‘The Bear’ Season 4 Takes on Powerful Themes With a Touch of Chaos

“.. because you’re the bear.”

If you’re still reeling from the rollercoaster of emotions in the season finale of ‘The Bear’, you’re in the right place. The intense season 4 finale had us in tears, relieved and filled with hope, all in one breathless moment. Picking up from the unresolved threads of season three, the series wraps up with a cloud of uncertainty hanging over our beloved characters. From Sydney’s internal struggle of choosing between her original dream and a tempting new opportunity to Carmy’s ongoing battle with his past, the finale left us pondering the future of ‘The Bear’.

Here’s what we think about season 4 of ‘The Bear’

With the release of the new season, we noticed several themes portrayed in the series: hope, redemption, family, loyalty, and purpose. The first episode showcases the despair and new direction after the review from The Chicago Tribune, which was not entirely a positive look for our friends at The Bear. Not only was this a wake-up call for Carmy but it also gave Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) a dynamic power move to set a timer (literally) to show how much time was left to save the restaurant. With a countdown set, things aren’t settling well for them.

See also
5 New Cafes to Explore in KL in July 2025

However, a wave of realisation washes over Carmy this season. Realising that things aren’t going as planned, he sets a goal for himself. He attempts to change his controlling ways and learn to prioritise others’ needs. This shift applies to his relationship with his partner, Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), where he finally offers his time and attention. Additionally, he opens up to his staff, his family, and his ex-girlfriend Claire (Molly Gordon).

FX

A critical moment that left a mark on us was the ninth episode titled “Tonnato”. We see the return of Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna (Carmy’s mum), where she shares her regrets, empathy and accepts the pain she’s caused. Powerful yet emotional in every way, this gave Carmy a sense of relief–a moment that’s long overdue for his character.

While this season may have given us a dive into Carmy’s mind, it also gave us a chance to explore Sydney’s battles, too. Going into the season, we see Sydney’s professional growth, proving once again that her place in The Bear is significant to the growth of the restaurant. With her stand-out scallop dish that’s been raved about by the public, her ability to manoeuvre through service with ease and her influence among the staff, Sydney thrives in the culinary world. Later, we also see her battles with making a decision on whether she wants to stay with ‘The Bear’ or leave to join Chef Adam Shapiro. But, let’s be honest. With the strength and bond she has grown, it makes it hard for her to leave, ultimately rejecting Shapiro’s offer and staying with The Bear.

FX

The season finale took fans on an emotional journey centred around Carmy and Sydney. Sydney discovers that Carmy has removed himself from the partnership agreement and plans to leave The Bear. This revelation not only infuriates Sydney but also frustrates her, as it was a dream they had envisioned together. As tension builds between them, it feels like this important conversation should have happened a long time ago. With both Carmy and Sydney struggling to communicate effectively in the kitchen, this revelation brings all of their suppressed feelings to the surface. However, Sydney continued to point out the elephant in the room–Mikey’s death.

FX

We see throughout every season that Carmy has a hard time dealing with his brother’s death. While the season finale was not just about Carmy leaving, it also provided an opportunity for Richie and Carmy to discuss their feelings towards each other after Mikey’s death.

See also
Art Meets Science in Semiconductor’s Ingenious Installation at Basel

This brings us back to the five themes we’ve previously highlighted: hope, redemption, family, loyalty, and purpose. While this season has completely shifted away from the chaos of season three, it has given us a sense of relief with each character. The inner struggles faced by each character were addressed and the unspoken conversations they had were crucial for their growth. Additionally, the ability to prioritise personal well-being and to take a step back was an important theme throughout the season too.

Now, with Carmy’s decision to leave The Bear, making it a drastic turning point in the series. This leaves us with one question: “What’s next for The Bear?”

Watch ‘The Bear’ on Disney+ Hotstar

Amalina Anuar is the Digital Director of Harper's Bazaar Malaysia. From covering the latest runway trends to the hottest happenings in Kuala Lumpur, she also delves deep into all things lifestyle and beauty.