impossible decision to the kid TJ! It was such a meaningfull and creative way for her to explain how it felt like working at The Bear and why she loves it so much, yet also what makes her consider this other opportunity! Does she want to evolve her skills, or does she wants to stay at a place that feels more like family and comfortable?

Yeah it was slow, but I enjoyed the creative way Sydney's struggle were portrayed!

About time we got to spend time with our favorite executive chef of the bear!!! I was primed and ready for this knowing the talent behind the lens and pen and let me tell you how it delivered. From the opening shot of Jumpin Jack to Ayo removing her braids on camera, I immediately started crying because I never expected a show like the bear to show me something so personal with her character. The micro aggressions almost immediately jump to the forefront as Sydney takes a call from Shapiro and it was like being triggered on a whole nother level. The family dynamic between Sydney, TJ and Chantel were perfect! The banter hilarious and it pushed Sydney's journey forward as she sought TJ's advice for how to choose between the Pizza House and the Video Game house! We finally saw some on question if Sydney's logic was a little blinded by a crush to which she denies but even the fact that it was mentioned raised a few eyebrows. I love how Sydney loved on TJ and the pairing of the two actresses were so natural and comfortable you'd think TJ was a mainstay on the show. I love learning more about Sydney as she's someone who brings a lot of heart and life into this show and it continues to be showcased every season! Looking forward to seeing and learning more about all aspects of Sydney from more of her backstory, her love story, and her journey as The Bear.

Truly one of the best episodes of The Bear with some amazing writing and acting from everyone involved. It's such a refreshing episode that reintroduces the light and comedy into what has been a dark past 2 seasons and takes us into the world of Sydney which fans have so desperately been asking for. We get to finally hear her internal monologue externally as she continues to decide between The Bear and the new restaurant. We get to see the people in her life and how she functions in the real world, giving us the juxtaposition they talk about later in e10- Sydney has managed to be an amazing chef, better than Carmy even, while still having a foot in the world around her. One of the highlights of the entire series.

By the end of the year, this episode will probably end up with a 7.5 or so. Which is great, but this Syd centered episode was wonderful and deserves a rating in the strong eights. Really enjoying season 4! The found-family-trope really hits throughout the episodes and I'm so here for it!

I wonder if we'll see Syd's cousin and her daughter again. Very great chemistry and decent acting by all of them!

Though the pacing reminds me of season 3 (which I enjoyed), season 4 feels a bit more vibrant and less depressing. I love it and this change in direction had to be made.

I'm already sad that season 5 will be the final season. But it's probably for the very best!

For me, it's always a treat when this show focuses on one specific character in an episode. Sydney having the conversation with TJ about what her next step is made her difficulty with it feel very real and honest. Syd has made many sacrifices for Carmy while working with him at The Bear, but still feels like she owes him something, maybe due to his prestige as a chef, even if it's not necessarily true. It begs the question of whether or not a Michelin star for The Bear is worth her happiness and overall well being. Very well done episode, I honestly wished it was longer because I was laughing and enjoyed it so much.