The unrequited aspect of their relationship is actually the best part of it. There was CLEARLY some type of romantic feelings between them both - even despite Claire. But, their choices made their relationship so much fuller. Even given the conflicts that occurred. The first bite reveal, the two stars, and that final embrace - for me - was PERFECT.
The veal fat moment was pivotal. A light bulb of humility, and a glimpse of understanding the depth of her expertise. Should have included the lead up to it.
At first he was rude as hell. Didn't bother to apologise or acknowledge the pain and humiliation he inflicted. Totally treated her like his previous mentor treates him. He breaks her cooking spirit, he needs to heal.
I ship them I do, however he is not ready for her on an intimate level, that goes beyond friendship. I hope there will be more seasons, where he goes to therapy and works on himself so they can finally find each other.
I love these characters! They’ve always had a “Sensei and Student/Big bro and little sis” dynamic imo, so it was satisfying that they maintained this throughout the series. Platonic bonds like this exist yet are rarely portrayed due to, I think, sex/romance always selling so well. So this relationship was refreshing to see, even.
A bear often symbolizes primal strength, instinct, protection, introspection, and a closer connection to nature, qualities seen as more raw, grounded, or “ancestral” than those of civilized humans.