The Bear has returned after a year of eager waiting. The fourth season brings a remarkable new episode that breaks away from the show’s usual patterns. Unlike the episodes shot at the titular restaurant, this one was neither written nor directed by creator Christopher Storer. It also features a single core cast member, adding a fresh twist to the familiar formula.

In the initial seasons of The Bear, fast-paced and tension-filled episodes like “Review” and “Fishes” captivated audiences. These eventful installments showcased the show’s prowess in using tension to tell compelling stories. However, as the series continued to evolve, it also excelled in quieter character-driven chapters. Episodes like “Honeydew,” “Forks,” “Ice Chips,” and “Napkins” delved into individual characters’ journeys, adding depth to the narrative. Now, “Worms,” the fourth episode of Season 4, emerges as another standout addition to The Bear‘s collection of exceptional episodes.

“Worms” is penned by the show’s stars, Ayo Edebiri and Lionel Boyce, and helmed by Janicza Bravo (Zola). This unique episode offers a glimpse into a regular afternoon off for chef Sydney (Edebiri). While Carmy discovered unexpected wisdom from Groundhog Day in the season premiere, “Worms” begins with Syd watching Whoopi Goldberg’s Jumpin Jack Flash from 1986 and unwinding by removing her braids. Although physically stepping away from the kitchen, Syd faces a significant career decision that looms large. When former Ever Chef de Cuisine Adam Shapiro reaches out and invites her to visit his new restaurant, unaware of the length of her hair appointment, Syd rearranges her plans to accommodate the unexpected opportunity.

After seeing the spot, enduring more of Shaprio’s well-written/cringey micro-aggressions, and having a hopeful conversation about what life outside of The Bear could look like, she heads to her cousin Chantel’s (Danielle Deadwyler) house to get her hair braided and spends quality one-on-one time with Chantel’s 11-year-old daughter TJ (Arion King).

When Chantel runs out for an errand and a hungry TJ finds the kitchen un-stocked, the two embark on a food run where TJ tells Syd about her struggles to keep friends since switching schools. After learning the tween snagged a pity invite to a sleepover, Sydney offers some sage words of wisdom. Going to different schools doesn’t mean people can’t be friends. And sometimes, people take loved ones for granted. They say or do hurtful things when they don’t mean it — herself included. The advice is intended to help TJ make her sleepover decision, but the episode creatively gives Sydney the chance to work through her own issues with Carmy as well.

Outside of The Bear’s kitchen, onion, tomato paste, and panko breadcrumbs aren’t fix-ins for gourmet cuisine. They’re Syd’s Hamburger Helper enhancements. The chef has a clear shopping list in mind, so when TJ asks for a pack of the teeth-rotting gummy worms (Leo DiCaprio pointing meme!) Syd used to love, the chef says no. Seconds later, however, the security monitor feed shows her change her mind and grab the candy; a spy shot that reminds viewers they’re tagging along on an intimate excursion and observing Syd in a relaxed, authentic state, free from her usual pressure to perform. 

While every second counts at The Bear — especially with Season 4’s menacing countdown timer ticking away — back at Chantel’s, a broken stove clock is symbolically stuck at “12:00,” with each blink solidifying that outside the kitchen, if only for the day, time feels suspended. In these moments, cooking is purely a passion that nourishes, fosters connection, and spreads joy. 

In between gentle moments spent teaching TJ to grate cheese and doctor up ground beef, the pals revisit her sleepover dilemma, which Sydney uses to reframe her own stressful situation.

“I had to choose between two sleepovers,” Syd explains, describing the first house as a special place that “high-key feels crazy” and “always has a faint hint of stink,” but feels perfect when things are running smoothly. The second house is new, has an overly chatty dad, and offers unlimited pizza and video games. If she choose the second house, she knows her friends at the first will be crushed. The first choice is “energetically musty,” but it also has “a big brother” who’s “the best in the world at playing video games.” Syd looks up to him, but he does have trouble sharing. Still, if the stinky, special house could be fixed, she knows the shiny pizza house wouldn’t stand a chance.

As Sydney effortlessly performs the mental gymnastics required to flawlessly carry out the extended analogy, Edebiri does the same, delivering the demanding monologue while riding the complex emotional roller coaster that the weight of Syd’s decision and the idea of letting people — herself included — down, inspires. The talented multi-hyphenate is a standout throughout the season, but her deep connection to the words she penned in “Worms” makes her performance even more nuanced. She also has precious chemistry with King, who holds her own in every shared scene with humor and heart that helps set the overall tone. 

TJ initially favors the pizza house, but in the end, she smartly drops the comparison and tells Syd to work wherever she wants, even if it’s scary. Leading by example, she accepts her own sleepover invite. Chantel finally returns from her impromptu shopping spree, finishes Syd’s braids, and suggests she try something new at the next appointment. (Another point for Shapiro!) Much like Season 4 guest star Rob Reiner, Deadwyler is perfectly cast in a way that lets her spirit shine while never distracting from the story. And her on-screen chemistry with Edebiri — cousins giddily gossiping, reminiscing, and making plans for a night out — feels refreshingly natural.

From dialogue down to thoughtful set details — including artwork, family photos, music and TV choices, and personal touches throughout the house — the episode is lovingly crafted by the team, led by Edebiri and Boyce, who are incredibly in-tune with Syd’s world and roots.

“Worms” is warm and funny. (The Good Hair line at the end. Help!) It’s heartfelt. It’s clever. It’s beautifully directed and shot. It celebrates Black hair. It has a smart focus on food. And it radiates quiet, unassuming brilliance that proves The Bear can captivate and uplift without over-relying on flashbacks or agita-inducing pace.

The Bear Season 4 is now streaming on Hulu.