Worms

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.

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.

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!

There's one shot in Season 4 Episode 4 of The Bear ("Worms") that literally made me burst into tears. Directed by Janicza Bravo.

An episode all about the decisions we face from childhood to adulthood. You get older and what was hard is now easier, but you are faced with new challenges. The fact of the matter is, Syd will probably be alright regardless of what she does, but making the decision is very hard because there are emotional casualties.

Her cousin clearly has taken up a semi/motherly role in her life and once she has to step away, Syd gets to spend time with her younger cousin who doesn't realize how lucky she is to have this time with her Mom.

Sometimes people who need to workout a decision in their life can reach a conclusion by helping someone else with theirs.

I'm glad her younger cousin is going to the sleepover.

Then we get that shot of the phone with all of the work notifications from Carmy, Pete, and then you finally notice the wallpaper: Syd and her Mom. That hit me like a tidal wave.

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!