Julian Lynch

Cooking or kitchen shows used to absolutely aggravate me particularly Gordon Ramsey or the like. The bad behaviour, bullying that seems to be regarded as a norm in hospitality. First season of The Bear is a no holds barred, free for all, welcome to the jungle in a Kitchen. Bad language, bad attitude flies left right and centre in thee kitchen but in the hurly burley there is a punctuated chorus of ‘Chef’ That one word is repeated and exchanged between the Wild West of this kitchen is communicated with respect and conviction. Every character has a trajectory and transitions and learning curves a plenty. Characters challenge each other sometimes quite brutally, characters doubt their abilities and some literally hang on for grim life with many close calls of crashing and burning. Watching this program I gained incredible respect for the Restaurant game. The creativity in food, logistics the organisation all in the name of excellent service to the clients. I really loved this series to see Carmen reluctantly take the reins of sandwich bar with a seemingly rag tag group of misfits. The dream though to open a legitimate restaurant is filled with obstacles and pitfalls. The pace and high octane energy of some of these scenes is absolutely sensational. Considering it’s a show about a group of people in a kitchen I can’t believe how on the edge of the seat. This is compelling viewing and no wonder the Emmy count was so high and the series has been supported and loved by many. Bravo.

This is a true gem of a show. I thought series 1 was funny. Series 2 was absolutely hilarious. A truly stellar cast. A standout performance as the Alien, Allan Tudyk is commanding and offbeat and so compelling. To say he’s blunt would be an understatement. The real strength of this series is the realisation of a wonderful script and the comic timing from all the characters is impeccable. This show is not afraid to break boundaries thus reinforcing that the alien is not of this world nor restricted by societal conventions. This is highlighted in the excellent exchanges in scenes between the alien and two young citizens of patience Gracelyn Awad Rinke & Judah Prehn (one of which has the rare ability to see the alien in true form) As an audience member you can never guess what will come out of the aliens mouth in regards to any situation he’s faced with. Politeness goes out the window and he’s often schooled in social behaviour by the young people. He’s anything but predictable. This is what’s so refreshing about this show. There is a serious side to this whimsical show, touches on some excellent subjects. Good news is series 3 is apparently coming out on Feb 14. Shall eagerly awaiting for its landing.

Each episode is introduced with a succinct beautifully narrated summary that is nothing short of Shakespearean, accompanying animation adds a interesting edge. A wonderful, intelligent series, certainly weaving a violent tapestry of underground crime, The Yakuza but tempered with family, allegiance, honor and respect. You can’t quite condemn any of the characters in their plight. Edge of your seat viewing.

I’ve seen many tv shows over the years but this one is of such high calibre it will be hard to top. On the first 10 minutes of the first episode it gripped you in a vice like grip and drags you down a rabbit hole of creepiness. Every episode, has its OMG moments. It’s still unclear as to what everybody’s agenda is. Clearly the architect of Sixth Sense and other such macabre tales had a definite hand in this unsettling creation. A strong cast present this tale that will have you constantly questioning the navigation of where you going? Absolutely horrifying fantastic narrative.