NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Should The Bear have received a 5th season? By all accounts, The Bear ended perfectly. Although there are a few more storylines they could explore, things did wrap up pretty perfectly.
Carmy found his truth by leaving the restaurant business. From the start of the show, you could tell that he was chasing something. We learned through throwbacks that he was chasing peace and perfection. However, in the end, he got what he deserved, just not in the form of a star for The Bear or a food review. What he earned was the respect of the people who care about him the most.
The Sydney storyline came full circle in Season 4. While I was angry at her when Carmy said he was leaving, it then dawned on me—she was angry not for him leaving the restaurant, she was angry that he was leaving her. Now she’s part-owner of a place she calls home. She has the respect of everyone at The Bear and outside of it.
Richie, by far, had the best character arc of the show. He was a straight lemon head in the beginning, but proved to be the heart and soul of the restaurant. Without him, The Bear doesn’t work. In the end, Richie, not blood family, more than earned his keep, and for that, he was rewarded.
Season 4 felt a bit all over her place at times, but in the last few episodes, the storylines all came together. And for that reason, Season 5 of The Bear does not need to happen.
Certain shows can run past their mark. While shows like The Wire and The Sopranos were critically acclaimed, they ended right when they should have. On the other side of the coin, you can have a show like Lost. As good as it was, it went on for a season or two too long. It’s still revered as a great show, but that was one where the networks rode the wave a bit too long.
The Bear is now at a crossroads. They can probably manage another season, but should they? The major characters ultimately achieved their goals, and while further exploration is possible, it might diminish the impact of the first four seasons.
Sometimes it’s best to quit while you’re ahead, and right now, The Bear ended on a high note. Let the greatness rest.
