Unveiling the Ultimate Ranking: The Bear Episodes That Will Leave You Begging for More!

Summary

In episode 3 of The Bear season 1, titled "Brigade," the dynamics within a high-pressure work environment are portrayed, highlighting the dysfunction and hierarchy among the characters. However, the incessant yelling throughout the episode makes it exhausting to watch.

"Hands" delves into Carmy's past as a Sous-chef and delves into his mental anguish, laying the groundwork for future episodes in terms of story and themes.

In Season 2, episode 3 titled "Sundae," the series takes bold artistic choices, deviating from the fast-paced nature of Season 1. This departure may not resonate with all viewers, yet it introduces an exciting new trajectory for the series.

The Bear, a critically-acclaimed television series, currently consists of 18 episodes spanning two seasons. These episodes are ranked here from worst to best. Initially released in 2022 exclusively on Hulu as an FX series, The Bear has quickly become one of the standout drama series of the 2020s. The show is led by the award-winning Jeremy Allen White, who portrays Carmy, a man grappling with his personal demons while taking over his late brother's sandwich shop in Chicago. The impressive ensemble cast includes Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ayo Edebiri, Lionel Boyce, and Abby Elliot, among others. Notably, The Bear fearlessly tackles challenging subject matter in a thoughtful and profound manner.

In its first season, The Bear maintained a relentless pace that is both exhilarating and exhausting, successfully capturing the authentic grit and high stakes of owning a small restaurant. The cinematography of the first season often created a palpable sense of claustrophobia, employing frequent usage of close-ups and fluid camera movements that navigated the bustling service kitchen with a cacophony of voices reverberating off the walls. Season 2 of The Bear took a notable shift in direction, delving deeper into the backstories of various characters. This expansion resulted in more diverse and artistic scenes and episodes, ultimately redefining the series as a whole. Presented below is a complete ranking of all 18 episodes of The Bear, ranging from the least satisfying to the most outstanding.

18 The Bear Season 1, Episode 3 “Brigade"

The beginning of each season of The Bear has consistently started slow, laying the groundwork for the action to come later in the season. Every episode of The Bear offers a mix of quality content that often changes in tone, leaving viewers unsure of what to expect at the start. In season 1, episode 3 "Brigade," The Bear explores the challenging dynamics that can arise among coworkers in a high-pressure work environment. "Brigade" plays a crucial role in establishing the initial dysfunction and eventual hierarchy among the characters as they navigate their circumstances. However, the constant yelling and intense moments throughout the episode can make it emotionally draining to watch.

17 The Bear Season 1, Episode 2 “Hands”

In "Hands", we catch a glimpse of Carmy's previous life as a highly skilled Sous-chef at one of the world's most renowned and efficient restaurants. The opening scene unveils the harsh verbal mistreatment he endured while working at the pinnacle of culinary excellence, leaving us uncertain whether Carmy was truly happier in that setting or when he was scrubbing floors at The Beef. Additionally, "Hands" delves deeper into Carmy's fixation on food and sheds light on the psychological trauma he silently battles. Moreover, we discover that Richie, too, possesses a complexity in "Hands", as we learn about his estranged relationship with the mother of his daughter. Through "Hands", numerous pivotal narrative and thematic elements are introduced that contribute significantly to future episodes of The Bear.

16 The Bear Season 2, Episode 3 "Sundae"

15 The Bear Season 1, Episode 1 “System”

The Bear's second season presented a highly controversial episode, titled "Sundae," that clearly indicated a shift towards a more expansive approach. In this particular episode, Carmy assigns Sydney a special task to explore various food options and draw inspiration from different desserts across Chicago, in order to revamp The Beef's menu. As Sydney indulges in numerous dishes throughout the city, Carmy finds himself drawn away from his work when he unexpectedly reconnects with an old flame named Claire (Molly Gordon). Some fans of the first season, with its fast pace, tight focus, and consistent collaboration among the main characters, may not appreciate the diversion depicted in "Sundae." However, other viewers may value the bold creative risks taken in this episode.

The first episode of The Bear introduces viewers to the chaotic world of The Beef's service kitchen, with its lively characters and intense guitar riffs. The opening scene, where Carmy confronts a grizzly bear in a dream sequence, is captivating, with the roar resonating throughout the adrenaline-fueled episode. In contrast to more grounded episodes like "Sundae," the cinematography and editing styles feel like they belong to different shows. Season 1, episode 1 of The Bear, titled "System," impresses with its unique characters, stylish visuals, and sets the series off to a fast-paced start.

14 The Bear Season 2, Episode 1 "Beef"

13 The Bear Season 1, Episode 5 “Sheridan”

The second season of The Bear kicks off with an episode entitled "Beef," which takes a fresh and distinct approach compared to the first season. Right from the start, there is a noticeable sense of refinement and a surprising tranquility in the series. The flashy elements take a backseat, allowing the show to establish a more grounded and self-assured tone from the very beginning. Remaining true to its signature style, the plot gains momentum as Carmy and the crew delve into the challenging task of opening a new restaurant within a tight deadline. "Beef" sets the stage for the season's high stakes and immediately puts Richie in a heightened state of self-reflection, creating the foundation for his noteworthy character development in subsequent episodes.

In season 1, episode 5 titled "Sheridan," The Bear delivers one of its most entertaining moments. The witty exchange between Richie and Fak (Matty Mattheson) stands out as some of the finest dialogue in the entire series, despite "Sheridan" being one of its shortest episodes. Alongside the hilarious moments, this episode delves into Sydney's backstory and her initial foray into launching her own food service out of her parents' garage. Additionally, we discover that Marcus's first job in the restaurant industry was at McDonald's. As the "Brigade" is implemented, the kitchen gradually transforms into a more efficient and cleaner space, despite Richie and Fak's playful tussle on the floor, reminiscent of schoolyard scuffles.

12 The Bear Season 2, Episode 2 “Pasta"

11 The Bear Season 2, Episode 5 “Pop"

: In "Pasta," the second episode of The Bear season 2, The Beef experiences a surge of new energy. Throughout the episode, Carmy and Sydney, now business partners and creative collaborators, showcase their growth by experimenting with delectable dishes for their revamped menu. In a heartwarming moment, Carmy shares his excitement about receiving a call confirming his position at the prestigious 3-star restaurant, The French Laundry. Meanwhile, Richie and Fak provide comic relief as they comically tackle a troublesome mold issue that threatens to disrupt the new restaurant's plans. Additionally, supporting characters Tina and Ebraheim seize new opportunities to enhance their culinary skills, and Carmy reunites with Claire, emphasizing the show's season 2 expansion.

The Bear season 2's early change of pace may have initially disappointed viewers, but they were likely won over by the energetic burst in episode 5, titled "Pop." In this episode, Sydney exhibits a newfound confidence that spreads to the rest of the crew as they work together to finalize the new menu for the grand opening, which is just 6 weeks away. "Pop" illustrates the remarkable progress the characters have made, transitioning from a toxic work environment to a well-organized and collaborative space, mirroring the overall growth and maturity of the show. The standout moment of the episode is Tina's unexpected karaoke performance, while Carmy faces new romantic challenges with Claire.

10 The Bear Season 1, Episode 6 "Ceres"

9 The Bear Season 1, Episode 4 “Dogs"

"Ceres", one of the standout episodes of The Bear season 1, introduces audiences to Michael (played by Jon Bernthal) in a captivating extended flashback scene. Prior to this remarkable portrayal in "Ceres," Michael had only been referred to by the characters in The Bear. He shares a timeless drinking anecdote, which Richie later retells on a date, highlighting the overarching theme of Richie feeling out of place in his hometown. The introduction of Michael in The Bear adds depth and authenticity to the subsequent discussions about him, making "Ceres" a pivotal episode.

One of the highlights of The Bear season 1, episode 4 titled "Dogs" is its incredibly funny premise and mouthwatering opening credit sequence. Similar to a scene from It's Always Sunny, Richie and Carmy find themselves struggling to fit an inflatable hotdog into their car before a children's birthday party. This episode also delves into the character of Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt), who only appears in two episodes of the first season. "Dogs" offers a captivating and humorous insight into the complexities of the Berzatto family dynamics, infused with underlying tension and humorous conflicts.

8 The Bear Season 2, Episode 8 "Bolognese"

At the close of The Bear season 2, The Beef has finally transformed into a legitimate restaurant. Carmy finds himself smitten with Claire, and for once, his life appears to be running smoothly, a prospect that frightens him to the core. "Bolognese" symbolizes the culmination of extensive effort exerted throughout The Bear season 2, encompassing personal growth, emotional development, and the successful establishment of The Beef restaurant. Richie's return reveals a transformed individual, while Marcus, freshly inspired, brings forth a plethora of innovative ideas to the table. As the series reaches its climax, it becomes captivating to observe Carmy in a state of uncommon serenity, actively seeking out any potential flaws while The Beef successfully completes its final inspection before its grand opening.

7 The Bear Season 2, Episode 9 “Omelette"

In the second to last episode of The Bear season 2, Carmy finds himself in a vulnerable state with his girlfriend Claire after enduring traumatic experiences and persistent stress. Titled "Omelette," episode 9 starts with a heartwarming opening sequence that showcases compassion towards both Sydney and Carmy. However, Carmy's tranquility is short-lived as a wave of panic resurfaces, causing him distress. Meanwhile, Richie has upgraded his wardrobe and the entire crew is getting ready for the grand opening of The Beef. This event brings back the frenetic energy from season 1, but with a more professional ambiance and a dedicated team of waiters and servers. "Omelette" is best known for a poignant scene in which Carmy and Sydney share a deeply authentic moment, hinting at their serendipitous connection.

6 The Bear Season 1, Episode 8 “Braciole"

5 The Bear Season 2, Episode 10 "The Bear”

: In the season 1 finale of The Bear, Jeremy Allen White delivers a powerful monologue that is believed to have had a significant impact on his subsequent Golden Globe win and Emmy nomination in 2023. This episode delves into the depths of Carmy's psyche, exploring the intense psychological elements through visually arresting scenes and poignant dialogue. As a result, Carmy is compelled to reflect on the profound influence that Michael had on both his personal life and his career. Episode 8 of The Bear season 1 portrays Carmy's emotional journey as he grapples with the aftermath of the destructive events in episode 7, aptly titled "Review". Struggling with the loss of Marcus and Sydney, two of his most valuable assets, Carmy reaches a nadir. It is at this moment that Richie decides to give Carmy the letter he had discovered earlier in the season. The letter contains Michael's final message to his younger brother, revealing a hidden family recipe that leads to a substantial amount of cash and words of advice - "Let it rip."

In the season 2 finale of The Bear, the show once again attempts an ambitious one-take shot, reminiscent of season 1's episode 7, "Review". Although not as lengthy as the 20-minute "Review", the first 12 minutes of "The Bear" showcase impressive choreography that creates the same breathtaking impact. As the newly opened restaurant enters its inaugural night, Carmy experiences a panic-induced loss of composure, reverting to his old aggressive and insulting ways of managing the kitchen. In a moment of distress, Carmy seeks refuge in the freezer, unaware that he inadvertently locked himself in, leaving Sydney to assume control. What was meant to be an extraordinary night for Carmy turns into a series of blunders with Claire, potentially causing irreparable damage to their relationship.

4 The Bear Season 2, Episode 4 "Honeydew"

Ironically,

3 The Bear Season 1, Episode 7 “Review"

, which stands out as one of the greatest episodes in the entire series, is a departure from the typical tone of The Bear. In this episode, Marcus travels to Copenhagen to meet Luca, a highly skilled pastry chef portrayed by Will Poulter. The interaction between Marcus and Luca feels like an immersive dessert-making masterclass, as they provide step-by-step instructions throughout. This standout episode showcases cuisine as an art form, leaving Marcus deeply inspired upon his return to Chicago with Carmy. With its gentle and charming nature, "Honeydew" becomes the episode of The Bear season 2 that captivates viewers and holds significant rewatch value.

Titled "Review," this episode of The Bear stands out as the most intense and unhinged, despite its brevity. Ironically, it begins with a softly sung title sequence by Sufjan Stevens, only to take a wildly unexpected and shocking turn for the next eighteen minutes. The episode unfolds like a compelling stage play, relying on precise coordination, blocking, and camera movements to execute its ambitious extended one-take style. What initially appears to be an ordinary day quickly escalates into a major confrontation between Richie and Sydney, setting off a chain reaction that reaches an unprecedented climax, resulting in Sydney quitting and Richie left bleeding.

2 The Bear Season 2, Episode 7 "Forks"

If "Review" marked Richie's lowest point in the series, his most redeeming episode came in The Bear season 2, episode 7, named "Forks." Throughout the series, Richie had been the most resistant to change and adapt, but he finally found inspiration when he worked at a high-end restaurant. This experience not only gave him a sense of purpose, but also pushed him to challenge himself professionally, much like how Marcus grew after his time in Copenhagen. The growth Richie displays in "Forks" is incredibly gratifying, especially with the exceptional cameo by Olivia Coleman, who portrays a prestigious yet approachable chef.

1 The Bear Season 2, Episode 6 “Fishes"

With Richie's transformation in "Forks" serving as a source of inspiration, the standout episode of The Bear undoubtedly lies in season 2, episode 6, titled "Fishes." This hour-long flashback installment delves into a festive Christmas gathering at the Berzatto household, providing an opportunity to delve deeper into the character of Donna (portrayed by Jamie Lee Curtis), the matriarch of Michael and Carmy. Moreover, "Fishes" boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring notable appearances by Bob Odenkirk, John Mulaney, and Sarah Paulson, each portraying an extended member of the Berzatto clan. An impressive amalgamation of superb character performances, expert scriptwriting, and meticulous world-building, "Fishes" unequivocally stands as The Bear's pinnacle episode, demonstrating the series' unwavering commitment to innovation, captivation, and emotional resonance.