‘The Bear’ Uses Food as the Perfect Metaphor for Relationships
“Trying to fix this restaurant was me trying to fix whatever was happening with my brother,” Carmen “Carmy” Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) says in the first season of The Bear. It’s an accurate description of Carmy’s state of mind as he deals with the aftermath of grief and regret after the passing of his brother, Mikey (Jon Bernthal). For him, taking over The Beef presented an opportunity to become closer to Mikey even in death. Yet, while the restaurant symbolizes second chances, the food – and everything surrounding it – serves as a metaphor for relationships.
The importance of preparation and effort
In The Bear, Carmy and Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) put extra effort into the preparation and presentation of their meals; something they encourage everyone else around them to do as well. This is a technique most chefs are taught at culinary school as they learn about the importance of factoring all the senses into the creation of appealing meals. On the show, this also represents an allegory for taking the time to invest in relationships.
When it comes to people, everyone appreciates the little things – whether this means a hot cup of coffee on the bedside, a slab of chocolate at the work desk, or even a kind text message out of nowhere. It doesn’t need to be grandiose or over the top, but something that shows a modicum of effort, care, and that someone is thinking of you. Now, if people put the bare minimum into a relationship or treat others as disposable, it comes across in their sloppy and careless approach, which makes the other person feel taken for granted and creates lingering resentment.
Funny enough, Richard ‘Richie” Jerimovich (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) is a character who discovers this harsh lesson in the first season of The Bear. He puts minimal effort into his personal relationships and the restaurant, and the resulting consequences wreck his life as he becomes unhappy at both home and work, feeling isolated and alone. It’s only when he realizes the onus also lies with him to make an effort for others that he starts to experience positive changes.
In ‘The Bear,’ everyone is equal
When Carmy takes over The Beef, he instills the practice where everyone refers to each other as chef. It’s a sign of mutual respect that demonstrates how they are all of equal importance in the running of the restaurant. Instantly, this has a powerful influence on the staff morale, even inspiring a few individuals to sharpen their skills and live up to the prestigious title.
This concept holds significance in the metaphorical kitchen of life, too. In any kind of ecosystem, every single individual plays a vital role in the outcome, which can either be flourishment or deterioration. By practicing mutual respect and treating each other as equals, it removes all the manmade, bureaucratic structures that attempt to create divisions and pecking orders. Essentially, it makes everyone feel valued.
Of course, there are appointed individuals who hold key decision-making powers, especially around financial issues, but the point is everyone’s voice matters in The Bear. The characters falter – for example, all the times Carmy doesn’t listen to Sydney’s suggestions and makes her feel disrespected – but they quickly realize they need to self-rectify and respect each other to succeed.
Letting go of the past to embrace the future
One of the main sticking points in The Bear Season 1 – and even the second season, for that matter – involves the menu. There are those, such as Richie, who are resistant to change and stand by the mantra: “We always did it this way.” Others understand the need to move forward and evolve, rather than stay stuck in the throes of the past. Naturally, it’s scary because it’s unknown and uncertain, but it’s necessary. Sounds a lot like life in general, right?
When it comes to relationships – whether it be romantic, business, familial, or friendly – holding onto the past proves to be harmful for all parties. Realistically, no one is the same person they were yesterday, a month ago, or 10 years ago; people change. However, personal baggage is like a jackknifed truck blocking the road to growth and evolution. At some point, it needs to be moved.
As demonstrated in The Bear, the changes in The Beef – which transforms into The Bear – don’t erase the history or forget those who came before. Instead, they build upon the lessons learned and let go of the past to embrace a new way of life – whether it be by trying out a new menu or improving on previous dishes. Ultimately, the restaurant might have provided the initial vessel to deal with the grief and regret, but it’s the food that holds the key to developing their relationships and becoming better people.
