Several episodes of this series have brought me to tears, but none more so than Forks. I'm a professional chef, I've been working in kitchens since I was 15. Washing dishes and bussing tables in little pizzerias and neighborhood places, looking up to the cooks who were flirting with waitresses and drinking on the job, and could pull a 14 hour shift in front of an open flame without a bite of food or a 15 minute break (because cocaine). Needless to say, it's a forgone conclusion that I became a drug addict and alcoholic. By 23 I was working in bars and gastropubs, places with a real sense of family that pulled people in and locked them in place with free drinks and easy access to drugs, so they could get away with not paying the staff for 3 weeks at a time, pushing insane shifts, and taking away days off the evening before. Anyway, eventually I got ahold of copies of The French Laundry and Bouchon, 2 of Thomas Keller's cookbooks. They totally blew my mind and I became obsessed with this concept of finesse, elegance, and precision, but I really had no way of accessing those kitchens with no education or connections besides small town chefs. I bought a sous vide and made pasta by hand and duck confit in my own time, but it was all self guided, and I really had no concept of how to execute this stuff in a restaurant. Eventually, a guy my girlfriend went to school with got a job at this new restaurant opening, from a chef who was a sous at Bouchon and then Per Se (another Thomas Keller restaurant). I texted the friend to see if I could set up a stage, and I got in because they had just opened and really needed an extra pair of hands. The way the kitchen sparkled and everybody moved as a single unit, the lack of any sound besides the necessary communication and the gentle taps of metal tools, and most of all, the way every single amazing thing this kitchen was putting out was ready in 5 minutes, no more, no less. I didn't end up getting the job at the time, though I tried again a year later and got a for almost no pay, and ended up working my way up to sous chef before it closed shortly after covid. I got sober, lost 30 pounds, and took back my life, and even though I'm no longer in fine dining, I'm able to set standards for myself, a 50 hour work week, shifts no longer than 12 hours, benefits and paid time off, and I'm able to pass that on to my cooks and try to make their lives a tiny bit better. It really felt like this episode was about my life when Richie said the suit makes him feel better about himself, because I insist on wearing a bright white coat and blue bragard apron no matter where I'm working. The black coats that a lot of places wear nowadays remind me of the heavy drinking, sexually harassing small town line cooks I used to work with, but the French white and blue makes me feel like I'm in control. The filmmaking across this series is amazing, but what's really special is the emotional core of the writing. I don't know how they got these stories, but every single episode feels like it was taken from an actual cook, and not the usual Kitchen Confidential, self-aggrandizing chefbro nonsense.
@MeatSnax: I love your story, but please, no running down Anthony Bourdain? I think ‘The Bear’ owes a great deal to Kitchen Confidential…even thinking about the story ‘What I Know About Meat’ can bring me to tears…I’ve even heard ‘The Bear’ described as ‘Kitchen Confidential’ meets ‘Uncut Gems’ - which is pretty hot, & pretty accurate: That aside, I love the way the character arcs are handled - it’s delicious, watching them ‘grow into themselves’…for Tina & Marcus, every day seems like a miracle, & here’s the point with Richie - gaining his self-respect by learning the value of compassion towards others…his elation in the Taylor-Swift-in-the-car sequence is such a joy for the audience! It’s good that you can relate your own story to the story portrayed here - from Brighton 🌈UK, take care & be well! 🙏🏻💔🙏🏽
@@Cristobels-Green-Boots I like Anthony Bourdain but the portrayal of kitchen culture in KC is self-aggrandizing and glorifies worker abuse and shitty behavior, which Bourdain himself acknowledged.
I thought that first min in that scene was the newly built The Bear restaurant and Richie was going to destroy it because he hated changes. I was so happy when I learned that this episode was his comeback arc
@@spacebar9733 me too. I said, "Holy Shit, they got Coleman". My husband asked who she was and I replied, "A bad A$ British actress- this should be good!"
Put it back to the beginning as soon as I got to the end of the episode. Haven't done that for years. I instantly could tell this episode was something special and significant.
I *love* the comment that is before that. Gerret asks him "How does it feel?" when Richie first puts on the suit, And Richie responds "It feels like Armour" And Gerret quietly responds "good"
There were a few moments this season where The Bear actually stopped piling on the anxiety and stress and gave the audience something nice as a treat. This episode was definitely the biggest, most satisfying of those moments.
Marcus’ episode where he’s honing his craft is an excellent example of this. It was beautiful to just see hard work being put in and a sense of quiet peace in what he loved to do and learn about.
Well done recognizing the piling on of anxiety and stress. While those episodes can be emotional to the audience, the episodes that breathe (Forks and Honeydew) can hit just as hard, if not harder than the stress-fueled ones. It's a testament to the writing and actors, man. They knocked it out of the park in season 1 and that ball kept on going in season 2. I just hope the momentum keeps sailing in season 3. I hope they don't rest on their laurels.
Especially right after Fishes, it was an amazing breath of fresh air. And like the video said, the audience is terrified that Richie is going to fall back into his old ways, and the previous episode and the show in general really adds to that feeling
I'm turning 33years old and decided to go back to school in order to change my future, and not gonna lie, that "I need you to respect yourself." line from Garett just embedded itself to my brain. It flipped a switch that I can no longer turn off. For example, whenever I'm tempted to procrastinate, half-ass some task or bullshit myself out of doing something difficult, I immediately think to myself "You're disrespecting yourself. Do better." What also struck me(I might be reaching) is that "EVERY SECOND COUNTS" quote.. Aside from the literal meaning, I interpreted on the word "Second" as in 2nd chance. Doesn't matter how badly dropped the ball on the first one, the second chance youre getting matters just as much. It's never too late.
"Feels like armor" Hell yeah, Richie. I love how you highlight how rather than finding his purpose, he more specifically finds the confidence and willpower to go forth, to win or lose. What a great episode and fantastic video!
As a dishwasher, watching him not care about the silverware (at first) hurt my soul.... But watching him begin to appreciate everything, even the forks, gave me peace. I became a dishwasher because it's the only thing relaxing in my life. And sure, sometimes there's a ton of anxiety, especially when EVERYTHING gets brought to me at the end of the night, but.... I'd rather wash dishes for the rest of my life than do anything else in th kitchen. I'll never understand how anyone else does their job.... But then again, no one else understands how I'm so good at what I do.... So.... We all have something we're skilled ar, and every position is important. Today I got to talk to our hostess and I thanked her for her hard work and was like "not just anyone can do what you do, and I want you to know you're appreciated..." And she gave me this smile that just.... Lit up my world. It was a good conversation because for her, it's just as effortless as it is for me to organize/clean the kitchen every day, and because it'll VERY important to appreciate the hostesses/hosts. They do amazing work, and so rarely get appreciation or even acknowledgement for everything they do. More often than not, they not only get crap from customers, but servers too... It's sad.
Just when I thought Richie was getting annoying, they gave this man the mother of all training arcs in just under 30 minutes. It really was something to behold.
I think the "fishes" started doing that. This episode would feel somewhat peculiar if it weren't "fishes" before it where we actually see Richie trying.
His developing attention to detail is brilliant and it's set in train by his time in the restaurant. We see it again when he and Natalie are interviewing for a maître d'(?) and he purposefully changed the place setting that would be in front of the candidate to see if she notices and she doesn't.
@@slayr399they use "show don't tell" so damn well in this show. Like you said, Richie's increased attention to detail represents his growth as a person. In season 1, they establish that formally referring to someone as "chef" is a term of respect, so when characters start using that term in their vernacular it immediately conveys their increased level of respect for the trade and one another. There's so many details like this
And as mentioned with the Taylor Swift song, it being something he rolled his eyes at when his daughter listened to it but then him singing one of her songs at the end felt let he was connecting with his daughter in a way.
@@MrTevens connecting with his daughter, and being more open as a person. And it wasn't an accident that they pick the "love story" song in the episode his ex gets engaged. I think it's trying to tell Richie his life isn't over and he can be so much more than just a divorced single dad. "It's a love story, baby just say yes" Richie has an opportunity to have an amazing life, all he has to do is keep going.
this episode inspired me to believe in myself when i was ready to give up, i ended up going for a promotion at work a couple days after i watched this and have just been killing it ever since.
"Forks" gives me chills just thinking about it. I always tear up a little bit when I watch it, during the scene where Richie sees the staff member approach the table of the two teachers (previously established as PONs) and say "no check tonight. thank you SO much for dining with us." The actors who played the teachers are the unsung heroes of the episode because the look of surprise and awe on their faces gets me every. single. time. I work front of house and those moments of magic are why I love what I do. Watching it click for Richie, seeing him help create that magic with the pizza later in the episode, and THEN when he creates a magical moment with the chocolate covered banana at the opening night of his very own restaurant-- UGH. SO MANY EMOTIONS.
Coleman's casting is perfect. As the "final boss" on the quest, the actress had to be instantly impressive to the audience. That her appearance and manner are 180 degrees from the imposing image of the perfectionist built through out the episode and her "auntie" dropping of truth bombs of "every second counts" and believing in yourself is a great head fake. That she vaguely resembles and sounds like Sally Schmitt is an added bonus.
As someone who's been forced to learn "Love Story" by Taylor Swift on guitar because a daughter wanted to sing it at heri birthday sleepover with friends.... The last minute of "Forks" is the first time i've ever been moved to immediate tears as a song began. And I'm a grown man, I don't do the tears thing lightly if ever. But the juxtaposition of that love of my own daughter and that memory .....with the shred of hope that song gives Richie and the defiant will to keep fighting the good fight... man it just really sends jolts of electricity to your soul. And you are right, its small victories and quiet moments for a normally very loud Richie.. And its so understated and impactful. And its phenomenal television that is so deservedly celebrated.
In the previous episode "Fishes" (the Berzatto's Christmas dinner), the fork appeared like a destructive tool, waiting to be tossed around and igniting chaos. Bringing back the image of the fork in this episode, let alone named this episode as such (fr i think the alternative name could be "Suits" or sth, still makes sense don't you think?) is symbolic in that it casted the image of the fork under a different light, not just a tool, much less a forgettable and violent memory, but also a sign of dignity, perfection, and dedication if treated right. Much like Richie's potential. On another note, in the last episode, on the restaurant opening night, one of the problems they encountered was running out of forks, signifying Carmie "losing it". I find the fork imagery is symbolic in this season
I completely agree with your conclusion on the purpose of this episode. Richie was used to giving up before he started because he always thought he would fail. I think this episode taught him that if he has the courage to try, there’s at least a chance he won’t fail as opposed to doing nothing and guaranteeing that failure.
This whole series was incredible, but Forks and Fishes were incredible episodes. The growth of Ritchy in Forks, and just the simmering tension in Fishes were hard to beat.
I went from hating Ritchie to loving him, that’s such beautiful and strong storytelling achieved with his character arch. Not to mention incredible acting.
I told my mom and her husband to watch this show and they just called me flabbergasted after watching episode 6 “fishes”. The actors and level of acting in that balled up fist of anxiety of an episode is intense. I told them they have to watch episode 7 “forks” right now because it’s the best 1-2 punch of television maybe ever.
14:50 - That makes so much sense upon re-watch, because in season 1 you saw glimpses of Richie showing his purpose as front of the house guy, whether it was the crowd for the tournament, or him opening the store and greeting regulars, he always had that role in him. The arc in Forks just showed him he needed to pursue it.
This was my favourite episode of the series. I thought Richie was meh before this, but the character development here was 10/10. The simplicity of how open he was about "I wear suits now" / "it makes me feel good about myself" is quite literally amazing. It's just a show but straight up at any given time, any one of us can do this with anything.
I've seen this episode multiple times and I still can't watch it without crying. It is so beautiful. I went from absolutely hating Richie to loving him in this one episode. I put Richie's character arc on the same tier as Prince Zuko's
The switch in the end of the second act to the start and ending of the third is done brilliantly, because its also in the same tone as the rest of the season, personal growth threw chats in the kitchen, just two people/chefs talking about their past, their relation to the kitchen and how to get better. just like Marcos in Copenhagen, and Carmy and Sydney, they are all gaining tools for preparing for success but being okay with a failure, they can definitely say they gave it their all and beyond.
I binged the show, and this episode single handedly made me feel entirely different about Richie. The show doesn’t have a lot of feel good episodes, but I’ve never felt happier at the end of an episode
Forks is primarily about the thick turmoil and trauma of the Berzatto family but it's equally about giving context to Richie, that he's a good man who's lost a lot. Forks begins to build him back up to believing he can be better again and it's utterly beautiful. By placing the deep trauma of Fishes next to the intense uplift of Forks it makes the pay off so much more. Such a fabulous decision by Christopher Storer to put the two side by side.
as soon as Richie shot his gun in the air to scare the crowd away, I right away knew he was a "good guy". he wanted nothing but betterment for The Beef though his thinking and methods may have differed from Carmen's. always rooted for him.
The two best episodes of The Bear: Fishes - the best that you don't wanna watch ever again. Forks - the best you will rewatch as many times as you want. (my personal favourite)
Perfectly stated. And then there is Napkins in the third season which you may want to watch a number of times, it is that heart warming. It is here we see how Tina came to work at the Bear. Liza just won’t the Emmy for best supporting actor in a comedy series. You go, girl! The first episode of season three, “Tomorrow” is like a beautiful meditation you’ll want to return to.
I used to be in a culinary course in college. It was an apprenticeship course and we had a teacher that was a chef who really embodied being a chef which was really cool. He’s a great guy and a great chef and even a better teacher. At one point in class I said something about the little details really mattered and really make a dish, he then went on to tell me that “every detail matters”. This episode really reminded me of that. It reminded me that a streak in a fork which is an excruciatingly small detail is still a detail nonetheless, and that almost nobody will most likely never see. “Every second counts” Reminded me not to only to make the most out of literally every second but to give it every second. No matter how small the detail may be every second that you put towards it counts. Even a streak in a fork. Thank you for reading a far reached look into this episode :)
Idk if i just hadnt cried in awhile or watched a more serious show in a bit, but this episode literally made me cry for like and hour or so. During the episode and a for a bit after. And for the rest of the season if ritchie ever failed at anything or got put down or even succeeded at something it made me tear up.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL analysis of a BEAUTIFUL episode of a BEAUTIFUL series. Just as in the episode itself, I was sobbing all the way through your analysis.
Good defining "perfect" as being the absence of flaws rather than overriding greatness. I see a lot of people conflate the usage and it's one of those pet peeves--like the difference between something being the best show you've ever seen and your favorite, or misusing the word "moot" (it means to discuss things, like the Entmoot from Lord of the Rings, people! aghhhh)
@@MacabreStorytellingA great video as always. I really hope you make videos about the other episodes you consider perfect from Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Sopranos and Better Call Saul. Also hoping for you talking about Oz, The Venture Bros, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Raid, Collateral, The Incredibles, Succession and Gravity Falls.
This episode man…. Richie was my fave character cos of how flawed, deep down , you knew he was just broken and lost and then this episode just…. I’m tearing up even writing this. Inspirational especially for where I am in my life at the moment, I totally relate to Richie.
I cant ever remember a series that made my blood boil in such a satisfying way. I couldnt watch more than an episode or two at a time cuz the chaos of the show and the charecters just made me feel so anxious in the best way possible. I felt their stress and loss of direction. So to see things coming together towards the end of season two was so damn satisfying. This episode in particular, was the culmination of a charecter who was the source of so much of that early chaos. For him to be put in a completely opposite situation and thug it out, figure it out and learn was so damn satisfying. I mean he went from a place that was constantly a mess to a place where there was no room for mess. Not a fork out of place, not even a microstain left on a utensil. The way they convey the fact that he didnt need chaos to be useful, that the polar opposite of what he knew was also a place he could thrive. I cant say how satisfying it all was enough. For both the show and charecter, for those early emotions the show made you feel to the triumphant "things are finally coming together into a cohesive, functional, and thriving enviroment". I started the show a long while ago, watched 2 episodes and Im pretty sure my blood pressure increased just watching them. I genuinely stopped watching because of the second hand stress lol, it was weird feeling so much anxiety for charecters on a show. Never has happened before. I got bored about a month ago and figured Id try it again and pushed through hoping for some kind of pay off. Needless to say Im extremely glad I did, because the show is damn good. This episode was the one for me that really sealed the pay off of all that early emotion the show generated. Given the context of the show and the peripherals of the charecter and story up to this point, I have to agree this was the perfect episode.
My wife and i have been watching this. I work in surgery, and the entire time I've been saying it reminds me of when I was in school and working kitchen jobs. Then the episode just flat out says the same thing, and it blew my freaking mind.
I love the subtlety of the Taylor Swift sub-text. He isn't a Swiftie. He doesn't listen to Taylor Swift. He's doing homework for when he takes his daughter to Eras Tour, because I bet she sings along to all the songs. l like to think that it was just still playing in his car that night, and he got caught up in his feels and belt out those mis-quoted lyrics (and road rage, lol) out of pure emotion. As a Swiftie from Chicago, things I love about this: 1. Love that the writers never feel the need to explain it with words. It's just something for us to piece together ourselves. 2. Love that they used the key change part in Love Story, as if signaling the change in Richie himself. 3. Love that they let Love Story play over a montage of Chicago at night, as if to say how much this series is a love story about the city itself.
I saw that clip of the climax with Olivia Coleman on YT and that one scene made me want to watch the show. It was riveting. Two days later I binged both seasons in 36 hours. When I got to this episode, the scene with Chef Terry, now in context was exhilarating to me. I was so rooting for Richie at this point (as I’m sure we all were). I do think this is a perfect episode. It’s certainly the most satisfying one for me (after all that Richie struggled with before it) and the one I think about the most. Great video. Thx.
My man i teared up hearing you recap this episode. I only consume TV by watching reviews so this deep dive into one episode feels like i watched it without having to have watched it
I think something that is worthwhile bringing up is the theme of control. I think it's really really palpable and at the forefront with Carmy, but it shows up differently with Richie. We see in 'Fishes' that he has been meaning to get out for years, he can't control his relationships or things moving him by. He has SOME control over the Beef, but even that is not real control, but hollow since he doesn't really even want to be there. In this episode I think he gains control over himself and his circumstances. The suit is control, knowledge gained is control. If he can control these aspects of work ( I think the suit is a huge part of this), he can control himself and his life better. Where Carmy needs to let go of control, Richie needs to seize it
One of the things that took me some times watching the show to realise is how Richie finds his purpose as a metaforical "fork" at The Bear restaurant. You see, the fork is not a big attractive point in a restaurant but it's sure a main tool to provide the experience through food, wich is the main point of the place. So the title of this episode and Richie's sttrugles through his character development deeply reflect him as he becomes a main supportive asset to the Bear.
What you have done is bring a remarkable analysis of writing, acting, storytelling, and, from my perspective, life itself into a context that, in my case, brings clarity into something so complex that this is something only art can do. Well done, whoever you are, and continued success.
Finally got around to watching this show. Binge both seasons and I can say this is my favorite episode. Richie instantly became one of my favorite characters, insane character development. Can't wait for the next season and hope for more seasons going forward.
Nice video, I definitely agree with the Chicanery and College point. They are without a doubt some of the greatest examples of storytelling to this date.
Just finished this episode. The fact that Carmy believed enough in his brigade to A) send Marcus to Copenhagen and even visit noma, and B) have Richie stage at a nearby 3 star restaurant that he used to work at with Luca (who also crosstrained Marcus) like he gave the a brief guideline of "following in his footsteps" without flexing or being super obvious, plus the fact that both character found themselves naturally through trial and effort and learned experience, the same way Carmy did when he was introduced to those environments.
That was a beautiful episode and a perfect contrast to the chaos of the Christmas episode. Those two episodes are the best episodes of tv I have seen since Breaking Bad. Excellent analysis! Thank you!
I feel like this is a perfect episode after 7 fishes. 7 fishes was so tense and hard to watch to an episode that was so relaxing and wanted you wanting more
I just saw this episode (and most of Season 2) yesterday, and Forks definitely stuck out to me as the best episode, not just of this season but of the entire show. It gets to the point of the story of the show and fleshes out the best character and the entire show growing because he does as well. Like you said, perfection.
In season 1, Ritchie was the only one left in the crew who was still holding onto the old ways because it was the only thingthat made sense to him. In the second season, we don't see Ritchie much except for a few glimpses each episode. That's where Ritchie feels his role in the kitchen becoming irrelevant and that's what we see when he makes the call to Carmy. The way the episode wraps up brings back the agency in Ritchie's life, giving him the drive to make his place in the new world order. Right after this episode, we get to see Ritchie take centre stage multiple times, in many cases stepping up where previously he would have receded.
One of the best episodes in history, Imo. From broken and depressed, to inspired, to unafraid. Every detail, from his eyes, demeanor, word choice, how he stands, how people react around him, unbelievable acting, directing, screen writing, music, all of it. Just perfect, dare i say, chef's kiss
The only other time I'd seen Richie's actor was a single one scene near the end of The Lake House, which starred Kenau Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Never thought I'd see him again, and DEFINITELY not in one of the best TV shows I've seen in a decade. What an amazing actor. 😊👌
I love Ritchie's arc. He really got on my nerves in the first season (I think he was supposed to), but I sympathize with his stubbornness. I loved when he put on the suit; look good, feel good.
The only aspect that feels a bit off is how Richie is just there for like 4-5 days and the staff celebrates him afterwards like they've been to Nam together :D
While I love this episode a lot, my favorite is the Christmas episode because of the masterful way it balances family drama and tension. Though Richie was actually one of my favorite characters on this show even before Forks. I just love how chaotic he was. And his last scene with Carmie in the freezer still shows that while he respects him more, he also isn't afraid to tell him what he needs to hear.
Just finished the season, I loved ‘Forks’ but my pick for the best of the season has to go to the episode before, ‘Fishes’, but being honest basically every episode from ‘Fishes’ onward is fucking phenomenal (that finale 😭)
The through thread of Every Second Counts (ESC) is fantastic. When we first see it, ESC looks threatening. It is a albatross of the status quo and the ease of familiarity. Then we see ESC as a challenge. It is a goal of the BoH with prep as it is for the FoH with the guests. But then we see it as it is. And without saying the words Olivia Coleman transforms our understanding of service. It is not a goal, a challenge or a threat. ESC is a deceleration of life and love.
i love the definition you apply for 'perfect' episodes; forks isn't my favorite either, that's 'Fishes' but operating according to your definition, it is the epitome of a perfect episode
Forks is without a doubt the best episode of the season highlighted Richie is performance is believe in himself and others is an intricate part in the universe look forward to the next season and Richie's growth🎉🎉🎉🎉
Richie became my favorite character. Both he and Oliver Platt's character and all their interactions. I absolutely loved Richie's arc in Season 2. I loved Forks more than the Fishes episode.
This is my favourite episode. It would have been so easy to overdo it with emotional speeches, or character growth and in this case if it was done badly, it would have felt cheesy or insincere. The writing and acting in this episode is bar none, and seeing Ritchie rediscover what it feels like to feel passionate about something is beautiful.
In my opinion, another example of a perfect episode of TV is the pilot episode of Derry Girls! The writer of the show has also been a playwright and I think that's really clear in how tight the writing and comedic timing is. One of the funniest examples of "the gun going off in the third act" that I've ever seen.
I started to like Richie more but still thought he was annoying but I was surprised on how in one episode they made him go through this arc and it felt natural
- 00:34 💡 A perfect episode isn't the best but one that accomplishes a narrative goal flawlessly. - 00:48 🍽️ "Forks," from *The Bear*, is praised for its masterful use of the three-act structure. - 03:56 🏚️ Richie's despair deepens when the restaurant closes, leaving him without a sense of belonging. - 04:09 🍽️ Carmy sends Richie to a prestigious restaurant, sparking the episode's central arc. - 05:39 🎭 Richie's inciting incident is his frustrating week of polishing forks, showcasing his discontent. - 07:20 🔥 Richie begins to change after a colleague's motivational talk, marking the First Act Turn. - 10:20 🎯 Richie reaches the episode's midpoint, where he steps up and embraces his role. - 12:41 🍄 A key moment comes when Richie and Chef Terry bond over failure and perseverance during a quiet conversation. - 14:34 💪 The episode’s central message is not about Richie finding purpose but gaining the strength to pursue it. - 15:19 ⏳ Richie learns to face life's chaos by making every second count, despite his ongoing struggles.
Several episodes of this series have brought me to tears, but none more so than Forks. I'm a professional chef, I've been working in kitchens since I was 15. Washing dishes and bussing tables in little pizzerias and neighborhood places, looking up to the cooks who were flirting with waitresses and drinking on the job, and could pull a 14 hour shift in front of an open flame without a bite of food or a 15 minute break (because cocaine). Needless to say, it's a forgone conclusion that I became a drug addict and alcoholic. By 23 I was working in bars and gastropubs, places with a real sense of family that pulled people in and locked them in place with free drinks and easy access to drugs, so they could get away with not paying the staff for 3 weeks at a time, pushing insane shifts, and taking away days off the evening before.
Anyway, eventually I got ahold of copies of The French Laundry and Bouchon, 2 of Thomas Keller's cookbooks. They totally blew my mind and I became obsessed with this concept of finesse, elegance, and precision, but I really had no way of accessing those kitchens with no education or connections besides small town chefs. I bought a sous vide and made pasta by hand and duck confit in my own time, but it was all self guided, and I really had no concept of how to execute this stuff in a restaurant.
Eventually, a guy my girlfriend went to school with got a job at this new restaurant opening, from a chef who was a sous at Bouchon and then Per Se (another Thomas Keller restaurant). I texted the friend to see if I could set up a stage, and I got in because they had just opened and really needed an extra pair of hands. The way the kitchen sparkled and everybody moved as a single unit, the lack of any sound besides the necessary communication and the gentle taps of metal tools, and most of all, the way every single amazing thing this kitchen was putting out was ready in 5 minutes, no more, no less.
I didn't end up getting the job at the time, though I tried again a year later and got a for almost no pay, and ended up working my way up to sous chef before it closed shortly after covid. I got sober, lost 30 pounds, and took back my life, and even though I'm no longer in fine dining, I'm able to set standards for myself, a 50 hour work week, shifts no longer than 12 hours, benefits and paid time off, and I'm able to pass that on to my cooks and try to make their lives a tiny bit better.
It really felt like this episode was about my life when Richie said the suit makes him feel better about himself, because I insist on wearing a bright white coat and blue bragard apron no matter where I'm working. The black coats that a lot of places wear nowadays remind me of the heavy drinking, sexually harassing small town line cooks I used to work with, but the French white and blue makes me feel like I'm in control. The filmmaking across this series is amazing, but what's really special is the emotional core of the writing. I don't know how they got these stories, but every single episode feels like it was taken from an actual cook, and not the usual Kitchen Confidential, self-aggrandizing chefbro nonsense.
Wow, thank you for sharing! Kitchen staff make the world go round, much appreciation to you!
I absolutely loved reading your comment! Thank you very much for sharing it with us. 💜
@MeatSnax: I love your story, but please, no running down Anthony Bourdain? I think ‘The Bear’ owes a great deal to Kitchen Confidential…even thinking about the story ‘What I Know About Meat’ can bring me to tears…I’ve even heard ‘The Bear’ described as ‘Kitchen Confidential’ meets ‘Uncut Gems’ - which is pretty hot, & pretty accurate:
That aside, I love the way the character arcs are handled - it’s delicious, watching them
‘grow into themselves’…for Tina & Marcus, every day seems like a miracle, & here’s the point with Richie - gaining his self-respect by learning the value of compassion towards others…his elation in the Taylor-Swift-in-the-car sequence is such a joy for the audience!
It’s good that you can relate your own story to the story portrayed here - from Brighton 🌈UK, take care & be well!
🙏🏻💔🙏🏽
@@Cristobels-Green-Boots I like Anthony Bourdain but the portrayal of kitchen culture in KC is self-aggrandizing and glorifies worker abuse and shitty behavior, which Bourdain himself acknowledged.
thanks for sharing man
I also love how in the beginning of the episode they shot it like a horror movie, and the more Richie learns the lighter the restaurant looks
Brilliant remark!
I thought that first min in that scene was the newly built The Bear restaurant and Richie was going to destroy it because he hated changes. I was so happy when I learned that this episode was his comeback arc
For the first 2 or 3 minutes of the episode I was convinced that they were depicting Richie's nightmare on screen. So well executed.
Totally. I felt like it was a dream sequence.
I've watched Forks four times, now looking forward to the fifth
Mad props to Olivia Coleman coming on and brining such depth to such a quiet scene with a character we have never met before.
I fucking screamed lol I was fangirling like crazy
@@spacebar9733 me too. I said, "Holy Shit, they got Coleman". My husband asked who she was and I replied, "A bad A$ British actress- this should be good!"
I knew the name Olivia Colman from the Oscars, but had no idea who she was - she was soooo good i thought she was a real chef!
This! She has such gravity.
Totally agree. She is fantastic. Such an inspired casting choice.
Loved the whole season, but this was the only episode I rewatched. Just good for the soul.
I’ve watched it twice also.
Put it back to the beginning as soon as I got to the end of the episode. Haven't done that for years. I instantly could tell this episode was something special and significant.
Same and I'm sure I will watch it a third time some time in the next months
same
Was just thinking about going back to watch it before seeing your comment. Now I am for sure lol
I love how this episode made Richie like suits. And we get the line I wear suits now
And how he ships later. Like a pro.
I wear suits now is now one of my favorite quotes
Yes! Love that for Richie 😊
I *love* the comment that is before that.
Gerret asks him "How does it feel?" when Richie first puts on the suit,
And Richie responds "It feels like Armour"
And Gerret quietly responds "good"
It's like wearing armor
There were a few moments this season where The Bear actually stopped piling on the anxiety and stress and gave the audience something nice as a treat. This episode was definitely the biggest, most satisfying of those moments.
Marcus’ episode where he’s honing his craft is an excellent example of this. It was beautiful to just see hard work being put in and a sense of quiet peace in what he loved to do and learn about.
Well done recognizing the piling on of anxiety and stress. While those episodes can be emotional to the audience, the episodes that breathe (Forks and Honeydew) can hit just as hard, if not harder than the stress-fueled ones.
It's a testament to the writing and actors, man. They knocked it out of the park in season 1 and that ball kept on going in season 2. I just hope the momentum keeps sailing in season 3. I hope they don't rest on their laurels.
Especially right after Fishes, it was an amazing breath of fresh air. And like the video said, the audience is terrified that Richie is going to fall back into his old ways, and the previous episode and the show in general really adds to that feeling
Agreed. It was so nice to see nice things for Richie (in this episode) and Carmie (him getting together with Claire) in episodes this season
I'm turning 33years old and decided to go back to school in order to change my future, and not gonna lie, that "I need you to respect yourself." line from Garett just embedded itself to my brain. It flipped a switch that I can no longer turn off. For example, whenever I'm tempted to procrastinate, half-ass some task or bullshit myself out of doing something difficult, I immediately think to myself "You're disrespecting yourself. Do better." What also struck me(I might be reaching) is that "EVERY SECOND COUNTS" quote.. Aside from the literal meaning, I interpreted on the word "Second" as in 2nd chance. Doesn't matter how badly dropped the ball on the first one, the second chance youre getting matters just as much. It's never too late.
I like this play on words second. Time.
Second number. Great insight.
Blesssss❤!
i needed to hear this, thank you
"Feels like armor"
Hell yeah, Richie. I love how you highlight how rather than finding his purpose, he more specifically finds the confidence and willpower to go forth, to win or lose. What a great episode and fantastic video!
As a dishwasher, watching him not care about the silverware (at first) hurt my soul.... But watching him begin to appreciate everything, even the forks, gave me peace. I became a dishwasher because it's the only thing relaxing in my life. And sure, sometimes there's a ton of anxiety, especially when EVERYTHING gets brought to me at the end of the night, but.... I'd rather wash dishes for the rest of my life than do anything else in th kitchen. I'll never understand how anyone else does their job.... But then again, no one else understands how I'm so good at what I do.... So.... We all have something we're skilled ar, and every position is important.
Today I got to talk to our hostess and I thanked her for her hard work and was like "not just anyone can do what you do, and I want you to know you're appreciated..." And she gave me this smile that just.... Lit up my world. It was a good conversation because for her, it's just as effortless as it is for me to organize/clean the kitchen every day, and because it'll VERY important to appreciate the hostesses/hosts. They do amazing work, and so rarely get appreciation or even acknowledgement for everything they do. More often than not, they not only get crap from customers, but servers too... It's sad.
Just when I thought Richie was getting annoying, they gave this man the mother of all training arcs in just under 30 minutes. It really was something to behold.
I think the "fishes" started doing that. This episode would feel somewhat peculiar if it weren't "fishes" before it where we actually see Richie trying.
Richie’s kitchen got cleaner throughout the episode; by the last day he had his daughter’s plate sitting on a placemat.
I didn't notice that
His developing attention to detail is brilliant and it's set in train by his time in the restaurant. We see it again when he and Natalie are interviewing for a maître d'(?) and he purposefully changed the place setting that would be in front of the candidate to see if she notices and she doesn't.
@@slayr399they use "show don't tell" so damn well in this show. Like you said, Richie's increased attention to detail represents his growth as a person. In season 1, they establish that formally referring to someone as "chef" is a term of respect, so when characters start using that term in their vernacular it immediately conveys their increased level of respect for the trade and one another. There's so many details like this
And as mentioned with the Taylor Swift song, it being something he rolled his eyes at when his daughter listened to it but then him singing one of her songs at the end felt let he was connecting with his daughter in a way.
@@MrTevens connecting with his daughter, and being more open as a person. And it wasn't an accident that they pick the "love story" song in the episode his ex gets engaged. I think it's trying to tell Richie his life isn't over and he can be so much more than just a divorced single dad.
"It's a love story, baby just say yes"
Richie has an opportunity to have an amazing life, all he has to do is keep going.
this episode inspired me to believe in myself when i was ready to give up, i ended up going for a promotion at work a couple days after i watched this and have just been killing it ever since.
Congratulations dude 🎉
LOVE that
That's awesome mate. Good for you!
"Forks" gives me chills just thinking about it. I always tear up a little bit when I watch it, during the scene where Richie sees the staff member approach the table of the two teachers (previously established as PONs) and say "no check tonight. thank you SO much for dining with us." The actors who played the teachers are the unsung heroes of the episode because the look of surprise and awe on their faces gets me every. single. time. I work front of house and those moments of magic are why I love what I do. Watching it click for Richie, seeing him help create that magic with the pizza later in the episode, and THEN when he creates a magical moment with the chocolate covered banana at the opening night of his very own restaurant-- UGH. SO MANY EMOTIONS.
Coleman's casting is perfect. As the "final boss" on the quest, the actress had to be instantly impressive to the audience. That her appearance and manner are 180 degrees from the imposing image of the perfectionist built through out the episode and her "auntie" dropping of truth bombs of "every second counts" and believing in yourself is a great head fake. That she vaguely resembles and sounds like Sally Schmitt is an added bonus.
Forks, for me, is simply one of the greatest TV episodes of the last decade or so.
It could really be a life changing experience for the viewer also.
Spoons?
As someone who's been forced to learn "Love Story" by Taylor Swift on guitar because a daughter wanted to sing it at heri birthday sleepover with friends.... The last minute of "Forks" is the first time i've ever been moved to immediate tears as a song began. And I'm a grown man, I don't do the tears thing lightly if ever. But the juxtaposition of that love of my own daughter and that memory .....with the shred of hope that song gives Richie and the defiant will to keep fighting the good fight... man it just really sends jolts of electricity to your soul.
And you are right, its small victories and quiet moments for a normally very loud Richie.. And its so understated and impactful. And its phenomenal television that is so deservedly celebrated.
So sweet.
being a "grown man" doesn't mean you can't be moved by art
I cried as well. Such a perfect pay off for all of the Taylor Swift references throughout the show. I found that so moving.
In the previous episode "Fishes" (the Berzatto's Christmas dinner), the fork appeared like a destructive tool, waiting to be tossed around and igniting chaos. Bringing back the image of the fork in this episode, let alone named this episode as such (fr i think the alternative name could be "Suits" or sth, still makes sense don't you think?) is symbolic in that it casted the image of the fork under a different light, not just a tool, much less a forgettable and violent memory, but also a sign of dignity, perfection, and dedication if treated right. Much like Richie's potential. On another note, in the last episode, on the restaurant opening night, one of the problems they encountered was running out of forks, signifying Carmie "losing it". I find the fork imagery is symbolic in this season
I never even considered that
absolutely underrated comment
I completely agree with your conclusion on the purpose of this episode. Richie was used to giving up before he started because he always thought he would fail. I think this episode taught him that if he has the courage to try, there’s at least a chance he won’t fail as opposed to doing nothing and guaranteeing that failure.
When Richie steps up to expedite in the final episode. Man. He becomes the hero that night.
Richie's complete turn-around is such a great aspect of the series. He became my favourite character.
This whole series was incredible, but Forks and Fishes were incredible episodes. The growth of Ritchy in Forks, and just the simmering tension in Fishes were hard to beat.
I went from hating Ritchie to loving him, that’s such beautiful and strong storytelling achieved with his character arch. Not to mention incredible acting.
A lot of us felt the same way- Richie the biggest pain in the ass to a lovable guy
I told my mom and her husband to watch this show and they just called me flabbergasted after watching episode 6 “fishes”. The actors and level of acting in that balled up fist of anxiety of an episode is intense. I told them they have to watch episode 7 “forks” right now because it’s the best 1-2 punch of television maybe ever.
14:50 - That makes so much sense upon re-watch, because in season 1 you saw glimpses of Richie showing his purpose as front of the house guy, whether it was the crowd for the tournament, or him opening the store and greeting regulars, he always had that role in him. The arc in Forks just showed him he needed to pursue it.
The sequencing of the episodes was also fantastic, with this treat coming after the anxiety inducing family Christmas episode.
This was my favourite episode of the series. I thought Richie was meh before this, but the character development here was 10/10. The simplicity of how open he was about "I wear suits now" / "it makes me feel good about myself" is quite literally amazing. It's just a show but straight up at any given time, any one of us can do this with anything.
I've seen this episode multiple times and I still can't watch it without crying. It is so beautiful. I went from absolutely hating Richie to loving him in this one episode. I put Richie's character arc on the same tier as Prince Zuko's
I was going to say this episode is Richie's version of Zuko Alone
The deeper meaning behind every second counts in this episode is actually beautiful
The switch in the end of the second act to the start and ending of the third is done brilliantly, because its also in the same tone as the rest of the season, personal growth threw chats in the kitchen, just two people/chefs talking about their past, their relation to the kitchen and how to get better. just like Marcos in Copenhagen, and Carmy and Sydney, they are all gaining tools for preparing for success but being okay with a failure, they can definitely say they gave it their all and beyond.
Great comment - thank you for posting: take care & be well!
🙏🏽💔🙏🏻
I binged the show, and this episode single handedly made me feel entirely different about Richie. The show doesn’t have a lot of feel good episodes, but I’ve never felt happier at the end of an episode
This is the one episode where you actually have fun watching it. Such a stark contrast to the one before it.
Forks is primarily about the thick turmoil and trauma of the Berzatto family but it's equally about giving context to Richie, that he's a good man who's lost a lot. Forks begins to build him back up to believing he can be better again and it's utterly beautiful. By placing the deep trauma of Fishes next to the intense uplift of Forks it makes the pay off so much more. Such a fabulous decision by Christopher Storer to put the two side by side.
"I wear suits now." Hell yeah, Richie.
as soon as Richie shot his gun in the air to scare the crowd away, I right away knew he was a "good guy". he wanted nothing but betterment for The Beef though his thinking and methods may have differed from Carmen's. always rooted for him.
The two best episodes of The Bear:
Fishes - the best that you don't wanna watch ever again.
Forks - the best you will rewatch as many times as you want. (my personal favourite)
Perfectly stated. And then there is Napkins in the third season which you may want to watch a number of times, it is that heart warming. It is here we see how Tina came to work at the Bear. Liza just won’t the Emmy for best supporting actor in a comedy series. You go, girl! The first episode of season three, “Tomorrow” is like a beautiful meditation you’ll want to return to.
@@mypetcrow9873 100% agree!!!
I used to be in a culinary course in college. It was an apprenticeship course and we had a teacher that was a chef who really embodied being a chef which was really cool. He’s a great guy and a great chef and even a better teacher. At one point in class I said something about the little details really mattered and really make a dish, he then went on to tell me that “every detail matters”. This episode really reminded me of that. It reminded me that a streak in a fork which is an excruciatingly small detail is still a detail nonetheless, and that almost nobody will most likely never see. “Every second counts” Reminded me not to only to make the most out of literally every second but to give it every second. No matter how small the detail may be every second that you put towards it counts. Even a streak in a fork.
Thank you for reading a far reached look into this episode :)
Idk if i just hadnt cried in awhile or watched a more serious show in a bit, but this episode literally made me cry for like and hour or so. During the episode and a for a bit after. And for the rest of the season if ritchie ever failed at anything or got put down or even succeeded at something it made me tear up.
Absolutely BEAUTIFUL analysis of a BEAUTIFUL episode of a BEAUTIFUL series. Just as in the episode itself, I was sobbing all the way through your analysis.
Forks is the greatest episode of television I have ever seen. It is just perfect.
Good defining "perfect" as being the absence of flaws rather than overriding greatness. I see a lot of people conflate the usage and it's one of those pet peeves--like the difference between something being the best show you've ever seen and your favorite, or misusing the word "moot" (it means to discuss things, like the Entmoot from Lord of the Rings, people! aghhhh)
👆👆👆👆👆👆
@@MacabreStorytellingA great video as always. I really hope you make videos about the other episodes you consider perfect from Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Sopranos and Better Call Saul. Also hoping for you talking about Oz, The Venture Bros, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Raid, Collateral, The Incredibles, Succession and Gravity Falls.
This episode man…. Richie was my fave character cos of how flawed, deep down , you knew he was just broken and lost and then this episode just…. I’m tearing up even writing this. Inspirational especially for where I am in my life at the moment, I totally relate to Richie.
this possibly the best 30 mins of tv we'll ever see.
That’s dramatic
There are a few episodes of Six Feet Under that would give The Bear a run for its money but The Bear is right up there with SFU.
I cant ever remember a series that made my blood boil in such a satisfying way. I couldnt watch more than an episode or two at a time cuz the chaos of the show and the charecters just made me feel so anxious in the best way possible. I felt their stress and loss of direction. So to see things coming together towards the end of season two was so damn satisfying. This episode in particular, was the culmination of a charecter who was the source of so much of that early chaos. For him to be put in a completely opposite situation and thug it out, figure it out and learn was so damn satisfying. I mean he went from a place that was constantly a mess to a place where there was no room for mess. Not a fork out of place, not even a microstain left on a utensil. The way they convey the fact that he didnt need chaos to be useful, that the polar opposite of what he knew was also a place he could thrive. I cant say how satisfying it all was enough. For both the show and charecter, for those early emotions the show made you feel to the triumphant "things are finally coming together into a cohesive, functional, and thriving enviroment". I started the show a long while ago, watched 2 episodes and Im pretty sure my blood pressure increased just watching them. I genuinely stopped watching because of the second hand stress lol, it was weird feeling so much anxiety for charecters on a show. Never has happened before. I got bored about a month ago and figured Id try it again and pushed through hoping for some kind of pay off. Needless to say Im extremely glad I did, because the show is damn good. This episode was the one for me that really sealed the pay off of all that early emotion the show generated. Given the context of the show and the peripherals of the charecter and story up to this point, I have to agree this was the perfect episode.
I love the way he presents his thoughts clearly & just.
(I have not finished the video)
I've been taking some feedback from y'all about being less verbose and more economical with my scripts, so that is lovely to hear 🙏
@@MacabreStorytelling Love the podcasts/interviews btw. The internet needs more positive male insight
It seems like we can all identify with Richie, and to see how he was able to transform himself gives all of us hope.
My wife and i have been watching this. I work in surgery, and the entire time I've been saying it reminds me of when I was in school and working kitchen jobs. Then the episode just flat out says the same thing, and it blew my freaking mind.
I love the subtlety of the Taylor Swift sub-text. He isn't a Swiftie. He doesn't listen to Taylor Swift. He's doing homework for when he takes his daughter to Eras Tour, because I bet she sings along to all the songs. l like to think that it was just still playing in his car that night, and he got caught up in his feels and belt out those mis-quoted lyrics (and road rage, lol) out of pure emotion.
As a Swiftie from Chicago, things I love about this:
1. Love that the writers never feel the need to explain it with words. It's just something for us to piece together ourselves.
2. Love that they used the key change part in Love Story, as if signaling the change in Richie himself.
3. Love that they let Love Story play over a montage of Chicago at night, as if to say how much this series is a love story about the city itself.
Not only is this, without a doubt, one of the best episodes of The Bear, it's one of the best episodes of television. Period.
I saw that clip of the climax with Olivia Coleman on YT and that one scene made me want to watch the show. It was riveting.
Two days later I binged both seasons in 36 hours. When I got to this episode, the scene with Chef Terry, now in context was exhilarating to me. I was so rooting for Richie at this point (as I’m sure we all were).
I do think this is a perfect episode. It’s certainly the most satisfying one for me (after all that Richie struggled with before it) and the one I think about the most. Great video. Thx.
this is my favorite episode in the whole series, its a brilliant character study too and its so well done and written
My man i teared up hearing you recap this episode. I only consume TV by watching reviews so this deep dive into one episode feels like i watched it without having to have watched it
I think something that is worthwhile bringing up is the theme of control. I think it's really really palpable and at the forefront with Carmy, but it shows up differently with Richie. We see in 'Fishes' that he has been meaning to get out for years, he can't control his relationships or things moving him by. He has SOME control over the Beef, but even that is not real control, but hollow since he doesn't really even want to be there. In this episode I think he gains control over himself and his circumstances. The suit is control, knowledge gained is control. If he can control these aspects of work ( I think the suit is a huge part of this), he can control himself and his life better. Where Carmy needs to let go of control, Richie needs to seize it
I would have never thought of avatar but like you said “zuko alone” was powerful too. Another good show that had fantastic character arcs.
One of the things that took me some times watching the show to realise is how Richie finds his purpose as a metaforical "fork" at The Bear restaurant. You see, the fork is not a big attractive point in a restaurant but it's sure a main tool to provide the experience through food, wich is the main point of the place. So the title of this episode and Richie's sttrugles through his character development deeply reflect him as he becomes a main supportive asset to the Bear.
What you have done is bring a remarkable analysis of writing, acting, storytelling, and, from my perspective, life itself into a context that, in my case, brings clarity into something so complex that this is something only art can do. Well done, whoever you are, and continued success.
Finally got around to watching this show. Binge both seasons and I can say this is my favorite episode. Richie instantly became one of my favorite characters, insane character development. Can't wait for the next season and hope for more seasons going forward.
This episode single-handedly made him my favorite character
Nice video, I definitely agree with the Chicanery and College point. They are without a doubt some of the greatest examples of storytelling to this date.
Chicanery lives rent free in my head
@@idanlewenhoff2295
Like the date of Magna Carta
Cousin is my favorite underdog, I will always root for him ❤
Just finished this episode. The fact that Carmy believed enough in his brigade to A) send Marcus to Copenhagen and even visit noma, and B) have Richie stage at a nearby 3 star restaurant that he used to work at with Luca (who also crosstrained Marcus) like he gave the a brief guideline of "following in his footsteps" without flexing or being super obvious, plus the fact that both character found themselves naturally through trial and effort and learned experience, the same way Carmy did when he was introduced to those environments.
That was a beautiful episode and a perfect contrast to the chaos of the Christmas episode. Those two episodes are the best episodes of tv I have seen since Breaking Bad. Excellent analysis! Thank you!
The character arc of Richie was incredible from season 1 to 3. Absolutely amazing.
Yes! Watched The Bear off your recommendation and I (not surprisingly) loved it!
I love it when the villain at the beginning of the story is redeemed and becomes your favorite.
I cried twice in this episode. I found it one of the most inspiring 30 minutes of a tv show.
I’m so glad cousin won an Emmy for this
ended up marathoning all of the bear thanks to this episode, you got me good here man.
I feel like this is a perfect episode after 7 fishes. 7 fishes was so tense and hard to watch to an episode that was so relaxing and wanted you wanting more
I just saw this episode (and most of Season 2) yesterday, and Forks definitely stuck out to me as the best episode, not just of this season but of the entire show. It gets to the point of the story of the show and fleshes out the best character and the entire show growing because he does as well. Like you said, perfection.
This episode hasn’t left my mind since it aired. It left a significant impression on me
In season 1, Ritchie was the only one left in the crew who was still holding onto the old ways because it was the only thingthat made sense to him. In the second season, we don't see Ritchie much except for a few glimpses each episode. That's where Ritchie feels his role in the kitchen becoming irrelevant and that's what we see when he makes the call to Carmy. The way the episode wraps up brings back the agency in Ritchie's life, giving him the drive to make his place in the new world order. Right after this episode, we get to see Ritchie take centre stage multiple times, in many cases stepping up where previously he would have receded.
One of the best episodes in history, Imo. From broken and depressed, to inspired, to unafraid. Every detail, from his eyes, demeanor, word choice, how he stands, how people react around him, unbelievable acting, directing, screen writing, music, all of it. Just perfect, dare i say, chef's kiss
I bawled in front of my wife when he gave uncle the chocolate banana.
Also Richie now takes pride in cleaning and keeping things tidy, you see him do this at his place cleaning up his daughters stuff etc
its tough to choose because they are all so perfect in their own way, but this is my favorite episode. his character development was awesome
The only other time I'd seen Richie's actor was a single one scene near the end of The Lake House, which starred Kenau Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Never thought I'd see him again, and DEFINITELY not in one of the best TV shows I've seen in a decade. What an amazing actor. 😊👌
Macabre posting a video randomly out of nowhere.
Like a wise man once said “A surprise to be sure, but a welcome one.”
I love Ritchie's arc. He really got on my nerves in the first season (I think he was supposed to), but I sympathize with his stubbornness. I loved when he put on the suit; look good, feel good.
I haven't seen a better episode of a television show. So perfect on so many levels.
The only aspect that feels a bit off is how Richie is just there for like 4-5 days and the staff celebrates him afterwards like they've been to Nam together :D
While I love this episode a lot, my favorite is the Christmas episode because of the masterful way it balances family drama and tension. Though Richie was actually one of my favorite characters on this show even before Forks. I just love how chaotic he was. And his last scene with Carmie in the freezer still shows that while he respects him more, he also isn't afraid to tell him what he needs to hear.
Just finished the season, I loved ‘Forks’ but my pick for the best of the season has to go to the episode before, ‘Fishes’, but being honest basically every episode from ‘Fishes’ onward is fucking phenomenal (that finale 😭)
I loved Richie’s whole ark in those last episodes, it’s kinda funny tho that all he needed was to find out that front of house is a job lol
11:43 Man, I really feared he would die in a car crash right there. 😅
Same, it was such a great anxiety free episode. Was waiting for the other shoe...
The through thread of Every Second Counts (ESC) is fantastic. When we first see it, ESC looks threatening. It is a albatross of the status quo and the ease of familiarity. Then we see ESC as a challenge. It is a goal of the BoH with prep as it is for the FoH with the guests. But then we see it as it is. And without saying the words Olivia Coleman transforms our understanding of service. It is not a goal, a challenge or a threat. ESC is a deceleration of life and love.
I loved this theme and how its message evolved through the season
13:56 Was absolutely INSPIRING to hear. Favorite part of the video
This episode was amazing watching richie begin to understand theres nothing wrong with caring and doing things the right way.
I really want to know why Fishes is not a perfect episode? I think it delivered the message perfectly
that was my favorte episode of the entire show, adored it
i love the definition you apply for 'perfect' episodes; forks isn't my favorite either, that's 'Fishes' but operating according to your definition, it is the epitome of a perfect episode
Forks is without a doubt the best episode of the season highlighted Richie is performance is believe in himself and others is an intricate part in the universe look forward to the next season and Richie's growth🎉🎉🎉🎉
Richie became my favorite character. Both he and Oliver Platt's character and all their interactions. I absolutely loved Richie's arc in Season 2. I loved Forks more than the Fishes episode.
Great video! I enjoyed the total breakdown, angles and perspective.
“I wear suits now.”
This episode made my cry a lot
This is my favourite episode. It would have been so easy to overdo it with emotional speeches, or character growth and in this case if it was done badly, it would have felt cheesy or insincere. The writing and acting in this episode is bar none, and seeing Ritchie rediscover what it feels like to feel passionate about something is beautiful.
My favorite episode in the entire show and possibly all of television
In my opinion, another example of a perfect episode of TV is the pilot episode of Derry Girls! The writer of the show has also been a playwright and I think that's really clear in how tight the writing and comedic timing is. One of the funniest examples of "the gun going off in the third act" that I've ever seen.
I started to like Richie more but still thought he was annoying but I was surprised on how in one episode they made him go through this arc and it felt natural
The opening of this show with Carny on the bridge reminds me of the opening for Andor.
- 00:34 💡 A perfect episode isn't the best but one that accomplishes a narrative goal flawlessly.
- 00:48 🍽️ "Forks," from *The Bear*, is praised for its masterful use of the three-act structure.
- 03:56 🏚️ Richie's despair deepens when the restaurant closes, leaving him without a sense of belonging.
- 04:09 🍽️ Carmy sends Richie to a prestigious restaurant, sparking the episode's central arc.
- 05:39 🎭 Richie's inciting incident is his frustrating week of polishing forks, showcasing his discontent.
- 07:20 🔥 Richie begins to change after a colleague's motivational talk, marking the First Act Turn.
- 10:20 🎯 Richie reaches the episode's midpoint, where he steps up and embraces his role.
- 12:41 🍄 A key moment comes when Richie and Chef Terry bond over failure and perseverance during a quiet conversation.
- 14:34 💪 The episode’s central message is not about Richie finding purpose but gaining the strength to pursue it.
- 15:19 ⏳ Richie learns to face life's chaos by making every second count, despite his ongoing struggles.
this episode is so good, but this breakdown is so good i wanna watch the ep again