Summary
"Honeydew" is a peaceful episode that showcases the beauty of cooking and offers a contrast to the stress of The Bear season 1.
The bike scene in "Honeydew" defies viewers' expectations and emphasizes the theme of characters regaining their composure following an accident. The meticulous attention to detail in The Bear, encompassing fleeting moments and dialogues, enhances the show's overarching artistic message.
The Bear has emerged as one of the standout shows of the decade, with impeccable attention to detail evident throughout. Following Carmy, a renowned chef, as he strives to transform his late brother's restaurant into a thriving enterprise, the series delves into the depths of his past trauma. After a gripping and tension-filled first season, the show takes a somewhat different direction in its second season, offering slower-paced episodes that are infused with hope.
Among the most serene and optimistic episodes of The Bear's second season is "Honeydew." This installment follows pastry chef Marcus as he embarks on a transformative experience at a prestigious bakery in Copenhagen. The episode, while quietly captivating, serves as a beautiful contrast to the intense stress depicted in the first season. Despite its smaller scale, "Honeydew" is crucial for fully grasping the essence of The Bear. Within one specific scene, a seemingly insignificant detail carries profound significance, offering a new perspective on the entire series.
The Bear's Copenhagen Bike Scene Explained
Towards the end of the contemplative episode "Honeydew" in season 2 of The Bear, Marcus is interrupted during his city stroll by desperate cries for assistance. He discovers a local man, trapped beneath a wire fence after apparently crashing into it on his bicycle. Despite the language barrier, Marcus aids the injured man in standing and they share a heartfelt embrace. This moment encapsulates the prevailing themes of empathy and kindness that resonate throughout the episode and the entire second season. Although this scene may not hold great dramatic significance, it can be interpreted as the catalyst that emboldens Marcus to reach out to Sidney and confess his longing for her.
Nonetheless, this particular moment holds significance in highlighting the distinctions between season 2 and season 1 of The Bear. The bike scene, accompanied by tense and unsettling music, disrupts the rhythm of the episode and prepares the audience for a potential misfortune. After all, The Bear frequently exposes its viewers to distressing situations, conditioning them to anticipate conflict, much like the characters themselves. Therefore, when the scene resolves not with calamity, but with a tender and human connection, it encourages the viewers to reevaluate their initial knee-jerk reaction.
The Bike Scene Contains An Important Piece Of Dialogue
The bike scene in The Bear does not advance the plot, but it holds a crucial dialogue that unlocks the show's core message. After the injured man emerges from the embrace, he bravely mounts his bike and rides away. In this moment, Marcus poses a question, asking, "Are you certain about getting back on the bike?" Season 2 of The Bear revolves around characters who have encountered distressing and traumatic circumstances, endeavoring to reclaim their passion. Essentially, it portrays individuals who choose to conquer the setbacks they have faced and return to the metaphorical bike they crashed with. Throughout the entire season, we encounter numerous stories of characters whose colossal failures pave the way for their success. An exemplary illustration can be found in the Copenhagen episode itself. As Marcus is placed in a bakery to learn under the tutelage of Will Poulter's character, Luca, he learns about Luca's demoralization upon facing a "much, much better chef" presumed to be Carmy. Rather than giving up, Luca adapts and pushes himself to match Carmy's skill level. This resilience ultimately transforms him into a remarkable chef. Luca's current position would not have been possible if he had not fallen down and made the decision to get back on the bike.
Small Details Make The Bear One Of 2020's Best Shows
The Bear is filled with intricate details, such as the bike scene, which make the show a truly emotional television masterpiece. In the episode "Forks," Chef Terry (portrayed by Olivia Coleman in one of The Bear season 2's many guest appearances) explains to Richie that the painstaking process of peeling mushrooms enhances the dining experience by signaling the amount of time and effort put into the dish. This philosophy seems to be shared by The Bear's writers, as they meticulously craft each scene with minute details that demonstrate the show's level of care.
In today's television landscape, The Bear stands out as something unique. Its dedication to replicating the natural rhythms of speech and action prioritizes authenticity over emphasizing themes and symbolic narratives. However, upon closer examination, even the seemingly mundane moments in the show contribute subtly to underscore The Bear's artistic message. In other words, viewers should keep in mind the recurring mantra of The Bear's second season: "every second counts."