“The Bear” Season 2 Review: Relationships, Revelations, and Remarkable Guest Stars

By Jaime Blanson

Where to stream it? Hulu

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, Liza Colón-Zayas, Abby Elliott, Edwin Lee Gibson, and Matty Matheson

Created by: Christopher Storer

Directed by: Christopher Storer, Joanna Calo, Ramy Youssef, 

Written by: Christoper Storer, Joanna Calo, Karen Joseph Adcock, Catherine Schetina, Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Sofya Levitsky-Weitz, Alex Russell, Rena Gube, Kelly Galuska

Intro: The Bear Season 2 Review

FX has solidified itself as a television powerhouse over the past twenty years, delivering unforgettable dramas like The Americans and boundary-pushing comedies like Atlanta. It's no surprise that The Bear has been a hit as well.

The second season of this genre-bending comedy just dropped on Hulu, the streaming hub for all things FX. According to Variety, the debut episode of this season smashed records, becoming the most-watched premiere of any FX series on the platform. So, get ready to feast your eyes on the best thing happening in the kitchen all summer.

Here's our rundown:

Carmy fell in love (sort of)

The much-discussed topic this season revolved around Carmy's (Jeremy Allen White) new relationship. We all know and love Carmy for his emotional baggage, instability, and anxiety, so witnessing him in love and finding an escape from his real life and the restaurant is intriguing.

Jeremy Allen White continues to bring depth and authenticity to the character. However, his love interest, Claire (Molly Gordon), introduces a new dynamic to the show that has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among those who were hoping for a slow-burn “friends to lovers” storyline with Syd and Carmy.

While Gordon charms in the role, my main concern lies in her character having a manic pixie dream girl vibe, which leaves her feeling somewhat one-dimensional.

Sydney got deep

Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), undoubtedly my favorite character, is still on fire this season. Ayo Edebiri absolutely nails it, effortlessly capturing all the nuances of Sydney's character. We delve even deeper into her backstory, peeling back layers like an onion to uncover her anxieties, worries, and genuine compassion for others.

It's impossible not to cheer for Sydney as we witness her personal growth and resilience. Robert Townsend even makes a surprise appearance as her father, which was a nice throwback to my own childhood.

But the real magic happens when Sydney and Carmy share the screen. Their evolving partnership is a major highlight, as their genuine chemistry draws us in, making us fully invested in every single moment they're together.

Richie had a transformation

This dude has been bottling up his true emotions since day one. But in Season 2, he finally starts to let it all out. Richie's fear of being left behind pushes him to prove his worth during the rebuild, causing chaos with everyone around him.

But it's during his solo outing in the episode ‘Forks' that Richard finally begins to embrace the new. Ebon Moss-Bachrach brings such a realness to Richie's journey of self-discovery, that I've never liked the character more than I do now.

And let me tell you, seeing Richie ditch sweatpants for a fresh suit is a sight to behold.

The rest of the crew

Everyone else on the team is holding it down, with Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas) stepping up as the new sous chef and Abby Elliott bringing joy and warmth to The Bear as Natalie ‘Sugar' Berzatto.

Nat’s bonding moments with Syd are pure gold. And Fak, portrayed by the hilarious Matty Matheson, doesn't disappoint this season. I wouldn't be surprised if we see even more of him in the future.

Marcus (Lionel Boyce) experiences some awkwardness with Syd, momentarily adding a bit of tension to their relationship. As for Ebra (Edwin Lee Gibson), he has a brief arc that feels somewhat (very much) reminiscent of last season, as he finds himself once again grappling with his fear of change.

The guest stars came through

Beyond the amazing main cast, the guest stars truly delivered this season.

In the episode “Fishes,” we are treated to a jaw-dropping performance by Jamie Lee Curtis as the Berzatto matriarch. She absolutely kills it in a chaotic and anxiety-inducing Christmas celebration that will leave you speechless.

And the star power continues with a lineup including Sarah Paulson, John Mulaney, Bob Odenkirk, Jon Bernthal, and Gillian Jacobs. These guest appearances add an extra sprinkle of Hollywood magic to the mix, but what truly gives the show its cool and grounded feel is the predominantly lesser-known cast.

Final thoughts: The Bear Season 2 Review

Season 2 of The Bear faced the daunting task of living up to its incredible first season, and while it may not have surpassed its predecessor, it certainly holds its own as a unique and refreshing addition to the era of prestige TV.

The series confidently builds upon its strengths, delivering outstanding performances, tight directing, and top-notch writing that keeps us hooked. What sets this season apart is their fearlessness in shaking things up instead of sticking to a formula that had already found success.

However, there were a couple of things that didn't quite hit the mark for me. First off, Claire's character development, or lack thereof, left me feeling indifferent toward the character in general. While I understand the symbolism behind Sugar's pregnancy, it felt wholly unnecessary to the overall storyline.

Season 2 may not have been flawless, but it still delivered enough fire, surprises, and character growth to leave me hungry for more. I can’t wait to see what Season 3 brings to the table.