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OMG this show is just everything and I cannot wait for Season 3. Season 2 made me cry SO MANY TIMES. “I wear suits now.” And my friend works on it, which is even better. And yes, how did so many people not get

that it was about grief?!?

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I just reread this after finishing season two with trepidation, astonishment and bereftness that THE BEAR is over, for now. It’s been eons since I felt so deeply for such an array of recognizably flawed but essentially lovable human bundles of injury and longing. There’s so much to say about this series. Your commentary is by far the most insightful I’ve found.

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Thank you Rona! I miss this series so much. Everything I’m watching now—perhaps with the exception of “Unforgotten”— seems cold and formulaic after “The Bear.”

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While belatedly getting into The Bear, I had to see your take on it, which positions me for a searching experience but doesn’t give too much away. My childhood family was riven by alcoholism and depression. Like Carmy, I had to get away and make my own place in the world. I didn’t understand, and better than he does, that living with a hard childhood legacy means constructing something beautiful and useful from the wreckage. The chaos in the restaurant is a metaphor. As I expected, you saw this too. I am eager to see what Carmy makes of his life and his talents. He’s trying so hard and I feel for him. And I love Sydney.

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Sorry not to reply sooner. I just saw this!! Love what you wrote, and although my parents weren’t alcoholics, they were profoundly depressed, and I know exactly what you mean about constructing something beautiful from the wreckage. That’s why I became a writer, for sure. But the most beautiful thing is my daughter, who we adopted when we were way too old, by most standards, to start a family. But we did, and she is such a glorious human being! I’m very aware now of the ways in which it was so important for me to do it differently than my parents.

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You pride in your daughter shines in every appearance she makes here. She seems to have her priorities straight. Good for her--and her parents.

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Beautiful summary, especially the part about all the things, big and small, that Carmy has done to help his staff realize their best selves. Hopefully he'll be able to realize the life he truly deserves next season.

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Thank you! I’m so looking forward to the third season. I guess it’ll be awhile, though.

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Yes unfortunately.

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I haven't read your write-up yet but I'm leaving a comment already because I'm so excited you wrote about THE BEAR. I have such huge feelings about it and I don't know anyone else who has watched it. I know your thoughts are going to add to my enjoyment of the show once I have a minute to read this post. Thank you!

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Thank you!! So glad to have someone who loves the series as much as I do interested in my post. I’m already impatient for the third season.

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