We nearly bailed on the new season. Too many arty effects, not enough momentum. I kept wanting to shout at those in charge, "Tell the damn story!" And they did, in the two stellar episodes you single out here. Your commentary on this series is by far the best I've read. Sometimes I think you get it better than the showrunner does.
Well, don't you think it's true? Seems to me they lost sight of what hooked the audience and transferred their attention to their own cleverness. As you say, this season had some great moments. But if the first season had been this uneven, it would have lost many viewers.
I agree. I’m not sure why it happened, but it did lose sight of what made it so good, especially in season 2. I thought it interesting that the two terrific episodes were written by women; I think the rest were all written by Storer. Just saying….
Once again, I am blown away by Bordo's ability to "run it down" for me! I would not have thought of comparing "The Bear" to the other fictionalized "show" - Joe is too old! We're screwed! Let's take the criminal; he seems energetic! For me "The Bear" (so brilliantly summarized here--almost as good as watching the show) is about empathy and tenderness and dysfunction and heart. All seasons have essentially been about Carmy's blue eyes and search for salvation from the impossible task of saving his brother. The directorial style slows down in Season 3 to a slow Tarkovsky film. The food tweezers have a starring role. Agree with you that the stand-out episodes are the ones you cited. Season 3 forces us to slow down and take it in. So....the other fiction? The post-debate "story" was slammed into us with incredible speed. The narrative of Joe and age is now a piece of velcro that can be applied virtually anywhere. How quickly his party seemed to abandon and question him. Unlike the team at the restaurant, no one's GOT HIS BACK. "Behind you, Joe, behind you, coming through with the tray of democracy!" Thank you for this article. Consistently, with your stacks, someone has to say it and you consistently say it. I'm so, so tired, I have to admit. I think I may be too old now. The reaction to Joe in the debate made ME feel ancient. I've let my hair stay grey since the pandemic, and have noticed how invisible I've become. And lots of other small indicators that I'm less valuable. I'm not sure coloring my hair back to its original dark brown won't look odd, now. I hate the maintenance of all that. The second "show" you review has no HEART and no EMPATHY. The media is addicted to the Trump narrative, as if there is some cosmic force renewing it endlessly in an effort to keep the audience's attention.
I love this commentary SO MUCH. It’s smart, it’s unique, and it has HEART. It’s a brilliant little piece of writing on its own. Can I copy it to notes?
‘Serious scrutiny’ by the press. My biggest fear is that it’ll only happen when it’s too late. We’re living under a very real Trump cloud when he should have been long gone. The inconsistencies in their reporting on the two men are stunning, and I can’t get away from believing it’s deliberate.
How do we get through to them? It’s clear we must, but how? They’re destroying a good man and elevating someone so bad we’re actually fearing for our democracy, and they still won’t stop.
Thank you again for this entire piece, Susan. I can’t concentrate enough to watch Season Three yet but when I do I’ll have to read this again!
The press will never criticize themselves. I think often of Marx on the “means of production.” When you control the means of production —as the press does over the “news”—you have an absolute power over what gets produced. And you’ll never “produce” anything that works toward the lessening of your own power. (That’s garbled, but you get the point.)
OMG. Those were my favorite chips in high school. I haven’t had them in over 40 years., but I have chickens now…which means I need new egg ideas. I am going to have to try this. Thanks for the inspiration.
Another great piece Susan Bordo. You have a way with words and you have FACTS!! I too have been on this issue since 2015 - Trump gets a pass and its all untrustworthy, illegally obtained e-mails and unlikable Hillary to NOW Joe is too Old!! Media has been telling you all this since he ran before 2020 election. They don't like Biden, They don't like Hillary - the like CHAOS!!! They divide the party and WE LOSE. Media talks about the Supreme Court not having to answer to anyone, WHAT ABOUT THE PRESS! So sick of hearing about the liberal media today. Funny, that Fox convicted of all their lies on the voting machine issue, is still #1 in cable news - that is a disgrace!! Where is the liberal media in all of this?? Oh yes, I forgot, they were pushing Bernie and AOC and now anyone but Biden. They are dividing the Country again and we will fall as a Country if this brainwashing doesn't end. America is more interested in the Shallow SHOW, the entertainment factor, the GOTCHA than they ever have been about the Country. In mu opinion, their coverage of politics has become "jerry Springer Live!" They are a business. The want CLICKS and to hell with you. They also, the media put together a list of all Dems who wanted Nancy Pelosi to RESIGN as Speaker of the House. Thank God it didn't work but it was close. Who do they think they are, NY Times and Post and cable news to Tell the President of the United States he should RESIGN. They are the new King just like Trump. They are causing even more harm. I need your voice Susan Bordo - you are an amazing writer who has never been given the platform. Thank you!! Happy subscriber.
Thank you so much Ann!! Interesting, isn’t it, that the mainstream media stopped giving my work attention when I began to criticize them? After my Hillary book, they stopped calling me for quotes, didn’t review the book, etc. It’s been great to have this new “platform” on Substack. It hasn’t led to MSNBC interviewing me (didn’t expect it would) but at least I have a community of people like you to talk to!! Your support has given me new life when I really needed it.
Re: The Bear, I have a book recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, who used to be the GM of Eleven Madison Park and who is involved the The Bear. I happened to come across it just before watching this season and I think Season 3 probably has more to do with that idea of "unreasonable hospitality" and relationships that come out of that orientation than it does with "a fast-paced comedy about restaurants," which was how a lot of early reviewers regarded it (I agree with you about the long tail of grief - and would add that the show is a meditation on addiction in all its forms - including perfectionism/workaholism). At any rate, I loved the 3rd season in its focus on Natalie, Sydney, and Tina (is it any mistake that the reviewers turned on the show when it began to focus on women's professional and personal lives?), and it's refusal to give us the simple plots and characters we expect from television - especially television labeled as "comedy."
True in general. But some of my favorite shows stayed consistently great for years. Sopranos. Mad Men. Six feet Under. In the case of “The Bear” I thought the second season was actually much better than the first!
I love your writing about The Bear. I’m in the UK so I’ve been watching it through a different cultural lens and probably missing so much, but the feelings pierce through the differences. About to start season 3…
I much appreciate what you say about Joe Biden and the press too. The instinct to destroy ‘just for the clicks’ is so strong in both our medias. There’s almost universal fear of Trump being reelected over here and currently great relief that stability and the values that matter have resurfaced in the UK. Ultimately people ignored the media and refused to vote for a party that was just in it for their own profit. Here’s hoping that can happen in the US in November…
I was so delighted to see what happened in the UK. And France repudiated the right wing,too. It better happen here, or I may be showing up at your doorstep. (Actually, my best friend now lives in England; it’s probably her doorstop I’ll show up at.)
Empathy for the guy with the big heart trapped in a freezer refrigerator? For hours? No of course not. I couldn't watch everyone who pretended to care just bail on this poor kid. That's when the writers l8st me completely
Yes the same. Our wonderful daughters and families had some great times when they were so young and in no time they are pretty adult, and we feel like no time has passed at all. Hello to all. I love your articles, I have just recently found this app, and saw your wonderful articles. I am so glad to hear from you. You can email me anytime, would love to catch up.
I’ve watched every episode of “The Bear” as well. For the most part I agree with your assessments, but having parents who were heavy drinkers who had many friends who were downright alcoholics, I didn’t find the episode with Sugar and her mother that realistic. Of course I loved Jamie Lee Curtis’s acting, but in my experience, alcoholics cannot be relied on to come through in a pinch. My mother many times had to step in for her best friend, who was a drunk. Any time the woman made a commitment, she would get drunk and disappear. That’s what drunks do. Maybe the mother could be there for her daughter, but my experience tells me she would not have shown up for hours, and when she did appear she would be drunk. So I found it the least realistic of all the episodes. Remember, this is a woman who drove a car through a wall in her own home. A disaster from beginning to end.
Thanks for adding some real-life experience of growing up with alcoholics. Actually, right now my daughter is dealing with an alcoholic boss who was fired and then re-hired; she would agree completely with what you’ve written. My interpretation of the show was that at the point at which Donna comes to the restaurant, she’s in treatment of some kind, and by the time Sugar goes into labor, she’s not drinking anymore. At least, in that fictional world!!
I couldn't watch The Bear. I don't mind the story line, but I couldn't stand that every other word is f**k. Now I am not a prude, and do use that word quite often myself, but I do have a command of language where I can find alternatives.... I am not sure what the writers were trying to get at by making everyone so crass. If they think that everyone of a certain economic level doesnt know how to speak to each other they need to leave their bubble.
I also can't make matzah ball soup. I can make the chicken soup part, it's a staple in my home (in fact it's what we had for dinner tonight, yes I know in 95 degree weather I make chicken soup.). But it's the matzah balls I have issues with. Don't know why. They are simply inedible. There is some kind of mental glitch. I probably experienced some kind of culinary catastrophe wayback when which created a mental block. However, I do make a mean brisket.
Maybe I can help with the matzoh balls. The key for me is to start with the Manischewitz mix, but add to their instructions an extra egg, extra oil, and more time settling in the fridge. Now you tell me your brisket recipe. I do a good brisket but am always eager for other winning recipes!!
Thanks for the hints. I am going to try it next time.
I got this brisket recipe from a book on southern Jewish cooking (I added a few touches of my own). You brown the brisket on both sides before putting it in the oven. But saute fresh garlic and onions in the pan first and just lay the browned brisket on top. I also spice the brisket with alot of middle eastern spices, cumin, ras al hanout, ginger, turmeric, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Then before putting it in the oven, I cover the entire brisket with enough chicken stock that you can't really see the brisket.
Tent the pan with tinfoil
Put it in a 350 degree oven.
Wait 2-3 hours and then take it out and slice the brisket. Best if you can slice on the bias.
It will still be a little hard.
Put the slices back in the broth that is now infused with all those spices. This way all parts of the slices are dunked in the broth. Make sure to put back the tinfoil tent.
Then cook it for another few hours until soft. You can keep the brisket in the broth at a really low temp, say 200 until ready to serve or take it out and put in a good reheating dish, but make sure to keep that broth on top. You will need it when you reheat. (I reheat in the microwave).
Let me know if you try my recipe and what you think :)
The bear was so anxiety provoking..and then it was calm. I dint understand the story and all of the characters except Carman just fall apart. It's bizarre and not good for my mental health.
I'm a bit mystified by your all-in-on-Biden take, Susan., or at least the uncompromising nature of it. I was pro-Biden until the debate, albeit with anxieties about his cognitive status, and didn't see it as remotely worthwhile to consider replacing him. Then I watched as much of the debate as I could bear, and was pretty devastated by how out of it he seemed. Of course I could be wrong in my visceral reaction, and in my long distance diagnosis of him, but I'm pretty sure I'm not a dupe of the media. He *seems to me* like he's suffering some form of dementia. Given that he's already down in the polls, It seems almost inconceivable that he could mount a sufficient campaign to come back against Trump. So I'd like to see him drop out and ideally I'd like some kind of abbreviated contest that will allow for a better candidate to emerge.
Of course he's still better than Trump. Of course it would be nice if people could lock in to how terrible Trump is. I don't share your level of contempt for how the media has covered it all -- I think the media has been relentlessly anti-Trump for 8 years -- but even if I did, it seems strange to me to lament the effects of the media's coverage and then opt to go for the guy (Biden) who you believe they're treating terribly in a way that endangers hie election and who also may in fact be suffering from severe cognitive decline. The media's not going to stop writing about it. I'm not going to stop believing what my eyes told me while I was watching the debate.
I too was extremely upset by the debate. I so wanted him to demolish Trump and instead he fell apart. I guess where I differ from you is that I didn’t know what to make of it, and actually still don’t. As the sister of two therapists, an intimate of several people who are neurologically atypical, and having had severe phobias myself, I know that one can be totally capable of high performing almost all the time and yet be vulnerable to certain situations and stressors. (We’ve had some great presidents about whom that was true, including Lincoln.) I fault the media (also some Democrats, but that’s another story, and the media was my focus here) for precipitous headlining which quickly became an all-consuming story. I’m also likely much more media-critical than the average person because I follow it so closely, particularly during the 2016 election. They do damage.
Imagine standing next to Donald Trump and not feeling out of sorts. I would probably throw up. I think Boden did well. And let's remember the Democratic party asked for this debate. They could have "controlled the narrative " a lot better. The Media is or has become a vicious downward spiral of just gossip fear and anything for viewers. It's pretty Sad. It was Trump that spewed the whole idea that the singular man of president was so damn important anyway. At this point it's our survival that is on the line. And who better to get us through but a man like Biden.
I hear you. I’m sure I could be wrong about Biden’s capacities. I’ve been dealing with the cognitive decline of a close family member for the past few years, so I may be projecting. We rationalized away evidence of her decline for many years, so it felt familiar in Biden’s case.
That said, I don’t know how he wins if he can’t mount a more vigorous campaign than he has been to this point. That’s what’s determinative for me.
He just called into Morning Joe, spitting mad. As someone who frets over language and communication (as I’m sure you do too) I winced a few times. But I’ve been wincing throughout Joe’s career!! I didn’t see any evidence of cognitive decline, just Joe being Joe—and coming out fighting.
And sorry not to have mentioned your own experience. We had that happen, too, in my family, in a much more condensed way. But we also may have ignored some crucial signals (compounded by physical issues, misdiagnoses, etc.) It’s so hard, and heartbreaking, especially when the person has been so sharp for most of their life.
Listening to it now. Not finding it too reassuring. He's more lucid, certainly. I wish he would take a neurological test the results of which he's willing to release.
One man does not run the government of the United States of America. That's a narrative Trump drilled into our skulls with his babble. We have lots of great people in the government who are thrilled to have Biden standing next to world leaders. Many his age and if not at least they can respect him.
But what difference does it make it people believe the narrative and Trump gets elected? That's my point. I don't think we can win when so many middle of the road voters -- the type who Voted Obama, Trump, Biden -- think Biden is too old to do the job well.
Sorry, I totally disagree. Biden has been scrutinized and not Trump. He gets a pass. The press did the same negative coverage of Clinton as well. Back in 2016, I offered on my Facebook to pay $100 for a good article or news program that was favorable to Hillary. Nobody! They have not covered how successful Biden has been. Trump was left by the majority of his cabinet, many indicted yet they focus on Biden on has done an amazing job. Strongest economy in the world. We get Biden and Harris. If we deny the will of the people, we will get chaos! That is a way to LOSE. Who is going to unite the party???? BTW - there is a full neurological write up on Biden and where is that on Trump? Article 25 was brought up on him numerous times when he was in office. Respectfully disagree!! Nobody has done better. If his performance was failing, I would agree. But is is not.
Exactly. I am in mid 50s and forget what I went into a room to get. Any professional will tell you stress is the big trigger. Get biden in a team of good men like he has. We will overcome this monstrous idea that Trump even can be a legal candidate. Remember the Reagans..uhm
Thanks for your comment Ashley. It keeps my hope alive corresponding with people who have not accepted the biased media coverage benefitting Trump. It keeps me sane. We need better information on what is happening in the Country and Less on the Horse Race they love to push and create chaos for the majority of the Country. The focus is on far-right and far-left and everybody sounds crazy. Convicted felon on the top of the ballot - OK - all makes sense, right????
I actually stay clear headed thanks to my 20 something k8ds who see right through it all. They were at Bernie Sanders rallies at 16 and first voted for Hillary not Trump. They were 7 when Obama was elected and now 23 to 25 imagine what they think. And how they can stay sane. They see the l9ngview much better than I do. I'm a Jimmy Carter kid. And I would give anything to have solar panels back on the whitehouse...
A debate is no way to judge a president. That is for sure. Look at policy economics and in this case a man who is not a lover of world leaders pretend like putin. I think America is maddening most of the time do to our ignorant media. Fearing someone who is possibly slow or a bit old, yet has the goodness of us all on his side.. Is a safer bet than a lunatic and this time around..no excuse fir not knowing that. Watch "4 hours at the capital " a netflix documentary made from independent journalists on all sides there in the capital and the rally that day. While the man down the street did NOTHING. It may change your mind. Because the media still hasn't the courage to show ANY OF IT
I'm not arguing Trump is preferable at all. I'm arguing that Biden is going to lose to Trump, so we should replace him with someone who has a better chance of beating Trump. Biden's goodness and his track record are mostly irrelevant. It's not fair. I wish it were different. I wish 40% of the country weren't prepared to vote for Trump regardless of his opponent. But that's how it is. And I don't see much chance that an enfeebled Biden can beat him.
It's too bad the one person or persons who claim to see the future don't shut up and say the opposite for the good of the people. If you really think Biden will lose. Keep it to yourself
Huh? Biden's been losing in the polls for months. And then he had that disastrous debate. Where's the evidence that he's on a trajectory to win? Of course anything can happen. I'd be happy to be wrong, if he stays in the race. I just think it's clear he'll lose, as he's been predicted to lose for some time.
Be happy to be wrong and please don't vote for Trump. Honestly we can get anyone out of prison if you want to vote for a lifelong criminal. Versus a man with a stutter. Who has his wife Dr Boden and family and years of experience. I worked with many men older than him in my career as an architect. If you don't know Frank Lloyd Wright did 30 % of his buildings between 80 abd his death in his late 90s. During the construction of the Guggenheim in New York a tru masterpiece. He didn't see it completed in life. And he may have had a stutter as he like biden had his share of tragedy. But maybe we need a better definition of what the job entails. Debating a madman. REALLY? And I never believe the polls. They just want you to watch more Media
I’ve watched every episode of “The Bear” as well. For the most part I agree with your assessments, but having parents who were heavy drinkers who had many friends who were downright alcoholics, I didn’t find the episode with Sugar and her mother that realistic. Of course I loved Jamie Lee Curtis’s acting, but in my experience, alcoholics cannot be relied on to come through in a pinch. My mother many times had to step in for her best friend, who was a drunk. Any time the woman made a commitment, she would get drunk and disappear. That’s what drunks do. Maybe the mother could be there for her daughter, but my experience tells me she would not have shown up for hours, and when she did appear she would be drunk. So I found it the least realistic of all the episodes. Remember, this is a woman who drove a car through a wall in her own home. A disaster from beginning to end.
As the daughter of a dry drunk as they say. With two brothers I was more like Carman dazed and silent. Terrified like a rabbit. There is a sense of control that they have over you as a child that never goes away. It's sad but true. I've just now finished watching Mad Men not all of it but enough..and I l9ve the idea of the show going from self absorption and alcohol all day to shiny happy youths drinking coke. Sure it's sugar water but humming birds l9ve it and it's not alcohol. I was fortunate that I never enjoyed alcohol and absolutely never understood anyone getting so sick and hung over going back for more. The social complexity of those generations is basically horrible. Abd we are fortunate to be where we are. Not including the Trump BS..although a part of me feels it was a lesson some needed to learn. We all know Bernie Sanders has tje ideas and he's there running the Congress like the Man he is.
I watched maybe the first episode of Mad Men, maybe the second part of it, then stopped. I graduated from college (the first time) in 1962, and when I went to my first job I was completely unprepared for the office environment—heavy drinking etc. I was an innocent. But that show was so triggering I couldn’t bear to watch more of it no matter how many people told me how great it was. It showed exactly the kind of environment I encountered. But I wasn’t ambitious. I didn’t have any goals. I was just working to support myself. My parents wanted me out of the house and I couldn’t bear to stay there. So I had to have some kind of a job. I was neither pretty nor popular so making my way on my looks was out; I just had to learn skills, which I eventually did. But all I really wanted to do was write and be some kind of a poet and writer. I’ve learned over the years how lucky some successful artists have been to have loving and encouraging families or money . I did not have that.
I entered the workforce in 1993 and as one of the only young female architects in my graduation class. I was 1 woman in 60 architects in my office. I felt a lot of the sexism that the show has in several episodes. The characters as they are developed are good. And the office environment has changed some. Not so much drinking obviously no smoking. However, women have no ability to be paid fairly Still in many companies and they will always have to deal with obnoxious bosses and men snd women. I was amazed how similar snd familiar it was. I thought the "sex" in the show was not explained well until later and the writers took liberty to understand the childhood of Draper and Sterling left them incapable of healthy female relationships. Plenty of people did..not really a fan of the show.
My one point about the shows the Bear the election..are loyalty to friends big hearts and the FACT that as much as we feel we have progressed. The real fear is that Biden will have to depend on Kamala Harris. Or that she would become president. And for all we know MTG may be Trumps VP. It's time to remember that a president can be GREAT with severe illness. It's his moral compass and his beliefs that matter. DJT is not qualified to be a janitor in a prison. He's qualified to be an inmate.
I’ve watched seasons 1 and 2 of The Bear multiple times and season 3 one time so far. My interpretation of season 3 is that it was very disjointed—on purpose. The show is incredibly good at putting the viewer in it with the characters. We felt the chaos and stress of season 1, and for season 2, us viewers had both those quiet learning and growth experiences with the characters, and also felt the adrenaline of the building and opening of the new restaurant. In season 3, the team as a unit is struggling in a different way than before. You already described what Carmy’s going through very well, but we’ve also got Carmy and Richie’s fight not resolved, Sydney’s concerns about being in business with Carmy having gotten to the point where she might leave…no one’s talking to each other and facing the issues head on. The restaurant can’t succeed if that continues. The season feels “off” because they are. The only thing I really didn’t like about the season was way too much screen time to the Faks. It wasn’t even good comic relief, it was just silly. Far too silly for a show of this caliber.
Another one I'm sick of is Michae lMoore, who has been floating some crackpot nonsense of coming up with a new nominee by combining town halls (always delightful and informative BS) with regional call in primaries and a reveal on the 3rd night of the DNC.(I assume with Mrs. Obama presenting the lucky choice with a rose). I think Moore's brain has been fried from all the cooking in Midwest geezer diners.
We nearly bailed on the new season. Too many arty effects, not enough momentum. I kept wanting to shout at those in charge, "Tell the damn story!" And they did, in the two stellar episodes you single out here. Your commentary on this series is by far the best I've read. Sometimes I think you get it better than the showrunner does.
Blushing at that last comment!
Well, don't you think it's true? Seems to me they lost sight of what hooked the audience and transferred their attention to their own cleverness. As you say, this season had some great moments. But if the first season had been this uneven, it would have lost many viewers.
I agree. I’m not sure why it happened, but it did lose sight of what made it so good, especially in season 2. I thought it interesting that the two terrific episodes were written by women; I think the rest were all written by Storer. Just saying….
I agree that Bordo's commentary on the series is the best. Great attention to detail.
Once again, I am blown away by Bordo's ability to "run it down" for me! I would not have thought of comparing "The Bear" to the other fictionalized "show" - Joe is too old! We're screwed! Let's take the criminal; he seems energetic! For me "The Bear" (so brilliantly summarized here--almost as good as watching the show) is about empathy and tenderness and dysfunction and heart. All seasons have essentially been about Carmy's blue eyes and search for salvation from the impossible task of saving his brother. The directorial style slows down in Season 3 to a slow Tarkovsky film. The food tweezers have a starring role. Agree with you that the stand-out episodes are the ones you cited. Season 3 forces us to slow down and take it in. So....the other fiction? The post-debate "story" was slammed into us with incredible speed. The narrative of Joe and age is now a piece of velcro that can be applied virtually anywhere. How quickly his party seemed to abandon and question him. Unlike the team at the restaurant, no one's GOT HIS BACK. "Behind you, Joe, behind you, coming through with the tray of democracy!" Thank you for this article. Consistently, with your stacks, someone has to say it and you consistently say it. I'm so, so tired, I have to admit. I think I may be too old now. The reaction to Joe in the debate made ME feel ancient. I've let my hair stay grey since the pandemic, and have noticed how invisible I've become. And lots of other small indicators that I'm less valuable. I'm not sure coloring my hair back to its original dark brown won't look odd, now. I hate the maintenance of all that. The second "show" you review has no HEART and no EMPATHY. The media is addicted to the Trump narrative, as if there is some cosmic force renewing it endlessly in an effort to keep the audience's attention.
I love this commentary SO MUCH. It’s smart, it’s unique, and it has HEART. It’s a brilliant little piece of writing on its own. Can I copy it to notes?
Yes, of course! and thank you!!
‘Serious scrutiny’ by the press. My biggest fear is that it’ll only happen when it’s too late. We’re living under a very real Trump cloud when he should have been long gone. The inconsistencies in their reporting on the two men are stunning, and I can’t get away from believing it’s deliberate.
How do we get through to them? It’s clear we must, but how? They’re destroying a good man and elevating someone so bad we’re actually fearing for our democracy, and they still won’t stop.
Thank you again for this entire piece, Susan. I can’t concentrate enough to watch Season Three yet but when I do I’ll have to read this again!
The press will never criticize themselves. I think often of Marx on the “means of production.” When you control the means of production —as the press does over the “news”—you have an absolute power over what gets produced. And you’ll never “produce” anything that works toward the lessening of your own power. (That’s garbled, but you get the point.)
Am I dreaming, or are those really potato chips on your omelette?
That’s a pic of Sydney’s omelette. It has sour cream and onion chips on top. I’ve never tried it but those that have swear by its yumminess.
OMG. Those were my favorite chips in high school. I haven’t had them in over 40 years., but I have chickens now…which means I need new egg ideas. I am going to have to try this. Thanks for the inspiration.
https://www.thetakeout.com/1595470/the-bear-season-three-omelet/
Another great piece Susan Bordo. You have a way with words and you have FACTS!! I too have been on this issue since 2015 - Trump gets a pass and its all untrustworthy, illegally obtained e-mails and unlikable Hillary to NOW Joe is too Old!! Media has been telling you all this since he ran before 2020 election. They don't like Biden, They don't like Hillary - the like CHAOS!!! They divide the party and WE LOSE. Media talks about the Supreme Court not having to answer to anyone, WHAT ABOUT THE PRESS! So sick of hearing about the liberal media today. Funny, that Fox convicted of all their lies on the voting machine issue, is still #1 in cable news - that is a disgrace!! Where is the liberal media in all of this?? Oh yes, I forgot, they were pushing Bernie and AOC and now anyone but Biden. They are dividing the Country again and we will fall as a Country if this brainwashing doesn't end. America is more interested in the Shallow SHOW, the entertainment factor, the GOTCHA than they ever have been about the Country. In mu opinion, their coverage of politics has become "jerry Springer Live!" They are a business. The want CLICKS and to hell with you. They also, the media put together a list of all Dems who wanted Nancy Pelosi to RESIGN as Speaker of the House. Thank God it didn't work but it was close. Who do they think they are, NY Times and Post and cable news to Tell the President of the United States he should RESIGN. They are the new King just like Trump. They are causing even more harm. I need your voice Susan Bordo - you are an amazing writer who has never been given the platform. Thank you!! Happy subscriber.
Thank you so much Ann!! Interesting, isn’t it, that the mainstream media stopped giving my work attention when I began to criticize them? After my Hillary book, they stopped calling me for quotes, didn’t review the book, etc. It’s been great to have this new “platform” on Substack. It hasn’t led to MSNBC interviewing me (didn’t expect it would) but at least I have a community of people like you to talk to!! Your support has given me new life when I really needed it.
It's still such a great book.
Re: The Bear, I have a book recommendation: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, who used to be the GM of Eleven Madison Park and who is involved the The Bear. I happened to come across it just before watching this season and I think Season 3 probably has more to do with that idea of "unreasonable hospitality" and relationships that come out of that orientation than it does with "a fast-paced comedy about restaurants," which was how a lot of early reviewers regarded it (I agree with you about the long tail of grief - and would add that the show is a meditation on addiction in all its forms - including perfectionism/workaholism). At any rate, I loved the 3rd season in its focus on Natalie, Sydney, and Tina (is it any mistake that the reviewers turned on the show when it began to focus on women's professional and personal lives?), and it's refusal to give us the simple plots and characters we expect from television - especially television labeled as "comedy."
Great points! And I am definitely going to order that book. Thank you!!
Subsequent seasons seldom have the punch of the first. I am referring to TV shows : )
True in general. But some of my favorite shows stayed consistently great for years. Sopranos. Mad Men. Six feet Under. In the case of “The Bear” I thought the second season was actually much better than the first!
I love your writing about The Bear. I’m in the UK so I’ve been watching it through a different cultural lens and probably missing so much, but the feelings pierce through the differences. About to start season 3…
I much appreciate what you say about Joe Biden and the press too. The instinct to destroy ‘just for the clicks’ is so strong in both our medias. There’s almost universal fear of Trump being reelected over here and currently great relief that stability and the values that matter have resurfaced in the UK. Ultimately people ignored the media and refused to vote for a party that was just in it for their own profit. Here’s hoping that can happen in the US in November…
I was so delighted to see what happened in the UK. And France repudiated the right wing,too. It better happen here, or I may be showing up at your doorstep. (Actually, my best friend now lives in England; it’s probably her doorstop I’ll show up at.)
Empathy for the guy with the big heart trapped in a freezer refrigerator? For hours? No of course not. I couldn't watch everyone who pretended to care just bail on this poor kid. That's when the writers l8st me completely
Are you the Ashley Rushing whose wonderful, talented daughter went to school with Cassie, and who we used to hang around with?
Yes the same. Our wonderful daughters and families had some great times when they were so young and in no time they are pretty adult, and we feel like no time has passed at all. Hello to all. I love your articles, I have just recently found this app, and saw your wonderful articles. I am so glad to hear from you. You can email me anytime, would love to catch up.
I’ve watched every episode of “The Bear” as well. For the most part I agree with your assessments, but having parents who were heavy drinkers who had many friends who were downright alcoholics, I didn’t find the episode with Sugar and her mother that realistic. Of course I loved Jamie Lee Curtis’s acting, but in my experience, alcoholics cannot be relied on to come through in a pinch. My mother many times had to step in for her best friend, who was a drunk. Any time the woman made a commitment, she would get drunk and disappear. That’s what drunks do. Maybe the mother could be there for her daughter, but my experience tells me she would not have shown up for hours, and when she did appear she would be drunk. So I found it the least realistic of all the episodes. Remember, this is a woman who drove a car through a wall in her own home. A disaster from beginning to end.
Thanks for adding some real-life experience of growing up with alcoholics. Actually, right now my daughter is dealing with an alcoholic boss who was fired and then re-hired; she would agree completely with what you’ve written. My interpretation of the show was that at the point at which Donna comes to the restaurant, she’s in treatment of some kind, and by the time Sugar goes into labor, she’s not drinking anymore. At least, in that fictional world!!
Sorry to hear that..but if Cassie is how I remember Cassie she will be a better person for it all and probably take over her bosses job.
I couldn't watch The Bear. I don't mind the story line, but I couldn't stand that every other word is f**k. Now I am not a prude, and do use that word quite often myself, but I do have a command of language where I can find alternatives.... I am not sure what the writers were trying to get at by making everyone so crass. If they think that everyone of a certain economic level doesnt know how to speak to each other they need to leave their bubble.
I also can't make matzah ball soup. I can make the chicken soup part, it's a staple in my home (in fact it's what we had for dinner tonight, yes I know in 95 degree weather I make chicken soup.). But it's the matzah balls I have issues with. Don't know why. They are simply inedible. There is some kind of mental glitch. I probably experienced some kind of culinary catastrophe wayback when which created a mental block. However, I do make a mean brisket.
Maybe I can help with the matzoh balls. The key for me is to start with the Manischewitz mix, but add to their instructions an extra egg, extra oil, and more time settling in the fridge. Now you tell me your brisket recipe. I do a good brisket but am always eager for other winning recipes!!
Thanks for the hints. I am going to try it next time.
I got this brisket recipe from a book on southern Jewish cooking (I added a few touches of my own). You brown the brisket on both sides before putting it in the oven. But saute fresh garlic and onions in the pan first and just lay the browned brisket on top. I also spice the brisket with alot of middle eastern spices, cumin, ras al hanout, ginger, turmeric, allspice, nutmeg and cinnamon. Then before putting it in the oven, I cover the entire brisket with enough chicken stock that you can't really see the brisket.
Tent the pan with tinfoil
Put it in a 350 degree oven.
Wait 2-3 hours and then take it out and slice the brisket. Best if you can slice on the bias.
It will still be a little hard.
Put the slices back in the broth that is now infused with all those spices. This way all parts of the slices are dunked in the broth. Make sure to put back the tinfoil tent.
Then cook it for another few hours until soft. You can keep the brisket in the broth at a really low temp, say 200 until ready to serve or take it out and put in a good reheating dish, but make sure to keep that broth on top. You will need it when you reheat. (I reheat in the microwave).
Let me know if you try my recipe and what you think :)
The bear was so anxiety provoking..and then it was calm. I dint understand the story and all of the characters except Carman just fall apart. It's bizarre and not good for my mental health.
It is horribly stressful
I'm a bit mystified by your all-in-on-Biden take, Susan., or at least the uncompromising nature of it. I was pro-Biden until the debate, albeit with anxieties about his cognitive status, and didn't see it as remotely worthwhile to consider replacing him. Then I watched as much of the debate as I could bear, and was pretty devastated by how out of it he seemed. Of course I could be wrong in my visceral reaction, and in my long distance diagnosis of him, but I'm pretty sure I'm not a dupe of the media. He *seems to me* like he's suffering some form of dementia. Given that he's already down in the polls, It seems almost inconceivable that he could mount a sufficient campaign to come back against Trump. So I'd like to see him drop out and ideally I'd like some kind of abbreviated contest that will allow for a better candidate to emerge.
Of course he's still better than Trump. Of course it would be nice if people could lock in to how terrible Trump is. I don't share your level of contempt for how the media has covered it all -- I think the media has been relentlessly anti-Trump for 8 years -- but even if I did, it seems strange to me to lament the effects of the media's coverage and then opt to go for the guy (Biden) who you believe they're treating terribly in a way that endangers hie election and who also may in fact be suffering from severe cognitive decline. The media's not going to stop writing about it. I'm not going to stop believing what my eyes told me while I was watching the debate.
I too was extremely upset by the debate. I so wanted him to demolish Trump and instead he fell apart. I guess where I differ from you is that I didn’t know what to make of it, and actually still don’t. As the sister of two therapists, an intimate of several people who are neurologically atypical, and having had severe phobias myself, I know that one can be totally capable of high performing almost all the time and yet be vulnerable to certain situations and stressors. (We’ve had some great presidents about whom that was true, including Lincoln.) I fault the media (also some Democrats, but that’s another story, and the media was my focus here) for precipitous headlining which quickly became an all-consuming story. I’m also likely much more media-critical than the average person because I follow it so closely, particularly during the 2016 election. They do damage.
Imagine standing next to Donald Trump and not feeling out of sorts. I would probably throw up. I think Boden did well. And let's remember the Democratic party asked for this debate. They could have "controlled the narrative " a lot better. The Media is or has become a vicious downward spiral of just gossip fear and anything for viewers. It's pretty Sad. It was Trump that spewed the whole idea that the singular man of president was so damn important anyway. At this point it's our survival that is on the line. And who better to get us through but a man like Biden.
I hear you. I’m sure I could be wrong about Biden’s capacities. I’ve been dealing with the cognitive decline of a close family member for the past few years, so I may be projecting. We rationalized away evidence of her decline for many years, so it felt familiar in Biden’s case.
That said, I don’t know how he wins if he can’t mount a more vigorous campaign than he has been to this point. That’s what’s determinative for me.
He just called into Morning Joe, spitting mad. As someone who frets over language and communication (as I’m sure you do too) I winced a few times. But I’ve been wincing throughout Joe’s career!! I didn’t see any evidence of cognitive decline, just Joe being Joe—and coming out fighting.
And sorry not to have mentioned your own experience. We had that happen, too, in my family, in a much more condensed way. But we also may have ignored some crucial signals (compounded by physical issues, misdiagnoses, etc.) It’s so hard, and heartbreaking, especially when the person has been so sharp for most of their life.
Listening to it now. Not finding it too reassuring. He's more lucid, certainly. I wish he would take a neurological test the results of which he's willing to release.
I'm happy to be persuaded that he's entirely with it. A fully there Biden is clearly our best option. Will listen to Morning Joe clip.
One man does not run the government of the United States of America. That's a narrative Trump drilled into our skulls with his babble. We have lots of great people in the government who are thrilled to have Biden standing next to world leaders. Many his age and if not at least they can respect him.
But what difference does it make it people believe the narrative and Trump gets elected? That's my point. I don't think we can win when so many middle of the road voters -- the type who Voted Obama, Trump, Biden -- think Biden is too old to do the job well.
Like who?
Sorry, I totally disagree. Biden has been scrutinized and not Trump. He gets a pass. The press did the same negative coverage of Clinton as well. Back in 2016, I offered on my Facebook to pay $100 for a good article or news program that was favorable to Hillary. Nobody! They have not covered how successful Biden has been. Trump was left by the majority of his cabinet, many indicted yet they focus on Biden on has done an amazing job. Strongest economy in the world. We get Biden and Harris. If we deny the will of the people, we will get chaos! That is a way to LOSE. Who is going to unite the party???? BTW - there is a full neurological write up on Biden and where is that on Trump? Article 25 was brought up on him numerous times when he was in office. Respectfully disagree!! Nobody has done better. If his performance was failing, I would agree. But is is not.
Exactly. I am in mid 50s and forget what I went into a room to get. Any professional will tell you stress is the big trigger. Get biden in a team of good men like he has. We will overcome this monstrous idea that Trump even can be a legal candidate. Remember the Reagans..uhm
Thanks for your comment Ashley. It keeps my hope alive corresponding with people who have not accepted the biased media coverage benefitting Trump. It keeps me sane. We need better information on what is happening in the Country and Less on the Horse Race they love to push and create chaos for the majority of the Country. The focus is on far-right and far-left and everybody sounds crazy. Convicted felon on the top of the ballot - OK - all makes sense, right????
I actually stay clear headed thanks to my 20 something k8ds who see right through it all. They were at Bernie Sanders rallies at 16 and first voted for Hillary not Trump. They were 7 when Obama was elected and now 23 to 25 imagine what they think. And how they can stay sane. They see the l9ngview much better than I do. I'm a Jimmy Carter kid. And I would give anything to have solar panels back on the whitehouse...
Oppenheimer?
A debate is no way to judge a president. That is for sure. Look at policy economics and in this case a man who is not a lover of world leaders pretend like putin. I think America is maddening most of the time do to our ignorant media. Fearing someone who is possibly slow or a bit old, yet has the goodness of us all on his side.. Is a safer bet than a lunatic and this time around..no excuse fir not knowing that. Watch "4 hours at the capital " a netflix documentary made from independent journalists on all sides there in the capital and the rally that day. While the man down the street did NOTHING. It may change your mind. Because the media still hasn't the courage to show ANY OF IT
I'm not arguing Trump is preferable at all. I'm arguing that Biden is going to lose to Trump, so we should replace him with someone who has a better chance of beating Trump. Biden's goodness and his track record are mostly irrelevant. It's not fair. I wish it were different. I wish 40% of the country weren't prepared to vote for Trump regardless of his opponent. But that's how it is. And I don't see much chance that an enfeebled Biden can beat him.
It's too bad the one person or persons who claim to see the future don't shut up and say the opposite for the good of the people. If you really think Biden will lose. Keep it to yourself
REALLY?
Huh? Biden's been losing in the polls for months. And then he had that disastrous debate. Where's the evidence that he's on a trajectory to win? Of course anything can happen. I'd be happy to be wrong, if he stays in the race. I just think it's clear he'll lose, as he's been predicted to lose for some time.
Be happy to be wrong and please don't vote for Trump. Honestly we can get anyone out of prison if you want to vote for a lifelong criminal. Versus a man with a stutter. Who has his wife Dr Boden and family and years of experience. I worked with many men older than him in my career as an architect. If you don't know Frank Lloyd Wright did 30 % of his buildings between 80 abd his death in his late 90s. During the construction of the Guggenheim in New York a tru masterpiece. He didn't see it completed in life. And he may have had a stutter as he like biden had his share of tragedy. But maybe we need a better definition of what the job entails. Debating a madman. REALLY? And I never believe the polls. They just want you to watch more Media
I’ve watched every episode of “The Bear” as well. For the most part I agree with your assessments, but having parents who were heavy drinkers who had many friends who were downright alcoholics, I didn’t find the episode with Sugar and her mother that realistic. Of course I loved Jamie Lee Curtis’s acting, but in my experience, alcoholics cannot be relied on to come through in a pinch. My mother many times had to step in for her best friend, who was a drunk. Any time the woman made a commitment, she would get drunk and disappear. That’s what drunks do. Maybe the mother could be there for her daughter, but my experience tells me she would not have shown up for hours, and when she did appear she would be drunk. So I found it the least realistic of all the episodes. Remember, this is a woman who drove a car through a wall in her own home. A disaster from beginning to end.
As the daughter of a dry drunk as they say. With two brothers I was more like Carman dazed and silent. Terrified like a rabbit. There is a sense of control that they have over you as a child that never goes away. It's sad but true. I've just now finished watching Mad Men not all of it but enough..and I l9ve the idea of the show going from self absorption and alcohol all day to shiny happy youths drinking coke. Sure it's sugar water but humming birds l9ve it and it's not alcohol. I was fortunate that I never enjoyed alcohol and absolutely never understood anyone getting so sick and hung over going back for more. The social complexity of those generations is basically horrible. Abd we are fortunate to be where we are. Not including the Trump BS..although a part of me feels it was a lesson some needed to learn. We all know Bernie Sanders has tje ideas and he's there running the Congress like the Man he is.
I watched maybe the first episode of Mad Men, maybe the second part of it, then stopped. I graduated from college (the first time) in 1962, and when I went to my first job I was completely unprepared for the office environment—heavy drinking etc. I was an innocent. But that show was so triggering I couldn’t bear to watch more of it no matter how many people told me how great it was. It showed exactly the kind of environment I encountered. But I wasn’t ambitious. I didn’t have any goals. I was just working to support myself. My parents wanted me out of the house and I couldn’t bear to stay there. So I had to have some kind of a job. I was neither pretty nor popular so making my way on my looks was out; I just had to learn skills, which I eventually did. But all I really wanted to do was write and be some kind of a poet and writer. I’ve learned over the years how lucky some successful artists have been to have loving and encouraging families or money . I did not have that.
Saralyn, did you mean to post this here? It seems to belong on the stack I did on “Mad Men”
I entered the workforce in 1993 and as one of the only young female architects in my graduation class. I was 1 woman in 60 architects in my office. I felt a lot of the sexism that the show has in several episodes. The characters as they are developed are good. And the office environment has changed some. Not so much drinking obviously no smoking. However, women have no ability to be paid fairly Still in many companies and they will always have to deal with obnoxious bosses and men snd women. I was amazed how similar snd familiar it was. I thought the "sex" in the show was not explained well until later and the writers took liberty to understand the childhood of Draper and Sterling left them incapable of healthy female relationships. Plenty of people did..not really a fan of the show.
My one point about the shows the Bear the election..are loyalty to friends big hearts and the FACT that as much as we feel we have progressed. The real fear is that Biden will have to depend on Kamala Harris. Or that she would become president. And for all we know MTG may be Trumps VP. It's time to remember that a president can be GREAT with severe illness. It's his moral compass and his beliefs that matter. DJT is not qualified to be a janitor in a prison. He's qualified to be an inmate.
Think on DO WE KNOW OUR TRUE ENEMIES?
I’ve watched seasons 1 and 2 of The Bear multiple times and season 3 one time so far. My interpretation of season 3 is that it was very disjointed—on purpose. The show is incredibly good at putting the viewer in it with the characters. We felt the chaos and stress of season 1, and for season 2, us viewers had both those quiet learning and growth experiences with the characters, and also felt the adrenaline of the building and opening of the new restaurant. In season 3, the team as a unit is struggling in a different way than before. You already described what Carmy’s going through very well, but we’ve also got Carmy and Richie’s fight not resolved, Sydney’s concerns about being in business with Carmy having gotten to the point where she might leave…no one’s talking to each other and facing the issues head on. The restaurant can’t succeed if that continues. The season feels “off” because they are. The only thing I really didn’t like about the season was way too much screen time to the Faks. It wasn’t even good comic relief, it was just silly. Far too silly for a show of this caliber.
Another one I'm sick of is Michae lMoore, who has been floating some crackpot nonsense of coming up with a new nominee by combining town halls (always delightful and informative BS) with regional call in primaries and a reveal on the 3rd night of the DNC.(I assume with Mrs. Obama presenting the lucky choice with a rose). I think Moore's brain has been fried from all the cooking in Midwest geezer diners.
B be a jerk jj