The Prestige TV Podcast ‘The Bear’ Season 3, Episodes 5-6: Too Many Cooks
Jul 2, 2024
Discussion on why Season 3 of 'The Bear' lacks past season's intrigue, Carmy's character shift, and cameo issues. 'Napkins' episode praised as strongest. Also, analysis on challenges of a third season, character developments, food's role in narratives, workplace advocacy, and pastry preferences.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Stylistic Flashbacks Hurt Momentum
- Season 3 leans heavily on flashbacks and claustrophobic, play-like scenes which reduces forward momentum.
- That stylistic rollback makes the season feel less compelling than earlier, more forward-driving seasons.
Direction Turns Theatrical, Often Indulgent
- The show increasingly uses close-up, claustrophobic staging and long single-location scenes that feel theatrical.
- Those choices work sometimes but can make episodes feel indulgent when not paired with fresh stakes.
Hit-Making Encourages Repetition
- Success and acclaim have made the show more confident and occasionally indulgent in repeating its biggest hits.
- That leaves some episodes leaning on familiar set-pieces instead of introducing bold new narrative risk.