TV fans defend ‘masterpiece’ series after one complaint sparks calls to boycott
Fans of The Bear have been forced to defend the critically acclaimed drama after some viewers took issue with the latest episodes.
The Disney Plus hit has returned for its fourth season, along with one particular character who has proved to be divisive among audiences.
As the third episode of the latest series played out, Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) issued an apology to old flame Claire Dunlap (Molly Gordon).
In this moment, the show revisited one of its more memorable epsiodes, when Carmy was locked in the fridge during a nightmare shift at the restaurant.
In scenes which first aired in series two, Carmy drove away Claire (who was standing outside the fridge), by ranting that his relationship with her was distracting him from his restaurant duties.
It took two more seasons, but Carmy finally apologised to Claire for his behaviour — albeit very clumsily.
The decision to revisit these events has forced some fans to leap to Claire’s defence, after others took to social media to express their frustration with the character.
On X, kimseokjinsday1 wrote: ‘I can’t bring myself to watch season 4 of The Bear. Claire ruined the show for me.’
And mags_pdf said: ‘I turned off the bear szn 4 as soon as i saw claire.’
Over on Reddit, viewers had more positive things to say.
User Zomb1eTaco posted: ‘I don’t understand why seemingly everyone on this god-forsaken subreddit seems to despise [Claire].’
They added: ‘Claire is a peaceful, grounding presence. No one else in this show is (except Luca).
‘I don’t really have too much to say about this, but I really don’t get the vast vast majority of the criticism.’
And many others agreed. Metralon wrote: ‘Claire is great. Loved her from her first appearance back in that shop at the refrigerated section. Perfect casting.’
QueenOfPurple said: ‘Unpopular opinion but I’m glad they brought her back this season,’ while Difficult-Nose-5697 simply added: ‘How could anyone hate Claire Bear’.
Meanwhile, others understood the criticism of the character, but blamed the show’s writing.
Shouldibeawriter said: ‘I don’t dislike Claire but the writing is just a bit clumsy around her,’ and MTVaficionado wrote: ‘I have issues with Claire but I blame the writers for it because they took a lazy approach with creating her.’
This point of contention marks the latest criticism for the once universally beloved drama, season one of which still holds a 100% ‘fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been dubbed a ‘masterpiece’ by both critics and fans.
While most still recognise it as one one of ‘the best series on television,’ its detractors have called out its lack of focus and slow pacing — especially compared to the more breakneck, panic-inducing earlier seasons.
‘The Bear’s failure to pick up the pace in a meaningful way this season has soured things,’ wrote The Ringer, while Digital Mafia Talkies described it as ‘really bad.’
Metro’s TV editor Sabrina Barr was more positive in her three-and-a-half-star review, praising The Bear season four’s character progression and, in particular, an episode co-written by star Ayo Edebiri.
With all ten episodes of the show now streaming, viewers have been tuning in (and out) to make up their own minds, contributing to a 68% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
And while the complicated relationship between Carmy and Claire may have proved controversial onscreen, behind the scenes their chemistry is rumoured to be going from strength to strength.
Last year, Carmy and Claire stars Jeremy and Molly were spotted in a steamy clinch on the street, seemingly confirming that they are romantically involved.
This came in the wake of Jeremy Allen White’s split from Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalia, who he is believed to have dated from 2023 to 2024.
The Bear Season 4 is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
