John Weiskopf

THE BEAR seasons have been outstanding but Season 4 has lost its way. Carly’s desire and goal for his staff lost to self-absorbed character reticence/doubt.Most of the characters deliver their lines with pauses, ups, and self-absorbed reticence. ALL THE CHARACTERS DO IT. Sydney is the extreme example. Her performance feels and seems fake. This unsure tone and lack of confidence of each character is so blatantly designed to make a point (predictable.., they all struggle individually but in the end will share success which gives them a sense of belonging and purpose). This design and universal characters’ struggles is envisioned by the creator/Show Runner, but character struggle (in dialogue) so long, it is melodramatic, not drama. The two shot drama which is outstanding is the exchange between Carmy and Uncle Lee (Bob Odenkirk) in the kitchen where the dialogue is revealing with much subtext, and is completely engaging. Most of the scenes between the other characters (many two shots) feel like forced performances by the writer/creator’s overall design and intent. Secondly, in the wedding flashing back and forth to snippets of character phrases not sentences confuse the audience… I understand you are trying to create chaos, but what viewers can say while the 2-3 second edits flaw across the screen is: what is this about? Who is this person? A great show, but do not let the form as you envision it in pacing, editing and actor delivery undercut and eclipse Carly’s desire, sacrifice and goal… which becomes everyone’s desire and goal.

Not worthy of five Academy Awards when compared with others in the 2025 Academy nominations.