So far, it has been a struggle for me to get through Season 2 of The Bear. This show was hands down, one of the best shows of 2022. The pacing, writing, acting, and emotional weight is what made Season 1 stand out. As a viewer, the camera work and cinematography really drew you in to Carmy's anxiety and trauma, taking you on a journey of redemption and resolution of family conflict from this one flawed character.
I feel that is what Season 2 should continue to focus on. While I am enjoying the character arch of the supporting cast members, especially Lionel Boyce's Marcus and Ayo Edebiri's Sydney, I feel as if Allen-White's Carmy, has now fallen into the trap of tv cliché's as he is given a love interest so early into the shows journey, which seems a bit lazy, story-wise.
It would have been more compelling to watch Carmy's struggle with the stress of opening a new restaurant, which many can relate to, instead of approaching Ep5 as some 80's teen rom-com. I understand, Claire is meant to be a guiding light in a sense for Carmy to stop and smell the roses once in a while. However, I skipped through most of episode 5 because I could not listen to anymore of the dialogue written for the Claire character, which comes off very inauthentic. Not sure if a season 3 is needed for a once unique show. 5/10.