Engendered with exhilaration are the ambitious left when they succumb to the restless desire to succeed. To conjure up a specific goal and become so fixated on executing it can be an undoubtedly beautiful thing.
But where does fantasy meet failure?
Picture a young woman entering a grimy — and utterly filthy — kitchen. Her braids are pulled back with a headscarf, and she announces her presence with a slight smile and a soft "Hi, hello."
This is precisely how viewers of the hit TV series The Bear are introduced to the fictional character Sydney Adamu (played by Emmy-nominee Ayo Edebiri). After a brief conversation between her and the protagonist, Carmy Berzatto, one thing becomes apparent: Sydney takes the art of cooking incredibly seriously. From a formal education at the Culinary Institute of America to having experience in a variety of Michelin restaurants, her résumé leaves both the audience and Carmy, a globally renowned chef himself, impressed.
Yet the juxtaposition of Sydney's accomplishments and the environment that she stands in is nevertheless odd. What exactly does she gain from working at a sandwich shop that she is clearly overqualified for?
To put it simply, she has a goal: She wants to make the place better.
Ambition and Vulnerability: What 'The Bear' Does Right
The Bear centers on "The Original Beef of Chicagoland," the restaurant Carmy inherited following his older brother's suicide.
As I alluded to before, those who are committed to a goal — the ambitious — will go to great extents to achieve it. Both Carmy and Sydney, of course, fit such a description. However, I would like to focus on the latter character.
What makes Sydney so enticing, so real, is the extent to which the writers of The Bear reveal how her ambition has been hindered by the various obstacles that come with the food industry and its correspondence with her upbringing as a young woman.
Having applied to stage, in which a chef does unpaid work in a restaurant to gain new skills, she quickly adapts to the chaotic and hostile nature of The Beef. Despite her capabilities, she is nevertheless disrespected, being on the receiving end of vulgar belittlement from her colleagues, which strengthens an amalgamation of frustration and disdain that eventually pushes her to (temporarily) quit.
The disrespect she withstands as a young chef extends beyond The Beef. A previously failed catering business causes concern on behalf of her father who, despite supporting her endeavors, bears worry that she will face failure once more. Failure, however, is a defining factor of any difficult task; for Sydney, her mission is to open a restaurant worthy of a Michelin star, and season two follows just that through the renovation of The Beef.
Doubt is imbued within her. She has a fear of failing, of disappointing those around her — disappointing herself. The food industry is unforgiving, and she understands that from personal experience, so seeing her evolve as a character over the two seasons and develop more confidence throughout each episode is incredible.
There is a discussion to be had surrounding the tendency for writers of television and film to uphold misogynistic values in storytelling. Female characters are confined to a role of subserviency, in which their male counterparts are the compelling leads, the intellects, whereas the women themselves are simply props to fuel other characters' storylines and developments. When considering an intersectional perspective, particularly in regards to misogynoir (sexism directed towards Black women), such a phenomenon is especially apparent.
But with characters like Sydney, change is evident.
You have this young woman who is undeniably skilled be represented in a manner that allows her to have goals met with both moments of happiness and grief. Her passion for cooking is integral to her very being, and the writers demonstrate that.
Actress Ayo Edebiri has been prasied for her role as Sydney, and rightfully so. With endearing charisma, her performance further solidifies the likable qualities of the chef. The Bear has recently been renewed for a third season, and many viewers have expressed their desire to see more of Sydney beyond the restaurant scene, particularly in regards to her family. As an avid fan myself, I cannot recommend it enough.
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