Shrinking Season 2 Episodes 1 and 2, “Jimmying” and “I Love Pain,” serve as a solid two-episode premiere, bolstered by hilariously heartwarming performances, sharp dialogue, and a clear vision for the season. Its return is enough to make one realize how much we need a series like this on TV, one that’s equal parts hopeful and bitingly funny.
Jimmying Is Here to Stay
For starters, the premiere cleverly pulls back the curtain regarding Brett Goldstein’s character. Jimmy’s outburst, spurred by Louis’s unexpected appearance, carries a lot of emotional heft. After all, Louis is at the turbulent center of Jimmy and Alice’s grief—his choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated forever altered their lives.
We know Jimmy suppresses his pain by implementing unorthodox therapeutic methods. Even Paul recognizes this in “Jimmying” and “I Love Pain.” This premiere forces Jimmy to take those first steps in the direction of healing.
In addition to prioritizing mental health, a prevalent theme is forgiveness, much like its sister series Ted Lasso. Thus, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to assume that Louis will test Jimmy’s capacity to forgive. It’ll certainly play a role in Jimmy’s own healing.
Hypervigilance, Setting Boundaries, and Stepping Outside One’s Comfort Zone
“Jimmying” and “I Love Pain” push our core characters beyond their comfort zones, deftly establishing their respective overarching seasonal narratives. While Jimmy lumbers toward healing, Alice’s trauma resurfaces in the form of hypervigilance. Meanwhile, Paul learns to open himself up to love, Gaby tries to set boundaries, and Sean grapples with his PTSD and how it affects his day-to-day decision-making.
Shrinking might not be realistic as far as Jimmy’s peculiar approach to therapy is concerned. Still, the series nails trauma responses and how we self-sabotage in the name of self-protection. It also beautifully showcases the facets of grief we seldom see on TV, such as Jimmy’s anger in the flashback whenever the officers discussed dinner plans as Tia’s body was wheeled away.
As someone who’s experienced that disconnect and wondered why the world at large didn’t stop spinning when I lost my loved one, this scene hits all the right notes. It’s wholly relatable.
Dynamics and Performances
Both episodes shine a light on Gaby and Jimmy’s friends-with-benefits situation. While we knew Gaby was falling for Jimmy in the Season 1 finale, “I Love Pain” tells us that Jimmy was aware, too. Gaby finally stands up for herself, and it’s quite gratifying. Jessica Williams turns in a versatile performance, showing she’s adept at comedy and drama.
The premiere also addresses how Black women are held to a high standard (and have a long history) as society’s caretakers and how unfair that is to them. We see Gaby rail against her urges as a self-diagnosed chronic caregiver, and it feels like we might head down the generational healing path for her. I hope so.
As for other standout performances, I’d be remiss to omit Jason Segel and Harrison Ford, who mesh well together as the resident “Odd Couple.” They boast excellent chemistry. Not to mention, some of Segel’s best gags in the show thus far take place in “Jimmying” and “I Love Pain,” while Ford continues leaning into the “endearing curmudgeon” aspect to great effect.
Help Me Carry This Weight
Shrinking dials up the comedy in “Jimmying,” complete with hysterical one-liners and a few moments that lean into slapstick. Meanwhile, “I Love Pain” digs into those dramatic beats as it retains the show’s signature charm and heart.
Overall, the double-episode premiere proves that this series is as hilarious and poignant as ever. We’re moving in an intriguing direction for these characters. Here’s hoping the show can maintain the momentum established here and not fall too far into sitcom trope territory.
Stray Observations:
- Gaby’s wardrobe is envy-inducing. I find myself coveting every single outfit she wears on this show.
- I now hope we see Paul get a “Jimmy” tattoo at some point. For the comedy, of course.
- I never thought I’d place so much emotional weight behind a rock, but I found myself tearing up when Liz gave Sean an agate. That’s the mark of true, unadulterated love and friendship right there.
- Let’s all take bets on what ’90s alternative song Jimmy will use to score the video of Alice getting his car keys.
- Brett Goldstein is here to break my heart this season. I just know it. Roy Kent, he is not.
- Everyone needs a Derek. Enough said.
- I can’t believe Paul let Jimmy into his Fortress of Solitude. Someone alert the presses!
What did you think of these episodes of Shrinking? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Shrinking drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.
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