The Bear finale closes on the highest of notes, serving as an epilogue for our various players. After not only surviving, but winning the previous night, the sky is the limit. The extra-long episode takes its time wrapping up every storyline, marking this the definitive end.
As the contractor repairs the roof and water pipes, Richie receives the chance of a lifetime. A pair of pleased guests invite the restaurant’s concierge to Japan for a hospitality seminar. Never having been on a plane, he suffers his first panic attack. But Carmy convinces him to take the leap of faith. Later, we see Syd give him tourism tips and a hug before he’s flying off with Jessica across the globe.
Sydney and Tina have a moment in the fridge, both sharing how thrilling last night was. Tina wants to chase that feeling again. We see her with her husband, who reassures her she’s capable of being Syd’s second-hand as CDC.
Uncle Jimmy and Carmy talk about him leaving. While Jimmy takes responsibility for the business flop, his genuine love for his nephew doesn’t want him to quit, citing a pattern of it in their family. But Carmy stands on business, emphasizing how him staying would be worse.
As Gary lines up a potential future as an official sommelier, Ibrahim prepares his official franchise pitch to Carmy. Within seconds of the presentation, Carmy approves it, trusting he and his colleagues with the future of The Beef.
Carmy finally answers the unknown caller, who is revealed to be Peter Clark, the actual Star man. He visited the restaurant months ago, the night they created the Chicago winter for visiting guests. Carmy shares with Sydney that they didn’t earn one star — but two. The pair sit in elated silence before later embracing in a hug of certainty and relief.
Syd celebrates the win with her father at lunch, on her first day off in months. He can’t contain his joy, holding the article with his daughter’s face as they enjoy their meal.
While Marcus drops Luca off at the airport, we see Carmy, in a suit and tie, prepare for an interview arranged by his cousin-in-law (John Mulaney). Bonnie Hunt guests as the HR rep at an architectural firm. Carmy explains his love for food developed from his affinity for color and structure, while cooking served as a way to escape the chaos in his head. While surprised by his candidness, Hunt is intrigued. It’s a clear display of Carmy’s growth from when we first met him. A ball of anxious tension, generational trauma and unconsolable grief.
Grief that won’t cease, but is now manageable. He sends a final “All good” text to Mikey’s number, cementing the end of that service.
While episode 7 would have served as a fine finale, “The Original Beef of Chicagoland” is the proper sendoff for this found family. A half-hour wrap would have been an injustice to the journey experienced the last four seasons. Some may feel it’s too polished, delivering happy endings across the board. But in these tumultuous times, grab joy where you can find it.
Rating: 10/10