We’re down to the wire in the penultimate episode of the series. The team elevates an assembly line to disperse the final seven courses as they prepare for the evening’s two most valuable guests — and one surprise.
Richie mans the floor, herding guests from the dining hall to the patio’s after party. Their 7 p.m., Dearborn the Star man, arrives with Chicago royalty, WGN’s own Tom Skilling. Gary aces the first hurdle with their wine request. But the next feat isn’t as easy when Fak gets stuck as their waiter. Panic ensues as the socially awkward employee resembles a smiling deer in headlights. Somehow, he wins the over with an anecdote.
As things flow in the main room, Carmy, Syd and Tina recruit our kitchen “tourists” to assist when Donna arrives. She marvels at the establishment that her bloodline built. Sanctioned to the office with her granddaughter, she learns about the staff via Pete’s assistance. The writers even slide a meta wink at viewers when Donna asks if Carmy and Syd are dating. She eventually finds Carmy’s chef journal, filled with his notes and recipes from his time away.
The team reaches course seven with all guests treated when they hit a wall: a protective mechanism shuts the stove off for a half-hour, leaving them stranded. Rather than panic, Syd rigs a multi-hot plate station to continue cooking. Suddenly, time stands still when Carmy drops Star man’s dish. He freezes in disbelief, apologies flooding as his anxiety rises. In a miraculous turn, Richie soothes him back to earth, with Syd reassuring him they’re fine. In a passing of the torch, Syd pivots to Tina’s Brussel sprouts, and Carm chooses Sydney’s Coke ribs. The moment almost overpowers Syd, who finds calm in Carmy’s assurance.
With no available hands, Syd walks the meals and experiences the heartwarming responses to her hard-earned work. And Marcus delivers his father the dessert of the evening: a banana split with special caramel sauce baked into table’s candle. The father and son say their goodbye with hopes of fellowshipping again.
With one minute left, Richie’s miscount leaves them short one dessert. All out of brioche, Carmy whips up some of the homemade decorative flakes, bypassing disaster. The fridge lies bare as the team crosses the finish. They achieved the unthinkable amidst unfathomable odds.
“Caramel” is easily the season’s, if not the series, best; a display of each character’s triumphant journey. We see the work to overcome past seasons’ hardships pay off, with trust earned, fears conquered and lessons learned. The calamity that met these strangers four seasons ago is a harmonious peace gained through perseverance. Whether The Bear sees the light of day tomorrow, this group will be prepared for whatever life brings them next.
Rating: 10/10
Photo credit: Courtesy of FX Networks