Summary of "The Bear" Season 4 Finale: Is This the End, or A New Beginning?

Podcast: The Prestige TV Podcast
Host: The Ringer
Episode Title: The Bear’ Season 4 Finale: Is This the End, or A New Beginning?
Release Date: July 1, 2025

Introduction

In the Season 4 finale of The Bear, titled "Goodbye," the narrative reaches a pivotal moment for the protagonist, Carmi, as he grapples with his passion for cooking and his personal turmoil. Hosts Zach Lowe and Van Lathan delve deep into the episode's emotional and narrative intricacies, offering a comprehensive analysis that balances appreciation with critical insight.

Episode Overview

The finale centers on Carmi's decision to step away from his role in the family restaurant, "The Bear." This decision not only affects his relationship with Sid but also challenges the stability and future of the restaurant itself. The episode intertwines themes of burnout, grief, and self-discovery, culminating in a dramatic confrontation that leaves viewers questioning the show's direction.

Plot Analysis

Zach Lowe expresses his initial emotional response to the episode:

“[02:53] Zach Lowe: It was a very emotional episode. Very emotional, live emotions for me.”

The crux of the episode revolves around Carmi revealing his intent to Sid to leave the restaurant, citing a lost passion for cooking and uncertainty about his identity beyond the culinary world. This revelation sets off a series of confrontations and emotional exchanges among the characters.

Van Lathan highlights the tension between personal desires and professional responsibilities:

“[04:06] Van Lathan: It's so annoying. But the plot of this episode of the Bear Goodbye. Everything finally comes to a head as Carmi reveals to Sid that he's leaving her in charge of the restaurant.”

Character Development

Carmi:
Zach critiques Carmi's abrupt decision, questioning the narrative build-up:

“[05:15] Zach Lowe: Carmi leaving the bear seems like it serves the business of television more than it serves the television show.”

Van adds that while Carmi's journey to reconnect with his family was compelling, the decision to leave felt underdeveloped:

“[05:30] Van Lathan: I don't know if they landed the plane. It was very rocky to me.”

Sid:
Sid's reaction to Carmi's departure is met with skepticism about its authenticity:

“[06:31] Van Lathan: Well, they hint. They did hint at it, but it wasn't something that I feel like the show really devoted a lot of time to.”

Richie and Sugar:
Richie's confrontation and Sugar's emotional breakdown are seen as pivotal yet somewhat rushed elements of the finale:

“[10:04] Zach Lowe: That stuff was going to come to a head. It hit me watching my. Some of my favorite people on TV going through all of this stuff.”

Narrative and Direction

The hosts discuss the use of plot devices, particularly the symbolic "clock counting down," which was intended to signify the impending crisis for the restaurant. However, they feel its resolution was abrupt, undermining the episode's impact:

“[14:25] Zach Lowe: They didn't give us anything. It was. There was tell and tell. There was no show.”

Van criticizes the finale for feeling like a "bottle episode," lacking the depth expected from a season finale:

“[10:58] Van Lathan: And to me, I don't know if that was the right choice for. Especially for a finale where it felt like, all right, Sid and Carmi get their turn and they're going to talk about their working relationship.”

Emotional Impact

The episode's raw emotionality is praised, despite critiques on narrative execution. Zach appreciates the unfiltered portrayal of intense conversations:

“[12:10] Zach Lowe: Or intense conversations with people before to where you go, shit, for as long as this takes, I'm right here and I'm not moving.”

A particularly moving scene discussed involves Carmi attending a support group, highlighting his internal struggles:

“[26:12] Zach Lowe: She is. They're in a support group. The support group that Carmicha goes to.”

Critiques and Praise

Abrupt Resolutions:
Zach feels that key plot resolutions were too swift, lacking the necessary buildup:

“[05:15] Zach Lowe: Carmi leaving the bear seems like it serves the business of television more than it serves the television show.”

Character Motivations:
The authenticity of Carmi's motivations to leave is questioned, with Van suggesting a lack of deep exploration:

“[19:10] Van Lathan: You know, I thought that there was still some road.”

Emotional Authenticity vs. Narrative Convenience:
While the emotional beats resonate, the narrative choices sometimes prioritize plot progression over realistic character development.

Speculation on Future Directions

The hosts ponder the show's trajectory should it continue without Carmi, given his central role:

“[20:38] Van Lathan: I was literally like, I can't count the number of people everywhere doing everything.”

They also discuss potential plotlines that could explore Carmi's life outside the restaurant, though skepticism remains about whether the show can maintain its depth without its protagonist:

“[23:16] Van Lathan: But maybe the show is saying that's not how life is, that sometimes decisions just happen and sometimes people just realize what's best for them.”

Conclusion

Zach and Van conclude that while the finale of The Bear Season 4 delivered emotionally charged moments and character introspection, it stumbled in its narrative execution and pacing. The departure of Carmi, though impactful, felt unearned and abrupt, leaving lingering questions about the show's future. Nevertheless, the hosts acknowledge the episode's strengths in acting and emotional resonance, maintaining their appreciation for the series despite its narrative hurdles.

Notable Quotes:

• Zach Lowe [05:15]: "Carmi leaving the bear seems like it serves the business of television more than it serves the television show."

• Van Lathan [10:04]: "He didn't even know I was as drunk. That's what they took."

• Zach Lowe [19:10]: "I didn't buy it. I enjoyed the episodes. Very emotional, very raw."

• Van Lathan [24:47]: "This is like, I don't want to, like, Take a complete shit on the episode. Because I do think it is, like, a very, very interesting big swing."

These insights provide a window into the hosts' perspectives, balancing critical analysis with a deep appreciation for the show's emotional core.