Latest news with #chop
Elle
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Elle
The 5 Coolest Bob Haircuts Taking Over Copenhagen Fashion Week
The street style at Copenhagen fashion week is a sight to behold, as show-goers never fail to deliver ultra-cool haircut trends and fashion inspo to carry us through this season and beyond. While we've been waxing lyrical about French and Italian bobs (they're still a favourite for chic cuts), it turns out that Copenhagen bob hairstyles are the one to beat if you're looking for statement-making looks. Bobs took over the Danish capital, bringing an offbeat Scandi-spirit. Nothing prim or stuffy here, as stylish street style stars embrace a more rebellious vibe with their hair through choppy layers, uneven ends, or by teaming their bobs with equally mesmerising fringes. If you're in the mood for something dramatic, try the wispy, feathery bob which is perfect for fine hair. It's cut to almost a pixie shape, so if you've been considering a tight crop, the Scandi bixie is an excellent way to ease into the style. Elsewhere, full yet extra short bobs make the most out of thicker hair. It's voluminous and brings with it a nonchalant glamour that feels especially fresh for any upcoming heatwaves. There's something here for the more low-maintenance among us too, as Copenhagen fashion week attendees demonstrate how to elevate the longer, easier to manage shoulder-length bob. The cheat sheet? Pile on the hair accessories and make sure your colour is bright and glossy for maximum impact. Meanwhile, a modern mullet or graduated style is an easy way to elevate a curly bob as it brings out the best of your natural texture. If there's one takeaway from the bobs spotted in Copenhagen, it's that there really is no wrong way to embrace a short hairstyle. It's all about dialling into your individuality and attitude. Short, curly haircuts are blessed with volume and movement. This graduated chop, which is shorter in front and longer in the back, is a modern take on a mullet chop. Paired with the trendy boho bangs, this choppy, chin-length bob brings with it a rebellious edge. If you need a sign to take the plunge, this is it. The extra short, earlobe-grazing chop makes an impactful statement; keep styling to a minimal and just pair with fanciful earrings. Grungy, offbeat and undoubtedly cool, this feathery statement cut is a great bob for fine hair types to make an impact. Take it to the next level with a micro fringe and bleached brows. Dial up a short hairstyle with fun accessories such as hair bows and a striking colour. The silver hardware jewellery helps to bring balance to this unapologetically girlish style. Medina Azaldin is the beauty editor of ELLE and Harper's Bazaar UK, working across print and digital features. She has more than seven years journalism experience and has previously written for Red and Good Hoousekeeping. When she's not demystifying the latest skincare ingredient, sniffing out the next big perfume trend or uncovering the science behind wellness practices, you'll most likely find her in Hatchards Piccadilly or watching a crime series with her cats. Oh, and she's a competitive cheerleader, too.
Hindustan Times
25-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Spectator by Seema Goswami: Take these baby steps
I have always been a fan of Jamie Oliver's, having enjoyed his many TV cooking shows. I became even more of a devotee when Oliver dedicated himself to improving school dinners in the UK. But it was his recent initiative, 10 Cooking Skills for Life, rolled out for schoolkids to help them learn how to cook, that set me thinking: How could we best introduce our kids to the joys of Indian cooking? It must be done in a way that doesn't scare them off the process. Yet, it needs to be challenging enough so that they learn the requisite skills to put an Indian meal together. The easiest recipes to teach your kids are scrambled eggs and masala omelette. (ADOBE STOCK) So, how do we reconcile these two objectives, while keeping things fun and wholesome in the kitchen? Well, here are just some tips I thought of in case you have children around the ages of 10-12, whom you would like to introduce to the art of cooking their own cuisine. · The easiest route to learning how to cook for a child is through the humble egg; and the easiest recipe to master is the akuri, the spiced scrambled eggs that make an appearance at most Indian breakfasts. Just chop up garlic, onions, tomatoes and green chillis, sauté them quickly, then add the whisked eggs with your choice of spices like cumin and coriander, and you are good to go. Once your child has mastered this art, you can move on to the other Indian breakfast staple: The masala omelette. · All parents struggle to get their children to eat their vegetables, so cooking with them may present a challenge. But not if you start with something every kid loves: The potato. Teach them how to peel and cut the potato into thin strips to make aloo bhaja; to boil potatoes and sauté with masalas to make a tasty aloo dum; or mash it up with onions, chillies, spices and a dash of mustard oil to make a chokha. Once they have mastered these arts, you can incorporate other vegetables into their recipes: Maybe add some aubergine to the bhaja; slip in some peas or even a few florets of gobhi into the aloo dum. Kids love potatoes. Show them how to make aloo bhaja or a tasty aloo dum. · If you're starting with the basics of Indian cooking, then you can't really ignore the yellow dal. Thankfully, making this is not difficult and long-winded. All you need is a pressure cooker to boil the dal and some ingredients for the tarka. This can be as simple or as complicated as you wish. You can go the whole onion-garlic-tomatoes route or you could just teach your child to heat some ghee, toss some jeera or mustard seeds in, add a dash of red chilli for colour. Splash over your dal and enjoy. · While making a chicken curry or even mutton kebabs may be beyond your child's burgeoning skill set, there are simpler ways to incorporate fish and meat in your meal. Fish may be messy to handle, but prawns are easy to peel and stir fry with your masala of choice. A finely chopped keema is easy to put together with some beans for texture. And once you've taught them how to boil rice, they are ready to feed themselves for the rest of their lives. Bon Appetit, everyone! From HT Brunch, July 26, 2025 Follow us on
Elle
22-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Elle
These Are the 3 Coolest Pixie Cuts for Fine Hair
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. If you're planning to get a pixie cut for fine hair, there are a few key things to keep in mind before making the chop. Whether you're drawn to the laid-back feel of a choppy pixie or prefer the lived-in shape of an asymmetrical cut, it's essential to spend time with your stylist during your consultation. Make sure they understand your hair type, how it behaves, your personal style, and how much time—and money—you're willing to invest in maintaining your look. According to Dale Herne, hairstylist at Hershesons Fitzrovia, it's all about the length. 'If the hair is too short, this can eliminate any texture, and when you apply product, the cut can sit too flat against your head,' he says. 'What I recommend doing with pixie cuts for fine hair is leaving the length a little longer, getting the shape right, and then when you apply product it creates the illusion of a tighter crop.' For coily or curly hair, Herne offers this advice: 'It's better to cut all the sides and back and freehand the top of the hair. That way, you create a cool shape without going too short,' he tells ELLE. Unless you're going for a buzz cut, it's important not to over-cut. 'You want to keep the softness,' he adds. 'Ideally, you want to let hair dry naturally, run your fingers through it, and 'scruff' the roots a bit,' says Herne. A leave-in conditioner with styling benefits—like the Living Proof Air Dry Styler—helps, too. 'You can also rough-dry the hair with a diffuser and use your fingers to create texture and body,' Herne adds. Pixie cuts should always have some texture, rather than sitting flat against the scalp. 'The more movement, the better,' says Herne. If you're ready to take the plunge, this close‑crop pixie is ultra‑short yet maintains a soft, refined silhouette that looks oh‑so‑chic. Featuring longer lengths, this sleek pixie cut is equal parts elegant and relaxed—thanks to the side-parted styling trick. Keep things extra cool and statement-making with a flipped-out pixie crop and choppy bangs.
Buzz Feed
07-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
22 Pre-Prime Day Deals On Items You've Been Putting Off Buying But Actually Need
Amazon Prime Day is coming! 50% off a Ring doorbell and interior camera bundle, which brings it to a new lowest-ever price! If you've been wanting to avoid your gossipy neighbors who keep trying to come over to chat, but they can definitely see you through the window you usually peek through, this is absolutely perfect — this has excellent battery life, a high-quality camera, and motion detection. Actually, on second thought, let your neighbors in. They probably have all the tea on the new girl who moved in with Mr. Smith down the street. 👀 Promising review: "I can't believe it took this long for me to buy one of these! Battery seems to be holding up great so far! It was easy to install and works great! The picture is clear and you get more view than you would think!" —DLPPrice: $69.99 (originally $139.99, available in two colors). 27% off a luxe cold press juicer (the cheapest it goes for) so you can have fruity and/or veggie-packed drinks as you sit back and watch your little one when their soccer game. There's no need to chop and prepare ingredients ahead of time — just wash them, toss 'em in, and watch as even the toughest of fruits are juiced in only a few minutes! This is designed with double-layer filters and a 7-stage spiral auger to help avoid heat generation and oxidation. Promising review: "Game changer! Super quick to use as there's no need to peel or dice everything. Super quick to clean – just a few parts! I juiced a pineapple and three apples in under five minutes. Can't beat that!" —Jordan HillPrice: $138.49 (originally $189.99; available in two colors) 20% off a FlexBreeze Pro Mist Fan you can bring along with you anywhere as it can be used both indoors and outdoors. That electric bill is looking pretty hefty during the summer when you finally are forced to turn on the A/C, but now you can simply lug this around the house and patio with you whenever you need some cooling breeze, since it boasts an impressive 70 ft. reach while being surprisingly quiet. Promising review: "We have been using this in muggy Houston. We put this under the pergola, and it puts out so much air that we actually enjoy sitting outside. We use it both with and without the mister. The mister has various levels, so a little mist to a lot. It really blows the air quite a distance. It's very sturdy and has a remote control. Very quiet and we feel like it is worth every penny!" —AudreyPrice: $199.99 (originally $249.99) Up to 38% off a 15-piece set of airtight food containers if you've ever bought *another* bag of rice, not realizing that you already had two ~deeeep~ within your pantry. This keeps your groceries fresh, organized, and most importantly, within sight, so you know to buy more flour when it starts to run out. There's adulting, and then there's organizational-pantry-excellence adulting. ✨ Promising review: "I ordered this set to continue on the road to an organized pantry. There are enough containers and a variety of sizes to make me happy. I have stored pasta and noodles, dried beans, rice, sugar, instant mashed potatoes, crackers, etc. When I open a box of something, I put whatever is unused into one of the containers and feel very secure that the contents will be fresh and protected from any possible insect problems." —R MPrice: $24.99+ (originally $40.27; available in three different lid colors) 20% off a six-pack of stainless steel shower shelves because you've been almost accidentally tripping on your shampoo for wayyy too long, and you've been needing a way to expand the storage in your teensy-tiny bathroom. Promising review: "I can't believe these in-shower shelves actually work. I use super-sized shampoo, body wash, etc., and didn't think this would hold the weight of them, but they really do! I like the design of this one specifically because I can hang my bath scrunchie and detangling comb right off the hoops on the sides, and nothing drips onto them. If you need shelving in your shower, give these a try. This is a game changer for me." —RachelPrice: $19.99+ (typically $24.99+; available in five colors – not all included in sale) 50% off a 230-piece Craftsman tool set if you've decided to become "handy", but frankly don't know how to start. This set has everything you could possibly need to complete that DIY project you have planned for this summer. Your home has never looked better. Promising review: "I love the quality and strength of these tools. It has been a major upgrade from what I had before. I love that it doesn't weigh much; I can throw it on the back of the truck and go. It has slip resistance so it won't slide around, and you can lock the drawers so they won't pop out either. The design stores the three different drive sizes, which is super convenient. It's also modular, so you can add it to your tool case, which is very functional in my case." —David Price: $99 (originally $199.99) 35% off an electric, adjustable standing desk so you can take those important standing breaks your Apple Watch keeps begging you to take. Now you can easily get out of your seat without having to actually step away from work — and have your monitor comfortably elevated to eye level when standing or sitting down. Promising review: "This desk is wonderful! I got it to switch from a stationary to a sit/stand desk. I liked that the desktop was one solid piece (vs some that are 2 pieces), and I liked the combination of desktop and desk leg colors. My dad and I worked to put this together, and it took us about an hour. All the of the screws and things needed came in nicely labeled bags and it was really easy to figure out what we needed to use. You do need to supply your own screwdriver or drill. Once put together, it was easy to set the default heights for sitting and standing. The desk is actually pretty quiet when it moves! It is not super fast to raise/lower, but it moves along at a nice pace, and everything feels sturdy when it's moving. I have been using this for about a week now and I love it!" —Amazon CustomerPrice: $109.99 (originally $169.99) Up to 25% off a three-piece luggage set because your old suitcase has been worn down to the last shreds, and you've been needing to upgrade your luggage for a while. This comes with a carry-on suitcase, a backpack, and a toiletry bag — so you're ready for that summer trip you've got planned. ✈️☀️ Promising review: "I love my luggage set! They look gorgeous, and honestly, the quality is excellent. I've taken 15-day trips using only the carry-on and the personal bag — it's amazing. At first, I thought they'd get dirty easily since they're white, but they're actually very easy to clean. The toiletry bag fits my Shark FlexStyle hair dryer and all the attachments perfectly." —Mariana $74.99+ (originally $99.99) 39% off a Roborock robot vacuum and mop (at the very lowest price it goes for) because it's like having a live-in maid who takes up the most tedious of home chores. This baby vacuums, mops, and can be controlled through an app on your phone — so you can have clean floors and rugs from the comfort of your couch without ever needing to pause your New Girl marathon. Promising review: "Wow! 3 small children, 2 dogs, 1 cat and this thing really works. Had this for a few weeks now and wasn't sure if we'd keep it, but it really works! Our house has many obstacles to get around, and it hasn't gotten stuck once! Transitions from area rugs to hardwood floors easily and it really gets the area we miss with the vacuum. Have it set up to run when we're out of the house, and it picks up so much hair and dust. I was skeptical about buying an off-brand, but the reviews and research made me take a chance. I highly recommend it to save you some time and ease of mind. Haven't used the mop function yet, but will try it out soon!" —nick valarisPrice: $399.99 (originally $659.99) 42% off a Chefman Air Fryer because you've had that one air fryer recipe saved on your phone for like... forever now, and it's frankly about time to finally see what all the hoopla is about. This air fryer is compact and portable, meaning it won't take up too much of your precious countertop space. You're about to make the tastiest lemon pepper chicken wings you've ever tasted. Promising review: "I bought this for use in our RV while spending two months in very hot south Texas. This is the first basket-type air fryer I've owned, and I cooked almost every dinner (for 2 people) the entire trip in it! It was easy to use and easy to clean." —Greg&DebPrice: 69.94+ (originally $119.99; available in two styles). 33% off a cordless water flosser to remove all the flecks of food and grime within your grin without needing to suffer the pain and annoyance of traditional string floss. Promising review: "I never knew I needed a water flosser until I tried this one, and wow — what a difference! It delivers a powerful yet gentle stream of water that thoroughly cleans between my teeth and along the gum line. The effectiveness is undeniable — I can actually feel how much fresher and cleaner my mouth is after each use because my breath has noticeably improved. Beyond just the results, the ease of use has completely transformed my approach to flossing. No more struggling with traditional floss or worrying about missing tricky spots. I still floss, but with the water flosser, it's no longer a chore, it's actually enjoyable and can be done extremely fast." —Vanessa ChangPrice: $19.98 (typically $29.98) Up to 28% off set of lightweight packing cubes for smushing down any bulky articles of clothing into the perfect size to slide comfortably into your carry-on — no vacuum suctioning required. Plus, it has a mesh top so you can always see what's inside without having to unpack! Promising review: "If you're looking to stay organized on the go for yourself or with kids, I cannot recommend this enough! I've used packing cubes before that were poor quality. The quality of this product exceeded my expectations. The material and zippers are lightweight yet durable. Packing for my daughter and me on our last trip was a breeze with these packing cubes! Highly highly recommend!" —es86Price: $17.99 (typically $24.99) 37% off a lightweight, super compact folding beach chair that will come in handy for all those beach trips you've got planned this summer. Promising review: "We got these to pack in our suitcases for a beach trip and they were perfect! They fit nicely in our suitcases, which was important. They weigh closer to 7 pounds, so they're not the lightest, but they still worked. They are very easy to set up and very comfortable! The cup holder is a great feature, too." —lucasPrice: $31.99 (typically $50.99) 25% off a remote-controlled walking pad perfect for those trying to get in their steps as they update spreadsheets or create PowerPoint presentations. It has an LED display that shows basic metrics like time, speed, and distance; and a quiet motor (so you won't get interrupted during your meeting). Promising review: "This is the second walking pad I have purchased, and this one is by far my favorite. I have a standing desk that I use it with, and it's so compact that it fits neatly under my loveseat in my office. Super easy setup, overall great value! The speed options are great as well, and overall it works great! It also does not make a horrible sound when I use it, unlike the previous one I owned (from a different brand)." —KeihraPrice: $149.99 (typically $199.99) 28% off a plug-in fly trap that can zap all the creepy crawlies lurking in your home without ruining your perfectly curated home aesthetics. You can plug this into an outlet, and the tiny light will lure in those pesky pests by the dozen. Check out a TikTok of the plug-in fly trap in review: "I can't say enough wonderful things about these handy little bug catchers! They are simple to use, cheap to refill, and catch a ton of small bugs and flies. I have eight of them now, all around my house! It's a little gross how many tiny flying insects are around…but it makes me feel a lot better now that I have these!" —Chris H. Price: $12.97 (typically $17.97; also available as a two-pack) 32% off a pair of waterproof wireless earbuds so you don't have to worry about shelling out the big bucks for a pair you can confidently use at the gym. These come with a carrying case that, get this, display the charge on the front, so you no longer have that moment where you go out only to realize that your earbuds have run out of juice. 🪫 Don't forget to redeem the 20% off coupon to receive the additional review: "I use these every day at work! Love these — easy to learn and to use. Best thing about them? Well, everything, lol. Good sound, they hold a charge for long periods, and I don't have to worry about them losing power. I can answer my phone easily and then go back to music without a problem. Definitely a great buy and worth the money! Love this color, too!" —Erin"These are the best quality earbuds for the price! I found them through TikTok and have zero regrets. I'd definitely repurchase if needed." —HamrickPrice: $25.98 (typically $37.99; available in nine colors) 62% off the latest model of Blink outdoor security cameras (the cheapest they EVER go for) you can place all around your home to make sure every single corner of your home is secure and covered — even if it's from the racoon who keeps rummaging through your trash. You can watch straight from your phone, and it even has infrared night footage so you don't have to worry about your home while you're trying to enjoy your vacation Squirrels need to eat, too, but I get it. These wire-free security cameras come with two-year batteries and a free 30-day Blink trial. The subscription is not necessary, but it offers extra features like video storage and person detection. Promising review: "I've never owned a home camera before so I asked around and did my research…The app alone is AMAZING! The quality of the video is great and you can adjust it how you want as far as motion detection. The night And the fact that I can talk to my dog and hear him if he barks…I would definitely recommend both indoor and outdoor cameras. THEY ARE AMAZING!!!"—Jomyra MalavePrice: $99.99 (originally $259.99) 50% off the *newest* Amazon 4K Fire TV Stick (lowest price outside of Cyber Week ya'll) so you can stream your favorite Rom Com when all the girlies come over for Sunday Brunch. It's time to quote Crazy, Stupid, Love for like the billionth time. Promising review: "I've been dealing with WebOS on my LG TV for three years now, and enough is enough. Fire TV stick is 🔥 I love this thing. I can even view my Blink cameras on the big screen now; so cool. Setup is so easy and it linked to my other Alexa-enabled devices just great. Picture is great, response is lightning quick." —MattSRPrice: $24.99 (originally $49.99) — and shop all of the Amazon device deals here. 60% off a set of five stackable KitchenAid mixing bowls because you've been using the same plain ole' mixing bowl for yearsssss, and let's be honest, it's getting a bit worn out. These bowls come in such a chic pistachio color *and* have a nonslip bottom — so you don't need to fear these super cute bowls slipping off the counter and making a hige mess when you accidentally knock into them trying to reach for your whisk. Promising review: "I love these bowls. They stack nicely to save space, are durable, and have a slip-resistant bottom. I also love that there are so many sizes. I had acquired one of these bowls many years ago. I believe someone had left it at my house from a party. I loved that bowl and used it all the time. After 10 years of use, it was time to say goodbye. I decided to get this set so that I had all the sizes I needed. I know that these will last me another 10 plus years." —CandicePrice: $22.99 (originally $57.99; also available in aqua blue; measuring cups/spoons and other bundles also available in the same listing) — and shop all the KitchenAid deals here Up to 32% off a 2nd Gen Apple Watch SE (the cheapest it goes for outside of Cyber Week), if you've thought about getting a smart watch for a while and you're finally ready to treat yourself. This has the ability to text, answer calls, monitor your heart rate, track your sleep, and so much more. It's also swimproof with 50m water resistance too!Promising review: "I'm absolutely thrilled with my Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) purchase! After comparing prices across multiple sellers, I found an unbeatable deal here that made this already affordable smartwatch an even better value. The SE (2nd Gen) packs most of the essential features you'd want in a smartwatch without the premium price tag of the higher-end models. It tracks my workouts, monitors my heart rate, and even detects falls — all while seamlessly syncing with my iPhone. The battery life is impressive, easily lasting me through a full day of use. The retina display is crisp and bright, making it easy to read notifications and track my fitness goals at a glance. If you're in the market for a reliable, feature-rich Apple Watch without breaking the bank, look no further." —Manav PatelPrice: $169.99+ (originally $249 (currently $249 at Apple); typically $189 at Amazon) 22% off (that's the lowest price this goes for!) a compact Levoit air purifier with a true HEPA filter that can trap dust, pollen, smoke, pet dander, and more, giving you some cleaner air to breathe. Plus, you can even control it from your phone and set schedules for it. I have the non-smart version of this in my bedroom, and I love it. Just note that when you get it, you need to take the filter out and unwrap it before using!Promising review: "I waited over a month to write a review — this air purifier is amazing!! It's one of those products that you don't understand how much of a difference it makes until you get one. I have two cats,and my house is all carpet, so the house can smell stagnant sometimes, especially if the AC is off. One of my cats also has asthma, so I got this air purifier mostly for her, but it's made such a HUGE difference in the way my home smells. Since having it, my house has consistently smelled fresh, clean, and odorless. Even after forgetting to clean the litter boxes, my house has not smelled like cat litter since I've had it. It's very easy to set up. I bought a little plant stand to put it on so it wouldn't be on the carpet. It's very quiet, and the app is easy to use. It tells you the life of your filter, which is super helpful, and these filters last for a long time! You can set it up to be on a schedule, so you can set it up once and just forget about it. I recommend this air purifier to everyone. I'm NEVER worried about my house smelling anything but clean now. I would repurchase this a thousand times over." —haileePrice: $69.97 (originally $89.99; available in black and white) 31% off an inflatable mattress if you have family coming to stay with you soon, and it's finally time to invest in a good air mattress that won't have them complaining about their back the entire stay. And it'll hold up to 650 lbs.!Promising review: "Ordered this for a sleepover and it's so easy to inflate, our 8-year-old can do it on her own. It's high enough for an adult to get on and off easily. It is sturdy and comes with a carrying case." —DLBPrice: $79.98 (originally $115.99)
USA Today
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'The Bear' is back, baby: Season 4 review
There is a moment in Season 4 of FX's "The Bear," which has taken over every summer on TV since it premiered in 2022, when you acutely remember why you got so sucked into this show in the first place. Especially after last year's third season made us forget. Much has been written and said about the acclaimed series – which launched its cast into superstardom and took home a treasure chest full of Emmy awards – and its ability to engross and bewitch its viewers. There's the frenetic energy of its setting in a restaurant kitchen. There's the aptitude of its talented actors, who spit profanities as sharp as their chef's knives as they chop and stir and and season and argue. There's the sense of place in a perpetually overcast Chicago and the triumphs and tragedies that populate every episode. There are the Oscar-winning guest stars and family gatherings that make the Roman Colosseum look tame. But the heart and soul of "The Bear" and its return-to-form fourth season (now streaming on Hulu, ★★★½ out of four) – the meat and potatoes, if you will – are the people. The characters keep you coming back for more. Chef Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) with his raw anxiety and trauma; "cousin" Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) with his anger that can be tamped down by joy; and chef Sydney (Ayo Edebiri), a voice of sense, reason and professionalism but also vulnerability and imposter syndrome. And "The Bear" Season 4 gets them right, to its end. Without them, the frenzy that is this show's signature mode is just noise, not story. And that's the thread that got lost in last year's lackluster third season, where vibes and an overly artsy structure got in the way of just seeing this trio in a room together, preferably a kitchen. In Season 4, "The Bear" is serving what we might call humble pie: a reset from the sins of Season 3. It's, if not peaceful − because there is no peace in the pandemonium that is nightly service at a restaurant − then it has a rhythm to the mad music in 10 new episodes. Creator Christopher Storer and the cast deliver more of what we love about "The Bear," sometimes sweetly and quietly and sometimes with deafening fury. But this year, the chaos is focused and controlled. Every second counts. The new episodes pick up right after the Season 3 finale, in which Carmy and Sydney's restaurant received a rough review from the Chicago Tribune. Coupled with Carmy's mismanagement of its budget and the general ill use of the staff and resources, The Bear is just weeks away from going under. That point is underlined by a large countdown clock that investor/patron Uncle Jimmy (Oliver Platt) has placed in the kitchen. Everyone has to get better, calmer and faster. Carmy has to make sacrifices. And Sydney has to decide if she's staying or jumping ship to a job with another buzzy chef. Whereas in Season 3 episodes would often slip and slide around a plot and a point and blur into each other lazily, the new installments are sharp and addictive, begging you to just let the next episode play on. There is the trademark radical realism and awkwardness to the dialogue, particularly in an episode set during a wedding that sees many returns from fan-favorite guest stars, and raw emotion on every sleeve. Parenting remains the show's prevailing theme, whether it's of an older generation, a new one or even caretaking a business. Everybody could use a little therapy, particularly Carmy. But it's tantalizing to watch them work out their issues instead in front of us. If there's one major flaw in the new season (which at times feels like it might be the final one, too), it's that the laser focus on Carmy means some members of the great ensemble are left behind. The wild-haired protagonist finally confronts the trauma of losing his brother Mikey to suicide (Jon Bernthal, back for a cameo early on), and the emotional abuse and alcoholism of his mother (Jamie Lee Curtis, also back). It is cathartic and electrifying, but his lengthy screen time means there's less for the show's other standouts, like Marcus (Lionel Boyce) and Tina (Liza Colón-Zayas). But "The Bear" happily leaves time for some. You'll find yourself heavily invested in half a dozen subplots that seem to perfectly illustrate the old aphorism that there are no small roles, only small actors. There is so much more heart to the new season, and if you were disillusioned last year, you might be won back just as easily as I was. As the Season 4 plot unfolds, the path forward for the series becomes uncertain. The writers could easily swing open a door to a fifth season, or perhaps close up "The Bear" for good, like so many restaurants and TV shows before it. It's a mark of the craftsmanship that you'll find yourself satisfied with either answer. This could be the end, or it could just be a beginning. Either way, I'm so glad to have dined here.
