It’s funny finding this essay three years after the fact and after finishing the last season of The Bear over a month ago. This episode was particularly gratifying to watch because of the learning journey Marcus goes on through it, in the kitchen and out of it. I was happy to witness the softness of this character and how his humanity is consistently explored so deeply throughout the run of the show.
I’ll admit to holding my breath when Marcus travels to Amsterdam. I kept thinking that he was going to have some kind of racist encounter, but I’m glad the writers didn’t go that route. In fact, I was fairly pleased with how all of the Black characters were handled in The Bear.
Thanks for sharing this and about your own writing practices.
I still need to watch the last season. I’ve been putting it off, mostly because I don’t want it to be over. But I fully relate with your feelings on the Marcus episode and that experience of watching it. In a show that’s often overly chaotic, it felt nice—healing almost—to have this moment of quiet and calm dedicated to one of its Black characters. The show does a great job of inviting us to understand their depth beyond what happens in the kitchen. Thank you for your words and kindness.
I was hesitant about watching the final season for the same reason, but I did and liked how they wrapped things up. I still want more, but it had its time.
I’d waited until last year to even watch The Bear at all, mostly because of the hype around it (and I wasn’t sure about spending time on a restaurant/kitchen-based show).
Marcus’s moment of calm amid the storm of that kitchen really was healing. It was immensely satisfying to experience deeply developed Black characters. I remember making the mistake of binging too many episodes early on and had to pause for a week. We were catching up on The Pitt at the same time and the back-to-back intensity of those shows was too much 😅 Thanks for your writing and responses.
“As I live and become more aware of my living, essays get written before I’ve even put pen to paper. The threads are collected for tapestries that might eventually get woven, lending their material to new research for whoever might come after. In the shaping, we become.”
This is such a lovely ending and paragraph. Marcus’ character in the Bear shows such a tender side of ambition and desire in comparison to Carmy that I think you’ve really captured here
Thank you, Jack! And I appreciate you noting Marcus’ tenderness because that’s what draws me to his character. It makes you want to protect him and root for him. Grateful you made time to sit with this one!
'In the shaping, we become.' So, so beautiful. As writers and creatives, this is something so many of us often forget and/or neglect. Thank you for the reminder. <3
I love this connection between how being open to really just being present with people gives us so much (not just in writing, but also in life, and how those two things are interconnected). Thank you for this!
My friend walked in on me crying to this show and was so confused as to how anyone could possibly be that moved by a series as chaotic as this one 😂 For me it's just so real and I see myself and those I love in the characters. I actually wrote about that episode after I watched it as well. Sounds like you see what I see. & it just feels right that Marcus gets a personal tribute like this! Much to reflect on from his character.
LOL literally me yesterday when my wife walked downstairs while I was watching the Forks episode. I like how they take time with the characters. We get to grow with them and learn new things as we go. I’d love to read your piece if you don’t mind sending a link!
The Bear treats Craft with so much love, from the cinematography to the dialogue and subtle moments between characters. Deeply moving and inspiring series. Loved reading through your connection with it to your writing -- thought about writing an essay like this when i first finished S2 a few months ago, but I'm happy to see you beat me to the punch hehe. Beautifully done.
Really good point on the growth we see in terms of how they end up side by side but also being so explicit that Luca is never cruel. Watching it, I was worried he was about to be traumatized like Carmy. Being delicate is such a consistent thing for Marcus, like you described with the hand holding and cooking but also his non verbal as he gets engaged in making the cakes and donuts. Thank you for writing on this
I’ve been showing the show to a few people lately, and it’s been cool seeing in the first-ever episode how Marcus is more antagonistic and stubborn. He’s less receptive to change. And then when he sees Carmy’s accomplishments, he sees what he could be and what Carmy is trying to build. He softens. I love that word you used: delicate. He learns to be more delicate. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Onyi. I appreciate you.
This is one very beautiful essay, thank you for your words and your courage to be so honest 🌺
Thank you, Saloni! I appreciate you making time to sit with these words 🙏🏽
“study” and “research” are among the words I hope to bring warmth back to in my own writing. You’ve done it here, so beautifully. 🙏🏾
Me too. I’m right there with you. Returning to this place ❤️ thank you for the love
It’s rare that an essay gives me both a greater appreciation of the everyday beauty that surrounds us and makes me want to watch Loiter Squad.
This is the highest compliment I could’ve received. Thank you 🥹
It’s funny finding this essay three years after the fact and after finishing the last season of The Bear over a month ago. This episode was particularly gratifying to watch because of the learning journey Marcus goes on through it, in the kitchen and out of it. I was happy to witness the softness of this character and how his humanity is consistently explored so deeply throughout the run of the show.
I’ll admit to holding my breath when Marcus travels to Amsterdam. I kept thinking that he was going to have some kind of racist encounter, but I’m glad the writers didn’t go that route. In fact, I was fairly pleased with how all of the Black characters were handled in The Bear.
Thanks for sharing this and about your own writing practices.
I still need to watch the last season. I’ve been putting it off, mostly because I don’t want it to be over. But I fully relate with your feelings on the Marcus episode and that experience of watching it. In a show that’s often overly chaotic, it felt nice—healing almost—to have this moment of quiet and calm dedicated to one of its Black characters. The show does a great job of inviting us to understand their depth beyond what happens in the kitchen. Thank you for your words and kindness.
I was hesitant about watching the final season for the same reason, but I did and liked how they wrapped things up. I still want more, but it had its time.
I’d waited until last year to even watch The Bear at all, mostly because of the hype around it (and I wasn’t sure about spending time on a restaurant/kitchen-based show).
Marcus’s moment of calm amid the storm of that kitchen really was healing. It was immensely satisfying to experience deeply developed Black characters. I remember making the mistake of binging too many episodes early on and had to pause for a week. We were catching up on The Pitt at the same time and the back-to-back intensity of those shows was too much 😅 Thanks for your writing and responses.
“As I live and become more aware of my living, essays get written before I’ve even put pen to paper. The threads are collected for tapestries that might eventually get woven, lending their material to new research for whoever might come after. In the shaping, we become.”
This is such a lovely ending and paragraph. Marcus’ character in the Bear shows such a tender side of ambition and desire in comparison to Carmy that I think you’ve really captured here
Thank you, Jack! And I appreciate you noting Marcus’ tenderness because that’s what draws me to his character. It makes you want to protect him and root for him. Grateful you made time to sit with this one!
I call it ‘the science of showing up’!
I like that!
This is my favorite episode of the Bear so far. It was nice to see Marcus out and about in the wider world. He is a character that I can relate to.
Same! Reminds me I need to go back and rewatch it soon
'In the shaping, we become.' So, so beautiful. As writers and creatives, this is something so many of us often forget and/or neglect. Thank you for the reminder. <3
I’m glad this could be a gentle nudge for you today. I’m honored you made time for these words, Gigi. Thank you 🙏🏽
I love this connection between how being open to really just being present with people gives us so much (not just in writing, but also in life, and how those two things are interconnected). Thank you for this!
Absolutely, thank you for making the time to read this one!
My friend walked in on me crying to this show and was so confused as to how anyone could possibly be that moved by a series as chaotic as this one 😂 For me it's just so real and I see myself and those I love in the characters. I actually wrote about that episode after I watched it as well. Sounds like you see what I see. & it just feels right that Marcus gets a personal tribute like this! Much to reflect on from his character.
LOL literally me yesterday when my wife walked downstairs while I was watching the Forks episode. I like how they take time with the characters. We get to grow with them and learn new things as we go. I’d love to read your piece if you don’t mind sending a link!
Hahah the Forks episode will do it. I actually never published it but you've inspired me to take it out of the drafts:) Will link here if I do!
Please and thank you, looking forward to hopefully reading!
This is the perfect reflection of Marcus’ character. 🥹 I’m on season 2 and looking forward to watching more!
Thank you, Rojeen! I want to go back and watch S2 especially before S3 drops
Well crafted!
Thank you so much 🥲
The Bear treats Craft with so much love, from the cinematography to the dialogue and subtle moments between characters. Deeply moving and inspiring series. Loved reading through your connection with it to your writing -- thought about writing an essay like this when i first finished S2 a few months ago, but I'm happy to see you beat me to the punch hehe. Beautifully done.
Would love to read more of your thoughts. There’s more than enough room. Thank you for the love, I truly appreciate you making the time!
Loved this show. Loved your take on it. I resonate a lot with the way we research as writers. Fabulous. Time to go watch the Bear again
Thank you, excited for S3 to drop soon!
Gorgeous. So much of this resonated for me.
Thank you for reading, Noha! This is one of those ones I didn’t expect to resonate as much as it did
Really good point on the growth we see in terms of how they end up side by side but also being so explicit that Luca is never cruel. Watching it, I was worried he was about to be traumatized like Carmy. Being delicate is such a consistent thing for Marcus, like you described with the hand holding and cooking but also his non verbal as he gets engaged in making the cakes and donuts. Thank you for writing on this
I’ve been showing the show to a few people lately, and it’s been cool seeing in the first-ever episode how Marcus is more antagonistic and stubborn. He’s less receptive to change. And then when he sees Carmy’s accomplishments, he sees what he could be and what Carmy is trying to build. He softens. I love that word you used: delicate. He learns to be more delicate. Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Onyi. I appreciate you.
Really good point with that too, I appreciate you as well, Alex!! Such a good show man!