Jolt Country

The Bear is a new Hulu show which is about a kid from Chicago who comes back from being chef at the French Laundry, the greatest restaurant in the world, to run his dead brother's Italian beef joint with a bunch of starry-eyed youngsters and burned-out losers.

It is impossible to dislike this show. It reminds me in many ways of the movie "Chef", particularly in the way that all of the bad guys end up likeable and sympathetic, and although we have two episodes to go, everything just works out for everyone eventually, and you feel good at the end. Like I said with "Chef", I think there's room for that, and apparently there is because The Bear is the darling of the awards season.

The writing is very good, and the acting -- particularly from the lead character -- is exceptional. Also its treatment of cooking and professional kitchens is respectful. They appear to be actually cooking, and doing it well.

It's maybe a touch too precious, and every episode so far boils down to "something goes bad, but by the end it's taken care of and everyone has learned a little about themselves", but like I say, impossible to dislike. You'll smile through the whole thing, I guarantee it.

At one point the "hothead" character calls a bunch of customers dressed in costume waiting to take part in an arcade tournament at the restaurant "incel, QAnon, 4chan, Snyder Cut motherfuckers", and that is the best insult I've ever heard on TV.

I tried a subscription to catch this show, and it is interesting. Funny how you notice things. In episode 2, a health inspector catches them with code violations, and downgrades their inspection permit to "C". I presume this is like other places, you want an "A" grade, and even a "B" can hurt your business. C could cause customers to go elsewhere, potentially driving you out of business.

Funny thing was, I recognized her. I said it was the same actress who plays the desk sergeant in Chicago PD. So I looked it that show up on IMDB. That actress is Amy Morton. And on The Bear, she was in one episode as Nancy Chore. I was right.

So far, the show has been interesting, the characters have good qualities, and faults. Nobody is a hero, nobody is the villain. Everybody is a human being, some are better than others.

In Episode 8, what was in all those cans of tomato sauce?

I will send you the answer privately, so as not to spoil it for anyone who might watch it later but hasn't yet.

Tdarcos wrote: Sat Jan 14, 2023 11:24 pm In Episode 8, what was in all those cans of tomato sauce?

pinback wrote: Sun Jan 15, 2023 5:02 am I will send you the answer privately, so as not to spoil it for anyone who might watch it later but hasn't yet.

I read your message, thank you. I figured it was one of two things, and it was the one I thought was less likely. I'm watching it on a 27" monitor, literally eight feet away, that can make it hard to see fine details.

I understand. For me, the very end was the least satisfying part of the show, but it didn't matter, because I had a smile on my face the entire rest of the time.

If that dude doesn't win every acting award available to him, I give up.

The French Laundry is the dumbest name for anything to ever exist though, right?

Ruth's Chris is pretty dumb.

pinback wrote: Mon Jan 16, 2023 6:05 am Ruth's Chris is pretty dumb.

Agreed. Stupid name and stupid to pay that much for a steak I could cook at home or shit even over a camp fire!

I've never got into watching anything on Hulu really. Every time I looked at it I didn't see anything I cared to watch so I guess if I look at it again I'll try this.

Jizaboz wrote: Mon Jan 16, 2023 9:44 pm Agreed. Stupid name and stupid to pay that much for a steak I could cook at home or shit even over a camp fire!

I dunno, man. I mean I'd never go there again because I'm saddled with responsibilities and crippling depression, but back when I was on my own and was excited about life and could afford it? Damn.

Saying "why should I pay that much for a steak I can cook over the campfire" is like saying why should I go to the movies when I can just have my family act out the Death Star trench battle. That wasn't a great analogy, but I liked it.

pinback wrote: Tue Jan 17, 2023 5:00 am Saying "why should I pay that much for a steak I can cook over the campfire" is like saying why should I go to the movies when I can just have my family act out the Death Star trench battle. That wasn't a great analogy, but I liked it.

I like, "Why should I go see Blazing Saddles when my family could eat lots of beans in front of a fire, thus recreate the fart scene, and even get to smell it?"

You're gonna want pro steak.

I don't remember if this base is public, but I plan on taking Ben to get a company approved ribeye everytime works flies out to HQ.

I watched the first episode.

That's a good way to start.

I don't know what "hands" means.
What is the green tape for?

I like that the things that other shows would make huge problems - the kids getting Xanax, the food critic getting the risotto aren't what the show is about.

What is "family" as in "who's on family"?

No, that's second base

I would like to talk about this show and not worry about spoilers, but I am halfway through S02E06. Gillian Jacobs is talking to Cousin Richie and I guess I am meant to ASSUME she is the mother that has him as "Richie Bad News" in the phone because the show is not making it cl--

Just kidding, it's clear.

Is anyone else's Thanksgiving like the one depicted? I did like Carmen asking why his mother was making something that nobody would eat. I have thoughts on Thanksgiving. The three days leading towards Thanksgiving are my least favorite of the year.

I am hearing now that it was a meal for Christmas not Thanksgiving.

You watched the first episode yesterday, and now you're on S2E6?

Do I have this right?