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!

One of the things I love the most about this show is how they take the time to show us a glimpse of the character's lives outside of the restaurant, giving us a chance to see their development. This episode in specific was so good in portraying Syd's internal struggle to choose between the two restaurants, but also in showing a realistic conversation with a kid (that was so sweet and relatable honestly!). The writing was genuinely funny and vulnerable at the same time. Love it.

In a way, I feel like it's important to see that Sydney has a life outside the restaurant, she's just having the same struggle as most of young adults have: little time, too much responsibility and, when we realize, it's been six months since we last saw our friends. It's nice to see that represented on screen.

As someone who cherishes every glimpse we get into Sydney's life outside of the kitchen, this was a delectable episode. I loved watching her dynamic with her cousin and her niece (or second cousin, rather) and hearing more about why she's so torn between The Bear and Shapiro's place. So far, her viewpoint could be gleaned from gestures and expressions and hints, but it was nice to hear it in her own words (even through a sleepover metaphor lol). This episode was funny, it was warm, it was grounded, it was enlightening (in terms of Shapiro's flaws), and for me, personally, it felt familiar in the best way. Kudos to Ayo and Lionel for this one!

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.

She has? Well give her another one because she is kicking ass this season, and this episode she has shown it big time. May be one of the first times I've seen her as credited being the writer the episode too. Total bottle episode and long takes show her range and acting abilities. Side note, the trick about adding tomato paste to hamburger helper is a sneaky good idea. Just give Sydney her own episode every season because they are always fun when she's the main focus.

I'm interested to see where this whole story arc with the partnership agreement finally goes. This season you can tell is doing a lot of healing from the pain they all endured in season 3.