Unpacking Workplace Intensity Through “The Bear’s” Chef Sydney.

The two seasons of ‘The Bear” taught its viewers about a purpose everyone has. From being a top chef to a waiter, everybody serves a purpose – the purpose of providing.  Among the many, Sydney Adamu also serves her purpose in the series through ambition and talent which she contributes to Carmy’s kitchen.

The new season of “The Bear” shows some changes that determine the workload impacting Sydney, fearing she might end up suffering like Carmy.

Credits: FX Networks 

Portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, Sydney is introduced into the culinary drama series “The Bear” to mark a turning point for the struggling establishment The Beef and its troubled chef, Carmen “Carmy” Berazatto, played by Jeremy Allen White. Now with the third season streaming on Hulu, viewers have rather found a shift in the character dynamics between Carmy and Sydney. 

How is the third season different from the previous seasons?

The first season of “The Bear” starts with Sydney as an ambitious woman who comes to work for The Beef which is in shambles.

With her stability and culinary skills, she quickly earns her position as a sous chef. In the first season, Sydney builds trust and has resistance with the chefs working before her.

With “The Bear” advancing to its second season, Sydney also develops to more than just a sous chef. As the season focused on boosting the sandwich shop from The Beef to The Bear, Sydney also explored her experience and having a balanced professionalism, evolving from mentor-mentee to work acquaintance.

Third Season delves into the Pressures of Professional Kitchens

 Ayo Edebiri explored her talent with the series, as she made her first directorial debut with episode 6, called “Napkins”. Other than approaching a directorial career, the character of Sydney is quite different from the two seasons.

Fans have pointed out that Sydney might end up like Carmy.

Image Source: X

As the third continues with its main focus on The Bear, there is a significant change in Sydney and Carmy’s dynamics. As Carmy’s behavior gets chaotic and difficult to handle, Sydney can be found working on herself to take more pressure resulting in the kitchen becoming a toxic workplace for her.

The toxic kitchen culture is showcased through Sydney and her breakdown in her apartment shows the real-world obstacles young professional chefs face working in a toxic workplace. The third season digs deep into the pressure one faces regarding their choice of profession.

For Sydney, the series tested her loyalty and growth as a chef and the obstacles that she faces. As a turning point, the series represents itself with a vital question of how Sydney will overcome her problems. Does she stay loyal to the restaurant that she is a part of? Or will she leave The Bear for a better opportunity that recognizes her talent and appreciates them?