Summary
The Bearseason 3’s highest-rated episode tackled real-world events through a specific character, andit also broke a series record I never thought would happen.The Bear’s third season debuted in June 2024, and the latest outing proved a bit different from the previous two. Some claimedThe Bearseason 3 was the show’s worstso far, as it moved more slowly and didn’t resolve much in its 10-episode run. Two episodes stood out for their quality and character work — “Napkins” and “Ice Chips” — and one even went on to become season 3’s best-reviewed installment.
“Napkins,” the sixth episode ofThe Bearseason 3,focused entirely on Tina’s backstory, showing viewers how she came to work at The Beef. It highlighted the struggle of finding a job in the aftermath of the Great Recession, serving as a social commentary as much as a character history. With episode 6’s impressive writing, relatable story, and sweet character moments,it’s no wonder that “Napkins” is season 3’s highest-rated episode onIMDb. It really is one ofThe Bear’s best episodes, and it breaks a surprising record for the FX series.
10 Best The Bear Episodes, Ranked
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The Bear Season 3’s “Napkins” Is The Very First Episode Without Carmy
Episode 6 Focuses Entirely On Tina’s Backstory
It’s interesting that “Napkins” is the highest-rated episode ofThe Bear,asit’s also the first installment of the FX series to not feature Carmy. AlthoughThe Bearhas an ensemble cast— something that becomes more obvious in season 3 — Carmy is the central character throughout the first two seasons and for most of the third. His nickname is what gives the critically acclaimed series its title, and his desire to be a chef and open a restaurant drives the narrative forward. “Napkins” moves away from Carmy’s character, though, as he’s not around when Tina’s job crisis unfolds.
“Napkins” isn’t totally devoid of Berzattos, however, as it does feature Carmy’s brother. Jon Bernthal’s Mikey comforts Tina at her lowest, and he’s the one who gives her a job at The Beef. The scene between Tina and Mikey is a highlight ofThe Bearseason 3’s top-rated episode, and it showcases why the characters love Mikey so much. With Tina and Mikey stealing the show, it’s not all that noticeable that Carmy doesn’t appear in “Napkins.” But the success of this installment does confirm a harsh reality for Carmy’s character.
“Napkins” Reveals A Harsh Reality For Carmy In The Bear
The FX Series Doesn’t Need Jeremy Allen White’s Character To Succeed
“Napkins” is a great episode for Tina and Mikey, butthis installment ofThe Bearreveals a harsh truth about Carmy’s character. Although Carmy is supposed to be the focal point of the FX series,The Beardoesn’t actually need him to work. “Napkins” became season 3’s best episode without him appearing once, and even “Ice Chips” proved successful without him in most of its scenes.The Bear’s other charactershave become fan favorites over the past three outings, and they can carry episodes of the FX series easily.
Of course,Jeremy Allen White’s performance as Carmy remained a highlight of season 3— and it’s difficult to seeThe Beargoing on without him currently. But if the actor ever wanted to leave the show, it could make it work without Carmy. And if Carmy ever decided to move on from The Bear, Sydney and the others could likely keep the restaurant afloat. They could certainly keep the show a hit, as they’re all equally popular among its fanbase. “Napkins” proved that, with great storytelling and writing, any of them could take over.
Why “Napkins” Is The Bear Season 3’s Highest-Rated Episode
There were many elements of “Napkins” that helped it becomeThe Bearseason 3’s highest-rated episode, but its emotional impact was what truly resonated with viewers.
There were many elements of “Napkins” that helped it becomeThe Bearseason 3’s highest-rated episode, but its emotional impact was what truly resonated with viewers. Reviews of episode 6 empathized with Tina’s plight, with some fans expressing that they cried for her during episode 6’s run.Liza Colón-Zayas' acting helped elicit this reaction, and the writing was also responsible for getting us all so invested in Tina’s backstory.
Of course,getting some insight into Mikey’s character and The Beef’s background also made “Napkins” a standoutfrom season 3. And the fact that many viewers would have been around for the Great Recession made it relatable, as some of us have been in Tina’s shoes before. All in all,The Bearseason 3 proved it still had something special with “Napkins.” Hopefully, we get more installments like this one when season 4 finally debuts.
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