Shrinking Season 2 Episode 3, “Psychological Something-ism,” packs an emotional punch while deftly balancing its signature humor and heart. From Alice’s heartbreaking confrontation to Sean cutting partnership ties with Liz and Paul navigating those choppy relationship waters, episode three is eventful without feeling too stuffed. It waters the narrative seeds planted in the double-episode premiere.
Is it possible to go one episode of this series without crying? Highly unlikely, but I’d like to meet the robot person who can. Bill Lawrence and co. have mastered the art of telling a happy, hopeful, hilarious, yet hard-hitting (alliteration for the win) story. “Psychological Something-ism” shatters your heart one moment and then glues it back together the next.
Dynamics, Baby
Additionally, it digs deeper into the fascinating dynamics between these characters. Jimmy and Gaby might be on the outs, but their strained bond is still fodder for comedic hijinks. Exhibit A: the scene in the breakroom with Paul bearing witness to their antics. Jessica Williams and Jason Segel are comedy icons.
Meanwhile, Harrison Ford and Wendie Malick make the cutest couple as Paul and Julie. Paul steps outside his comfort zone by committing to Julie despite his fears regarding his Parkinson’s. We know he knows how to set boundaries — a little too well, in fact — so it’s lovely to see him somewhat dismantle his Fortress of Solitude. (Or perhaps not make it so impregnable.)
Sean and Liz’s friendship is put to the test when the latter tries to meddle in the former’s family life (with good intentions, of course). With Sean’s healing now in the structured hands of Paul, it’ll be interesting to see if Sean shares this with him. Healing and growth are never linear, and that’s one thing Shrinking does so well.
Luke Tennie delivers an understated and profoundly relatable performance as Sean, moving through the stages of healing in a way that resonates with us. Christa Miller never fails to provide comedic relief while presenting a character whose messiness and occasional selfishness feel all too human.
A Confrontation
Lukita Maxwell knocks it out of the park in “Psychological Something-ism.” Season 2 gives Maxwell a complex arc, which she navigates like a pro, offering a nuanced, gut-wrenching portrayal of a teen girl grappling with her grief. Alice screaming in Louis’s face hits you where it hurts. If you’ve ever lost someone, you undoubtedly feel for her here.
Brett Goldstein is the least Roy Kent one can be this season. He approaches Louis with empathy and an overabundance of remorse. Both sides are saddled with unrelenting pain. Forgiveness is a major crux of Shrinking, so we could see a redemption arc of sorts for Louis that’s inextricably linked with Alice’s healing.
“Psychological Something-ism” is a beautiful meditation on the fragile state of a healing human and how all it takes is one brave choice to change one’s narrative for the better (See: Grace). It’s laugh-out-loud funny, snot-running-down-the-face sad, and feels like a warm hug. But then again, that’s this show’s modus operandi.
Stray Observations:
- Yes for teens making stupid mistakes! I know Alice is in a vulnerable place, but this will undoubtedly cause some drama with a capital “D.”
- Brian’s self-awareness regarding his narcissism is inexplicably endearing. We love a self-aware king (who has a theme song playing in his head whenever he enters a room).
- Wendie Malick has one of the best voices in entertainment. It’s instantly recognizable.
- I’ve said it once, but it bears repeating: Everyone needs a Derek.
- I’m so happy that Grace broke free of her abusive ex. Women triumphing over their abusers should be more commonplace.
- I can’t watch a dementia storyline without crying. It hits too close to home. That said, the scene with Paul, Julie, and her husband is so touching.
What did you think of this episode 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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The post Shrinking Season 2 Episode 3 Review: Psychological Something-ism first appeared on Tell-Tale TV.