The Bear, available on Disney+, has captivated audiences with its riveting storyline. The first season of this Chicago restaurant comedy drama, created by Christopher Storer, was a huge success, earning Emmy nominations aplenty. However, as viewers dive into the second season, they may question the sanity of the characters, who seem to be workaholics on the verge of burnout. Led by head chef Carmy (played by Jeremy Allen White), who carries his own unresolved mental health issues, this culinary cult resembles a Waco-like cult, complete with spatulas and griddles. The food porn in the show is evident, with sous chef Sydney (played by the ever-luminous Ayo Edebiri) making an omelette so delectable, viewers can almost smell it. But it’s the work porn, the obsessiveness with their vocation, that one must be wary of. In The Bear, every person’s emotions and trajectory are subsumed by the demands of the kitchen. In our emotionally starved times, The Bear manages to make this excessive dedication seem like an honor to witness.
While the first season revolved around saving Carmy’s late brother’s sandwich shop, the second season ups the ante by giving the crew a tight three-month deadline to transform it into a high-end establishment. The series deftly acknowledges the challenges faced by the restaurant industry in the post-pandemic era and delves deeper into the backstories of the characters. Guest appearances, including a powerhouse performance by Jamie Lee Curtis as a deeply wounded Italian-American matriarch, add to the richness of the show. Even Carmy finds love in the form of Molly Gordon, as his emotional walls crumble. The Bear’s second season is a slow burn that eventually explodes into a scorching flame of humor, intensity, camaraderie, disaster, and passion. While it may seem like a celebration of workaholism and the kitchen as a symbol for the human soul, The Bear manages to pull it off.
A few days after watching it, I am still haunted by BBC One’s four-part true crime drama, The Sixth Commandment. The story is suffused with sadness and an overwhelming sense of cruelty. Written by Sarah Phelps (known for A Very British Scandal and Agatha Christie adaptations), this drama explores the theme of innocent individuals being consumed by dark forces. Timothy Spall delivers an astounding performance as Peter Farquhar, a retired English teacher who falls victim to a malicious love-bomber named Ben Field, played brilliantly by Eanna Hardwicke. Field manipulates Farquhar, leading to tragic consequences. The entire cast shines, but it is Spall’s portrayal of the naive teacher that truly captivates. The drama takes a unique approach by delving into the vulnerabilities of old age alongside the murder investigation. It offers a refreshing departure from sensationalist true crime stories that focus solely on the perpetrators, instead giving the victims their humanity and dignity.
Comedian Rosie Jones tackles ableism head-on in her Channel 4 documentary, Rosie Jones: Am I a R*tard? The provocative title has generated controversy, causing some contributors to withdraw. However, it is evident that Jones is committed to confronting ableism and exposing the hate speech and threats disabled individuals face both online and offline. The documentary does not trivialize or normalizes the use of derogatory terms, but rather sheds light on the issue. Jones cleverly leaves a giant baked “Am I a R*tard?” cookie at Twitter UK, highlighting the responsibilities of social media platforms in combatting online abuse. Although the motivations of a troll interviewed in the documentary are not particularly revelatory, the film emphasizes the urgency of finding ways to stop them and holding social media platforms accountable.
Amol Rajan, a familiar face in the media industry, takes on the role of the host for the newly revamped University Challenge. Rajan, known for his work in newspapers, documentaries, and radio, brings his unique style to the iconic quiz show. While his physical presence may seem small compared to his predecessors, Rajan infuses the show with his natural charm and niceness. He avoids mimicking previous hosts and builds a genuine rapport with the contestants. The opening episode, featuring Trinity College, Cambridge, and the University of Manchester, is an exciting match that ends in a tie-break. Rajan’s performance as host is commendable, leaving a positive impression on viewers.
In addition to these shows, I am also watching Earth, a captivating series on BBC Two narrated by Chris Packham. This “biography” of our planet takes viewers back millions of years to witness mass extinction events. The show combines stunning CGI graphics, thought-provoking narratives, and in-depth exploration of Earth’s history.
Another series on my watchlist is Fifteen-Love, available on Amazon Prime Video. This tennis coach/sexual misconduct thriller stars Aidan Turner and Ella Lily Hyland. While the show falls into the realm of melodrama at times, it remains watchable and intriguing, offering a glossy-meets-slimy narrative reminiscent of shows like Liar.
Lastly, The Secrets of Hillsong on Disney+ delves into the phenomenon of the Hillsong megachurch and its charismatic preachers. This absorbing four-part docuseries examines the darker side of the church, delving into allegations of abuse, wrongdoing, and financial mismanagement. The series provides a comprehensive look at Hillsong, from its initial rise as a groovy religious movement to its current controversies.
Overall, these shows offer a diverse range of genres and themes, providing ample entertainment and thought-provoking content for viewers.
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