Why is it important that Richie polish the forks?

In the seventh episode of "The Bear," the viewers are taken on an exciting culinary journey through the eyes of Richie, a character who initially shows little enthusiasm for the fine dining world. His begrudgingly acceptance to stage (an internship-like role in a restaurant) at a three-Michelin-star restaurant, pitched by Carmy, sets the stage for a transformation that few could have predicted.

Richie, played by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, begins his journey into the world of fine dining with an ill-concealed WTF reaction to the unique decorations of the restaurant, which include faux cotton candy clouds and dried citrus hanging from the ceiling. This, however, marks the beginning of his journey into the world of fine dining and, ultimately, personal growth.

Richie’s journey is anything but a smooth ride. His initial assignment – polishing forks for the entire week – is a source of great frustration. His disbelief and outrage at such seemingly menial tasks being part of a prestigious dining experience highlight his lack of understanding of the fine dining world. However, this frustration sets the stage for his eventual transformation.

Over the course of the episode, Richie gradually moves from a place of resistance to a newfound appreciation of the fine dining world. This change in perspective is spurred on by several impactful experiences and interactions that bring to light the dedication, hard work, and respect that goes into providing the fine dining experience.

One such experience involves the revelation that the restaurant plans to treat two high school teachers, who had been saving up to dine at the restaurant, to an evening of caviar, champagne, and a tour of the kitchen - all without letting them spend a dollar. This act of kindness and consideration is a key turning point for Richie, who begins to see the restaurant as more than just a place that serves food.

The restaurant also gives Richie a new purpose in life, which is further emphasized when his ex-wife calls to tell him that she’s getting remarried. This prompts Richie to consider the value of having a "real purpose" - something that the well-run restaurant provides him.

Richie's transformation culminates in a significant moment when he's finally allowed to shadow Garrett, his mentor, on the floor. This experience opens his eyes to the intricate details that go into running a fine dining restaurant. He watches the synchrony of servers and the careful timing of courses, and experiences the thrill of prepping surprises for guests. All these tasks, which he initially thought were mundane, now present themselves as parts of a grand orchestration that is the fine dining experience.

Ultimately, Richie’s transformation is not just about him learning to appreciate fine dining, but about personal growth, understanding the value of service, and gaining a sense of purpose. His journey is a testament to the transformative power of experiences, especially those that push us out of our comfort zones.

"The Bear" does a stellar job of highlighting the beauty, grace, and respect inherent in the fine dining world, all through Richie’s character transformation. It’s a reminder to viewers that every job, no matter how menial it may seem, has a purpose and contributes to the grander scheme of things. Richie's journey invites us to appreciate not just the art and culture of fine dining, but also the personal growth that can result from embracing the unfamiliar. In the world of fine dining and beyond, every experience can be a catalyst for growth, if we are open to it.