The Bear’s” third season receives mixed reviews: is it still the standout show with sharp writing and excellent performances, or does it lack direction?

The critically acclaimed series “The Bear,” created by Christopher Storer and starring Jeremy Allen White as Chef Carmen Berzatto, aka Carmy, released its 10-episode third season on Wednesday night. In the new episodes, which pick up immediately after the events of season two’s finale, Carmy is out of the walk-in fridge he was trapped in during the preview night and has transformed his restaurant, Original Beef of Chicagoland, into The Bear. His goal is now to obtain a Michelin star at any cost.

However, while critics generally agree that “The Bear” is still one of the best shows on TV, season three has received mixed reviews. Here’s what they have to say about this latest installment:

* Variety’s Emily Stephens praises the show’s humor but feels that it has lost some of its original spark. She writes: “While ‘The Bear’ continues to be hilarious and entertaining, I can’t help but feel like it’s lost some of its original charm.”

* Collider’s Drew Taylor says that while he enjoyed the new episodes, he felt that the storyline was weak compared to previous seasons. He writes: “While I enjoyed watching ‘The Bear,’ I couldn’t shake the feeling that this season was lacking in depth and substance.”

* IndieWire’s Melissa Rosenberg notes that despite its flaws, “The Bear” remains a standout show with strong writing and acting. She writes: “While not perfect, ‘The Bear’ remains a standout show with sharp writing and excellent performances.”

* The Hollywood Reporter’s Alan Sepulveda gives high praise for both White and Storer but feels that season three lacked direction. He writes: “Jeremy Allen White delivers his finest performance yet as Carmy in this unevenly executed third season.”