There’s a sense of urgency that drives the fifth and final season of “The Bear” unfolds on Hulu and FX.
That’s good for heightening drama, that’s bad for this show that has been mostly brilliant since its debut in 2022. Why so?
Because we know it’s coming to an end and in the episodes screened thus far, it’s easy to understand why it’s maintained the level of quality it has in those five seasons as the staff of the restaurant The Bear return facing their toughest task to date, attempting to stay open for their final service in the midst of rainstorm for the ages in Chicago.
The gloomy day permeates the moods of all of the staff as they are resolved that the restaurant’s days as an entity are numbered. Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), Carm (Jeremy Allen White) Richie (Ebon Moss-Bacharach) are determined to plow through despite a flood even if those around them are plotting their exits, the lone exception being sous chef Tina (Liza Colon-Zayas).
As the series does a slow burn with everything around them seemingly under several feet of water. Tina maintains her composure and optimism.
In fact, from the beginning of the season, it’s clear that series creator Christopher Storer has decided to make Tina a focus and that decision certainly pays dividends as evidenced in the work put in my Colon-Zayas, who will certainly be nominated for her third Primetime Emmy and could actually win her second. She is that good.
Also evident: the season will be filled with ups and downs as the crew attempts to earn a coveted Michelin Star.
But as it unfolds, “The Bear” returns to its roots. Some saw it as a story about building a restaurant, but it’s far more than that. It’s about building a family – the family individuals choose.
Those in “The Bear” choose one another. The audience chose them.
Streaming: All episodes currently on Hulu. For those with FX only, episodes will air weekly on Thursdays at 9 p.m.
Grade: A
Jon Cena, Eric Andre are siblings in Netflix’s “Little Brother”
Jon Cena and Eric Andre are probably the unlikeliest set of sibs since Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzennegger starred in “Twins.” Of course, in “Little Brother” Cena and Andre aren’t related through DNA, but through circumstance.
Rudd Landy (Cena), a high-profile realtor on the verge of securing a prized spot on a Manhattan-based realty-based reality series, served as a big brother to Andre’s Marcus while in high school. Years later Marcus escapes from a psych ward and tracks him down.
Marcus promptly infiltrates his life and ingratiates himself to Deirdre (Michelle Monaghan), Rudd’s wife. Through his shenanigans, Marcus also manages to become part of Rudd’s business and eventual television show. Never mind that Rudd is dealing with a sibling inferiority complex due to a dysfunctional relationship with is brother Josh (Christopher Meloni).
Keep in mind, “Little Brother” is no “Twins,” taking the raunch level to a near extreme courtesy of a hyper but oddly charming performance from Andre that balances the pent-up turn that Cena delivers.
It’s not for everyone, but definitely has its moments.
Streaming: Currently on Netflix
Grade: C
Korean filmmakers can do ridiculous action comedies also
The Korean movie “Husbands in Action” raced to the top of Netflix’s non-English streaming charts and it’s not difficult to see why even with it being a positively absurd comedy which rose to that level just days after its debut.
It’s quickly paced, often funny and reminds of many American films in this genre with a plot that’s more ridiculous than anything.
It tells the story of a cop with ex-wife and child problems as the former missus has a new hubby who’s also trying to be his daughter’s new daddy. Together, they find themselves tied to shady dealings with a drug lord.
The plot’s convoluted, but mostly funny. Is it worth a watch? Depends on how your summer is going.
Cancelled Netflix series sits atop overall streaming ratings
It will likely be curious to many who’ve enjoyed the Netflix supernatural series “The Boroughs” why the show was cancelled recently, especially given it sits atop overall streaming charts this week. No, I don’t have any clue. But given that, one can hope this gem of a series will get another shot. Here are the rest of the shows that pepper the overall, original and movie streaming charts:
Overall
Original
Movies
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ‘The Bear’ brings season five home; ‘Little Brother’ ups the raunch
Reporting by George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
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By George M. Thomas, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
